CUMBERLAND VALLEY SCHOOL OF MUSIC TO OFFER LESSONS, CLASSES AND ENSEMBLES AT ST. ANN ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH IN HAGERSTOWN, MD

Starting in September, 2010, Cumberland Valley School of Music (CVSM) will be providing programs at St. Ann Roman Catholic Church, 1525 Oak Hill Ave., Hagerstown, MD including classes, ensembles, and private lessons.   These programs will be open to the general public, and will be designed for students of all ages.

The first classes to be offered are:

Acting Improv Class – for students in grades 8 – 12, this class will be offered on Tuesdays from 3:30 – 4:45 pm.  Instructor Richard Shoap will provide the class with various situations to spark creative, sponstaneous dialogue with other actors.  Dramatic and comedic timing, physicality, vocal projection and facial expression will be developed as the group works together to create scenes.  As the actor’s improvisational skills develop, they will find more confidence both in acting and in everyday life.

Young Men in Harmony – for students in grades 9 – 12, Wednesdays from 3:15 – 4:00 pm.  Taught by Gerald Kowallis, this group will be devoted to music written especially for men.  Time will be spent developing vocal technique and strategies for dealing with the unique vocal problems encountered by the male singer. 

Young Women in Harmony – for students in grades 9 – 12, Wednesdays from 4:15 – 5:00 pm.  Taught by Gerald Kowallis, choral literature for this class will be chosen from music which fits the vocal ranges and appeals to the interests and vocal capabilities of young women.  Time will be spent on developing vocal technique and strategies specific to the young female voice 

CVSM Rock Band – for students in grades 8 – 12, Fridays from 3:30 – 4:30 pm.  Taught by Maurice Arenas, this class is for traditional rock instruments: electric, acoustic, and bass guitars, keyboard, drums, and vocals.  Participants will learn and perform a selected program of Rock songs, standard Rock “licks” and how to play together as a group.  They will have a concert at the end of the semester.

Private individual instruction is available for students of all ages on a number of instruments, including guitar, piano, violin, and voice. 

Additional classes, ensembles, and instrumental instruction will be added throughout the year as determined by student interest.

Founded in 1990, CVSM is a non-profit member of the National  Guild for Community Arts Education, with 55 faculty members teaching over 600 students a year at locations in Chambersburg (at Wilson College and the Montessori Academy), Mercersburg (at the Mercersburg Academy), Waynesboro (at St. Andrew School and the Fairview Avenue Brethren in Christ Church), and Hagerstown (St. Ann Roman Catholic Church).  They also sponsor a children’s chorus, community symphonic band, community string orchestra, jazz big band, a New Horizon's Band, and numerous workshops, classes, summer camps, concerts, and special events.  Scholarships for all programs are offered based on financial need and merit.  

For information about the Cumberland Valley School of Music or to register for classes or lessons at any of their locations, please call 717-261-1220.

Cumberland Valley School of Music  •  1015 Philadelphia Avenue, Chambersburg, PA 17201  •  (717) 261-1220