Manchester Community Music School
Classes and Groups for All Ages
*New Fall Classes*
Artful Connections to Music History
Explore the wonderful world of music history greats from J.S. Bach to John Williams. Listen to their masterpieces, learn about unique instruments like the glass harmonica, and express your reactions through a variety of art projects. Join us to design masks for Grieg’s famous March of the Gnomes in October to making fish for Saint-Saen’s Aquarium.
Instructor: Liz Hodges
Ages: 7-13
Wednesday’s 4:15-5:00pm Starts Sept. 27th
Tuition: $70 plus a $5 Materials Fee
Digital Keyboard Orchestra
Dive into the world of ensembles by playing different orchestral sounds on the keyboard. Learn different rhythms, play songs with your peers, and explore different “instruments” while you play the piano. Must have completed level 1 of the Faber, Suzuki, and Alfred Piano series, or be a late beginner/early elementary player.
Instructor: Liz Hodges
Ages: 8 and up (Adult group available upon request) Tuesdays 4:15-5:00pm Starts Sept. 26th
Tuition: $70
NHMEA Jazz All-State Vocal Audition Preparation
In this two-session workshop, students in grades 9-12 will prepare a jazz vocal étude and “That’s All” for the Jazz All-State auditions in October. Students will also learn strategies for the sight-reading.
Instructor: Jill Pennington
Monday Sept. 11th and 18th from 6:00pm-8:00pm
Tuition: $65
NHMEA All-State Vocal Audition Preparation
In this two-session workshop, students in grades 9-12 will prepare a selected chorale and “Victoria, Mid core” for the All-State auditions in November. Students will also learn strategies for the sight-reading.
Instructor: Jill Pennington
Monday Oct. 2nd and 9th 6:00pm-8:00pm
Tuition: $65
Daytime Divas
A vocal exploration class designed to encourage female vocalists who never had the opportunity to take voice lessons, but want to explore their singing potential. Classes will include warm ups, a cappella singing, and other vocal enticements.
Instructor: Ellen Nordstrom
Wednesdays 11:00am-11:45am Start date TBD
Tuition: $60 for 5 weeks
A Cappella Auditioning
Class includes vocalizing, light exercise, and performing a capella. This class aims to strengthen a cappella auditioning via presentation and stage deportment tips, considers timing, as well as assists in choosing one’s “sweet” key and sharing how to become your own best friend on stage without the benefit of accompaniment.
Instructor: Ellen Nordstrom
Wednesdays Start day and time TBD
Tuition: $60
Flute Choir
For flute players of all ages levels intermediate-advanced. Join us for a fun experience playing with others and becoming more rhythmically independent. Learn symphonic repertoire such as Mozart’s Magic Flute Overture and fan favorites such as the music from Harry Potter. This ensemble performs several times a year at events such as the Fall Fun Festival, events outside the school, and our composer themed recitals. No audition required. Stop by any time to play with us on a rehearsal or hear a concert!
Instructor: Aubrie Dionne
All Ages: Intermediate-Advanced
Thursdays 6:30-7:30pm starts Sept. 8th
September 8th-May TBA
Tuition:$525 per year
String Quartet
Learn advanced level music while working on musicianship and ensemble playing. Audition Required.
Instructor: Elliott Markow
All Ages: Advanced
Mondays
Starts in September
Tuition:$525 per year
Jazz Combo for Adults and High School Students, Junior Jazz
Work in a small jazz ensemble and perform jazz standards with a focus on improvisation and jazz technique.
Instructor: Russ Ryan
Mondays from 6:00-7:00pm (Junior) Thursdays from 7:00-8:00pm (Advanced)
Tuition: $525 per year
Folk String Orchestra
For players of any string instrument looking for ensemble playing, including guitar, mandolin, ukulele, string bass, and others. The Folk String Orchestra is a group of musicians who are continuing the old-time British American music tradition. Many of the tunes in this tradition have roots reaching back to the musical traditions of the British Isles. Today’s String Bands play all styles of music, including classical, folk, jazz, country, and bluegrass.
There will be plenty of guidance and coaching from the instructor on how to come up with your own parts, improvisation, creating solo breaks, fills, harmonies, bass lines and chordal accompaniments; how to listen and respond to what everyone else is playing, and how to blend in effectively as a band.
This ensemble meets for the full academic year, and will perform in conclusion of each semester. Additional performance opportunities will be available.
Instructor: John Zevos
Wednesdays: 6:00-7:00pm starts September 7th
Teen through Adults
All Levels of Playing Ability
Tuition: $525 Per Year
Percussion Ensemble
Perform pieces that range from traditional ensemble pieces to contemporary, African, Brazilian, “junk”, and possibly drum kit pieces, depending on skill level.
Instructor: Jared Steer
All Ages: Intermediate
Mondays
Starts in September
Tuition:$525
2G MCS – Second Generation Manchester Choral Society at the Music School
Second Generation Manchester Choral Society is an auditioned youth choir whose members represent six Manchester area middle and elementary schools. Established in the spring of 2012, through a collaboration between Manchester Choral Society (MCS) and Manchester Community Music School (MCMS), 2G MCS provides a unique opportunity for exceptional young singers to perform a variety of choral works. Both MCS and MCMS are committed to educational outreach and to providing young students with experiences that promote a love of music. 2G MCS will collaborate again with Manchester Choral Society this fall on their Christmas Tapestry Concert
Music Director: Krystal Morin, Accompanist: Elizabeth Blood
Ages: Grades 4 – 8; Audition required
Class Time: 5 – 6:00 in the Recital hall
Tuition: $250 per year
Audition required. Any child from grades 4 – 8, is open to audition (Manchester and surrounding towns) There is no prepared piece or exercise. Singers should arrive ready to sing individually and in a group. We will learn warm ups, music reading exercises and some selected repertoire.
Auditions will be held on Monday, September 19th from 5 – 6:00 pm.
To schedule an audition, email Krystal Morin at Krystalamorin@gmail.com. Download a letter to parents from the conductor.
Adult String Ensemble
For adults who are at an intermediate or advanced level on violin, viola, and cello. Enjoy this opportunity for adult students and amateurs to play chamber music with their peers in a professional, nurturing environment. A variety of repertoire will be explored, with ample time to get to know your fellow musicians.
Instructor: Deborah Markow
Ages: Adult
Class Time: 7:00–8:30 pm
Day of week: Mondays, Starts Oct. 3rd
Tuition: $500 per year
Jazz Combo
Work in a small jazz ensemble and perform jazz standards with a focus on improvisation and jazz technique.
Instructor: Russ Ryan
Ages: High School Students and Adults
Class Time: 7:00–8:30 pm
Day of week: Thursdays
Tuition: $510 per year
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