UNIVERSITY'S MUSIC ACADEMY TO LAUNCH SESSION

The Southeast Missouri Music Academy, a non-profit organization under the auspices of Southeast Missouri State University's department of music, is gearing up for the 1994-1995 academic year. Area students in grades one through 12 are invited to enroll for instruction in all band and orchestral instruments, piano, organ and voice.

The academy is dedicated to enriching the lives of students by stimulating a lifelong appreciation of music, said Becky Fulgham, academy director. The academy guides the development of basic musical and performing skills, and has met the requirements for and is a member of the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts.

The segment of the academy for first- through 12th-graders, which will run from Aug. 29 to Dec. 16, includes 15, 30-minute private lessons plus 15 group musicianship classes each semester. Musicianship classes will provide students with the basic tools of music. Instruction will focus on note and rhythm reading, identification of key signatures, scales, chords, composition, ear-training and sight-singing. Instruction will be provided by Sherrie Morton Troxel. Registration deadline for this segment of the program is Aug. 19.

These students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of performance activities, including student recitals and masterclasses. Students may also participate in the Missouri Music Teachers Association student auditions, Missouri High School Activities Association festivals, National Federation of Music Clubs Junior Festival, and various other competitions. Performance is not mandatory, but is encouraged according to students abilities.

As in previous years, the academy also will offer adult piano classes and special classes for young children, Fulgham said.

The adult piano class is designed for beginners and those wishing to brush up on skills learned as a child. Classes start "at the beginning" and are taught in a light "just for fun" atmosphere in groups of six to 12 students, Fulgham said. Skills to be taught include note and rhythm reading, proper hand position, basic chord structure and ensemble playing.

Jeanne Tjaden will teach the classes, which will meet on Tuesdays from 6:15-7:45 p.m in the Electronic Piano Laboratory. Classes will run from Oct. 4 to Nov. 29. Registration deadline is Sept. 23.

Fulgham said an early childhood music class also will be offered from Oct. 4 to Nov. 29 for 4-, 5- and 6-year-olds. The class, titled "Music, Movement and More," is an OrffSchulwerk-based program that uses musical instruments specially designed for young children.

The class exposes the children to basic musical concepts through singing, instrument playing, and dancing. The 4- and 5-year-old class and the 6-year-old class meet for 30 minutes twice a week in an eight-week session. Students must have been 4 years old before July 1, 1994, to participate. Pam Dumey will provide instruction for the class. Registration deadline is Sept. 23.

All classes will be held in the Brandt Hall of Music on the Southeast Missouri State University campus.

Fee information for the various prograrns is available by calling Fulgharn at (314) 651-2378. Partial scholarships are available to a limited number of students who are unable to afford full fees. Some financial information will be required. To apply, contact the academy office at (314) 651-2378.