In This Month’s Newsletter

Holidays, Celebrations, Rest, Family, & Music!
Fun and Important Dates
Upcoming Recitals and Concerts
Welcome Our New Students
Student of the Month
Spotlight on the Easter Bunny
Did You Know? There are so many holidays and celebrations in April, 2025!
Inspirations
Music Playdates in the Parks
Join Choir!
Did You Read Your Newsletter Contest?
Referral Program

Holidays, Celebrations, Rest, Family, & Music!

Holidays are special because they give us a break from our regular routines and remind us of what truly matters. Whether it’s a big celebration or a quiet day of reflection, people love holidays for many reasons.

For one, they bring us together. Families gather around the dinner table, friends reconnect, and communities celebrate traditions that have been passed down for generations. Whether it's decorating for a holiday, cooking a favorite meal, or playing games together, these moments create memories that last a lifetime.

Music is also a big part of many holiday celebrations! From Christmas carols and New Year’s Eve countdown songs to patriotic anthems on the Fourth of July, music brings people closer and sets the mood for each special day. In some cultures, drumming, singing, or playing instruments are important traditions that add excitement and energy to the festivities. Even simple things like singing "Happy Birthday" or listening to holiday tunes on the radio can make a celebration feel even more special.

Holidays also give us time to pause and reflect. Some mark important moments in history, while others celebrate faith, culture, or special achievements. They help us appreciate where we come from and remind us of the values we hold dear.

Of course, holidays are also a chance to relax and have fun! Whether it’s dressing up in costumes, hunting for eggs, watching fireworks, or simply enjoying a day off, they bring a little extra joy into our lives. And let’s not forget the food—so many holidays come with delicious treats that make them even more special!

Some holidays even help us learn and grow. They raise awareness about important causes, remind us to be grateful, or encourage kindness and giving. They can open our eyes to new traditions and teach us about different cultures.

No matter how you celebrate, holidays bring happiness, music, togetherness, and meaning to our lives. What’s your favorite holiday and why?

FUN and IMPORTANT DATES

Upcoming Recitals and Concerts

**Concert Performance Team Recitals**

**Studio Recital**
Monday & Tuesday, April 14 & 15, Evening
Laguna Hills Community Center
**Destination Recital**
Saturday, May 10, Daytime
Poway, San Diego County, Temple Adat Shalom
Includes a visit to the Musuem of Making Music in Carlsbad!

Please welcome

our NEW Students who enrolled

in February

Edie D.
Dez F.
Diego H.
Santiago H.
Malcolm M.

Student of the Month

Evan Farivar

Evan started taking cello lessons in 5th grade (August, 2023), and has been taking piano lessons for seven years, since age five (February, 2018). His favorite thing about playing the cello is the sound it makes. "It is closest to the human voice." The thing he loves most about playing the piano is the repertoire of music that can be played, and the diversity.

Evan is in the jazz band at his school, playing the piano, and has had several opportunities during the holidays and various events to perform for the school. His proudest achievement is being accepted into his school district's auditioned honors orchestra as the only 6th grade cellist (the youngest student). They recently performed at the Segerstrom Hall. (We are all very proud of Evan!)

One day Evan would like to play the triangle. (The triangle actually is an important part of the percussion section of an orchestra, and requires excellent rhythm and focus.) Evan likes his teachers at our music school because "they have taught me a lot over the past year since I have been at the music school."

Evan's favorite vacation was going to Italy and France. He got to see the Colosseum and the Eiffel Tower. If he's not playing music, Evan's favorite hobby is photography. He also has two dogs
"I like to play with and torment."

Spotlight on the Easter Bunny

A long time ago, before chocolate eggs and candy-filled baskets, people told stories about a special bunny who became the symbol of Easter. The legend goes back hundreds of years to Germany, where children believed in a magical hare called Osterhase. According to the tale, this bunny would visit homes in the springtime, leaving colorful eggs for well-behaved children to find. Just like Santa Claus, kids would prepare for the bunny’s visit by making little nests for the eggs, hoping to wake up to a special surprise!

But why a bunny? Well, rabbits have long been a sign of new life and springtime, since they are known for having lots of baby bunnies in the spring. People saw them as a symbol of fresh beginnings, just like the blooming flowers and longer, sunnier days. Over time, the story of the Easter Bunny spread to other countries, and the tradition grew. Instead of nests, people started using baskets, and instead of just eggs, the bunny began bringing all sorts of treats! Today, the Easter Bunny is a beloved part of the holiday, hopping into celebrations around the world with sweets, smiles, and a little bit of magic.

Did You Know?

**There are so many holidays and celebrations in April, 2025!**

April 2025 is packed with a variety of holidays and celebrations, spanning religious, cultural, and national observances. Here’s a rundown of some notable ones:

Religious Holidays

· Easter Sunday (April 20, 2025) – A major Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Traditions include church services, Easter egg hunts, and family gatherings.

· Good Friday (April 18, 2025) – Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Observed by many Christian denominations with prayer, fasting, and church services.

· Passover (April 12–April 20, 2025) – A significant Jewish holiday commemorating the Israelites' liberation from Egyptian slavery. Celebrations include the Seder meal and the reading of the Haggadah.

· Ramadan (March 1–April 30, 2025) – The Islamic holy month of fasting, prayer, and reflection. Observant Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from dawn to sunset.

· Ridván Festival (April 21–May 2, 2025) – A key Bahá'í holiday marking Bahá'u'lláh’s declaration as the prophet of the Bahá'í faith.

National & International Holidays

· April Fool’s Day (April 1, 2025) – A fun, lighthearted day where people play pranks and jokes on each other.

· Earth Day (April 22, 2025) – A global event dedicated to environmental awareness and action to protect the planet.

· Arbor Day (April 25, 2025 - U.S.) – A day promoting the planting and care of trees.

Cultural & Regional Celebrations

· Chakri Memorial Day (April 6, 2025 - Thailand) – Honors the founding of Thailand’s Chakri dynasty.

· Songkran (April 13–15, 2025 - Thailand) – The traditional Thai New Year, celebrated with water fights, merit-making, and family gatherings.

· ANZAC Day (April 25, 2025 - Australia & New Zealand) – A solemn holiday honoring military personnel who have served and died in conflicts.

· St. George’s Day (April 23, 2025 - England) – A day honoring England’s patron saint, often celebrated with parades and feasts.

Other Observances & Awareness Days

· World Autism Awareness Day (April 2, 2025) – Promotes awareness and acceptance of autism spectrum disorders.

· National Siblings Day (April 10, 2025 - U.S.) – A day to appreciate and celebrate siblings.

· Administrative Professionals Day (April 23, 2025 - U.S.) – Recognizes the contributions of office professionals.

Inspirations

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

— Hebrews 11:1

“Our spring has come at last with the soft laughter of April suns and shadow of April showers.”

— Byron Caldwell Smith

Music Playdates in the Parks

Laguna Niguel and surrounding areas.

Weekly playdates on Wednesday and Saturday

mornings from 10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

Meet friends, dance a little, sing along, play with some musical instruments,

and other fun toys!

Find us near the playground.

Join Choir!

In Laguna Niguel

Children and Youth

Saturdays

1:00p (ages 8-12)

2:30p (ages 13-17)

Adult

Tuesdays, 6:15p

Did You Read Your Newsletter Contest?

April 2025

To encourage everyone to read the Dennis Frayne Music Studio Newsletter, each month we’ll feature a new contest winner or a new contest. Be sure to read your newsletter each month to see if your name has been drawn or you might miss out!

This month’s winner is Isobel Khagi