Stephen F. Austin State University

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - The Music Preparatory Division of the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Music will register students for private lessons, classes and ensembles from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, August 12, in the Wright Music Building on the SFA campus.

Private lessons in piano, harp, Suzuki violin, traditional violin, cello, classical guitar, saxophone, percussion, flute and voice will begin the week of Aug. 21. The division also offers Kindermusik programs for newborns through age 5 and musicianship classes for beginning and intermediate piano students. Music therapy is also available.

?We request that new students accompany their parents to these registration periods, if at all possible, said Pat Barnett, division director. ?If the child is present, we can better assess which program or level of musicianship is the most appropriate for the child.?

Jennifer Weems, choral director for the Music Preparatory Division, will be directing three separate choirs this year. The non-auditioned Live Wire Choir is open to students in kindergarten through second grade, and Weems will conduct auditions for two new choirs during the registration period.

The Lyric Choir is open to children in third through fifth grades, and the Junior Chorale is open to students in grades six through eight. Auditioners should come prepared to sing a simple song or melody.

Any student unable to attend the choir auditions on Aug. 12 may audition between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19, in Room 125 of the Wright Music Building. For more information on either choir, contact Weems at weemsjr@yahoo.com.

Also new this year is an innovative approach to teaching piano, said Barnett. "With Dr. Ping-Ting Lan's 'Two-at-a-Time' program, she will teach two piano students simultaneously in adjacent rooms, on separate pianos."

Lan said this approach, which she experienced as a child, allows her to instruct, observe and listen to each student during the hour session. "Plus, studying piano with a peer increases progress and enjoyment and enhances learning."

The Piney Woods Youth Orchestra, under the direction of Evgeni Raychev and Jennifer Dalmas, will audition strings, flute and harp instrumentalists at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17, in Room 170 of the Wright Music Building. Auditions will not be conducted on Saturday, Aug. 19, as previously published. For more information on the orchestra, contact Raychev at raycheve@sfasu.edu.

The division also offers opportunities for adults.

"While most of the Music Prep students are under 18, we do accept adults who want to expand their musical training," said Barnett. "Dr. Lan's 'Two-at-a-Time' is open to adults, and she also teaches an intermediate adult piano class on Monday evenings. In addition, adults who want to learn to play an instrument and are beginners are encouraged to take advantage of our offerings."

Additional information on the Music Preparatory Division, including a downloadable registration form, is available at www.music.sfasu.edu/prep. Barnett can be reached via e-mail at pbarnett@sfasu.edu or by calling (936) 468-1291.