Dear Sayla students and families,

I want to thank you for supporting our school through another year. We have seen many changes in the last 12 months and it is exciting that we were able to return to in-person lessons, group classes, and events! Seeing students perform at Open Mic Nights, the Grand Recital, and having our Join the Band program grow and be featured in Roc-Vemberfest 2021 were some memorable and recent highlights. We have also had the opportunity to re-instate the Sayla Community Orchestra and are happy to be offering group classes that can give opportunities to students who want to make music with others. We feel that music has a very unique ability to inspire, promote community, and bring together many different people from all walks of life. We are very grateful to be able to facilitate these activities and have a vision to create more opportunities for performances and outreach that highlight our students and enrich the community! We could not do this without our amazing teachers, and administrative staff. Furthermore, without the support of our dedicated parents, guardians, families, and students we would be in a much different situation— especially through the harsh situation that has been presented through the pandemic. I want to thank our supporters for making this music academy what it is today! I hope that music brings joy and reflection to you and your loved ones during this winter season!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Chase Loeb

Written by: Elizabeth Chan
Nov. 16, 2021

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This month, the author of this blog and Sayla’s staff would like to spotlight the two people who make this school run and make everything possible— Chase and Carol Ann.

Chase and Carol Ann Loeb met in Colorado, where Chase grew up and they both attended college. However, fate would have it that they would visit their family’s home in Lodi and soon move here to start life in California. Chase held the position of director for a few years while the school was still known as “B Sharp School of Music.” Carol Ann managed the courtyard venue while it was still known as “The Middle C.” When the previous owner decided to sell the business, Chase and Carol Ann abruptly took on the mission of fostering music education and culture within Lodi. In 2019 the music school rebranded and had a grand reopening, changing the name to Sayla Music Academy and introducing the second “School Street Building.”

Sayla Music Academy, as we know it today, is the product of the hard work and creativity that Chase and Carol Ann have poured into this community. From decor and design to community events and collaborations, Chase and Carol Ann have made it their mission to create a unique and professional environment for teachers and students. There’s definitely more than meets the eye with this pair of music professionals.

Chase is a pianist and composer. He has worked with musicians all over Lodi and Stockton as a collaborative pianist and often plays gigs and performances as a soloist. Chase also stays busy as a composer, writing for all occasions and instrumentations, from string orchestras to solo piano. As CEO and Director, Chase is responsible for keeping Sayla running at its finest. Chase, in his free time, loves to work with horses. If you know Chase or have seen his studio, you will know that horses are a source of awe and inspiration for him. Additionally, he is currently learning how to play the guitar and viola, under the tutelage of Sayla’s own teachers!

Carol Ann is a cellist and conductor. She plays cello as a soloist and with many groups, including the Stockton Symphony. Her leadership skills have made her a wonderful conductor for Sayla’s own Community Orchestra Program. As Artistic Director, she is responsible for the decoration of the two Victorian houses on Sayla’s campus. Her vision is what makes the halls look quirky, artistic, and vibrant. Additionally, Carol Ann runs an Etsy shop called The Vintage Carol, dedicated to vintage fashion, houseware, and decor! Occasionally, you will also see Carol Ann’s jewelry on display at Sayla’s faire booth. She makes unique, one-of-a-kind music-themed jewelry by hand!

The staff and students at Sayla Music Academy are so thankful to have such a hard-working and dynamic pair of leaders. Without them, music education and the exploration of music culture would be very different in this community. All of us at Sayla look forward to their vision for the future!

Interviewed and written by Elizabeth Chan
10/21/21

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Phoebe is an avid violin student studying under Vasi Klinker, here at Sayla Music Academy. She is a passionate and talented multi-instrumentalist that has been involved in many Sayla events and groups, such as the Grand Recital, Sayla Community Orchestra, and Sayla Chamber Groups. Read more about her and her musical journey below!

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What is your name?

Phoebe Kaye Dupa

How old are you?

17

What instrument(s) do you play?

I play the violin, but I also know how to play the piano, guitar, and ukulele!

How long have you been taking lessons? How long have you been at Sayla and who is your current teacher?

I’ve been taking lessons at Sayla for about 6 or 7 years and my current teacher is Vasi Klinker.

What is your favorite part of playing, practicing, or performing music?

My favorite part is that when I look for a new song to practice and play, I always discover something new. I might find something like a new favorite song, a new genre that I enjoy or I might learn how to do something new that I like.

What is a favorite memory of yours surrounding music?

I’ve always liked performing at a bunch of different places and my favorite place to have performed would have been either around Downtown Lodi or at Disneyland. Disneyland was very fun for obvious reasons and I liked playing in Downtown Lodi because the songs we were playing were pretty fun and people hearing the music would have enjoyed it.

What is a hurdle or obstacle you have had to face while learning music?

It was hard when I started playing violin because it was so different from other instruments that I knew how to play. Violins don’t have anything like frets so I had to learn how to listen to the notes more carefully and learn where to place my fingers so that I could play more in tune. After a while, it did become easier to recognize when notes were in tune and it’s easier for me to figure out how I can play notes.

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting lessons?

One really important thing to have is patience when you are playing music. It takes time to build up your skill so it's fine if you’re not playing songs by your favorite musician right away. You should also try to be patient and not get too frustrated if you’re practicing something new and it just doesn’t seem right. Being upset at the mistake can put you in a bad mindset and it won’t help you improve. Also, they’re not kidding when they say scales are important.

Besides music, what do you like to do in your spare time?

In my spare time, I’m usually watching Youtube or Tiktok. I usually like watching TV shows as well and I just finished watching Squid Game and On My Block. I also like to play video games and I enjoy reading.

Interviewed and written by Elizabeth Chan
06/16/21

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Jake is a perfect subject for the spotlight— talented, passionate, and thrives during performance. You could tell he was comfortable in front of the camera and he even recorded his song in one take! Jake is not only a great performer, but he is infectiously joyful. He displays such a unique personality and is an inviting presence in any of our classrooms. Read our interview below to learn more about this wonderful Sayla student.

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Please introduce yourself!

My name is Jake Campbell and I go to Reese Elementary. I am in the 4th grade.

How old are you?

I am 8 years old (almost 9).

What instrument do you play?

I play the piano.

How long have you been taking lessons?

I have been taking lessons for 2 years.

What's your favorite part about your lesson?

My favorite part is jam sessions at the end of my lesson with Chase.

What's the hardest part of your lesson?

The hardest part of my lesson is learning scales.

Do you have a favorite type of music that you like to listen to?

Any music that is on Guardians of the Galaxy.

What advice would you give to a student who is struggling with practice?

Keep on trying! It’s fun once you keep practicing.

What are some of your other hobbies, besides music?

Playing video games, swimming, riding my bike.