MORGANTOWN , W.Va.West Virginia Universitys Community Arts Program has extended its registration for summer classes and private music lessons at the Creative Arts Center.

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. The following classes still have room for more students:

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, art songs 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 also known as theKing of Instruments.No playing required. Each two-hour session will conclude with a pizza party.

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 as well as more advanced levels are welcome. This workshop serves as an introduction to a class that will be offered in 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.

Dance

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 image 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).

Classes in Preston County

Basketweaving for Beginners (ages 10 to adult) is a hands-on experience with various reed types and tools while learning the technique of basketweaving. Already taken the class? No worries�€we never make the same basket twice. Saturdays, July 18, 25 and Aug. 1 at Brandonville Town Hall.

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. Wednesdays, June 24-July 29 at Brandonville Town Hall.

Tai Chi at Bructeon (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. Thursdays, July 2-Aug. 6 at Bruceton United Methodist Church.

Creative Modern Dance (ages 4-5 and 6-7) emphasizes use of imagination and creativity as expressed in the movement of the body. Moving rhythmically to music and percussive beat develops the studentsdance technique and body control. Students are encouraged to express their own ideas and feelings through dance movement experiences. Fridays, July 10-Aug. 14 at Mill Stone Ice Cream Shop, Bruceton Mills.

Drawing Fun for Kids (ages 7 to 12) is a fun class that helps kids understand the fundamentals of drawing. Children will develop their individual skills and explore their own creativity. The benefits of drawing extend to many facets of learning and provide the basis for other creative activities. Drawing helps students learn the art of self-expression and how to develop important communication skills. Saturdays, July 11-Aug. 15 at Brandonville Town Hall.

Classical Drawing Fundamentals (ages 13 to adult) is a fun class that teaches the fundamentals of classical drawing. Students will develop their individual skills, master the art of self-expression and explore their own creativity. Enjoy exploring your inner artist!Saturdays, July 11-Aug. 15 at Brandonville Town Hall.

The Community Arts Program summer session 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 biographies.

Students may pay by check, Visa, or Mastercard, through the mail, fax or in person. 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.