ARIA SCHOOL OF MUSIC ANNUAL REPORT
Our School was established in December 2009, and we became a Nevada Non-Profit School on July 1st, 2011. Now we're a federal 501(c)(3) Music School. Our mission is to provide quality music education to children and adults in Northern Nevada communities, and help those who are underprivileged, needy, at risk, and under-served to obtain private and group lessons, instruments and equipment, and experience a variety of music performances. We will give back to our community by performing in various venues in the area.
ARIA YEARLY REPORT 2021
We had a good year at Aria. In spite of more Covid complications we were able to give scholarships to 2 students. We helped 3 students with instruments, books and accessories.
We continued to offer low-cost group classes, as well as affordable private lessons. We have 2 ongoing uke classes for Intermediate and Advanced students. We have a weekly strum and sing group, the Reno Ukulele Group, for ukulele players. All classes and lessons were taught through Zoom or Face Time, and then in person beginning in June. We used masks and social distancing as needed.
We teamed with Truckee Meadows Community College to have a Beginning Ukulele group class for the fall semester.
We hosted 3 Workshops with Peter Luongo.
We are the home for the Legacy Ukulele Ensemble. We hosted 2 concerts and 3 all-weekend rehearsals.
Our annual performance for Marvin Picollo School, and the annual Christmas Caroling at Meadowood Mall were cancelled. We had an Open Mic/Christmas Party at Aria in December.
The Aria 51 Trio is on the roster of artists who perform through the Pioneer Center Youth Program. The program was cancelled during 2021. The Trio did their first live performance in 2 years at the Galena Campfire Series in July.
Here is an overview of our year:
JANUARY:
Saturday Jan. 2,9,16,23,30: Zoom Classes-9:00 Advanced, 10:00 Intermediate
Wednesday Jan. 6,13,20,27: 6:30 Zoom Reno Ukulele Group
Friday Jan.8: 2-hour Zoom Legacy Ensemble rehearsal
Saturday Jan.9: 2-hour Zoom Legacy Ensemble rehearsal
Tuesday Jan. 28: TMCC Spring Semester Beginning Ukulele Class cancelled.
FEBRUARY:
Saturday Feb. 6,13,20,23: Zoom Classes-9:00 Advanced, 10:00 Intermediate
Wednesday Feb. 3,10,17,24: 6:30 Zoom Reno Ukulele Group
Friday February 12: 2-hour Zoom Legacy Ensemble rehearsal
Saturday Feb.13: 2-hour Zoom Legacy Ensemble rehearsal
MARCH:
Saturday March 6,13,20,23: Zoom Classes-9:00 Advanced, 10:00 Intermediate
Wednesday March 3,10,17,24,31: 6:30 Zoom Reno Ukulele Group
Friday March 12: 2-hour Zoom Legacy Ensemble rehearsal
Saturday March 13: 2-hour Zoom Legacy Ensemble rehearsal
APRIL:
Saturday April 3,10,17,24: Zoom Classes-9:00 Advanced, 10:00 Intermediate
Wednesday April 7,14,21,28: 6:30 Zoom Reno Ukulele Group
Friday April 9: 2-hour Zoom Legacy Ensemble rehearsal
Saturday April 10: 2-hour Zoom Legacy Ensemble rehearsal.
MAY:
Saturday May 1,8,15,22,29: Zoom Classes-9:00 Advanced, 10:00 Intermediate
Wednesday May 5,12,19,26: 6:30 Zoom Reno Ukulele Group
Friday May 7: 2-hour Zoom Legacy Ensemble rehearsal
Saturday May 8: 2-hour Zoom Legacy Ensemble rehearsal
JUNE:
Wednesday June 2: 6:30 Reno Ukulele Group meets IN PERSON, plus Zoomers!
Saturday June 5: 9:00 Advanced and 10:15 Intermediate classes meetIN PERSON plus Zoomers!
Friday June 11:2 hour Zoom Legacy Ensemble rehearsal.
Saturday June 12: 2 hour Zoom Legacy Ensemble rehearsal.
JULY:
Friday July 9: 8:00, Aria 51 Performs at the Galena Campfire Series
AUGUST:
Tuesday August 31: 6:00PM TMCC Fall Semester Beginning Ukulele Class at Aria, IN PERSON.
SEPTEMBER:
Friday September 10: 4:00 PM In Person Peter Luongo workshop.
Friday September 10: 6:00 PM In Person Legacy Ensemble rehearsal.
Saturday September 11: 9:00 AM In Person Legacy Ensemble rehearsal.
OCTOBER:
Friday October 7: 4:00PM Peter Luongo Workshop.
Saturday October 7: 6:00PM Legacy Ensemble rehearsal.
Saturday October 8: 9:00AM Legacy Ensemble rehearsal.
Saturday October 8: 5:00PM Legacy Ensemble Concert.
Wednesday October 27: Aria Halloween Party with RUG. Everyone wore costumes, ate candy, and sang scary songs.
NOVEMBER:
Saturday November 6: 6:00 Aria Virtual Recital
Saturday November 12: 4:00PM Peter Luongo Workshop
Saturday November 12: 6:00PM Legacy Ensemble rehearsal.
Saturday November 13: 9:00AM Legacy Ensemble rehearsal.
Saturday November 13: 5:00PM Legacy Ensemble Concert.
DECEMBER:
Thursday December 2: Reno Ukulele Group Christmas Caroling at Piccollo School—Cancelled.
Wednesday December 8: Reno Ukulele Group Christmas Caroling at Meadowood Mall--Cancelled
Wednesday December 15: Aria had a Christmas Party and Open Mic Night from 6:30-8:00 p.m. with the Reno Ukulele Group.
ARIA YEARLY REPORT 2020
We had a complicated year at Aria. In spite of the Covid 19 Pandemic we were able to give scholarships to 2 students, and reduced cost lessons to 2 students. We helped 3 students with instruments, books and accessories.
We continued to offer low-cost group classes, as well as affordable private lessons. We have 2 ongoing uke classes for Intermediate and Advanced students. We have a weekly strum and sing group, the Reno Ukulele Group, for ukulele players. All classes and lessons were taught through Zoom or Facebook.
