The Catawba College Community Music Program is accepting enrollments for the fall semester. All lessons and classes will begin the week of Sept. 14.
The program will offer the following courses:
Musikgarten: Family Music Time (Ages Birth-5), designed for the entire family; 30-minute class meets once a week each semester. Participate with your child in singing, chanting, moving, dancing, listening and playing simple instruments ó while developing a strong musical bond. Activities bridge the natural connection between music and movement. Children’s musical aptitude and listening abilities are enhanced and further developed. Tuesday or Thursday 9:15-9:45 a.m.; Thursday 6:00-6:30 p.m.; Erin Harper, instructor.
Pre-Piano Class is designed to introduce young children (6 years to younger 7-year-olds) to the elements of music while learning about the unique qualities of the piano. This class is a creative bridge to the reading of music notation with music meaning. The child’s natural curiosity about music is stimulated in through various class activities that include moving, singing, creating, listening, and playing keyboard and rhythm instruments. Two-semester course meets once a week and serves as an introduction to more formal study of piano and/or other instruments. Meets 30 minutes per week for 15 weeks each semester. Monday, 5:40-6:10 p.m. or Thursday 3:00-3:30 p.m. Instructor, Erin Harper.
Class Piano for Children is based on an active learning approach where musical concepts come alive as students learn and work together in a supportive group environment. Modern and innovative methods emphasize the development of essential musical skills including technique, ear training and improvisation, along with piano repertoire. Activities at the keyboard and musical games in theory make this class ideal for the beginning pianist.
Classes have limited enrollment and meet 50 minutes per week for the 15-week semester. Instructors: Erin Harper and Emily Schuttenberg.
– Level I: For first-year students, ages (older) 7 and up; Monday, 3-3:50 p.m., or Thursday, 4:30-5:20 p.m.
– Level II: Monday, 3:50-4:40 p.m.
– Level III: Monday, 4:45-5:35 p.m.
Class Piano for Adults is offered for both beginner and intermediate adult students.
– The Beginner Class is for adults who always wanted to play piano but never had the opportunity. Students will learn important music fundamentals including music reading, music theory, aural training, and ensemble playing in a relaxed, stress-free classroom setting.
– Class Piano for Intermediate Students is designed for the continuing adult piano student. Classes have limited enrollment and meet 50 minutes per week for 15 weeks each semester. Class Time TBA. Instructor: Tina Brown
Catawba Children’s Chorale (ages 8-14): Designed to provide opportunities for students (ages 8ń14) to learn the fundamentals of good singing and musicianship, as well as to develop poise, confidence and good stage presence. The ensemble has limited enrollment and meets one hour per week for the 15-week session. By audition only, Thursday, Sept. 10, 4 p.m.
Rehearsals will be held each Thursday at 4 p.m. beginning Sept. 17. Director: Randi Skaggs. Call the Community Music Office for audition information.
Catawba Youth Chorale (grades 9-12): A new ensemble under the direction of seasoned choral director Dean Orbison, this group will give high school students the opportunity to share their passion for singing as they learn a wide variety of repertoire and develop their vocal and performance abilities.
By audition only, the ensemble has limited enrollment and will meet 90 minutes each week. Auditions will be held Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 7 p.m. Weekly rehearsals will be held Tuesdays 7-8:30 p.m. beginning Sept. 15. Call the Community Music Office for audition information.
Catawba Youth Wind Ensembles (ages 11-16): Two exciting instrumental ensembles for young musicians to experience excellent instrumental instruction and quality performance opportunities.
The “beginner” wind ensemble is designed for students with no more than a year of previous instruction.
The “intermediate” wind ensemble is designed for the student with a minimum of one year instruction on his/her instrument.
Offering instruction in brass, woodwinds and percussion in a fun, relaxed environment.
Beginner Youth Wind Ensemble meets Tuesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Intermediate Youth Wind Ensemble meets Tuesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. (15-week semester); director, Laura Bame.
Spotlight on Musical Theatre (grades 6 to 9): This new class will focus on developing basic acting skills through improvisational exercises, character analysis and creative movement. Vocal techniques for a healthy singing and speaking voice will also be explored.
At the end of the module there will be a demonstration performance featuring selected scenes from classic and popular musical theatre shows. This eight-week module will begin Oct. 20 and will meet each Tuesday 4:30-5:20 p.m.; instructor, Emily Schuttenberg.
Private Lessons: Private instruction in piano, guitar (acoustic and electric), strings, winds, brass and percussion is offered for students of all ages and all levels of ability. Students may study one-on-one with the instructor of their choice for weekly 30-, 45- or 60-minute lessons. Experience, teaching styles, and availability vary from instructor to instructor, including performing-artist, professional and undergraduate teachers. Although a full term of instruction is highly recommended, students may begin private instruction any time during the semester.
Enrollment in most classes is limited. Apply at www.catawba.edu/communitymusic. For more information, call 704-637-4345 or 704-637-4106.