Lawson Academy Opportunities

1944–2014: SERVING THE COMMUNITY FOR 70 YEARS

Founded in 1944, the Lawson Academy of the Arts at Converse College offers quality instruction in music and dance with an excellent faculty, in a professional yet nurturing environment. We serve over 1,000 families each year and encourage students of all ages from preschoolers to adults to join us. The Lawson Academy also functions as a “lab school,” introducing Converse music students to the experience of teaching. This experience crosses over to the full arts spectrum during the summer when college students staff our Fine Arts Day Camp. They teach classes in visual arts, creative writing, music, dance, and theatre. In addition, our Lawson Band and smaller chamber ensembles provide wonderful collaborative opportunities for students. The Lawson Academy affords the opportunity for Converse College and the Spartanburg community to share in a wonderful learning experience. Join us!

Staff: Paula Morgan, Director Sharalynn Hicks, Assistant Director Janae O’Shields, Director, Fine Arts Day Camp

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 am–4:00 pm

864.596.9022 or www.converse.edu/lawsonacademy Fine Arts Day Camp: 864.596.9607 or www.converse.edu/FADC Member of the National Guild for Community Arts Education since 1984 National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) accredited

SERVING THE COMMUNITY FOR 70 YEARS 2014-2015 Schedule Fall Registration

August 18–29, 2014; 8:30 am–5:00 pm

Spring Registration

January 5–16, 2015; 8:30 am–4:00 pm

Summer Registration May 4–15, 2015; 8:30 am–4:00 pm

Fall Semester September 2, 2014 – January 16, 2015

Spring Semester January 19 – May 15, 2015

Scholarship Auditions March 19–21, 2015

Annual Registration Fee: $25 Late Registration Fee: An additional $35 (Fall Semester: after August 29, 2014; Spring Semester: after January 16, 2015) The $25 registration fee and tuition are payable at the time of registration. A plan of two equal tuition payments is optional. There will be a finance charge on all outstanding balances.

Scholarships Audition Dates: March 19–21, 2015 Applications Due: February 13, 2015 Scholarship auditions are held each spring for the following school year. Approximately 60 scholarships are available. This unique program is made possible through the generosity and support of the following individuals and organizations.

Alia Lawson Endowment Dorothy Chapman Smith Endowment Henry Janiec Endowment Harrison/Romney Endowment Frankie Humphries Endowment Lloyd and Pauline Sigler Endowment Byrd Austell Thompson Cassibry Endowment James Hilton Junior Endowment Peggy Gignilliat Scholarship of The Arts Partnership of Greater Spartanburg Music Foundation of Spartanburg Case Brothers of Spartanburg

Music Club of Spartanburg Spartanburg Philharmonic Music Club Past Presidents’ Assembly Dorothy Horner Colvin Piano Scholarships Moss and Rosa Lee Miller Guitar Scholarships Calvin Lloyd Smithey Scholarship Mary Wiles Smithey Piano Scholarship Tenzell Barbery Piano Scholarship Spartan Felt Company The Emma McDaniel “What Not to Spend” Fashion Show Scholarship

The Lawson Academy has established a Student Assistance Fund. Our goal is to build a $25,000 endowment providing annual revenues for students with financial needs.

To pledge your support for the Lawson Academy Scholarship Program, please contact Paula Morgan at 864.596.9159 or paula.morgan@converse.edu or donate online at converse.edu/lawsonacademy.

Dance Program The Lawson Academy of the Arts offers a unique dance experience for both students and parents. We aim to inspire a true love for dance, while maintaining a disciplined approach to proper technique and classroom behavior. Parents will find that our teachers take a personal interest in their children and work to help every student reach his or her full potential.

Opportunities • Classes are offered for students age 3–adults • Typical areas of study include Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Musical Theatre and Alexander Technique Instructors: Sagen Blackwell Naina Dewan McCree O’Kelley

Class Fees: $160.00 for 16 45-minute classes $200.00 for 16 60-minute classes

2nd class is half price Student Teacher: Emily Patterson

Class Fees: $120.00 for 16 45-minute classes $150.00 for 16 60-minute classes

Discounts do not apply.