We teamed with Truckee Meadows Community College to have a Beginning Ukulele group class for the spring and fall semesters. We also teamed with TMCC to have an Intermediate Uke Class for the spring and fall semesters. Sadly, TMCC was forced to close down and cancel classes during the Spring. We were able to teach with masks and social distancing during the fall.
We hosted 4 Workshops: 1 from Heidi Swedberg and Daniel Ward, and 4 from Peter Luongo.
We are the home for the Legacy Ukulele Ensemble. We hosted 2 concerts and 3 all-weekend rehearsals.
The yearly Reno Ukulele Festival was cancelled. T
The Reno Aloha Festival was cancelled.
The Aria Reno Ukulele Group did a pre- recorded ukulele concert for Artown.
The annual performance for Marvin Picollo School, and the annual Christmas Caroling at Meadowood Mall were cancelled.
Our students weren’t able to do Open Mic performances or Recitals at the school.
The Aria 51 Trio is on the roster of artists who perform through the Pioneer Center Youth Program. The trio did 3 concerts in the schools, and one pre-recorded concert for the Reno Library. They also did a pre-recorded concert for Artown, and a pre-recorded song for Christmas.
Here is an overview of our year:
JANUARY:
Long Weekend Jan.9-12: Legacy Ensemble rehearsal.
Friday Jan. 10: Peter Luongo Workshop
Saturday Jan. 11: Legacy performs at Aria
Legacy Tour Jan. 15-19: Legacy performs and tours at the NAMM show in Anaheim, CA. They opened for Bobby McFerrin.
Tuesday Jan. 28: TMCC Spring Semester Beginning Ukulele Class begins at Aria with 16 students attending.
Thursday Jan. 30: TMCC Spring Semester Intermediate Ukulele class begins at Aria with 8 students attending.
FEBRUARY:
Friday February 7: Peter Luongo Workshop
Weekend Feb.7-9: Legacy Ensemble rehearsal
Saturday Feb.8: Legacy performs at Aria
MARCH:
Tuesday March 10: Pioneer Center Youth Program sponsors Aria 51 at Glen Duncan Elementary School.
Thursday March 12: Pioneer Center Youth Program sponsors Aria 51 at South Valleys Library.
Friday March 13: Pioneer Center Youth Program sponsors Aria 51 at Lois Allen Elementary School.
Friday March 13: Peter Luongo Workshop
Weekend March 13-15: Legacy Ensemble rehearsal
Saturday March 28: Pioneer Center Youth Program Aria 51 Concert at Northwest Library cancelled.
APRIL:
Governor requires TMCC to shut down.
Saturday April 11: Zoom Legacy Ensemble rehearsal.
In-person rehearsals and concert Cancelled.
MAY:
Saturday May 9: 10:30 Zoom Legacy Ensemble rehearsal.
3:30 Zoom Workshop Peter Luongo
Saturday May 13: 10:30 Zoom Legacy Ensemble rehearsal.
Wednesday May 20: Zoom Workshop Heidi Swedberg and Daniel Ward.
Saturday May 30:10:30 Zoom Legacy Ensemble rehearsal.
JUNE:
Saturday June 13: Zoom Legacy Ensemble rehearsal.
Monday June 22: Pioneer Center Youth Program Aria 51 Concert pre-recorded for Washoe County Libraries.
Friday June 26: Zoom Legacy Ensemble rehearsal.
JULY:
Friday July 24: Artown shows a Reno Ukulele Group pre-recorded concert for the annual Aria Artown Uke Concert at 6:00.
Saturday July 25: Artown shows an Aria 51 pre-recorded concert.
AUGUST:
Saturday August 1: Julie scheduled to teach a Flamenco Workshop at the Auburn Ukulele Festival--Cancelled.
Saturday August 22: Evan and Julie Hawaiian Uke Workshop for the Reno Aloha Festival-- Cancelled.
Tuesday August 25: TMCC Fall Semester Beginning Ukulele Class begins at Aria, with 11 students attending. Masks and social distancing required.
Thursday August 27: TMCC Fall Semester Intermediate Ukulele Class begins at Aria, with 9 students attending. Masks and social distancing required.
SEPTEMBER:
Saturday September 12: Zoom Legacy Ensemble rehearsal.
Saturday September 26: Zoom Legacy Ensemble rehearsal.
OCTOBER:
Saturday October 10: Zoom Legacy Ensemble rehearsal.
Saturday October 17: Zoom Legacy Ensemble rehearsal.
Wednesday October 28: Aria Halloween Party with RUG. Everyone wore costumes, ate candy, and sang scary songs.
NOVEMBER:
Saturday November 7: Zoom Legacy Ensemble rehearsal.
Saturday November 14: Zoom Legacy Ensemble rehearsal.
DECEMBER:
Thursday December 3: Reno Ukulele Group Christmas Caroling at Piccollo School—Cancelled.
Wednesday December 9: Reno Ukulele Group Christmas Caroling at Meadowood Mall--Cancelled
Wednesday December 16: Aria had a Zoom Christmas Party from 6:30-8:00 p.m. with the Reno Ukulele Group. It was a potluck party…
ARIA YEARLY REPORT 2019
We had a wonderful year at Aria. We were able to give scholarships to 2 students, and reduced cost lessons to 2 students. We helped 4 students with instruments, books and accessories.
We continued to offer low-cost group classes, as well as affordable private lessons. We have 2 ongoing uke classes for Intermediate and Advanced students. We have a weekly strum and sing group, the Reno Ukulele Group, for ukulele players.
We teamed with Truckee Meadows Community College to have a Beginning Ukulele group class for the fall and spring semesters. We also teamed with TMCC to have a an Intermediate Uke Class for both fall and spring semesters.
We hosted 12 Workshops: 1 from Jim D'Ville, 1 from Mark Baker, 1 from Dennis Fisher, 2 from Terry Webb, and 7 from Peter Luongo.
We are the home for the Legacy Ukulele Ensemble. We hosted 4 concerts and 7 all-weekend rehearsals.
We volunteered and performed at the yearly Reno Ukulele Festival, and taught a Workshop at the Reno Aloha Festival. The Aria Reno Ukulele Group did a free ukulele concert for Artown, performed for Marvin Picollo School, and went Christmas Caroling at Meadowood Mall. Our students did 2 Open Mic performances, and 2 Recitals at the school.
