A letter from Valley Catholic Music School Director Beckie Hocker
Dear Music School Families,
November recitals were a complete success! Thank you to all of our Instructors, students and especially parents. We know it is a team effort for your young musicians to learn, practice and grow musically. We appreciate the importance every family gives to their child’s music education. Spring Recitals will be held during the weekend of March 13, 14 and 15. Please inquire with your instructor on their specific time.
Winter Break: The Music School will be closed for Christmas Break between Dec. 22 – Jan. 2, 2026. Lessons will resume Jan. 5, 2026. Remember Christmas Break is not calculated into your 25/26 tuition. We want you to enjoy time with your family, sharing traditions and of course music together! Have a wonderful holiday season.
If you are interested in starting the new year with lessons, contact the music department first to assure there is space and an agreed upon schedule before registering.
The Flutissimos will be performing holiday music at Washington Square on Sunday, Dec. 14. We will be at Macy’s from 2 – 3 p.m. and Nordstrom from 4 -5 p.m. Stop by and enjoy some music during your holiday shopping. We would love to see you.
Instructor of the Month
Anson Wright, Guitar
Jazz guitarist, composer, novelist, poet, and educator Anson Wright has performed throughout the United States and abroad, including India. A graduate of Princeton, he left graduate studies at Columbia to pursue both music and literary careers. In addition to his three featured jazz CD’s, including his December 2019 CD, Only Love, he has authored three books. His poetry was set to music in the 2008 spoken-word CD, The Sky At Our Feet. Anson has studied with Howard Roberts, Jerry Hahn, John Stowell and many others. He has taught at numerous schools including New York University, Pacific University, and Portland Community College.
“Wright is thoughtful in his writing and on the guitar he can articulate seamless, fiery ideas. He can also express great tenderness. Wright may not be a household name, but he should be.”
All About Jazz
“The quality of his playing is exceptional … In sheer color and variety, in the depth of its characterization and the exceptional range and refinement of his guitar playing, Mr. Wright imparts a powerful stature to
everything that he plays.”
Jazz da Gama
“Finely honed musical intelligence.”
The Oregonian
To learn more about VC Music School, visit ssmo.org/vcs/schools/music or follow us on Facebook and Instagram or email me directly.
Beckie Hocker, Director of VC Music School