Private Lessons are available on request. Discounts do not apply.

Visit our website at www.converse.edu/lawsonacademy to find a complete listing of classes for our upcoming semester as well as a link to our Facebook page.

Musikgarten Musikgarten provides a comprehensive curriculum for children integrating music and motion to foster skill development.

Activities, based on child-development research, provide opportunities for growth in self-awareness, motor skills, and cognitive reasoning – all in a social setting. Materials are included for use at home to continue the learning experience all week long.

Instructors:

Lyn Acosta Sharalynn Hicks Fees: $230 for 14 classes Visit our website at www.converse.edu/lawsonacademy to find a complete listing of classes for our upcoming semester

Childbloom® The Childbloom Guitar Program is a comprehensive musical education program for children between the ages of 5 and 12.

It was developed in 1980 by Kevin Taylor of Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. The Childbloom method of music instruction through the guitar is currently the largest program of its kind in the nation.

The curriculum used in the Childbloom® Program is comprised of music arranged in parts; the student not only learns solo playing skills, but ensemble skills as well.

This enables learning to proceed successfully in groups, thus integrating the young child’s attention span and the adolescent’s expanding social horizon.

Taking a lesson from the Suzuki method, parents are encouraged to attend the lesson with their child.

Instructor: Michael Miller Fees: $325 for 16 classes For further information, contact Michael Miller at 864.585.5774 or mmiller@miller-rowe.com.

Young Children’s Piano Class This piano class provides a fun-filled introduction to group piano for bringing students ages 5-8.

Students will explore concepts of rhythm, melody, and harmony in a collaborative setting that incorporates songs, games, basic theory and keyboard experiences.

Instructor: Sharalynn Hicks

Fees: $340 for 14 classes. (Fees include tuition and class/home materials)

Suzuki Classes The Suzuki philosophy is based on natural learning, just as the child learns his or her native language. Since parental involvement is key to the learning process, one parent accompanies the child to each lesson and in turn becomes the home teacher. The studio teacher guides the parent through this process. From the very first lessons, as the student listens to recordings of the music on CD, he or she develops acute listening skills to play by “ear” even before notational reading is mastered. A weekly private lesson and group class combine to make the Suzuki program a complete learning experience. Parents are advised to wait to obtain instruments until after a teacher consultation.

Class

Ages

Instructor

Fee

Suzuki Piano

4 and up

Erin Galloway

$336 for 16 lessons

Suzuki Piano

4 and up

Sharalynn Hicks

$392 for 14 lessons

Suzuki Piano

4 and up

Suzy Smith

$384 for 16 lessons

Suzuki Violin

4 and up

Lyn Acosta

$468 for 13 private and 13 group classes

Suzuki Violin

4 and up

Lyn Acosta

$156 for 13 group classes ( must be taking private lessons also)

Suzuki Violin

4 and up

Meredith Pendley $304 for 16 lessons

Don’t miss our Instrumental Petting Zoo! Great for toddlers through elementary age!

Saturday, November 1, 2014

Music Therapy Program Individual Music Therapy sessions are offered to children with special needs. A variety of music experiences is used to improve cognitive, communicative, social and emotional development. Initially, parents schedule an assessment and interview with the Director of Music Therapy to determine a child’s suitability for music therapy. After acceptance into the program, goals are individualized and developed based on the needs, preferences and abilities of each child. Sessions can be designed to improve receptive and expressive language, fine and gross motor skills, attending behavior, basic academic concepts, creativity and musicality.

Music Therapy sessions are conducted by Board Certified Music Therapists (MT-BC) or by music therapy students under the supervision of an MT-BC.

Director of Music Therapy: Elizabeth York, PhD, MT-BC Music Therapist: Laurie Peebles, MT-BC Fees: $80 for an Assessment Session

$360 for 12, 30–minute weekly sessions

$480 for 12, 45–minute weekly sessions

For further information contact Elizabeth York at

Nurturing Preschool Opportunities (Beginning ages will vary with individual programs/ studios.)

