Music Authority Family News for December 29, 2020

12/30/2020

Music Authority Family Newsletter - December 26, 2020

2020 in Review

2020. What can I say about this year in review? It's been one for the books, that's for certain.

The year started out well. Spring Show rehearsals were under way, Beyond and Eclipse had gigs scheduled, we had five full rock ensembles, and lessons were maxing out at over 650 students per week.

And then March hit. In a last ditch effort for normalcy, we held our Spring Show as planned (albeit with lots of disinfectant, distanced seating, and no backstage antics). The Spring Show was the day after Forsyth County Schools closed for what would ultimately be the year.

After that, we transferred all of our classes to a temporary online platform that worked, but didn't give students the opportunity to thrive like in person lessons had. Many kids struggled, progress slowed, families lost interest in music.

Retail closed and for six, long weeks, Andrew, Melissa, and Natalie worked at the store to keep lessons going while everyone else was either temporarily laid off or working from home. It was lonely. Staff started to return in May with new protocols to keep everyone healthy and in June students started to return.

Ultimately, student numbers dropped to only 400 students per week (we've been slowly growing and are excited to be back at 460 today). Summer camp, against all odds, happened. Families were grateful for the normal experience of camp (even if kids had to distance and wear masks). We had Rock Camp, Rock Camp, Jr., Vocal Camp, and Art Camp. Things were looking up.

In August, Music Authority lost one of it's puppy mascots - Freddy the Rescue Pup. Anyone who had stopped in over the summer had watched him run around the store in his wheels (he'd gone paralyzed in his back legs). Unfortunately, the IVDD that took his back legs from him ultimately won the battle on August 4 and Freddy crossed the rainbow bridge. Another difficult moment in a difficult year.

And now, the good stuff. As we've adapted and persevered in COVID, we've stayed healthy (only a handful of COVID cases and no traceable transmission inside of Music Authority). We've stuck with CDC guidelines and watched students return to lessons, recitals, and rock ensembles. We've learned our customers support us and care for us.

We've had families step up to make sure we could make it through the toughest business experience of our careers. For that, we are grateful. We've never felt so supported, so loved, and so cared about as we have over the last nine months. Because of you, Music Authority is still here. Because you decided to splurge on a guitar, because you trusted us, because you included a little extra in your lessons check, "just because."

We aren't to the end of this COVID craziness yet, but we're surviving and we're making it through to the other side. I believe that one day we'll all see each other's smiles again. I believe that one day, we'll have five full rock ensemble again. I believe we'll see a busy sales floor and 650 students per week. It won't happen over night. It will take hard work, dedication, and one step forward at a time.

Thank you for sticking with us through an incredibly tough year. Thank you for believing in The Music Authority Family. Thank you for being part of our team and our family. We couldn't have done it without you.

Here's to 2020. May we have learned more than we have lost; may we always remember what it feels like to support our local businesses; may we hold onto the kindnesses and forget the anger. And may 2021 bring with it hope, love, and joy.

Melissa A. Loggins, Owner

#MusicAuthorityFamily

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Classical Recital: Moon River

It is time for your student to show off their skills at a recital? Our next recital is:

Moon River
February 20, 2021
6:30pm

Seating is limited to assure social distancing and very limited spaces available. All guests must wear masks.

You can register at the front desk at Music Authority.

Taylor 210ce PLUS

New in stock! Taylor's new line of 2 series guitars. Taylor 210ce PLUS - Rosewood back and sides; solid Sitka Spruce top; includes 2 series case.

Shop today for the best selection!

Spring Rock Ensemble Spaces Available

Registration for Spring Rock Ensemble and applications for Eclipse (guitar and vocal spot available) is now open. We have the following band options and instruments available for you:

Fearless - Sunday 3:30 - Lauren Isenberg (Pop/Punk and Alternative) - vocals; keys
Unveiled - Monday 5:30 - Kylan McNichols (Top 40) - vocals; guitar
Revolution - Tuesday 7pm - Andrew Loggins (Classic Rock) - vocals; guitar; keys
Tribute - Wednesday 7pm - Shawn Jacoby (90's Alternative) - guitar; keys; bass

The Showcase Band Eclipse has a spot available for two guitar players and a vocalist.

Rock Ensemble is our Rock Band program and is a five month commitment. Showcase Bands are more advanced experiences that include music, performing, and learning how to manage your band. It has a one year commitment.

See the front desk for more information on signing up.

Not in Lessons at Music Authority? Sign Up Here!

Perfect Blend was excited to perform again over the Christmas holidays for Live from The Backroom. They kept their performance short (less than 15 minutes without masks) and look forward to getting back on stage again this spring!

Click Here to see what events are coming up at Music Authority