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 SFA Piney Woods Chorale can do so on Saturday, Aug. 4, at the Music Prep House, 3028 Raguet St. in Nacogdoches. Auditions for the Piney Woods Orchestra will be held on Friday, Aug. 24.
East Texas students interested in learning how to play the harp can take lessons from internationally acclaimed harpist Emily Mitchell through the Music Preparatory Division of Stephen F. Austin State University. Mitchell is one of many SFA music faculty and student teachers who offer private instructions through the Music Preparatory Division. Registration for fall lessons is now in progress.
“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, harp, classical guitar, flute, oboe, trumpet, horn, saxophone, percussion and other instruments as requested.”
Auditions for third through fifth graders who would like to join the Children’s Chorus and sixth through 12th graders interested in being a part of the SFA Piney Woods Chorale will also be held in the Music Prep House 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 supplements the choral education and performance opportunities available to young people in East Texas,” explained Barnett. “The group focuses on intonation, breathing, proper vocal production and diction skill.”
Members of the Piney Woods Chorale will learn intermediate level theory, sight-singing and ear training. They will sing advanced choral music in multiple parts and foreign languages.
“Both choirs conduct end-of-the-semester concerts and take part in other performance opportunities, said Barnett. “And this year will be especially fun since a June trip to Disney World in Orlando, Fla., is being planned for the choirs.”
Both choirs will meet on Tuesdays in Room 170 of the Wright Music Building, the Children’s Chorus from 4 to 5 p.m., and the SFA Piney Woods Chorale from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Auditions for the Piney Woods Youth Orchestra, directed by Drs. Evgeni Raychev and Jennifer Dalmas, will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24, 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 on Aug. 27. An end-of-the-semester concert will be held in December.
More information about the Music Preparatory Division is available at www.music.sfasu.edu/prep or by calling Barnett at (936) 468-1291.