Classes/Lessons

Instructor

Musikgarten

Lyn Acosta Sharalynn Hicks

Childbloom® Guitar

Michael Miller

Young Children’s Piano Class

Sharalynn Hicks

Suzuki Piano

Erin Galloway Sharalynn Hicks Suzy Smith

Suzuki Violin

Lyn Acosta Sharalynn Hicks Meredith Pendley

Traditional Piano

Holly Barnes Julia Eldred

Traditional Violin

Jennifer Peters

Instrumental Study PRIVATE INSTRUMENTAL LESSONS Fees: start at $304 for 16, 30–minute lessons

Instrument

Private Instructors

Bassoon

Frank Watson

High Brass

Katie Blair

Low Brass

Stephens Gans John Holloway

Piano

Holly Barnes Julia Eldred Nahla Filopos Joy Finch Erin Galloway Karen Hampton Sharalynn Hicks Penny Holt Paula Morgan Erica Pauly Suzy Smith Carol Starnes Carolyn Turner

Organ

Brennan Szafron

Percussion

Scott Keever

Instrument

Private Instructors

Violin

Lyn Acosta Erin Chastain Mari Hashimoto Sarah Johnson Meredith Pendley Jennifer Peters Linda Sickles

Viola

Jennifer Peters Linda Sickles

Cello

Kathy Foster Brenda Leonard

Double Bass

TBA

Guitar

Michael Miller

Flute

Miranda Perry Chris Vaneman

Clarinet/Saxophone

Stephen Gans Brandon Graves Karen Hill

Oboe

Jane Patterson Kelly Vaneman

HOMESCHOOL SCHEDULING OPPORTUNITIES 10:00 am–12:00 pm and 1:00–3:00 pm • Individual teacher schedules will be available at registration.

Vocal Study GROUP VOICE CLASSES Instructor: Suzanne Brown Fee: $200 for 16 classes

YOUNG BEGINNER’S VOICE CLASS Grades: Kindergarten–1st

Day: Tuesday

Time: 3:00–3:45 pm

BEGINNER’S VOICE CLASS

Grades: 2nd – 4th Day: Tuesday Time: 4:00 – 4:45 pm

INTERMEDIATE VOICE CLASS Grades: 5th–7th Day: Wednesday Time: 3:30–4:15 pm

PRIVATE VOCAL LESSONS Private Instructors: Wendi Arms Suzanne Brown Maurice Burgess Anne Denbow Aimée Dumouchel Gans Eranga Goonetilleke Valerie MacPhail Cathy Siarris Laura Thomason Pamela Williamson Fees start at $304 for 16, 30–minute lessons

Satellite Programs The Lawson Academy offers satellite programs in many area schools, sending our faculty to give private instruction to choral and orchestra students on-site during their ensemble classes. Satellite students are entitled to all privileges of those studying in the Lawson Academy. A specific schedule of teaching weeks will be provided at the time of registration.

Registration: All Satellite Programs will register on site.

Fees: $300 for 14, 30–minute lessons (exceptions listed below)*

SATELLITE PROGRAM IN DISTRICT 3 BROOME HIGH SCHOOL VOCAL SATELLITE PROGRAM

Vocal Director: Maurice Burgess

Vocal Instructors: Laura Thomason Pamela Williamson

SATELLITE PROGRAMS IN DISTRICT 6 DORMAN HIGH SCHOOL AND 9TH GRADE CAMPUS VOCAL SATELLITE PROGRAMS

Vocal Director: Suzanne Brown

Vocal Instructors: Suzanne Brown Aimée Dumouchel Gans Eranga Goonetilleke Laura Thomason DAWKINS, FAIRFOREST & GABLE MIDDLE SCHOOL STRING SATELLITE PROGRAMS

String Director: Mindy Burgin

String Instructors: Mari Hashimoto, violin Jennifer Peters, violin/viola Mindy Burgin, cello

