In This Month’s Newsletter

Music in a Digital World
Fun and Important Dates
Upcoming Recitals and Forum
Welcome Our New Students
Spotlight on Miss Josephine
Did You Know? All the Parts of a Drum Set!
Inspirations
Music Playdates in the Parks
Did You Read Your Newsletter Contest?
Referral Program

Music in a Digital World

As our world becomes increasingly driven by technology, screens, apps, and artificial intelligence, many families are placing greater value on activities that provide real-world experiences and human connection.

Music lessons offer something that screens cannot. Learning an instrument develops concentration, creativity, patience, self-expression, and confidence while giving students opportunities to interact with teachers, family members, and other musicians in meaningful ways.

Whether it is a child learning piano, a student performing in an ensemble, a family gathering around a piano, or a choir singing together, music brings people together. It encourages active participation rather than passive consumption and helps students develop skills they can enjoy for a lifetime.

For most of human history, music was not something people simply watched or listened to. It was something people did. As technology continues to shape our daily lives, the value of making music may become even more apparent. Music remains one of the most enjoyable and meaningful ways for people of all ages to learn, create, and connect with others.

FUN and IMPORTANT DATES

**Independence Day**
Saturday, July 4
During Off-Days (7/1 to 7/7, Closed)

Upcoming Recitals and Forum

Recitals

Forum

Please welcome

our NEW Students who enrolled

in May

Roxanne C.
Leo C.
Nima H.
Emerald S.
Roland S.

Spotlight on Miss Josephine

Josephine Reyes

Miss Josephine started working at the music studio in September 2025. One of her most important responsibilities is making sure each classroom is stocked with the materials students and teachers need so lessons can run smoothly. She also helps keep the studio organized and welcoming for everyone who visits.

Miss Josephine's favorite tasks include preparing new student tote bags and sending personalized birthday cards to every student, teacher, and staff. "I love knowing that these small gestures can help make someone’s first lesson and special day a little brighter!"

"What I love most about working at the Laguna Niguel School of Music, Dennis Frayne Music Studios is being part of such a supportive and caring team. Everyone is welcoming, encouraging, and appreciative, which makes coming to work each day enjoyable and rewarding."

Miss Josephine has always loved music and enjoys playing the piano in her free time. While she's not a professional pianist, playing the piano is something that "helps me relax and unwind." She also enjoys trying new foods, traveling, and experiencing new places and cultures. "I’m always excited for new adventures and opportunities to learn something new!"

Did You Know?
All the Parts of a Drum Set!

A standard acoustic drum set combines drums, cymbals, and hardware into a single instrument. At the center sits the snare drum, positioned between the player's knees, using wire strands underneath to produce a sharp, snappy sound.

Below it is the bass drum, or kick drum, which rests on its side and provides a deep, foundational punch via a foot pedal. To complete the drum configuration, tom-toms — typically smaller rack toms mounted above the bass drum and a larger floor tom standing on legs — add varied pitches for fills.

Cymbals provide the high-frequency contrast to these deep drum tones. The primary timekeeping elements are the hi-hats, which consist of two cymbals stacked on a stand and controlled by a foot pedal to open or close the sound. Drummers also use a large ride cymbal to maintain steady rhythmic patterns, alongside explosive crash cymbals to punctuate musical transitions.

Supporting these acoustic components is a network of hardware. The setup is anchored by the drum throne, a specialized stool that allows the player to sit comfortably while operating the pedals.

Heavy-duty metal stands hold the cymbals and snare securely, while integrated shell hardware — including lugs, tension rods, and outer hoops — clamps and tunes the drumheads.

Inspirations

“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”

— Galatians 5:13

“Freedom is the open window through which pours the sunlight
of the human spirit and human dignity. ”

— Herbert Hoover

Music Playdates in the Parks

Weekly on Wednesdays 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.
See park schedule on our website.

Did You Read Your Newsletter Contest?

July 2026

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 Harper Ashley