MORGANTOWN , W.Va. �€Explore, create and enjoy your summer, by signing up for a class in art, music, theatre or dance. West Virginia Universitys Community Arts Program will be registering students for summer classes at the Creative Arts Center during May 26-June 12.

The program offers private lessons for children and adults in piano, organ, Suzuki violin, woodwinds, brass, percussion, voice, harp, guitar, jazz singing, jazz piano, jazz improvisation, theory and composition and recording technology.

The summer session is flexible to accommodate various summer schedules. Students may register for any number of lessons throughout the session, depending on teacher availability.

A selection of the classes offered this summer includes:

Music

Gotta Sing? (ages 11 to adult) is a fun class that will include training and performance techniques for those who love to sing. Special emphasis will be given to breathing and diction for singing and age-appropriate literature will include musical theatre selections, folk songs of various nations and more.

Beginner Harp Workshop will start with a 30-minute concert by the Morgantown Harp Ensemble, followed by a 30-minute hands-on instructional workshop that includes an introduction to musical notes, proper hand position, rote learning and improvisation on two tunes.

Pedals, Pipes and Pizza! (ages 10-18)is an informative workshop from the American Guild of Organists about the pipe organ: theKing of Instruments.No playing required. Each two-hour session will conclude with a pizza party.

Introduction to Recording Technology (ages 15 and up) will teach the basic technology of recording and producing audio for broadcast and/or media release. Students will also learn the basics of acoustic sound and technology, recording methods, listening to and analysis of a variety of styles, and some hands-on production work.

African Music and Dance Workshop (ages 13 to adult) is an introduction to the music and dance of Africa. Using original African instruments, students in this class will learn all of the drum parts and dance moves for several songs and dances from Ghana. No musical background is necessary and beginners and advanced levels are welcome. This workshop serves as an introduction to a class that will be offered during the fall semester.

Art

SMArt Kids (ages 3-5) is a fun, interactive class for pre-kindergarten children. Each week, childrens literature and music will guide the exploration of a special theme, such as magical kingdoms, down on the farm, jungle rhythm, or sleepyhead tales. A thematic craft activity using a variety of materials and media will conclude each class.

Summer Art Camp (ages 5-8 and 9-12) is a fun and popular way for students to learn to express themselves through the visual arts with projects that may include sculpture, printmaking, drawing, painting and a variety of other materials and media.

Basketweaving for Beginners (ages 10 to adult) is a hands-on experience with various reed types and tools while learning the technique of basketweaving. Those, who may have already taken the class, are encouraged to attend because different baskets are made each time.

Introduction to Digital Photography (ages 13 and up) is an informative class where students will learn basic photographic skills. Topics include equipment, lenses, focusing, ISO , depth of field, shooting modes, how to use artificial light, composition, and basic editing on the computer.

Dance

Introduction to Belly Dancing will teach students basic posture and techniques of the ancient art of belly dance. Each class begins with a yoga warm-up and continues with a fun and thorough breakdown of basic movements which set the foundation for a beautiful and empowering art form.

Chinese Ribbon Dance Workshop (ages 8 to adult) provides a positive and fun learning experience for those who love to dance and love the beautiful style of Chinese Ribbon Dance. This rhythmic dance helps develop motor coordination and spatial and rhythmic awareness. In addition, students will be introduced to Chinese music, instruments, history and culture.

Tai Chi (ages 13 to adult) is both a martial art and a form of gentle exercise practiced in China for hundreds of years. A versatile art form, it is found to be complimentary to a number of other movement and meditative practices, such as pilates, weightlifting, sitting meditation, yoga and other martial arts. Tai Chi allows for a deeper connection to the wisdom of the body, instilling feelings of balance and calm.

KidsYoga with Heidi (ages 5-8) will allow kids to imagine theyre a mighty lion, king cobra or graceful flamingo. Kids will let their imaginations soar as they creatively learn traditional yoga poses. Their bodies and minds will work together to improve balance and flexibility, enhance concentration and self-esteem and just have fun with storyteller and yoga instructor Heidi Sherwin.

Theatre

Exploratory Theatre (ages 7-15) is an engaging and comprehensive class for youth. Students will learn about various aspects of the stage such as acting, pantomime and improvisation. Special emphasis will be placed on learning how to prepare for an audition. The class will also work towards a small performance to be given at the end of the session.

The Inspired Voice (high school age and adults) is a class for those who use their speaking voices daily, such as teachers or salespeople, or those who simply suffer from vocal fatigue or a weak voice. Learn how linking your voice to your breath and body will make you more easily heard and understood, help eliminate fatigue, increase stamina, and allow for a more rapid recovery from overuse.

Voice Production for the Stage (high school age and adults) is designed for actors and stage performers who wish to strengthen their speaking voices. Learn how to produce a vibrant, resonant voice that will carry to the back of the theater without electronic amplification.

In addition to the new classes, the program will continue popular classes such as Intro to Music for Pre-school Children, A Star is Born (ages 5-10), Introductory Harp Class, Piano for Fun (adults of all ages), Steel Band Ensemble (ages 9 to adult), Flute Camp (high school students), Ballet and Creative Modern Dance (various classes for ages 3 to teen) and Tap Dance (various classes for ages 4 to adult).

Summer registration for the Community Arts Program will be held from May 26-June 12. The summer session begins the week of May 26 and runs through Aug. 8. For more information, call (304) 293-4841, Ext. 3168, email ” CommunityArts@mail.wvu.edu rel=nofollow> CommunityArts@mail.wvu.edu , or visit the website at http://communityarts.wvu.edu for class and registration information, a registration form, policies and teacher bios. The office will be closed on Monday, May 25, for Memorial Day.

Students may pay by check, Visa or Mastercard through the mail, by fax or in person. No in-office registration for group classes will be accepted until the first official day of registration on May 26. Discounts and payment plans are available. The mailing address is: Community Arts Program, P.O. Box 6111, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506 -6111. Office hours in Room 401A of the Creative Arts Center are Monday-Friday, from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.