spring programs
Our Spring Semester begins February 1, 2010. Here is a listing of available Group Classes and Ensembles. Many are brand new! If the class is listed as "TBA", no specific time has yet been set. Please call the Business Office to express interest and let us know what days and times might work for you. We will try to coordinate a time that works for all interested students.
At the bottom of this list, we show 4 special classes planned for the February Vacation Week, Feb. 15-19. We are also planning some April Vacation Week classes, and will add them to this listing a month or so in advance.
Synthesizers 101: Digital Piano Workshop Grades 6 and up Tom Briggs session 1: up to April break session 2: after April break 8 weeks, day/time TBA $160 Explore the unique capabilities of our exciting new state-of-the-art YPG Yamaha digital pianos and perform creative musical arrangements that are tailored for the group level. Musical styles range from classical to jazz to popular music and kid’s songs. Reinforce note reading and an understanding of chords, clefs, and rhythms while exploring the contemporary digital sounds. Students will be grouped by experience and schedule availability. Prerequisite: one year of private piano instruction, and/or the ability to read treble and bass clefs and have a general understanding of notation, reading, and rhythm. Grades 6 and up.
Blues Techniques for Keyboard Session 1: Feb. 1 - April 9 Tom Briggs
Jazz Techniques for Keyboard Session 2: April 19 - June 11 Tom Briggs
8 weeks, day/time TBA $160 45-minute classes
Sign up for one or both of these specialty classes with our Jazz Specialist, Tom Briggs. Blues/jazz chord theory, styling, improvisation. Classes of 3-4 students will be grouped by schedule availability. Call or email the Business Office to let us know your availability. Prerequisite: High school and adult keyboardists with the ability to play the piano at an intermediate or advanced level.
Global Beat – Afro-Caribbean Percussion
Tom Briggs All ages, no experience necessary
Call to register at least one week in advance for each individual session
Saturdays: February 27, March 13, March 27 12:00-1:30 $10 per person per class. (Discount available for families of 3 or more) Advance registration and payment required.
This group percussion experience will introduce you to exotic instruments from around the world such as the djembe, djoun-djoun, shekere, conga and bongos. A great family activity, group drumming fosters respect, cooperation and teamwork as well as cultural understanding, and can be a wonderful classroom tool for teachers. Use our drums, or bring your own. Special scout troop or other group pricing available – call for information.
CMS Adult Performing Ensemble
Tom Briggs Adults, all instruments Tuesdays, 2:15-3:15 $100 for the semester
Experience the joy of making music together and performing in public. The music will be a mixed repertoire of folk, jazz, classical and pop, all arranged by Tom Briggs specifically for the members of this group. Prerequisite: Basic instrumental skills (intermediate level).
New Horizons Band of the Connecticut-Valley Shore
Director, Patricia Hurley Adults, winds and percussion, beginners. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:00-12:00
Session 2: January 5-March 18 $140 for 10 weeks (20 lessons and rehearsals)
Session 3: March 30-June 10 $140 for 10 weeks (20 lessons and rehearsals)
Please contact us for more information about this program of group instruction and ensemble performance for adults who are beginners or who are returning to an instrument they haven’t played in many years. Prerequisite: Desire to learn to play an instrument.
CMS Jazz Ensemble
Tom Briggs Rehearsals on Saturdays beginning Feb. 6, 10:00-11:15
$100 for the semester (13 weeks) Grades 7-12
Intermediate and advanced instrumentalists make up this performing jazz band. Mr. Briggs creates custom charts for each member. The program focuses on ensemble performance and improvisation techniques, working toward a June concert or two. Prerequisite: New students should set up an audition or be recommended by their private instructor.
Adult Group Voice
Karli Gilbertson Wednesdays, 7:00 - 8:00 or Fridays, 11:00 - 12:00 16 weeks, $400
Our Artist in Residence will coax your inner performer to come out into the spotlight! We’ll work on solos and duets in a relaxed atmosphere, concentrating on projection, breathing and sound placement to help you shine. All styles and voice parts encouraged to join this upbeat group class. This class is perfect for choral singers as well as adults who’ve always wanted to improve their singing. We won’t push you beyond your comfort level.
Group Keyboard Classes for Beginners
Day/time TBA $320 for 16 weeks
We will keep waiting lists for group beginners (either adults or children) forming new classes grouped by age and schedule availability, daytime or evening. Groups that began in the fall will continue if at least 3 students are interested in doing so.
Slow Fiddle Jams
Martha Herrle All ages, $5 drop-in fee each time
Sundays: January 31, February 28, March 28, April 25, May 30, June 27 3:00-4:00
Fiddles, guitars, mandolins, banjos, penny whistles – whatever your instrument, we’d love to have you join us at these drop-in Slow Jams. So much fun! Sheet music available in the Business Office two weeks in advance. Prerequisite: Basic instrumental skills and a country twang!
Recorder Ensembles
Bruce Larkin Thursdays, time TBA (60 minutes) 16 weeks, $100
For those of you who play soprano, alto, tenor or bass recorders and would like to join a group, this performing ensemble will study pieces from a variety of time periods, working toward a concert in June. Open to adults and teens with intermediate/advanced skills.
Recorder Instruction
Bruce Larkin Thursdays, time TBA (45 minutes) 16 weeks, $320
If you don’t play the recorder yet, this class is a great way to get started on an instrument that provides instant gratification and only a small investment (about $35). With practice, you’ll soon conquer the fingering patterns and note reading, and be making music in no time!
Intro to Guitar
Amy Hemenway Wednesdays TBA Grades 2 and 3 16 weeks, $320
Beginning guitar techniques for young children. You will need to provide an appropriate instrument, most likely a half-size guitar with nylon strings (not a toy). Basic music notation and fundamentals. Expect to practice daily.