The Aria 51 Trio is on the roster of artists who perform through the Pioneer Center Youth Program. The trio did 7 concerts in the schools, 1 concert for the Galena Campfire Series, and performed for Artown, Reno Uke Fest, and Reno Aloha Fest.
Here is an overview of our year:
JANUARY:
Thursday Jan. 10: Pioneer Center Youth Program sponsors Aria 51 at Pershing County Library.
Friday Jan. 11: Peter Luongo Workshop
Weekend Jan.11-13: Legacy Ensemble rehearsal
Saturday Jan. 12: Legacy performs at Barnes & Noble
Legacy Tour Jan. 23-28: Legacy performs and tours at the NAMM show in Anaheim, CA.
Tuesday Jan. 29: TMCC Spring Semester Beginning Ukulele Class starts with 21 students attending.
Thursday Jan. 31: TMCC Spring Semester Intermediate Ukulele class starts with 8 students attending.
FEBRUARY:
Saturday Feb.2: Songwriting Workshop by Terry Webb and Lori Henry
Thursday Feb.7: Pioneer Center Youth Program sponsors Aria 51 at Baily Charter School.
Friday February 8: Peter Luongo Workshop
Weekend Feb.8-10: Legacy Ensemble rehearsal
Saturday Feb.9: Legacy performs at Aria
MARCH:
Thursday March 1: Pioneer Center Youth Program sponsors Aria 51 at Fallon Elementary School.
Friday March 8: Peter Luongo Workshop
Weekend March 8-10: Legacy Ensemble rehearsal
Wednesday March 13: Aria Open Mic Night from 6:30-8:00 p.m. 16 students performed for an audience of 35 people.
APRIL:
Friday April 5: Peter Luongo Workshop
Weekend April 5-7: Legacy Ensemble rehearsal
Saturday April 6: Legacy performs at Aria
Saturday Apr.20: Songwriting Workshop by Terry Webb and Lori Henry
Tuesday Apr. 30: Legacy rehearsal for Reno Uke Fest
MAY:
Wednesday May 1-Saturday May 4: 11th Annual Reno Ukulele Festival at the Peppermill.
1. Evan helps run the Open Mic stage, which was ongoing.
2. Evan, Julie, and Danielle perform in their group Aria 51.
3. Julie and Danielle rehearses with Legacy daily, and performs with Legacy on the Concert Stage on Saturday May 4.
4. Julie teaches 2 Flamenco Workshops. Over 600 people participated in classes and attended concerts.
Saturday May 18: Student Recital, 6:00. 23 Students perform to an audience of 55 people. There were performances on cello, guitar, piano, ukulele, and voice. The cookies were good, too.
Thursday May 23: Pioneer Center Youth Program sponsors Aria 51 at Anderson Elementary School.
JUNE:
June 11-18: Legacy Tour Through Seattle, Washington and Portland, Oregon.
Tuesday June 25: Jim D’Ville Chords Used by the Beatles Workshop
JULY:
Saturday July 6: Reno Ukulele Group performs for the annual Aria Artown Uke Concert at 6:00 at St. John’s Presbyterian Church. There were 250 audience members in attendance.
Friday July 12: Aria 51 performs at the Galena Campfire Series for Artown. There were 150 people there to watch.
AUGUST:
Saturday August 3: Julie taught a Flamenco Workshop at the Auburn Ukulele Festival, and directed her 40 Band Jumble students (the Sunshines) to victory in the battle of the bands. There were 300 people attending the festival.
Thursday August 8: Dennis Fisher Bluegrass Workshop
Saturday August 24: Evan and Julie teach a Hawaiian Uke Workshop for the 4th Reno Aloha Festival. There were 18 students who attended, and they learned to play 3 chords and several songs in 1 hour.
11:15 Aria 51 performs on the Main Stage.
Tuesday August 27: TMCC Fall Semester Beginning Ukulele Class starts with 19 students attending.
Thursday August 29: TMCC Fall Semester Intermediate Ukulele class starts with 8 students attending.
SEPTEMBER:
Friday September 6: Peter Luongo Workshop
Weekend September 6-8: Legacy Ensemble rehearsal
Saturday September 28: Mark Baker Add Color to Your Music Workshop/Concert
OCTOBER:
Monday October 7: : Pioneer Center Youth Program sponsors Aria 51 at Dodson Elementary School.
Friday October 11: Peter Luongo Workshop.
Weekend October 11-13: Legacy Ensemble rehearsal.
Saturday October 19: Student Recital, 6:00. 23 Students perform to an audience of 55 people. There were performances on cello, guitar, piano, ukulele, and voice. The cookies were still good, too.
NOVEMBER:
Friday November 8: Peter Luongo Workshop.
Weekend November 8-10: Legacy Ensemble rehearsal.
Monday November 18: Pioneer Center Youth Program sponsors Aria 51 at Pershing County Library.
DECEMBER:
Thursday December 5: Reno Ukulele Group goes Christmas Caroling at Marvin Picollo School at 10:00. There were 150 staff and students.
Wednesday December 11: Reno Ukulele Group goes Christmas Caroling at Meadowood Mall from 6:30-7:30 at Santa's Workshop. 100 people were there visiting Santa and singing along.
Wednesday December 18: Aria had an Open Mic Night/Christmas Party from 6:30-8:00 p.m. The night began with a group sing. 12 students performed for an audience of 55 people. The String Quartet "Nerds of Paradise", which includes Evan Stern, played, and so did Aria 51. Everyone enjoyed yummy treats, and many people had their portraits done by Mark Holloman Photography.
Thursday December 19: Pioneer Center Youth Program sponsors Aria 51 at Elmcrest Elementary School.
ARIA YEARLY REPORT 2018
We had a wonderful year at Aria. We were able to give scholarships to 2 students, and reduced cost lessons to 2 students. We helped 4 students with instruments, books and accessories.
We continued to offer low cost group classes, as well as affordable private lessons. We have 2 ongoing uke classes for Intermediate and Advanced students. We have a weekly strum and sing group, the Reno Ukulele Group, for ukulele players.
