BRATTLEBORO — The Brattleboro Music Center's fall semester begins the week of Sept. 8, and offers individual lessons, as well as classes for kids, teens, and adults; instrumentalists, singers, and non-musicians; absolute beginners and accomplished musicians.
Individual and group instruction, for all ages, beginner to advanced, can be scheduled with one of the BMC's 40 accomplished faculty members in any of more than 20 instruments, including voice.
Daytime programs for adults, such as the “Beginner Violin Class” and “Pulse, Pitch and Panache” led by Michelle Liechti, provide an excellent opportunity to explore either an instrument or music, with no previous experience needed. The BMC will even loan you a violin to get you started in the beginning violin class.
Also during the daytime, the “Singing Strong Senior Chorus” led by Susan Dedell, provides the perfect opportunity for older adults to sing with others, with absolutely no prior singing experience or music reading skills necessary. Singing in groups is proven to help seniors stay healthy, alert, and happy.
Toddlers are encouraged to have a rousing good time singing and dancing at the BMC in Annie Frelich's “Movin' Into Music” class for 1-5 year-olds; and the “Little Strummers Ukulele Club” for ages 3-5.
School-aged children, ages 5-7, have an opportunity to explore music through fun, hands-on activities including writing compositions and making instruments in the “Mini-Mozarts” and “Science of Music” classes, both led by Heather Sommerlad.
Alisa Hauser leads the BMC's “Broadway Youth Vocal Performance” class for 7-12 year olds who love to sing, dance, and perform. The class focuses on musicianship, vocal technique, movement, and performance skills as well as developing creativity and confidence.
Young instrumentalists, ages 9-14, enjoy learning and playing together in the “Youth Celtic Classes.” Lissa Schneckenberger leads the introductory class; before students join the next level group led by Keith Murphy and Becky Tracy.
There are also several wonderful opportunities for teens and adults to sing together this fall. Riley Goodemote will lead a collegiate a cappella ensemble providing college-age vocalists an opportunity to sing quality choral and a cappella repertoire in a small ensemble setting.
A cappella groups are taking over our high schools and colleges, but what about the grownups? Jennifer Hansen invites adults to come develop your ear and voice in the adult a cappella workshop she is leading. Jennifer will also lead an adult art song workshop, in an accompanied master class format, later this fall.
Playing music with others is one of the most rewarding experiences, and instrumentalist of all levels are invited to inquire.
This fall, young string players are led by Heather Sommerlad in the Tigers Beginning String Ensemble and Youth String Orchestra; Chamber Music Ensembles at various levels are arranged and led by Music School Faculty; and the Senior Orchestra is led by Moby Pearson. A Flute Ensemble for teens and adults is led by Robin Matathias.
A variety of instruments, and levels, are welcome in the BMC's traditional music program. “Intro to Playing Traditional Music by Ear” is led by Becky Tracy; and Celtic Music Sessions for intermediate and advanced players are led by Tracy and Keith Murphy, who also lead the Youth Celtic Group.
Maestro Hugh Keelan will lead a conducting class open to conductors, people who are conducted, people interested in criticizing conductors and everyone else. All are invited to come find out about the magic of leading behind the wand.
Steve Cady will lead an introductory music theory and musicianship class, providing an ideal opportunity for instrumentalists and singers to improve their sense of musical awareness and develop tools to better understand the action of music through melody and harmony.