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 11, in the Wright Music Building on the SFA campus.

Most of the private lessons in piano, harp, Suzuki violin, traditional violin, fiddle, cello, classical guitar, saxophone, percussion, flute and voice will begin the week of Aug. 20. Choirs will begin meeting the following week, and the Pineywoods Youth Orchestra will begin Sept. 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. The Lyric Choir is open to children in third through fifth grades, and the Junior Chorale is open to students in grades six through twelve. Weems will conduct auditions for these choirs at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 16, in Room 125 of Wright Music Building. Auditioners should come prepared to sing a simple song or melody.

For more information on any of the choirs, contact Weems at weemsjr@yahoo.com.

Evgeni Raychev and Jennifer Dalmas, directors of the Piney Woods Youth Orchestra, will audition prospective orchestra members from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 16, in Room 170 of the Wright Music Building. The orchestra is open to middle and high school students. 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. "Adults who want to learn to play an instrument and are beginners are encouraged to take advantage of our offerings."

"Dr. Ping-Ting Lan also teaches a self-paced, individualized instruction class for intermediate adult piano students on Mondays from 6 to 7:30 p.m., beginning Sept. 10," Barnett added. 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.