We teamed with Truckee Meadows Community College to have a Beginning Ukulele group class for the fall, spring, and summer semesters. We also teamed with TMCC to have a Beginning Mandolin class for the spring semester, and an Intermediate Uke Class and Flamenco Guitar class for the Fall Semester.
We hosted 5 Workshops: 2 from Jim D'Ville, 1 from Lorenzo Vignando (Ukulollo) and 2 from Peter Luongo.
We became the home for the Luongo Ukulele Experience Ensemble in September and hosted 3 all-weekend rehearsals and 3 Concerts.
We volunteered and performed at the yearly Reno Ukulele Festival, and taught a Workshop at the Reno Aloha Festival. We also did a free ukulele concert for Artown. We performed for Marvin Picollo School, the Senior Health Fair, and went Christmas Caroling at Meadowood Mall. Our students did 2 Open Mic performances, and 2 Recitals at the school.
Here is an overview of our year:
JANUARY:
Saturday Jan. 27: Local Luongo Ukulele Experience Ensemble members (LUE) rehearsal. 7 members attended.
Tuesday Jan. 30: Spring Semester "Beginning Ukulele Class" started. Aria teamed with TMCC for these classes, and we had 26 students attending.
FEBRUARY:
Thursday Feb.1: Spring Semester "Beginning Mandolin Class" started. Aria teamed with TMCC for these classes, and we had 8 students attending.
Saturday Feb.10: Local LUE rehearsal. 7 members attended.
Tuesday February 20-Saturday February 24: Julie Holloman taught 2 Flamenco Workshops at the Palm Strings Uke Fest., and Julie and Danielle Hunt performed with the Luongo Ukulele Ensemble there. 500 people attended the event.
MARCH:
Wednesday March 14: Aria had an Open Mic Night from 6:30-8:00 p.m. 16 students performed for an audience of 35 people.
APRIL:
Saturday Apr.14 & 15: All day LUE rehearsals. Concert 5:30 on Sat. Apr. 14. 22 members attended, and 30 people came to the concert.
Saturday Apr.28: School Fundraiser Concert and Silent Auction. The concert featured Aria 51 and The Nerds of Paradise. 1900.00 was raised for scholarships and replacing worn-out equipment.
MAY:
Wednesday May 1-Saturday May 5: 10th Annual Reno Ukulele Festival at the Peppermill. Evan and Julie volunteered. Evan helped run the Open Mic stage, which was ongoing. Evan, Julie, and Danielle performed in their group Aria 51. Julie and Danielle helped Peter Luongo with his LUE test drive Workshops, rehearsed with LUE daily, and performed with the Luongo Ukulele Ensemble in the Main Showroom in the Concert on Saturday May 5 At 8:00 p.m.. Over 600 people participated in classes and attended concerts.
Tuesday May 8: Summer Semester "Beginning Ukulele Class" started, 6:00. Aria teamed with TMCC for these classes, and we had 12 students attending.
Wednesday May 9: Jim D'Ville UkuleleWorkshop, 7:00-8:30. 24 students attended.
Saturday May 19: Student Recital, 6:00. 23 Students performed to an audience of 55 people. The group enjoyed performances on cello, guitar, piano, ukulele, and voice. The cookies were good, too.
JUNE:
Saturday June 16: LUE had an all day rehearsal with a concert at 5:30. There were 30 people in the audience.
Sunday June 17: LUE rehearsal. Preparing for a Hawaii tour.
JULY:
Friday July 6: Reno Ukulele Group performed for the annual Aria Artown Uke Concert at 6:00 at First United Methodist Church. They were joined by the Halau Hula O Leilani Dancers for 3 songs. There were 300 audience members in attendance.
Monday July 9-Tues. July 16: LUE does a tour of Oahu, performing 10 concerts in 7 days. They did 3 performances for the Hawaii Ukulele Festival, and had the privilege of performing at the Kamekameha school and many other wonderful venues. They were seen by thousands of people!
AUGUST:
Saturday August 11: Julie taught a Flamenco Workshop at the Auburn Ukulele Festival, and directed her 40 Band Jumble students (the Weem-a Ways) to victory in the battle of the bands. There were 300 people attending the festival.
Saturday August 25-Sunday August 26: Evan and Julie did a Hawaiian Uke Workshop both days for the third Reno Aloha Festival. There were 18 students who attended, and they learned to play 3 chords and several songs in 1 hour.
SEPTEMBER:
Thursday September 6: Fall Semester "Intermediate Ukulele Class" started. Aria teamed with TMCC for these classes, and we had 9 students attending.
Tuesday September 11: Fall Semester "Beginning Ukulele Class" started. Aria teamed with TMCC for these classes, and we had 26 students attending.
Friday September 14: Peter Luongo taught the first in a series of six Improving Your Chord and Strumming Workshops at 3:30. 30 students attended.
Saturday September 15-Sunday September 16: Luongo Ukulele Ensemble rehearsal, with a Concert at 2:00 PM on Sunday. 25 people attended the concert.
Saturday September 30: Aria hosted Ukulollo Lorenzo Vignando and friends for a Workshop at 4:30 and Concert at 7:00. There were 35 students at the workshop and concert. Best concert we ever saw!
OCTOBER:
Saturday October 6: Aria School, participating in Kids Music Day, had a Recital @ 6:00 at Aria, which featured students on cello, guitar, piano, violin, voice, and ukulele. 25 students participated. There were 65 people attending this fun event.
Friday October 12: Peter Luongo taught the second in a series of six Improving Your Chord and Strumming Workshops at 3:30. 30 students attended.
Saturday October 13-Sunday October 14: Luongo Ukulele Ensemble rehearsal, with a Concert at 1:30 PM on Sunday. 25 people attended the concert.
Sunday October 21: Aria 51 performed in the Lobby of the Carson City Community Center at 3:00 PM. They were the entertainment before the Carson City Symphony Concert at 4:00 PM. 300 people attended the concert.
NOVEMBER:
Friday November 2-Sunday November 18: Evan Stern played bass in the band for the TMCC musical production of The Wedding Singer. 8 rehearsals and 10 performances! Hundreds of people attended and enjoyed the show.