SATELLITE PROGRAMS IN DISTRICT 7 SPARTANBURG HIGH SCHOOL VOCAL SATELLITE PROGRAM

Vocal Director: Suzanne Brown

Vocal Instructors: Suzanne Brown Aimée Dumouchel Gans Eranga Goonetilleke Laura Thomason

*Fee: $250 for 14, 25-minute lessons MCCRACKEN MIDDLE SCHOOL STRING AND VOCAL SATELLITE PROGRAMS

String Director: Mindy Burgin

String Instructors: Mari Hashimoto, violin Jennifer Peters, violin/viola TBA, cello/bass

Vocal Director: Suzanne Brown

Vocal Instructors: Suzanne Brown Aimée Dumouchel Gans Laura Denney Thomason

*Fee: $250 for 14, 25-minute lessons

SPECIAL SATELLITE PROGRAM IN DISTRICT 2 AT THE UPSTATE FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER (UFRC) Join us for the Lawson Academy experience at the UFRC conveniently located for those of you in the Boiling Springs area.

Registration: August 18–22, 2014 from 9:00 am–5:00 pm.

Fees: start at $304 for 16, 30 minute lessons

Piano Instructor: Nahla Filopos Erin Galloway, Suzuki/Traditional

Vocal Instructor: Laura Thomason Musikgarten Instructor: Lyn Acosta For further information contact Kelley Ezell, Executive Director of the UFRC at 864.578.6013.

Student Teaching Program In 1944, eight Converse students began teaching thirty-eight community students, and the Pre-College was officially born. The student teaching program has grown over the years and continues to be a thriving feature of the Lawson Academy experience today. Each student teacher is required to take a “Private Applied Teaching” (PAT) course under the direction of Converse faculty. This program provides a wonderful opportunity for our young Converse musicians to gain invaluable teaching experience while affording the Spartanburg community quality private study at a very reasonable price.

Class/Instrument

Converse Faculty

Student

Fee

Flute (PAT)

Chris Vaneman

Sanuja Goonetilleke

$75 – 12, 30 min. lessons

Flute

Student Teacher

Julie Tran

$196 for 14, 30 min. lessons

Clarinet (PAT)

Karen Hill

Lydia Canon

$75 – 12, 30 min. lessons

Clarinet/Sax

Student Teacher

Chloe Spitzer

$196 for 14, 30 min. lessons

Oboe (PAT)

Kelly Vaneman

Kelsey Leahy

$75 – 12, 30 min. lessons

Piano (PAT) Ages: 2nd or 3rd grade beginner Thursdays, 3:15 pm

Erica Pauly

Natalie Longobardo $75 – 12, 30 min. lessons Shannon Longobardo Hannah Powell Meghan Speed

Violin (PAT)

Sarah Johnson

Savannah Cash Darby Jones Kayla Tilghman

$75 – 12, 30 min. lessons

Violin

Student Teachers

Voice (PAT) Ages: 5th – 12th grades Schedule: Mondays and Thursdays, 5:00 and 5:30 pm

Valerie MacPhail

Mary Kay Hall Margaret Walser Julia Fijan Elsie Maechtle Rachel Snow Briana Taylor Hannah Winkler

$196 for 14, 30 minute lessons $75 – 12, 30 min. lessons

Theory, Composition and Music Appreciation Classes/Lessons

Instructor

Day

Time

Fees

Beginning or Advanced Theory

Sharalynn Hicks

TBA

TBA

$392 for 14, 30 min. lessons

Composition

Carol Starnes

TBA

TBA

$448, for 16, 30 min. lessons

Performance Opportunities Performance opportunities abound at the Lawson Academy.

Studio and Department Recitals fill the calendars each semester along with the National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC) Festival and Lawson Scholarship auditions.

The annual Lawson Series, founded in 2000, presents a wide array of performances and masterclasses which include our annual Lawson Band and Dance Concerts. Our “Shining Stars” concert featuring top scholarship students

is a particular favorite. Our Lawson Faculty members present outstanding solo and chamber recitals which inspire their students and engage the Spartanburg community. With 80-90 performances a year, there’s certainly something for everyone!

