A letter from Valley Catholic Music School Director Beckie Hocker
Dear Music School Families,
A new month is already upon us! We continue to work hard preparing all of the students for our March recitals, syllabus advancements and solo and ensemble contests. Late winter and early spring are very busy times for the students and their schedules. Please mark your calendar for the important dates below.
March Recitals:
Friday, March 13, 2026
Albert Palmeter, Piano 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Seung Min Oh, Piano 6 – 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 14, 2026
Henriet Thompson, Voice and Piano 11 a.m. – Noon
Anson Wright, Guitar/Eugene Howe, Violin Noon -1p.m.
Misty Williams, Harp 1 – 2 p.m.
Mila Bada, Piano 2 – 3 p.m.
Rebecca Schappert, Piano 3 – 4 p.m.
Junko Gilliland, Piano 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 15
Chris Swanson, Violin    4 – 5 p.m.
Beckie Hocker, Flute 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
New this Year – Jazz Flute Night
Saturday, April 11 at 6 p.m.
Young Artist Recital
Sunday, May 17 at 2 p.m.
Summer Music Camp
Our music camp is designed for students in Grades K–5, with no prior musical experience required. Camp includes rotational segments in piano, recorder, violin, voice, and ukulele. Students learn music fundamentals such as rhythm, note reading, terminology, movement, and ear training — all while having fun with friends who enjoy music. Our teachers are positive, encouraging, and supportive, helping each student learn individually and in a group setting. Summer Music Camp is open to all elementary children and is held during the last week of June.
June 22 – 26
Be on the lookout – Registration Opens March 1, 2026
Instructor of the Month
Eugene Howe, Violin
Eugene Howe is a graduate student at Portland State University in the Artist Diploma program, and holds a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance. He currently studies under Dr. Tomas Cotik and Clarisse Atcherson. Previous teachers include Adam LaMott, and Wei He.
As a soloist, Eugene is the recipient of many awards and scholarships, most notably the American String Teachers Association of Oregon Competition, and the Oregon Sinfonietta’s Young Artist Competition, upon which he performed as concert soloist for Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto no. 1. His orchestral affiliations include the Portland State University Orchestra, where he served as concertmaster, San Francisco Youth Symphony, El Camino Youth Symphony, and San Jose Youth Strings, where he also served as concertmaster.
Eugene is Suzuki Teacher Certified, and has been teaching violin for ten years. He teaches all ages and levels.
The Music School is requesting testimonials from our registered families currently taking lessons. We appreciate any feedback you can provide and willingness to share on our website. Please fill out the form at the bottom of the music school’s homepage to complete your testimonial. We appreciate your thoughtful consideration.Â
If you are interested in registering lessons any time during the school year, contact the music department first to assure there is space and an agreed upon schedule before registering.
Beckie Hocker, VC Music School Director
To learn more about VC Music School, visit ssmo.org/vcs/schools/music or follow us on Facebook and Instagram or email me directly.
