Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - New students interested in enrolling in private or group music lessons through the Music Preparatory Division of Stephen F. Austin State University and those who want to audition for the SFA Children's Chorus or Piney Woods Youth Orchestra can do so on Saturday, Aug. 21, at the Music Prep House, 3028 Raguet St. in Nacogdoches.
"We invite new students and parents to come to Prep House from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in order to meet the faculty and learn more about our offerings," said Pat Barnett, division director. "We offer private lessons for voice, piano, Suzuki violin/viola/cello, traditional violin/viola/cello and bass, classical and rock guitar, harp, flute, horn, percussion and other instruments as requested."
Auditions for third through eighth graders who would like to join the SFA Children's Chorus will also be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Students should come prepared to sing a simple song for choir directors Nicole Stewart and Brandon Nichols. An organizational meeting will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 28. Audition can be conducted at this time also.
"This community choir supplements the choral education and performance opportunities available to young people in East Texas," Barnett said. "Vocal confidence will be developed through a wide variety of repertoire, including three-part pieces and foreign language texts."
During the 12 weeks, the group will focus on intonation, breathing, proper vocal production and diction skills. The semester culminates in a public concert, and other performances may be arranged.
The choir will rehearse in Room 125 of the Wright Music Building from 4:45 to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, beginning Sept. 14 and ending on Dec. 7. Cost is $75 for the semester.
Auditions for the Piney Woods Youth Orchestra, directed by Drs. Evgeni Raychev and Jennifer Dalmas, will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21, and Sunday, Aug. 22, in the Music Prep House.
"The orchestra provides an opportunity for our talented student musicians to gain orchestral experience," said Barnett. "At present, the group is composed mainly of string players, but wind instrumentalists are encouraged to audition."
The orchestra will rehearse in Room 170 of the Wright Music Building from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Mondays, beginning Aug. 30. An end-of-the-semester concert will be held in December.
Cost is $75 for students enrolled in private lessons through the Music Preparatory Division and $150 for others.
More information about the Music Preparatory Division is available at www.music.sfasu.edu/prep or by calling Barnett at (936) 468-1291.