The Music Preparatory Division of the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Music will host a holiday open house from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Music Prep House located at 3028 Raguet St.
The event will serve as a scholarship fundraiser and will feature a silent auction, according to Pat Barnett, Music Prep division director. Among the silent auction items are musical instruments, such as a full size cello and three violins, along with a Moeck Flauto Dolce Rottenburgh alto recorder, a Moeck tenor recorder, a Schrieber tenor and two Kung soprano recorders, music books, bells for bell choir, and more.
“Because our tuition was raised, students and families are finding it to be more difficult to afford the study of music,” Barnett said. “Our hope is to provide financial assistance to those who seek to study music.”
Twenty-one students are currently benefiting from scholarships awarded this past August, she said.
Bricks are still available for purchase in the “Pathway to Music” at the Prep House. Bricks are being sold for $100 on the pathway, $200 on the porch steps and $500 for corporate donors. The corporate donors will have two bricks engraved with words of support for the Music Preparatory Division’s scholarship fundraiser.
“Buying a brick for someone makes a great Christmas gift, because you are giving the gift of music,” Barnett said.
Those who want to purchase a brick are encouraged to download a “Pathway to Music” order form available on the Music Prep website at www.music.sfasu.edu/prep. For more information, call (936) 468-1291 or email musicprep@sfasu.edu.
Prep students will showcase their musical talents by providing entertainment during the open house, and refreshments will be served.
Music Prep offers musical training on any level of proficiency. Overall musicianship is stressed in addition to the study of an instrument. Private music lessons are offered in piano, violin, viola, cello, double bass, harp, classical guitar, voice, percussion, French horn, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, composition, euphonium and flute. Also, Music Prep offers an orchestra – Piney Woods Youth Orchestra – as well as the SFA Children’s Chorus, the Piney Woods Chorale, an adult piano class, Music Theory Adventures classes and Kindermusik. Music Prep teaches all ages, from infants to 80 and beyond. Music therapy is also offered.
Registrations for spring 2015 are being accepted now. Forms are available on the Music Prep website.
