REGISTRATION OPENS AUG. 22 FOR ASPEN MUSIC FESTIVAL AND SCHOOL’S AFTER-SCHOOL MUSIC PROGRAMS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 20, 2019

CONTACTS:      

Kristin Cleveland, Publications and PR Coordinator
970 205 5073,  kcleveland@aspenmusic.org

Katie Hone Wiltgen, Director of Education and Community Programming
970 205 5055,  khonewiltgen@aspenmusic.org                                                         

 

 

REGISTRATION OPENS AUG. 22 FOR ASPEN MUSIC FESTIVAL AND
SCHOOL’S AFTER-SCHOOL MUSIC PROGRAMS

 

The Aspen Music Festival and School’s AfterWorks program offers affordable after-school
string, guitar and choral music programs from Aspen to Glenwood Springs.

 

 

ASPEN, COLORADO — Registration opens Thursday, August 22, for AfterWorks, the Aspen Music Festival and School’s affordable after-school music programs. AfterWorks offers after-school instruction in violin, viola, cello, classical guitar, and choral music in collaboration with local schools from Aspen to Glenwood Springs. The programs are designed to complement the quality music instruction students receive from schools and private instructors. AfterWorks offers three main programs: Beginning Strings, Lead Guitar and the recently expanded Maroon Bel Canto Choirs.

Registration for all three programs begins August 22, with classes beginning the week of October 7. A limited number of tuition and instrument scholarships are available to students who demonstrate financial need. For more information, visit www.aspenmusicfestival.com/more/programs-local-youth/in-school-programs.

 

Beginning Strings offers instruction in violin, viola, or cello to students in grades 2–5. Students receive group classes, ensemble playing experience and private lessons, along with end-of the semester performance opportunities. Participating schools are Aspen Elementary School, Aspen Community School, Basalt Elementary School, Crystal River Elementary School, Glenwood Springs Elementary School, Riverview School and Sopris Elementary School. Classes start the week of October 7.

The Beginning Strings program costs only $275 and includes 20-plus weeks of after-school classes (with snacks), a series of private lessons for each student and at least two concerts. Students are responsible for renting or buying their instruments; however the AMFS offers some scholarship instruments, as well as discounted rental and purchase opportunities. Tuition scholarships are also available. To register online or more information, visit www.aspenmusicfestival.com/beginningstrings.

 

Lead Guitar is open to students in grades 4 and up. The twice-weekly after-school program gives students instruction in classical guitar technique, music reading, music theory, performance skills and ensemble playing.

The Lead Guitar program costs only $225 and includes two 45-minute classes per week for 20 weeks, two concerts (with dinner at the final concert) and all music. Participating schools include Aspen Middle School, Basalt Middle School, Carbondale Community School, Carbondale Middle School and Two Rivers Community School. Students are responsible for securing a classical, nylon-string guitar; some scholarship guitars are available, as well as discounted rental and purchase opportunities. Tuition scholarships are also available. To register online or more information, visit www.aspenmusicfestival.com/leadguitar.

 

The Maroon Bel Canto Choir program features two choirs: Maroon Bel Canto Children’s Chorus and Maroon Bel Canto Singers, both offered in schools from Aspen to Glenwood.

The Maroon Bel Canto Children's Chorus (MBCCC) is a traditional children’s choir for grades 3–5. Students rehearse weekly after school and in two Valley-wide rehearsals before performing a final concert in the spring. Students learn the foundations of choral singing in a fun, high-energy environment. Ensembles rehearse weekly at Aspen Community School, Basalt Elementary/Middle Schools, Sopris Elementary School, and Glenwood Springs Elementary School.

The Maroon Bel Canto Singers (MBCS), is a small ensemble for students in grade 6-8. Students rehearse weekly after school, participate in Valley-wide workshops, and perform in the winter and spring, ending the program before Spring Break. MBCS students prepare challenging and fun repertoire, develop sight-reading skills and learn advanced choral techniques. Ensembles rehearse weekly at Aspen Middle School, Basalt Middle School, Riverview School, Glenwood Springs Middle School, and Two Rivers Community School.

The cost for either MBCCC or MBCS is $195. All Roaring Fork Valley students (regardless of what school they attend during the school year) are welcome to sing in a Maroon Bel Canto Choirs ensemble at any hosting school. A limited number of tuition scholarships are available to students who demonstrate financial need. For more information or to register online, visit www.aspenmusicfestival.com/mbcchoirs.

 

For more information or to register, visit www.aspenmusicfestival.com/afterworks or contact Katie Hone Wiltgen, director of education and community programming, at 970-205-5055 or khonewiltgen@aspenmusic.org.

 

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