BRATTLEBORO — The Brattleboro Music Center's fall semester begins the week of Sept. 12, and offers a choice of individual lessons in any of 15 instruments and voice, as well as classes in chamber music, traditional music, and choral arts, adult group violin lessons, children's classes, student orchestras and classes for those with differentabilities.
For children, the BMC offers Annie Frelich's “Movin' Into Music,” a music and movement class for ages 1-5. The class meets Mondays, from 10-10:45 a.m., starting Sept. 12. She offers a free demo class to interested parents. Children ages 3-5 can join the “Little Strummers Ukulele Club,” held right before “Movin' Into Music” from 9:45-10 a.m.
New this fall, for children ages 6-9, is “Music Mind Games” on Tuesdays, 4:30-5:15 p.m., starting Sept.13 with Raquel Moreno. “Music Mind Games” uses a nurturing philosophy; friendly, colorful materials; and more than 300 creative games to teach children music theory and reading in an engaging fun way.
Love traditional song? Tony Barrand and Keith Murphy lead a traditional song class this fall entitled “Songs of Toils, Songs of Pleasure” on Tuesdays, from 6:45-7:45 p.m., starting Sept. 13. Students develop a repertoire of classic pub-style songs, and explore harmony singing and stylistic details.
The “Youth Fiddle Class” continues, led by Becky Tracy, on Wednesdays from 4:15-5:15 p.m., starting Sept. 14. Newcomers are welcome to join the fun. The youth fiddlers play at BMC hosted family dances twice a year.
“Introduction to Playing Traditional Music by Ear” is led by Keith Murphy on Tuesdays, from 8-9 p.m., starting Sept. 13. Continuing players can opt for the “Intermediate Celtic Music Session” (Wednesdays, 7:00-8:00 pm, starting Sept 14) or the “Advanced Celtic Music Session” (Wednesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m., starting Sept. 14), both are led by Keith Murphy and Becky Tracy.
Singers are invited to get more musical tools with “Musicianship Skills for Singers” led by Susan Dedell with Level 1 on Mondays, from 5:45 - 6:45 p.m., starting Sept. 26 and Level II, on Thursdays, from 5:45 - 6:45 p.m., starting Sept. 29.
Adults interested in playing chamber music are invited to inquire about joining an ensemble. Ensembles are arranged according to playing level and are taught by Music School faculty members at different times throughout the week.
On Mondays, “New Approach for Absolute Beginning Violinists” is offered for adults at noon, and for those continuing on, “New Approach Ensemble Class” is offer at 1 pm. New Approach is a unique way of accessing and recognizing simple, naturally balanced motions used in everyday life and applying them to learning the fundamentals of violin playing. Michelle Liechti leads both classes.
Youth and adults with different-abilities are invited to join the BMC's “Music Adventure Program” on Thursdays at 3:45 pm starting on Sept. 1. Kristen Carmichael-Bowers and Russell Horton lead this fun class drawing out the natural musical abilities in all of us.
The BMC's 3-tiered student orchestras program has a place for all string students, from beginning to advanced-intermediate level, to play in a large string ensemble under the direction of a conductor. In a relaxed setting, and in a group appropriate to their level of playing, students of all ages explore ensemble playing and develop their music skills.
Student Orchestras meet on Tuesdays, starting Sept. 20: Prima Orchestra, for beginning string players at 3:30 p.m.; Junior Orchestra at 4:30 p.m.; and Senior Orchestra at 5:30 p.m. Prima and Junior Orchestras are led by Michelle Liechti and David Tasgal. Kathy Andrew leads Senior Orchestra.
For lesson and class information, and to download registration forms, visit www.bmcvt.org or call the Brattleboro Music Center at 802-257-4523.