We've got some exciting new choices available for people interested in music, drama and art. Take a look:
Take Note - Youth Music Ensemble207-3132
By audition Ages 13 - 20
If music is your passion and performing is your dream, then becoming a member of the Parks and Recreation Department’s Youth Music Ensemble, Take Note, should be your destination. Each year in August auditions are held to select the city’s best young musicians to form this premier performing musical group. The age requirement for participation is 13 to 20 years. Once selected the members receive specialized training in both vocal and instrumental music, music theory, group rehearsal techniques, how to organize, coordinate and manage live show performances, how to negotiate contracts, how to protect and copyright original song lyrics and music compositions. In addition to the business, education and individualized training received the group members will receive professional counseling on possible career opportunities in music. They will also participate in numerous live show performances at major venues throughout the city showcasing their talents with the musical styles of pop, rock, jazz, blues, Broadway, country, rhythm & blues, hip hop, rap and more. This program is a must for the aspiring young musician. It is designed to greatly improve your musical and performance skills and increase your knowledge of the music business. You will enter the program as a novice and leave a pro, the rest will be up to you. Theater Arts
207-3132
Ages 9 to Adult
$30 per session
Five sessions offered yearly It’s show time year round in the Parks and Recreation Theater Arts program. Whether you’re interested in acting, scriptwriting or production design, our Theater Arts classes will give you the opportunity to develop your skills and talents while learning the techniques and principles of the theater.
You'll learn theater games and exercises, improvisation techniques, character development, set and costume design, as well as perform an original or published ensemble or individual theater piece for the public. Classes are offered to youth ages 9–12 years, 13–17 years, and adults
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Dance, Art and Music Classes
Mass registration for the Summer 2008 session will be June 10 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Berta Almaguer Dance Studio, 138 S. Josephine with the session beginning June 16 and running through July 26. The cost for the six to eight-week session of dance, art and music classes is $30. You may enroll in a second class during the same session for $15. siblings or other family members living in the same household may sign up for $25.
Classes are held at Cuellar, Hamilton, Melendrez, Normoyle, and Southside Lions Community Center, the Berta Almaguer Dance Studio, Commander's House and Lion's Field Adult and Senior Citizens Center and some music classes are held at Sam Ashe music store, 25 N.E. Loop 410. Programming includes classes for youngsters ages 4 and up, adults and some intergenerational classes that parents, grandparents and children can take together.
The Parks and Recreation Department has a wide range of special programs that focus on the arts. The section currently offers approximately 165 dance, music, art and tumbling classes.
Dances classes for youth include beginning Jazz and Hip Hop, Tap, Ballet, Afro-Brazilian, Mexican folkloric and Spanish Flamenco. For youngsters with other interests, the department also offers beginning and intermediate tumbling, beginning percussion, guitar, keyboard, drawing, painting and pottery classes.
Dance classes for adults include beginning Spanish Flamenco, Mexican Folklorico and Afro-Brazilian, offered at the Berta Almaguer Dance Studio.
For more information, call 207-3132, 207-3133, or 207-3134.
Summer Session 2008 Schedule (Microsoft Excel Document)
Summer Session 2008 Schedule (PDF Document)
For more information on our classes, pageant and talent shows, please visit the links listed below:
2007 Contemporary Art Month (CAM)
Creaciones de Papel/Paper Creations Workshop
BRAVO! An Evening of Song and Dance
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For more information email Special Programs.
For TTY assistance, call 210-207-3039.