Summer learning at the Appell Center for the Performing Arts is heating up.
This summer we've got options for all ages and interests, from songwriting to improv to building your own instrument.
Tot Rock
Saturday, July 8, 15, 22 & 29
Ages 0-5
About Tot Rock:
Tot Rock is rooted in the fundamentals of early childhood music learning theories from a number of reputable and educated sources. As you may (or may not) expect, there are many different approaches to music education, even at this young age.
Even more important than musical concepts is the quality time Tot Rock aims to provide you and your children. We strive to create a safe, fun, positive space full of music, laughter, and shared experiences. We also encourage adult interaction and conversation, especially during our built-in free play. Music is the foundation of many communities and we hope to start that groundwork with each other and our children.
Click here to register
Songwriting 101:
Masterclasses for Budding Lyricists and Composers
Wednesday, July 12
Grades 9-12
Is your high schooler looking for a way to get their creative wordsmithing put to music? All students approaching grades 9 thru 12 are invited to participate in two unique masterclasses where they will learn what has historically made good comedy and musical theatre songwriting successful. Each class is led by critically acclaimed songwriter and the 2019 New York Theatre Company New/Emerging/Outstanding (NEO) Writer Amanda D’Archangelis, whose credits include The Disembodied Hand... and Blatantly Blaine – A “Family” Musical, both listed as “Best Things To See This Week” by TimeOut New York . Alongside Sami Horneff, Amanda has also written The Radium Girls: A Jaw Dropping Musical and Single Rider, which ran off Broadway at the Players Theater and has since been optioned by David Treatman Creative.
Musical Theatre Songwriting 101
9AM – Noon
This masterclass demystifies musical theater hit songs by looking at what makes a song stick.Participants will explore classic and modern musical theater songs, listening to and discussing the forms, structure, rhythms and themes that make them timeless, then use what they learn to write their own Musical Theatre song. Minimal to no music experience required…only a desire to learn.
Register Here
Comedy Songwriting 101:
1 – 4PM
Become the next Bo Burnham! We’ll look at commonly used comedy song structures dating back to vaudeville through modern productions like Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and Saturday Night Live, and learn what makes them funny. Students will then use the elements learned to write their own comedic song. Minimal to no music experience required…only a desire to get the laugh!
Register Here
Improv Comedy:
Come ready to laugh the day away while learning classic and new wave improv games that will jostle your brain and tickle your funny bone!
DO NOT FEAR! Massive brain growth and rapid development of a positive outlook and personal resourcefulness are simply useful by-products!
SHOWTIME! Invite family and friends to chuckle their cares away while you leap into the comedic air and land with your improv pals in bouncy hilarity!
One Day Intensive
Thursday, July 20th
Ages 9-12
Click here to register
&
One Day Intensive
Friday, July 21st
Ages 13-18
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Mindful Musicianship:
Keep Calm and Nail That Performance
Tuesday, July 25
Grades 9-12
Being a musician demands both intense focus when practicing and freedom of expression when performing. Players need to be aware of physical technique but also be able to let go to reach a state of flow. Musicians must focus on individual performances while remaining aware of and in tune with their fellow musicians and audience. Since there are so many demands, it’s not surprising that performers may develop performance anxiety, depression, frustration and even perfectionism. It’s challenging to get the music out when it’s stuck in our heads.
In this masterclass, participants will:
Identify the most common mental and emotional problems that stop them and other young musicians like them in their tracks.
Develop plans for what must be done inside and outside of the practice room to improve individual and group performance.
Learn exercises that can be done every day to bring more joy, calm, and awareness to the music and one’s personal life.
Have the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned immediately in a mock audition with members of the York Symphony Orchestra
The masterclass will be led by Jose Johnson, a professional musician, author, educator, speaker, consultant, personal mastery coach, and entrepreneur. Jose is also an expert on mindfulness and peak performance techniques, and offers similar workshops across North America. He has been featured in numerous international publications for his work in the field. His goal is to give people the tools they need to change their lives by using an innovative and integrated approach that combines the yin and yang of ancient practices and modern science. He is the host of the podcast series “Trumpet Gurus Hang,” and is an endorsing artist for Vennture Mouthpieces, Warburton Musical Products, Barkley Microphones, and Robinson’s Remedies.
Participants will be asked to choose a sample audition piece and bring it and their instrument to the class.
Whap-ama-phone
A week-long camp for young musicians
August 7-11
Ages 10-14
Music can truly come from anywhere – even from the pipes used for plumbing in your house! Participants in this remarkable camp will design and create their own PVC Pipe “Whap-ama-phones,” like those made popular by Blue Man Group and other “found sound” artists. Then we will learn a few songs and perform a concert at the Appell Center! No maker or music experience is required – just the desire to build something really cool and create their own distinctive sound!
Click here to register