Lawson Band Program The Lawson Band Program provides a concert band experience to homeschool, public and private school students who do not otherwise have the opportunity to gain invaluable ensemble skills. The band meets for two hours per week with one hour devoted to sectionals and one to full band rehearsal. The annual fee includes twentyfour band rehearsals and two concerts. The Essential Elements 2000 book forms the instructional foundation.

Our students are directed by award-winning brass, wind and percussion instructors with many years of teaching experience. The Lawson Academy provides excellent rehearsal space and Daniel Recital Hall in the Petrie School of Music is home to our concerts.

Lawson Band Students also have the opportunity to participate in the following activities: • Carowinds Festival of Music • South Carolina Band Directors Association All-State • Dickens of a Christmas and Region Band, Solo and Ensemble Master Recital Competition • Limestone Honor Band Beginning Band: little or no previous instrumental experience required

Level II Band: minimum of one year instrumental instruction and/or one year of band experience/ or by audition

Advanced Band: audition only

Band Director: George Wenger Executive Director: Gena Hammett Sectional Instructors: Scott Keever Frank Watson Converse Liaison: Karen Hill Tuition: $225 per student

Materials Fee: $25 per family Schedule: Beginning Band Thursdays, 3:45 – 5:45 pm

Level II Band Thursdays, 4:30 – 6:30 pm

Advanced Band Thursdays, 2:30 – 4:30 pm Registration: August 18 – 29, 2014 — 8:30 am–5:00 pm, Lawson Academy Lobby New Parents Meeting: August 28, 2014 — 7:00 pm, Lawson Academy Recital Hall

First Rehearsal: Thursday, September 12, 2014 For further information, contact Gena Hammett at 864.595.5617 or gena.hammett@yahoo.com

Lawson Chamber Program

Each year, our faculty members nominate their most talented and dedicated students to participate in our Chamber Program. On receiving these acceptances, trios, quartets, and quintets are formed, coaches are assigned, and rehearsals begin. We also encourage student ensembles from the community to join our program for excellent ensemble coaching.

CHAMBER COACHING

Fee: $160 for 8 sessions, length varies Faculty: Kathy Foster Jennifer Peters Michael Miller Linda Sickles

Frank Watson

SPARTANBURG BELLA CORDA

Spartanburg Bella Corda is an ensemble opportunity for young guitarists in the Childbloom® Guitar Program.

Director: Michael Miller

For further information, contact Michael Miller at 864.585.5774 or mmiller@miller-rowe.com.

SPARTANBURG PHILHARMONIC MUSIC CLUB CHAMBER SCHOLARSHIP AUDITION

Date: February 19, 2015

Exciting Adult Opportunities We invite adult students to join us! We offer private instruction in all areas of musical study. Each semester we hold our “Musical Gatherings,” special evenings for our adult students to get to know each other and perform. In the spring, we schedule Adult Scholarship Auditions for study in the following year.

Fine Arts Day Camp The Lawson Academy provides an exciting summer arts program for rising kindergarten through sixth grade students. In 2015, the Fine Arts Day Camp celebrates its 20th year by adding a fifth two-week session to its summer agenda. Our campers enjoy daily classes in visual arts, creative writing, dance, music, and theatre. As the camp is staffed by fine arts and education majors from Converse College, the cost is “daycare comparable” with early dropoff and extended-stay supervision. This is a wonderful opportunity for young students to enjoy and get to know all of the arts in a nurturing atmosphere.

For further information, contact Janae O’Shields at 864.596.9607 or janae.oshields@converse.edu.

Plan Ahead!

Session I: Under the Big Top June 1-12, 2015 Session II: Ke Kahua Luau June 15-26, 2015 Session III Theme TBA (Theme Contest Winner) June 29-July 10, 2015 Session IV: Mysteries of the Orient July 13-24, 2015 Session V: Back to the ‘90s: Happy 20th, FADC! July 27-August 7 Don’t miss the special Family Day performances held on the final Friday afternoon of each camp session!

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Spartanburg, SC

580 East Main Street Spartanburg, SC 29302 www.converse.edu/lawsonacademy