Friday November 9: Peter Luongo taught the second in a series of six Improving Your Chord and Strumming Workshops at 3:30. 25 students attended.
Saturday November 10- Sunday November 11: Luongo Ukulele Ensemble rehearsal, with a Concert at 1:30 PM on Sunday at Barnes and Noble. 60 people attended the concert, with approx. 100 people shopping and listening..
Monday November 19: Jim D'Ville UkuleleWorkshop, 6:30-8:00. Learning Songs the Fun Way, By Ear. 24 students attended.
Wednesday November 28: Aria 51 performed for the Winter Health Fair sponsored by Senior Dimensions. There were 100 people attending the fair.
Thursday November 29: Reno Ukulele Group went Christmas Caroling at Marvin Picollo School at 10:00. There were 250 staff, students, and visiting Fourth Graders there to sing along.
DECEMBER:
Wednesday December 5: Reno Ukulele Group went Christmas Caroling at Meadowood Mall from 6:30-7:30 at Santa's Workshop. 100 people were there visiting Santa and singing along.
Wednesday December 19: Aria had an Open Mic Night/Christmas Party from 6:30-8:00 p.m. The night began with a group sing. 12 students performed for an audience of 55 people. The String Quartet "Nerds of Paradise", which includes Evan Stern, played, and so did Aria 51. Everyone enjoyed yummy treats, and many people had their portraits done by Mark Holloman Photography.
Thursday December 20: Aria 51 performed at 9:15 for Elmcrest Elementary School. This performance was sponsored by the Pioneer Center Youth Program.
ARIA YEARLY REPORT 2017
We had a wonderful year at Aria. We were able to give scholarships to 3 students, and reduced cost lessons to 4 students. We helped 4 students with instruments, books and accessories.
We continued to offer low cost workshops and group classes, as well as affordable private lessons. We teamed with Truckee Meadows Community College to have a beginning ukulele group class for the fall, spring, and summer semesters. We have 2 other ongoing uke classes for intermediate and advanced students. We have a weekly strum and sing group for ukulele players.
We teamed with TMCC to have a beginning Mandolin class for the spring semester.
We volunteered and performed at the yearly Reno Ukulele Festival, and Julie Holloman was one of the instructors there. We also did a free ukulele concert for Artown. We performed for the JACL, church functions, and other venues.. Our students did 4 Open Mic performances, and 2 Recitals at the school.
Here is an overview of our year:
JANUARY:
Tuesday Jan. 31: Spring Semester "Beginning Ukulele Class" started. Aria teamed with TMCC for these classes, and we had 23 students attending.
FEBRUARY:
Thursday Feb.2: Spring Semester "Beginning Mandolin Class" started. Aria teamed with TMCC for these classes, and we had 8 students attending.
Friday Feb.10: Reno Ukulele Group performed for the First Baptist Church Valentines Party. There were 100 partygoers.
Tuesday February 21-Saturday February 25: Julie Holloman taught 2 Flamenco Workshops at the Palm Strings Uke Fest., and Julie and Danielle Hunt performed with the Luongo Ukulele Ensemble there. 500 people attended the event.
MARCH:
Sunday March 5: Uklear Fusion performed for the JACL Luncheon at the Washoe Co. Senior Center. 150 people attended.
Saturday March 11: The Luongo Ukulele Emsemble gave a free concert at 2:30 for 40 guests.
Wednesday March 22: Aria had an Open Mic Night from 6:30-8:00 p.m. 16 students performed for an audience of 35 people.
Saturday March 25: Aria hosted a Luongo Ukulele Ensemble rehearsal with Peter Luongo at 2:00 via Skype and Facebook for 26 ensemble members.
APRIL:
Wednesday April 5-Sunday April 9: 9th Annual Reno Ukulele Festival at the Nugget. Evan and Julie volunteered. Evan helped run the Open Mic stage, which was ongoing. On Friday April 7 Evan and Julie performed in their group Aria 51 at 11:30, and Evan, Julie, and Danielle performed in their group Ukelear Fusion @ 1:30. Julie taught 3 Flamenco on Ukulele workshops on Friday and Saturday. Julie and Danielle helped Peter Luongo with his LUE test drive Workshops, rehearsed with LUE daily, and performed with the Luongo Ukulele Ensemble in the Celebrity Ballroom at the Concert on Satursday April 8 At 8:00 p.m.. Over 600 people participated in classes and attended concerts.
MAY:
Tuesday May 9: Summer Semester "Beginning Ukulele Class" started. Aria teamed with TMCC for these classes, and we had 13 students attending.
JUNE:
Saturday June 3: Aria School Recital @ 6:00 at Aria, which featured students on cello, guitar, piano, violin, voice, mandolin, and ukulele. 14 students participated. There were 40 people in the audience.
Wednesday June 21: Aria had an Open Mic Night from 6:30-8:00 p.m. 17 students performed for an audience of 35 people.
JULY:
Wednesday July 12: Reno Ukulele Group performed for the annual Aria Artown Uke Concert at 6:00 at Nightengale Concert Hall. They were joined by the Halau Hula O Leilani Dancers for 3 songs. There were 300 audience members in attendance.
AUGUST:
Saturday August 26: Evan and Julie did a Hawaiian Uke Workshop at the second Aloha Festival in Reno. There were 18 students who attended, and they learned to play 3 chords and several songs in 1 hour.
SEPTEMBER:
Tuesday September 5: Fall Semester "Beginning Ukulele Class" started. Aria teamed with TMCC for these classes, and we had 16 students attending.
Wednesday September 20: Aria had an Open Mic Night from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Ten students performed for an audience of 21 people.
Saturday September 23: Aria hosted Ukulollo Lorenzo Vignando and friends for a free Concert at 7:00. Best concert we ever saw!
Wednesday September 27: Aria hosted Jim D'Ville teaching 2 play by ear Workshops: 5:30 " Learning Songs the Fun Way", and 7:00 "Magical Mystery Chords." 33 students attended.
OCTOBER:
Saturday October 7: Aria School, participating in Kids Music Day, had a Recital @ 6:00 at Aria, which featured students on cello, guitar, piano, violin, voice, and ukulele. 12 students participated. There were 55 people attending this fun event.
