Category Archives for "The Kitchen Sink"

Finding Nemo is quite a find

By billalpert | The Kitchen Sink

Finding Nemo Musical Stage Show at Walt Disney World
Image copyright wdwinfo.com

Today’s return trip to Animal Kingdom brought us an unexpected treat. Disney’s Finding Nemo the Musical, a stage version of the popular animated feature is by far the best such live show we’ve ever seen on a Disney Property.

Brilliantly performed, with dazzling puppetry effects (by Michael Curry of Lion King fame), the 30 (or so) minute production does an amazing job of capturing the spirt and storyline of the full length film. There are 19 original songs by Tony award winner Robert and Kristen-Anderson Lopez (of Avenue Q.) The songs and narrative are expertly intertwined into a compelling story that kept even the large contingent of tiny tots in the audience riveted, and captured imaginations of young and old. The theater is comfortable, with good visibility all around. Sound and lighting were flawless.

The three of us walked out swept away by the emotion of the whole thing. Brandon made us stop to buy the CD before we could leave! I don’t know of this show will ever make it to Disneyland, but if you’re planning a trip to Orlando, be sure to put this one on your list!

Destination Disney

By billalpert | The Kitchen Sink

A beautiful day at Disney’s Epcot

“I always thought that big sphere was white, but it’s silver,” mused Brandon. There wasn’t much else that surprised him at Epcot, after spending a couple of days in the park. He led us through the attractions and exhibits with an air of familiarity. It was likely the product of years of immersion in all things Disney.

Still, the beauty and sweep of Epcot is striking in person. Though it hasn’t realized Walt’s dream fully, there is much to appreciate. We’ve enjoyed comparing details of Florida’s Magic Kingdom to our own much more familiar park. Animal Kingdom’s recreation of jungle terrain is a natural for a park built on Florida swamp land. Disney’s imagineers gave us a tour de force in it’s attention to detail throughout.

We’ve done a good job scratching the surface in two days, and will hopefully see most of the rest before we depart on Wednesday. My fav of the trip so far: dinner at Epcot’s Rose and Crown. What could be better than a gourmet pot roast dinner, accompanied by a big glass of Bass Ale, all at a table overlooking the fabulous Illuminations fireworks display?

It’s been a great trip, with some beautiful rainbows along the way. Here’s hoping your December is equally spectacular! We’ve added more photos to our online album.

On the road…again!

By billalpert | The Kitchen Sink

“Riverwalk, San Antonio, TX

I’ve long promised my family a trip to Disney World, and it’s finally a reality. Here’s the proof: a snapshot from day two of our trip, taken on the way to dinner at the famous Riverwalk. It was a balmy night when we arrived in San Antonio, after two days and over 1200 miles on Interstate 10. It’s been a lot of miles, almost as many trucks, and a little rain, but overall quite uneventful and relaxing.

Here’s our online photo journal of the trip, if you’d like to join us.

Wherever this Holiday takes you, my hope is that it finds each of us happy, safe, and grateful for the many gifts and blessings we enjoy. Happy Holidays!

Holiday Wishes and January Events

By Melanie Alpert | Events , The Kitchen Sink , violin , voice

To those who participated in our Winter recital, and to those who could not be there, to the entire studio family: we’d like to extend our best wishes for a joyous and safe holiday season. Kudos to each of our recital participants. We’re proud of your progress, and we look forward seeing your continued growth.

Reminders:
Voice and Violin Lessons will resume the week of January 7, 2008
SCVA PARTICIPANTS: Your applications must be sent in by Dec. 8. The competition is Saturday, Jan. 12 at 9:00 a.m. at the studio recital hall.

Dec. 07 Recital Participants

End of Year/Recital Schedule

By Melanie Alpert | Events , The Kitchen Sink , violin , voice

The week of the Nov. 26 will be this year’s last week for voice and violin lessons. As some of you may know, the Alperts will be on the road to Walt Disney World very soon! So, the Recital will be the last time we will see many of you before the New Year. Voice and violin lessons will resume according to your normal schedule on the week of January 7th.

We wish all of you a blessed Holiday Season and New Year filled with lots of fun, family, food and of course, MUSIC!!! We’ll be blogging about our adventures during the month, so please join us in cyberspace! Bill and I would like to thank you all for being such blessings in our lives. Enjoy the Season 🙂

Love,
Melanie and Bill

Winter Recital Reminders:

Our annual Winter Recital is December 1st at 4:00 pm.
Rehearsal will be Friday, Nov 30 between 4:30 and 6:00. You will be assigned a specific rehearsal time at your lesson.
Recital and Rehearsal to be held at: 10722 Arrow Route, Ste. 104, Rancho Cucamonga

Dress:
Please make sure you bring all your music, all taped up properly for our accompanist. On Saturday, dress appropriately for a recital. No jeans or flip flops!

