Opportunities to learn music in our valley expand this year with Studio A opening its doors to a wider variety of individual and group instruction.
Stationed in the building that once housed the Grand Forks Gazette newspaper, Studio A has operated for the past year as a made-to-fit space for individual vocalists and choral groups.
It celebrated its Open House in the spring, with the locally-inspired group from New Zealand - LAVA.
This year, in addition to the youth choral groups – the Sopranos & Co. and the Sopraninos – a Wee Glee Club will be offered for children ages five to eight, as preparatory training in singing and music.
A group acoustic guitar class will introduce guitar fundamentals to beginners aged 10 years to adult.
Laura Jean Hogan, a new professional vocalist in town, will present “Have Voice Will Sing” to vocal neophytes and enthusiasts.
Tracey Garvin and Joan Thompson will present “Classical Nights,” a series of eight sessions destined to spark even the most reluctant operagoer’s interest in classical music!
Along with exploring music for choirs, symphonies, keyboard and chamber groups, two of the classes will be devoted to highlights of The Metropolitan Opera’s 2011-12 broadcasts.
All registrants in the class will be eligible to win two seasons tickets to The Met’s broadcast at The Royal Theatre in Trail.
Veteran music teacher Joan Thompson, who holds a doctorate in music education, runs studio A.
She is familiar with the numerous research studies that have found that musical training has an effect on how the brain gets wired for general cognitive functioning related to memory and attention and is also a firm believer in the passion, purpose and promise music brings to all of our lives.
Given her energy and dedication, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to be had at Studio A this year!
Registration for September classes will be at Studio A on Thursday, Sept. 15 between 4 to 6 p.m. (please use the rear entrance to 7330 Second Street).
For more information, please call 250-666-0113 or e-mail jkathleen@shaw.ca.
– Submitted by Joan Thompson