The Community Music School (CMS) at Southwestern College is now enrolling students for the spring semester. Teachers are available for piano, violin, viola, percussion, and voice. Private lessons can be scheduled at times that are most convenient for families and their busy lifestyles. In addition to private lessons, the CMS has many opportunities for group classes and ensembles this year.

The SC Precollege String Ensembles are directed by Amber Peterson and are designed for strings students entering 4th through 12th grade. These ensembles offer a wide array of music education opportunities for the young string student. Tuition for ensembles varies depending on the number of ensembles a student participates in, but tuition starts at $40 for one ensemble per semester.

A group beginning piano class for students 6-10 years of age begins March 24 at 7 p.m. This six-week group class is an excellent introduction to piano and is taught by Marsha Granberry, longtime music educator and piano instructor. Tuition for group piano is $60. A $10 registration fee is assessed once per academic year. 

The Southwestern Children's Choir (SCC) will be starting on February 22. Directed by Nikki Kirk, SCC is a choral ensemble comprised of students in grades 3-8 serving Cowley County and the South-Central Kansas region. SCC meets on Tuesday evenings from 5:15-6 p.m., in the Darbeth rehearsal hall. The goal of the Southwestern Children’s Choir is to provide a collaborative and welcoming environment for the development of lifelong music skills and appreciation. There will be some performance opportunities throughout the year. Tuition is $35 per semester per child. A $10 registration fee will be assessed once per academic year.

The Southwestern CommUNITY Percussion Group (SCPG) will begin on February 22. This group will meet on Tuesday evenings, 6:15-7 p.m., in the Darbeth rehearsal hall on the Southwestern College campus. SCPG is a percussion ensemble for all community members from 8 to 108 years of age that encourages and fosters multi-generational relationships through a love of music and rhythm. Led by Jeremy Kirk, this is a hands-on experience and percussion instruments will be provided for in-class use. Cost is $35 per participant, per semester. A $10 registration fee will be assessed once per academic year. 

Melody Builders classes will be returning on March 2. Melody Builders is an early childhood music and movement class for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers with parent or caregiver participation. Melody Builders is designed to engage, inspire, and share with children the joys of music. Two four-week sessions will be held with two age groups available: 3 to 18 months and 18 months to 3 years. Cost is $30 for one session with a $10 registration fee; $50 for both sessions, not including the registration fee.

Coming up on May 3, the CMS at Southwestern College will host 70+ young vocalists in grades three through five from greater Cowley County elementary schools for the Fourth Annual Elementary Honor Choir Day. Students will be chosen by their grade school music teachers to represent their school on this formative day which will include learning new vocal techniques and choral pieces. The day will culminate in a free concert in Richardson Performing Arts Center.

If you are interested in learning more about the CMS and what it offers, please call Michelle Zakharov, director, at (620) 229-6188, email cms@sckans.edu or visit the CMS website at sckans.edu/cms.

Learn more at CMS Website