NOVEMBER:
Wednesday November 29: Reno Ukulele Group went Christmas Caroling at Meadowood Mall from 6:30-7:30 at Santa's Workshop. 100 people were there visiting Santa and singing along.
DECEMBER:
Wednesday December 20: Aria had an Open Mic Night/Christmas Party from 6:30-8:00 p.m. The night began with a group sing. 6 students performed for an audience of 55 people. The String Quartet "Nerds of Paradise", which includes Evan Stern, did their first concert. Everyone enjoyed yummy treats, and many people had their portraits done by Mark Holloman Photography.
ARIA YEARLY REPORT 2016
We had a wonderful year at Aria. We were able to give scholarships to 3 students, and reduced cost lessons to 4 students. We helped 4 students with instruments, books and accessories.
We continued to offer low cost workshops and group classes, as well as affordable private lessons. We teamed with Truckee Meadows Community College to have a beginning ukulele group class each semester. We have 2 other ongoing uke classes for intermediate and advanced students.
We teamed with TMCC to have a beginning Mandolin class for the fall semester.
We performed at assisted living homes each quarter. We volunteered and performed at the yearly Reno Ukulele Festival, and Julie Holloman was one of the instructors there. We also did a free ukulele concert for Artown. We performed for the Senior Dimensions Health Fair.
Our students did 4 Open Mic performances, and 2 Recitals at the school.
Here is an overview of our year:
JANUARY:
Saturday Jan. 23: Evan and Julie did a Strum Workshop from 9:30 - 11:00. 19 students attended and learned tips and techniques to improve their strumming skills.
Tuesday Jan. 26: Spring Semester "Beginning Ukulele Class" started. Aria teams with Truckee Meadows Community College for these classes, and we had 14 students attending.
FEBRUARY:
Saturday Feb.20: Aria School Recital @ 6:00 at Aria, which featured students on cello, guitar, piano, violin, voice, mandolin, and ukulele. 28 students participated. There were 60 people in the audience.
MARCH:
Wednesday March 9: Reno Ukulele Group performed at Sky Peaks Assisted Living from 6:30-7:30. 35 Residents attended the concert and sang along.
Saturday March 19: Evan and Julie did a Ukulele Fingerstyle Workshop from 9:30 - 11:00. 25 students attended and learned the basics of finger picking arpeggios for accompanying songs, and a variety of patterns to use.
Wednesday March 23: Aria had an Open Mic Night from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Ten students performed for an audience of 35 people.
APRIL:
Thursday April 14-Sunday April 17: 8th Annual Reno Ukulele Festival at the Nugget. Evan and Julie volunteered. Evan helped run the first Radio broadcast of the Open Mic performances, which was ongoing. Evan, Julie, Rich and Danielle performed in their group Ukelear Fusion on Saturday Apr. 15 @ 4:30. Julie taught 3 Flamenco on Ukulele workshops on Friday and Saturday. Julie performed at the open Mic venue twice, and Danielle performed once. Over 400 people participate in classes and attend concerts.
MAY:
Saturday May 21: Jim D'Ville did two of his famous play-by-ear workshops at 9:30 and 11:00 at Aria. We had 28 students attend and enjoy both workshops.
Friday May 27: Reno Ukulele Group performed at Marvin Piccolo School at 12:30 for their Prom. There were 100 students, families, and staff attending the event.
JUNE:
Wednesday June 8: Reno Ukulele Group performed at Sky Peaks Assisted Living from 6:30-7:30. 30 Residents attended the concert and sang along.
Wednesday June 22: Aria had an Open Mic Night from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Twelve students performed for an audience of 35 people.
JULY:
Tuesday July 12: Reno Ukulele Group performed at the Senior Dimensions Health Fair at the Grand Sierra Resort at 11:30. There were 50 vendors and seniors attending.
Wednesday July 13: Reno Ukulele Group performed for the annual Aria Artown Uke Concert at 6:00 at the Laxalt Auditorium. They were joined by the Halau Hula O Leilani Dancers for 2 songs, and guest artist Sean Holloman on Didgeridoo for the closing song. There were 250 audience members in attendance, which was standing room only. Time for a bigger venue!
Wednesday July 20: Aria sponsored the group Kannekoa, a folk/reggae/rock group from Hawaii, to do a Hawaiian Workshop at Aria at 6:30. There were 17 students in attendance.
AUGUST:
Saturday August 27: Evan and Julie did a Hawaiian Uke Workshop at the first Aloha Festival in Reno. There were 12 students who attended, and they learned to play 3 chords and 2 Hawaiian songs in 1 hour.
OCTOBER:
Wednesday October 5: Aria had an Open Mic Night from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Thirteen students performed for an audience of 21 people.
NOVEMBER:
Wednesday November 2: Reno Ukulele Group performed at Summit Estates Assisted Living from 6:30-7:30. 20 Residents attended the concert and sang along.
Saturday November 19: Aria School Recital @ 6:00 at Aria, which featured students on cello, guitar, piano, mandolin, voice, and ukulele. 22 students participated. There were 55 people attending this fun event.
DECEMBER:
Wednesday December 7: Reno Ukulele Group performed at Summit Estates Assisted Living from 6:15-7:15. 35 Residents, family and workers attended the concert and sang along.
Wednesday December 14: Aria had an Open Mic Night/Christmas Party from 6:30-8:00 p.m. The night began with a group sing. Twenty students performed for an audience of 50 people. Everyone enjoyed yummy treats, and many people had their portraits done by Mark Holloman Photography.
ARIA YEARLY REPORT FOR 2015
We had a wonderful year at Aria. We were able to give scholarships to 3 students, and reduced cost lessons to 3 students. We helped 4 students with instruments, books and accessories.
We continued to offer low cost workshops and group classes, as well as affordable private lessons. We teamed with Truckee Meadows Community College to have a beginning ukulele group class each semester. We went from 3 ukulele classes to 4.
We performed at assisted living homes each quarter. We volunteered and performed at the yearly Reno Ukulele Festival, and Julie Holloman was one of the instructors there. We also did a free ukulele concert for Artown.
Our students did 4 Open Mic performances, and 2 Recitals at the school.
