Regular school year lesson will run this year from Tuesday, September 6, 2011, through Monday, June 18, 2012. A complete schedule is included in this newsletter, and is also available on the website. We have changed our policies slightly regarding tuition and payments. You should have received a separate write-up regarding the new policies with your first invoice, so please read it carefully, and get back to us with any questions.

The Renaissance Center for Music has professional instructors who teach private lessons in the following: piano, voice, saxophone, flute, clarinet, oboe, English horn, violin, viola, guitar, banjo, mandolin, dulcimer, harmonica, trumpet, trombone, and other low brass instruments.

In addition, we have multi-lesson group programs scheduled for the fall, and descriptions are included in this newsletter. Consider all the fun possibilities for music enrichment! Anne Westerman will handle all questions and registrations for these group programs – please call her at (203) 264-0405.

Lyn Nagel returns!! Caroline Strange will focus on her vocal training at WCSU this semester, and Lyn will teach the Broadway and Cabaret classes on Wednesday evenings. Lyn Nagel actually developed the Broadway singing programs for the Renaissance Center, and then took time off to complete her certification for teaching in the public schools, among many other accomplishments. She is now teaching music full-time at Holy Cross High School, but has agreed to teach these classes on Wednesday evenings. She is available to teach individual voice lessons before the group programs on Wednesday.

Mark Swigart will return with his excellent ability to teach clarinet, saxophone, flute, oboe, English horn and beginner piano. He will be teaching on Monday afternoons, and looks forward to meeting some new students.

Last, but certainly not least, Seth Uricheck will continue his excellent work with scheduling and other administrative responsibilities, in addition to teaching his private students on string instruments. Allison Savage has graduated from high school and has moved on to University of Connecticut to study music and voice. Good luck Allison! Lauren Bacigalupi will continue to be greeter and organizer behind the desk in the afternoons.

Jan Gregory has been asked recently if she has programs for students younger than five years old. In order to meet the needs of youngsters who are showing a strong interest in music, but are still too young to sit through a group piano or individual lesson, Jan will offer a shorter individual lesson, tailored to four-year-olds. Stay tuned for more details, or contact Jan if you have a child who fits this description.

We at the Renaissance Center are proud to be associated with Jan Gregory’s first-rate women’s a cappella ensemble called “Femina Melodia.” They perform two concerts each year, and their fall concert will take place on Sunday, November 20 at 7:00 p.m. at B’nai Israel, 444 Main Street North in Southbury. The concert title is “Blessings,” and will include original compositions by members of the ensemble and beautiful arrangements of old favorite songs. And the drummers will certainly be performing as well; don’t miss it!

Allison Savage starred in this summer’s Newbury Musical Theatre Company production of “The Sound of Music.” She was joined by other Renaissance Center students: Johnna Fettinger, Samantha McCloghry, Katie Sheets, Emmi Strange, and Hallie Tepperman.

CONGRATULATIONS ! ! !
If you have other news to report, PLEASE let us know.

Fall Group Programs

African Drumming -- Join a group of African drummers who meet monthly and welcome new drummers of all ability levels. Djembe drums are available to borrow, and beginners will be taught whatever is necessary to join in the fun! Experience the joyful community that emerges when we drum together!

Time: First Monday of each month, 7:00 – 8:15 p.m.
Dates: September 12, October 3, November 7, December 5, and January 9
Cost: $20 per person
Instructor: Jan Gregory

Broadway Performance – This group workshop for boys and girls ages 6-10 focuses on proper singing technique through learning songs from Broadway musicals. This session will focus on songs from “Beauty and the Beast.” The workshop will result in a live performance for family and friends at the final session. All voices and ability levels are welcome. Materials included. *Please only bring water in a closed container to rehearsals!*
Time: Wednesdays, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Dates: 10/5, 10/12, 10/19, 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 12/7, 12/13*, and 12/21 (no class 10/26, 11/23 or 11/30)
Cost: $150 for 8 classes, plus a performance
Instructor: Lyn Nagel

Cabaret Performance – Through vocal instruction, our goal is to inspire young artists ages 10-18 to be the best they can be. Each participant will learn two songs: one of their choice and one that the instructor will choose to improve their vocal range and ability. The workshop will result in a live performance, including a song sung by the entire class, for family and friends at the final session. All voices and ability levels are welcome. Instructor's song materials included. *Please only bring water in a closed container to rehearsals!*

Time: Wednesdays, 7:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Dates: 10/5, 10/12, 10/19, 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 12/7, 12/13*, and 12/21 (no class 10/26, 11/23 or 11/30)
Cost: $150 for 8 classes, plus a performance
Instructor: Lyn Nagel

Beginner Group Piano -- Come experience our digital Yamaha keyboards, which allow a small group of students to experience both private, one-on-one instruction as well as group playing. We encourage this class for young students who are planning independent study on the piano, and we have had lots of fun and success with adults too! For the youngest students, one parent is encouraged to accompany the child to optimize their learning experience. You must have a keyboard or piano at home to practice.

Beginner, ages 5 to 7 Thursdays 5:30 – 6:15 p.m. (with parent in attendance)
Beginner, ages 7 to adult Thursdays 6:30 – 7:15 p.m.
Beginner, for adults Tuesdays 1:30 – 2:15 p.m.
Instructor: Estelle Mackenzie Cost: $140, including materials
Schedule: Eight weeks beginning October 4 or October 6

Beginner, ages 5 to 7 Mondays, 5:30 – 6:15 p.m. (with parent in attendance)
Instructor: Henry Church Cost: $140, including materials
Schedule: Eight weeks beginning October 3

Intermediate Group Piano – Assuming you have the basic ability to read music and play keyboard, you will enjoy private, one-on-one instruction, as well as group playing, in our laboratory of digital Yamaha keyboards. The student must have a keyboard or piano at home to practice.

Adults Tuesdays 2:30 – 3:15 p.m.
Instructor: Estelle Mackenzie Cost: $140, including materials
Schedule: Eight weeks beginning September 13

Children ages 5 to 7 Mondays 4:30 – 5:15 p.m. (with parent in attendance)
Instructor: Henry Church Cost: $140, including materials
Schedule: Eight weeks beginning September 19

Ukulele Ensemble -- Playing the ukulele is the hottest craze, and it’s easy to do! Learn to read the music, and play as a group. Ukuleles are available for purchase or to use for rental fee.
Time: Mondays, 7:00 – 8:15 p.m.
Dates: 9/19, 9/26, 10/3, 10/17, 10/24, 11/7, 11/14, and 11/21 (no class 10/10 or 10/31)
Cost: $105, including materials
Instructor: Henry Church

Learn to Play Ukulele -- If you are a beginner, come early and learn the chords to participate in the group ukulele lesson. Again, ukuleles are available for purchase or to use for rental fee.
Time: Mondays, 6:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Dates: 9/19, 9/26, 10/3, 10/17, 10/24, 11/7, 11/14, and 11/21 (no class 10/10 or 10/31)
Cost: $45, including materials
Instructor: Henry Church