Community School of the Arts currently accepting registrations

The Goshen College Community School of the Arts (CSA) is now accepting registrations for private music lessons, classes and ensembles for the fall 2014 semester. The registration deadline for all private lessons is Aug. 22, 2014. Lessons begin the week of August 25.

Private lessons for all ages and levels in voice, piano, strings, flute, clarinet, saxophone, guitar and pipe organ are available and taught by experienced professionals. Suzuki violin and viola lessons, which include private and group instruction, are also available for children age four through eight.

Individual Orff method music lessons, including lessons for individuals with diverse abilities and needs, will be taught by local music educator Ashley Walker, who will work with students on music concepts such as steady beat, improvising, rhythm patterns and melodic patterns using xylophones, singing and movement.

Student instrumental ensembles include CSA orchestras, beginning with Allegro Orchestra for young note readers, Youth Honors Concert Orchestra for upper intermediate players, and Youth Honors Symphony Orchestra for advanced high school players. Auditions for both orchestras will be held at the Goshen College Music Center Sept. 2 and 3 from 4-6 p.m. Call the GC Music Center office (574) 535-7361 to reserve an audition time.

Choir and group singing opportunities for youth include the Shout for Joy choir for grades 6-8 directed by Sandy Hill, Rejoice choir for grades 3-5, directed by Kristin Kauffman, and Sommo Voci for grades 9-12, directed by Marcia Yost. Auditions will be held Aug. 17 from 2-4 p.m. and August 18 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Goshen College Music Center; no appointment is needed. Call the GC Music Center office (574) 535-7361 for more information.

Music Together Big Kids® classes for children age five through seven begin the first week of September, and are available to any child of this age who enjoys music. Big Kids classes prepare children for basic music literacy. Music Together® family classes (music and movement) for children birth to age five plus a caregiver will be held at the Music Center and other locations in Goshen and Elkhart, beginning in mid-September. Complete class listings are available at www.gcmusiccenter.org/musictogether or by calling the Music Center Office at (574) 535-7361.

CSA offerings particularly for adults include New Horizons String Orchestra for players at all levels, in addition to all private lesson options and the Flute Choir.

As a bonus, CSA students and immediate family members may attend many concerts and recitals at the Music Center for free that others pay admission to attend. A list of eligible concerts is available at www.gcmusiccenter.org/concerts.

Last year, over 900 students participated in the programs offered through CSA. Space for some programs is limited so early registration is advised. Need-based scholarships are available for most programs. Please visit www.gcmusiccenter.org or call the Music Center office at (574) 535-7361 for more information or to register.