Registration, auditions scheduled for SFA's Music Preparatory Division

Members of the 2010-2011 SFA Children's Chorus pose with their directors Nicole Stewart and Brandon Nichols, both standing on the back row, far right. Students interested in auditioning for one of two separate choirs or taking private or group music lessons offered through the SFA Music Preparatory Division can do so on Saturday, Aug. 20. Auditions for the Piney Woods Youth Orchestra will be held on Friday, Aug. 19.

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - The Music Preparatory Division of Stephen F. Austin State University has set dates for new student registration and auditions for two choirs and the Piney Woods Youth Orchestra.

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 Children's Chorus or Junior Chorale can do so on Saturday, Aug. 20, at the Music Prep House, 3028 Raguet St. in Nacogdoches.

"We invite new students and parents to come to the 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 guitar, harp, flute, percussion and other instruments as requested."

Auditions for second through fifth graders who would like to join the Children's Chorus and sixth through eighth graders interested in being a part of the Junior Chorale will also be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Students should come prepared to sing a simple song for choir director Nicole Stewart.

The Children's Chorus is a community choir created to supplement the choral education and performance opportunities available to young people in East Texas, Barnett explained. The group focuses on intonation, breathing, proper vocal production and diction skills and performs a wide variety of repertoire. The chorus will meet from 4:45 to 5:45 p.m. each Monday, beginning Aug. 22. Cost is $120 per semester.

Members of the Junior Chorale will sing choral music in multiple parts and foreign languages and study intermediate level theory, sight-singing and ear training. The ensemble will meet from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. each Tuesday, beginning Aug. 23. Cost is $130 per semester.

A workshop for both choirs will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27, at the Music Prep House. Both groups will perform fall and spring concerts and at other events throughout the year.

Auditions for the Piney Woods Youth Orchestra, directed by Drs. Evgeni Raychev and Jennifer Dalmas, will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19, 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. 29. An end-of-the-semester concert will be held at the end of each semester.

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.