Recital Fee:
The charge for the recital/rehearsal combination is $30, payable to Bill or Melanie Alpert at the Friday night rehearsal.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call!
Good luck everyone!

Autumn Reminders for voice students

By Melanie Alpert | The Kitchen Sink , voice

Hi Everyone,

Just a reminder, there there will be no private voice lessons next week, Sept. 24-28.

High School Students:
Remember, Spotlight Awards Applications have a deadline of October 2. Click here for information

See you all the first week of October.

Happy Autumn!

Last Glimpse of Summer!

By Melanie Alpert | Events , The Kitchen Sink

Melanie & Brandon on the trail. Telluride, CO

Hi Everybody!

Well, summer’s rapidly winding down. Don’t forget, voice lessons resume on Tuesday, Sept. 4, and Monday lessons will resume on the 10th. I’m working on scheduling this week, and should be announcing final schedules by the end of the week. Hope you all had a wonderful summer; now let’s get back and do some great work!

Important announcement: Broadway Experience, the performing troupe dearest to my heart, will be holding auditions on September 5, at 5:00 p.m. It’s a wonderful opportunity for students who enjoy performing to spread their wings. Led by the multi-talented Barbara Hinrichsen, director, along with choregrapher and Disney whiz, Janet Renslow, and yours truly as music director. Come out and join us for a great educational experience and the time of your life!

Many of you have asked about our vacation, so we’ve created a photo album to share our experiences. Here’s the link to our photo blog: The Alpert Family Hits the Road

Alpert Studio August Schedule

By billalpert | The Kitchen Sink

Starting our vacation; a field outside of Flagstaff, AZ.

The closing of Oz marks the official start of our family vacation; the first stop being Flagstaff, AZ. It’s a place that brings back a lot of happy memories. The photo above was taken on a 30 mile bike jaunt to Sedona, where I caught the late afternoon sun warming my spectacular descent into Oak Creek Canyon. Next was a two day visit to explore the ancient ruins of Mesa Verde, Colorado. It’s a unique spot, and we’ll remember the brilliant starry night that became even more dazzling when our isolated hotel experienced a power failure on the first night of our visit!

I’m writing this from Telluride, Colorado. It’s our first visit to this quirky mountain town with a flavor that’s a bit of a throwback to the 60’s. Spectacular scenery is the rule here, as you can see from the waterfall behind me, and the view I earned after a rugged climb on an old mining road.

Cooling off in the mist of Bridal Veil Falls after a hot and dusty climb

Spectaular Telluride (in the distant valley) includes everyone from hippies to the celeb jet set

Stay tuned for some more images of our trek to Grand Teton National Park. We hope to leave our reflection in many a Rocky Mountain stream along the way!

Here’s our teaching schedule for August:

Violin Students: Lessons resume on August 21st, according to normal schedule.

Vocal Students: Melanie will be off until after Labor Day. Lessons will resume Tues. Sept. 4th. Students will be contacted the last week of August to set up fall schedules. Please let Melanie know ASAP if you have any specific concerns or requests. Returning students will be kept as close as possible to their previous schedule unless otherwise requested.

Thanks, and enjoy your summer!
—
Bill Alpert

Spring Studio Recital Photos

By billalpert | Events , The Kitchen Sink , violin , voice

Wow! Congratulations to all our voice and violin students who particpated in our best recital ever! Everyone did a wonderful job; you should all be proud of your efforts. Be assured your teachers and parents are equally proud!

Here are a couple of photos from the event.

Do you have recital photos or stories to share?
Send us an email

Our “Class of ’07”

Happy recital participants celebrating a job well done!

Upcoming lesson schedule will be as follows:
Voice Students: No lessons on Monday, Memorial Day but normal schedule the rest of that week.
No lessons the week of June 4. Lessons will resume with normal schedule on Monday, June 11.
Violin Students: All lessons will continue according to normal schedule.

We wish everyone a great summer. Keep practicing and attending your lessons!!

Bill and Melanie Alpert

Congrats are in order again!

By Melanie Alpert | The Kitchen Sink

Congratulations to McKensie Orr, Mercedes Machado and Michael Sturgis, all of whom were selected as finalists in the San Bernardino County Solofest Competition. And the biggest congratulations of all goes to Gabi Martinez, who won first place in the High School division.
I’m so proud of all of you who participated. You all did so well. You really make a teacher feel like she’s doing something right! Don’t forget about the recital on Saturday, May 19 at 4:00 p.m. Rehearsal will be Friday May 18 at 6:30 at the recital hall.