Here is an overview of our year:
JANUARY:
TUESDAY JAN 27: Spring Semester Beginning Ukulele class started. 7 students took the class.
SATURDAY JAN 31: Strum Workshop. 10 students participated.
FEBRUARY:
SATURDAY FEB 21: Aria Fundraiser @ Fuego Restaurant. 50 people attended. $950.00 was raised to help pay for air conditioner repair.
MARCH:
WEDNESDAY MAR 18: Open Mic Night, 6:30-8:00. 13 students participated, 10 family members cheered them on..
APRIL:
WEDNESDAY APR 14: Reno Ukulele Group (RUG) performed at Sky Peaks Assisted Living. 18 RUG members performed, and 35 residents watched.
MAY:
THURSDAY APR 30 TO SUNDAY MAY 3: Reno Ukulele Festival at the Nugget in Sparks. Rich Dann helped organize the event. Julie Holloman and Evan Stern helped each day. Ukelear Fusion (Aria School ukulele quartet) performed on Sat. May 2 at 12:00. Julie taught 2 Flamenco Ukulele Workshops. 350 students from all over the country took classes, and approx. 5,000 people attended the event.
WEDNESDAY MAY 20: Open Mic Night, 6:30-8:00. 14 students performed and 25 family members and friends watched and emjoyed.
JUNE:
SATURDAY JUNE 13: Aria School Recital @ 6:00. 9 Private Lesson students and 3 Group Classes performed, for a total of 24 students. 22 friends and family members watched.
JULY:
WEDNESDAY JULY 15: Aria School Ukulele Concert for Artown from 6:00 - 7:30 @ the Laxalt Theater. 22 students and 2 teachers performed, and 9 hula dancers from the Halau Hula O Leilani. The theater has 215 seats, and it was standing room only with a total of approximately 250 audience members.
AUGUST:
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 19: Open Mic Night 6:30-8:00. 13 students performed and 20 family members cheered them on.
SEPTEMBER:
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 1: Fall Semester Beginning Ukulele class started. 12 students took the class.
OCTOBER:
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 28: RUG Halloween/Thanksgiving performance at Sky Peaks Assisted Living. 15 RUG members performed for 30 residents.
NOVEMBER:
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 14: Benefit Concert @ 7:00 by Aria 51 & Ukelear Fusion at Aria. 10 people attended and $260.00 was raised for the Scholarship Fund.
THURSDAY MOVEMBER 19: RUG played at 11:00 for the Senior Dimension Health Fair at the Grand Sierra Resort. 16 RUG members performed, and approx. 250 people enjoyed the music.
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 21: RUG performed at Play Your Own Music in Carson City @ 1:00. Approx. 60 people cheered them on.
DECEMBER:
WENESDAY DECEMBER 9: RUG Holiday performance at Sky Peaks Assisted Living @ 6:30. 14 RUG members performed for 16 residents.
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 16: Aria Open Mic Night/ Christmas Party from 6:30-8:00 @ Aria. Ukelear Fusion perforned, followed by 12 students. 38 people attended and enjoyed the music, treats, and social time.
In 2014 Aria was able to help 6 students receive private music lessons at a reduced rate or no cost to their families. We provided books, strings, and instruments to 7 students at no cost to their families. We were able to reach out to at least 1000 people by performing in the school and in many venues in the community.
Aria Financial Info
Click here for Aria Financial Report
Aria files a 990N (postcard) with the IRS. This is for non-profits that bring in less than $50,000.00 per year.
Aria Board members
Julie Holloman--President/secretary
Rich Dann--Vice President
Evan Stern--Director
Danielle Hunt--Treasurer
ARIA ACTIVITIES 2014
MARCH
Saturday March 22nd there was a School Recital featuring cello, guitar, piano, violin, voice, & ukulele students. The staff groups Ukelear Fusion and Aria 51 performed too. As always, we had yummy treats afterward, and everyone had fun. There were 55 people there!
APRIL
Tuesday April 15th we enjoyed tax relief with Jim D'Ville. He did a PLAY UKULELE BY EAR workshop. There were 15 of us, and we were jamin'!
Friday April 18th Aria 51 performed 2 shows at Mount Rose Elementary School, with a student body of 650. 1:15 was for grades K-3, and 1:45 was for grades 4-7. Aria 51 focused on music styles, music history, instrument development & rhythm tapping. The entire school sang every song beautifully.
Thursday April 24th--Sunday April 27th was the UKULELE FESTIVAL at the Nugget. Rich Dann, Evan Stern, & Julie Holloman volunteered and helped during the entire festival, and Ukelear Fusion performed on Saturday April 26th at 12:00 on the public stage. At least 600 people attended this great festival. Uke on!
Ukelear Fusion was featured in this local magazine--Galena & Arrowcreek Life for the role they play in keeping ukulele playing in the community alive and well.
MAY
Thursday May 8th--Aria 51 performed for the 26th Annual 90+ Club Celebration at the Reno Housing Authority to honor their most Senior Residents. 35 people attended this special event.
Saturday May 10th--Aria hosted a workshop and mini Concert featuring Kanekoa, who were touring the west. They are a Ukulele Reggae Folk Rock Band from Hawaii. 12 of us were there to take it all in.
Friday May 30th--Aria 51 perfromed at the More To Life Adult Daycare center. There were 30 residents there, and they Love 60's Rock!
JUNE
Friday June 20th--Aria 51 opened for the Black Lillies at the Northern Nevada Food Bank's "We Can Solve Hunger" concert. There were approximately 3,000 people in attendance.
JULY
Tuesday July 8th--Aria did the annual Artown Ukulele Concert, with performances by RUG, various students, Uklear Fusion, and Aria 51. There was standing room only, which meant over 200 people attended!
OCTOBER
Saturday October 11th--Evan and Julie presented a Strum Workshop for Uke players. Tons of fun with 28 students!
NOVEMBER
Saturday November 15th--Recital at Aria, featuring cello, guitar, piano,violin, voice, and ukulele. We heard from private students of all ages, beginning and intermediate uke classes, Reno Ukulele Group, and Ukelear Fusion. We had 60 people there, and we all enjoyed great music and munchies after!
