Each element of the Academy brings effective education in the arts to large numbers of people. The programs, although sponsored by St. Peter's Church, are directed to and open to all youth in the area. While the Academy is an important part of the life of St. Peter's Church, it is separate from the parish in terms of its day-to-day operations, its artistic development and programs, and musical integrity.
Concert Series
Established in 1987, St. Peter’s Concert Series is committed to bringing world-renowned artists and regional talent to the Finger Lakes. Past concerts have included English Cathedral Choirs, Vienna Boys’ Choir, the American Boy Choir and the National Girls and Boys Choir of the Czech Republic. In presenting mostly choral and organ programs, the Academy provides musical events not featured in other area venues. The appearances of visiting musicians are typically structured to include time for interactive musical experiences with Academy students.
The Series also features performances by the St. Peter’s Community Choirs. “The Sounds of Christmas” showcases everything from holiday favorites to cathedral classics while the “Spring Sing” spotlights a number of musical styles and traditions. For more than a decade, the Concert Series has been recognized by the New York State Council of the Arts with grants to support its innovative programs. (Click here for events calendar.)
(This organization is supported in part with public funds from the New York State Council of the Arts Decentralization Program, which is administered locally by Finger Lakes Arts Grants and Services, Inc.)
Community Choirs
Beginning in 1987 with ten choristers, the Community Choirs have grown to comprise more than 100 members, divided into four distinct groups: the St. Nicholas Choir (serving grades K-2), the Junior Choir (serving grades 3-6), the Senior Choir (serving grades 7- 12) and the Adult Mixed Choir.
Choristers are taught music literacy, singing skills, and receive training in all areas of musicianship. Each choir is given regular opportunities for performance; the Senior Choir has the distinction of performing throughout the Northeastern United States, England, and France and Scotland.
The Community Children’s Choirs are under the direction of Wendra (Wendy) Trowbridge and the rehearsal schedules are as follows:
St. Nicholas Choir: Tuesdays from 3:45-4:45 pm
Junior Choir: Wednesdays from 3:45-5:00 pm
Senior Choir: Wednesdays from 5:15-6:30 pm
The Adult Mixed Choir is under the direction of MaryAnn (Molly) Hamilton, D.M.A. The primary task of this choir is to sing at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church’s worship services. This choir rehearses on Wednesdays from 7:30-9:00 pm and participation in this choir is tuition free.
Voice Studio
The Voice Studio is under the direction of Jennifer Sisbarro and offers
lessons for students of all ages and abilities. Students will learn the basic concepts of singing and how to properly use the voice from a classically based approach. They will also be trained in general musicianship, and
artistic expression. Students will be exposed to many different styles of
music; and repertoire will be under the discretion of the instructor and
tailored towards the individual student’s interests. A special studio
performance class may be held up to two times a year, and students
will be encouraged to participate in performing for their peers.
Piano Studio
The Piano Studio provides lessons for students of all ages and abilities
with the goal of developing a high level of musicianship through the
traditional approach of note reading combined with an emphasis on
music theory and performance. Students attend a private lesson and
50 minute group class weekly. Recitals are held several times a year
and all students are encouraged to participate. Troy Slocum and Joyce Stanzel are the piano instructors for the Academy.
Organ Studio
Students who have completed five (5) years of piano or who can play the Bach Two-part Inventions are invited to study the pipe organ on St. Peter’s two-manual mechanical action organ. Dr. MaryAnn Hamilton, parish
musician at St. Peter’s, holds a doctorate in organ performance from the Eastman School of Music and is anxious to share her love of the instrument with members of the community.
Students will learn to use both their hands and their feet to make music. Repertoire will include both general and hymn-based pieces as well as the hymns themselves.
Suzuki Violin Studio
Suzuki Violin lessons at the Academy are offered to students of all ages from beginning through advanced levels. The Suzuki method developed in Japan, by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, is based on the premise that all children are born with a high potential for learning, and given the opportunity and proper environment, any child can learn to play an instrument. Students
In the Suzuki program learn to make music using the “mother-tongue”
approach which focuses on listening and imitating, just as they learn to speak.
Parents in the Suzuki violin program have a vital role in the educational process. A parent is required to be an active participant in the lesson and
at group class and help to structure practice at home.
The weekly group classes supplement the private lessons and are an
essential part of the Suzuki program. The group classes give students the opportunity to experience the joy of playing together and for one another.
The Suzuki Program at the Academy is supplemented through scholarship to bestow an educational opportunity to children who would not otherwise be able to afford the substantial fees for private instruction. Lessons are scheduled individually with the Suzuki certified instructors. The Strings Studio Instructors are: Julianna Gray, Ellen Kogut and Loraine Schoenfield.
Cello Studio
Cello lessons at the Academy are offered to students of all ages from
beginning through advanced levels working to achieve excellent
musicianship through use of both traditional and Suzuki methods.
Students develop good practice and performance skills through lessons
in music reading, listening, interpretation and goal setting and are
encouraged to participate in recitals and ensemble opportunities at the Academy. Dr. Jacqueline Wogick leads the Cello Studio.
Hands on the Arts
In order to make the Hands on the Arts Classes at the Academy
more AFFORDABLE to you... the Academy has
slashed its Art Class Fees in HALF!
(click here for print version)
Our department is committed to community art enrichment and art advocacy. The Hands on the Arts hopes to provide an art class for every age, and art instruction for beginner and intermediate levels. As a department we want to extend knowledge on art styles, history, techniques, critiques and showmanship. We will continue to work towards giving each student and opportunity to “show” their finished pieces. Jeanette Nelson leads the Art Studio.
ART CLASSES FOR ADULTS:
Introduction to Drawing and Painting – This is a course for the
beginner and early intermediate adult artist. This course explores the
fundamentals of drawing what you see and adding more specific skills like
form and perspective. Students will also learn the basics of color theory and
use pastels and paints. Students will be introduced to art discussion/critique
and vocabulary. The information in this coursework is cumulative over the
first and second quarter of the school year. Materials included.
Classes are 1 ½ hours. Wednesday morning, 10:00 – 11:30am. $90.00 per 9 week quarter.
ART CLASSES FOR YOUTH:
Middle School Portfolio Class - This class explores a variety of mediums guided by the instructor; painting, collage, charcoals, pastels, sketching. Students will continue to improve on techniques, however the coursework will be student driven. The goal of this class is for students to work on pieces at their own pace to develop a portfolio in their own style. We also want students to concentrate on bringing pieces to a finish, including matting. Basic materials included. Students will bring their art supplies box to build upon. Classes are 1 ½ hours. Thursdays after school, 3:45 – 5:15pm. $90.00 per 9 week quarter.
Elementary Art Enrichment Class - Join your instructor for a class of creative exploration in the visual arts. Each quarter the class will experiment and work with a different medium. The students will learn the fundamentals of the materials and they will get to work on projects on a more in depth level.
The overall objective is to support the young artist to be creative and to
encourage working with and delving into the art materials and projects.
Classes are 1 ½ hours, Tuesdays after school, 3 – 4:30pm. Materials included. $90.00 per 9 week quarter.
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