Music Makers
Amy Hemenway Wednesdays, 4:00 - 4:45 Grades K-3 16 weeks, $320
Using a variety of engaging activities and games, we’ll have fun exploring different ways to make music, using the piano, guitars, singing and rhythm instruments. An active hands-on class!
Introduction to Singing
Shari Wilcox Thursdays, 3:45 - 4:30 16 weeks, $320
For boys and girls in grades 1-5 who love to sing. It’s important to get a good start with proper technique. We’ll concentrate on solo work in a group setting.
Chamber Music Evenings
Christine Coyle/Martha Herrle Tuesdays, 6:30-8:00 starting April 20 8 weeks, $80
These sessions for intermediate and advanced musicians, both strings and winds, will encourage ensemble playing. What a lovely way to experience the joys of playing in a group! We’ll choose a variety of pieces to work on, and may break up into small groups. Class size is limited to 24, so sign up early!
Kindermusik® Instructor: Nancy Thomas
All Kindermusik prices include home materials. If you already own the materials from an older child, please let us know so we don’t order them again for you.
Village - ages 6 - 18 months, with adult 8 weeks, $117
Village classes engage your baby with an array of sounds, images, tactile and movement experiences. At Home materials include CD, story, musical instrument, home journal, carry bag. Tuesdays: 9:15 - 9:55Our Time - ages 18 months – 3 years, with adult 16 weeks, $212
Children are introduced to singing, chanting, moving, listening and playing simple instruments. Language skills are fostered with songs, sound imitation and vocal play, while creative dancing affirms a child’s urge to keep moving. At Home materials include CD, story book, a musical instrument and carry case.
Tuesdays: 9:45 – 10:25 Wednesdays: 10:00 – 10:40 or 10:45 – 11:25
Imagine That - ages 3 and 4 years, without adult 16 weeks, $222
A wide variety of musical subjects and hands-on projects are introduced through singing, listening, moving and exploring. At Home materials include CD, songbook, activity cards and backpack. Wednesdays: 11:30-12:10Young Child - ages 4 and 5, without adult 16 weeks, $282
Broaden your child’s musical experience and understanding in classes that introduce reading and writing music and playing a variety of simple instruments, all with an emphasis on enjoyment! These classes are a continuation of the fall classes, but new students may join if there are spaces available. Thursdays: 1:00 – 2:00 (children should enter Kindergarten in Sept. 2010)
SPECIAL EVENT:
The CMS Piano Faculty presents
ROUND ROBIN PIANO WORKSHOP
SATURDAY, MARCH 6 9:30 - 12:15 $32 (Siblings may enroll for $30 each)
Supplement your regular lessons with this Saturday workshop, where the focus will be on improving a variety of skills such as rhythm and note reading. Participants will be grouped according to their piano experience. Each group will rotate through 4 stations for special “mini-classes” with CMS instructors Marilyn Lazare, Tom Briggs, Nancy Thomas and Joni Gage.
Open to children ages 8-13 with one year or more of piano study. Children from outside Community Music School are welcome to participate. Bring a piece that you are working on - we’ll have a Mini Recital. Parents are invited to observe beginning at 11:30. Registration deadline, March 1.
SPECIAL VACATION WEEK CLASSES:
Rock Week Tom Briggs and Steve Roane 9:30 - 12:00 daily, Feb. 15-19 plus performance on Friday Feb. 19 at 7:30 pm $185 Group class to learn and perform nine classic rock pieces by Eric Clapton, Sting, the Rolling Stones and more! Invite your friends and family to the final show at the Centerbrook Meetinghouse. Prerequisite: Intermediate/Advanced guitar, piano, horn and percussion students, grades 6 and up. Registration deadline: February 8 to allow for creation of charts.
Mad Musical Scientists! Christine Coyle
1:00 - 3:00 daily, Feb. 16, 17 and 18 $60 Grades 3 - 6
Three days of hands-on activities and experiments that will introduce you to the science of sound and music. These projects combine science, creativity and fun. We’ll make our own instruments, too! Please register by February 5 to help our planning.
Song & Dance Joni Gage
10:00 - 12:00 daily, Feb. 15-19 Performance Friday Feb. 19 at 11:00 $100 Grades 1-6
Get into the act as we sing and perform a variety of musical numbers from Broadway to pop. We’ll focus on vocal expression, character exploration, dance movements and group choreography. As with our Broadway Bound summer workshops, the accent will be on fun! Invite your friends and family to our performance on the last day.
Melton, The Warm-Hearted Snowman Shari Wilcox
10:00 - 12:00 daily, Feb. 15 - 19 Performance Friday Feb. 19 at 1:30 $150 Grades K-4
Melton is everyone's friend. In fact, he's so full of love and cheer, that the tiniest thing sets his heart aglow and his body a-meltin'. One chorus of Oh Christmas Tree and he shrinks an inch — not a good situation if you are a snowman! With a heart that warm, he'll soon be nothing but slush! Your young thespian will love performing in this winter musical for young voices. Invite your friends and family to our performance on the last day.
Registration policies: Community Music School reserves the right to cancel classes with insufficient enrollment. Waiting lists will be kept once classes are filled. All students taking classes of 8 or more weeks duration will be charged a $15 registration fee each semester. You may register in person or by telephone at (860) 767-0026. Please check our website or handbook for general policies such as attendance, holidays, and closure due to inclement weather. Full payment required at registration for the February vacation-week programs.
Community Music School is a tax-exempt, non-profit educational organization (501-(C)3) as recognized by both State and Federal agencies. Donations are tax-deductible for income tax purposes as provided by law. CMS admits students and administers its educational and financial aid programs without regard to race, color, religious belief, age, sex, nationality or ethnic origin. The school is handicapped accessible and has ample free parking.