DECEMBER
Wednesday December 17th--Aria hosted the first Holiday Party/Sing-along Open Mic Night. We had 50 people there, and we had so much fun singing, eating and visiting we decided to make it an annual event.
In 2013 Aria was able to help 6 students receive private music lessons at no cost to their families. We provided books and instruments for 6 students by using instruments that were donated or purchased in past years, and by spending $208.00 for new instruments and books. We helped 1 student with group lessons at no cost to their family. We helped one family with food for Christmas dinner. We were able to reach out to at least 600 people through performing both in the school and in the community.
Click here for Aria Financial Report
Aria files a 990N (postcard) with the IRS. This is for non-profits that bring in less than $50,000.00 per year.
Aria Board Members
President/Secretary--Julie Holloman
Co-Director--Rich Dann
Treasurer--Danielle Hunt
Co-Director--Evan Stern
Aria Activities
January 2013
Wednesday Jan. 9th the Reno Ukulele Group (RUG) moved their meetings to Aria, so every Wednesday from 6:30-8:30 the school is filled with the sound of singing and ukuleles playing. Rich Dann is the Grand Poobah of the group. Julie Holloman hosts, and they both join in the music-making. The group averages 8 adults, with up to 15 players at times.
Thursday Jan. 24th we arranged for 6 of our guitar students to go see Tommy Emmanuel, world-class guitarist sponsored by Artown. Our students were able to go before his concert to meet and speak with him, and hear him play and talk about making music.
Saturday Jan. 26th we had our first recital in our new location. The participating teachers were Rich Dann, Julie Holloman, and Eric & Evan Stern. We enjoyed performances on cello, guitar, piano, mandolin, violin, voice, and ukulele, for a total of 12 students and our Rug Rats ukulele class, which has 10 students. Our staff members each did a solo, and this was the premiere of the staff trio, Aria 51. The Trio includes Julie Holloman and the brothers Stern. There were 55 people in our audience.
February
Friday February 15th the American Lung Association had their silent auction Fundraiser, and Aria donated a Gift Certificate for 4 music lessons to the group.
Tuesday Feb 26th RUG went to Reno Lifecare to perform for the cute old folks (and young folks). The singing and ukulele playing was enjoyed by everyone, and the audience sang with the performers on almost every song. There were 60 residents and staff in attendance.
March
Saturday March 9th Aria 51 was one of 5 groups that performed for the annual Italian Family Dinner and Variety Show in Minden. This is the main fundraiser for the Carson Valley Pops, and money from this event pays for printed music, guest artists, hall rentals and other expenses.
Saturday March 23rd we had another recital. The participating teachers were Rich Dann, Julie Holloman, and Eric & Evan Stern. We enjoyed performances on cello, guitar, mandolin, violin, voice and ukulele, for a total of 11 students, the Rug Rats ukulele class, the Aria String Orchestra, and Aria 51. There were 50 people in attendance.
April
Thursday--Sunday April 11-14 Reno Ukulele Festival and Reno Acoustic Festival took over John Ascuaga’s Nugget. Rich Dann and Doug Reynolds plan this event each year, and it’s amazing. There are workshops, vendors, and concerts going on constantly. Our RUG and Rug Rats performed on the ukulele stage, and Aria 51 performed on the acoustic stage. Julie Holloman attended every possible workshop she could get to, as did many other Aria music students and group members.
May
Saturday May 11th we provided music for the Arts & Crafts Fair at Air Center Plaza. This fun event was sponsored by our friends at the Wet Hen Café. From 11am to 3pm Aria students and staff performed in between classes. Our Rug Rats performed, and we heard from our String Orchestra and Aria 51. Students and staff performed duets and trios, and had a great time.
Saturday May 18th we had our first House Concert and Guest Workshop. We were proud to have The Quiet American (Aaron & Nicole Keim). They are a husband/wife team, and they sing and play multiple instruments, including ukulele. Aaron did a great ukulele workshop at 4:00, and then both of them performed at 7:00. We could have listened all night! We had 25 students attend the workshop, and 40 people attended the concert.
Thursday May 23rd RUG performed at The Villas in Sparks for 150 residents and staff. They were having a Luau, so RUG was perfect entertainment. Once again they knew the words to each song and sang along in between bites.
June
Wednesday June 5th we had a combination Concert/Guest Workshop by Jim D’Ville. Jim specializes in teaching techniques for playing by ear, so everyone was playing and singing by the end of the night—no music needed. We had 40 people attending.
July
Wednesday July 10th we had our first Artown performance at McKinley Arts & Culture Center. The RUG and Rug Rats performed ukulele tunes for a standing-room-only audience, which means at least 140 people. We received a standing ovation, too (from everyone, not just the people who didn’t have a place to sit.)
Saturday July 13th was the Aria Artown Concert. Participating teachers were Rich Dann, Julie Holloman, and Eric & Evan Stern. We enjoyed performances on guitar, mandolin, violin, voice, and ukulele, for a total of 7 students, the Rug Rats, and Aria 51. We had several Artown audience members in addition to friends and family, so it was a great evening.
August
Saturday August 17th was the Bowers Mansion Bluegrass Festival. We had a booth promoting ukuleles, and we performed songs at our booth during breaks in the stage performances. Staff members included Rich Dann, Julie Holloman, and Eric & Evan Stern. We talked to hundreds of people about music and ukuleles.
September
Saturday September 14th Aria proudly hosted a concert by Acoustic Solution, a wonderful family band from Minden. Their mix of classic folk, rock, and original tunes made the evening fly by. John, Wendy, and Seth Andrews each sing and play multiple instruments, so the fun never stopped.
October
Tuesday October 1st Aria donated a gift certificate for four 30 minute lessons to the SPCA of Northern Nevada to help with their fall fundraiser.
Friday October 4th Aria 51 performed for the students and staff at Marvin Picollo School. Volunteering to play in Washoe Co. Schools is one of the things Aria 51 does as part of Aria's community outreach program. There were 100 staff and students there, and they were able to play percussion instruments while Aria 51 performed.
Saturday October 12th Aria donated a gift certificate for four 30 minute lessons to Wooster High School for their Quarter Auction Fundraiser.
November