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Classes

Since 2002, the Aiken Center for the Arts has supported the development of the Aiken Youth Orchestra (AYO), which gives over 50 area students the opportunity to participate in a strings and orchestral program.

Aiken Youth Orchestra Auditions are held twice per year with the program expanding to include many different instruments. Many of the Aiken Youth Orchestra’s participants continue their musical careers in college and beyond. All are welcome to audition with a minimum of one year experience on strings. Woodwind, brass and percussion must be at high school level. Orchestras meet one evening a week during the school year, at the Arts Center.

Concerts are held several times per year. Special appearances have been made at Hopeland Gardens during their free summer concert series, the Etherredge Center prior to the Symphony Augusta performances, Redcliffe Plantation and at various other community events. The season concludes with a concert at the Arts Center.

This year the orchestras will be under the direction of Adam DePriest and Angela Shaw. Mr. DePriest holds a Master’s Degree in Violin Performance and a second Master’s Degree in Orchestral Conducting. He is the founder, artistic director and conductor of the Aiken Civic Orchestra. Mr. DePriest was a member of the Aiken Youth Orchestra from 2002 through 2007. He also teaches strings instruments throughout the CSRA. Ms. Shaw holds a Bachelor’s in Music Education and teaches strings in the Aiken-Augusta area. Both instructors have extensive performance experience.

Winter Spring 2020 Music Classes

Beginner Bluegrass Guitar Masterclass

Kenneth Everett

Learn beginner bluegrass techniques and how to apply them to all styles of music. Taught by the well-seasoned guitar player, Kenneth Everett, that teaches in a down-to earth style that anyone can understand. This masterclass includes a full course book with chords, scales, tablature and other resources that will have you picking like a pro in no time. 10 week course.

Skill Level: For all ages
Scholarships are available.

Mondays, begins Jan 27
call to schedule lesson time
$300*
15053
*lesson book $20. Due to instructor during first lesson.

Beginner Bluegrass Banjo Masterclass

Kenneth Everett

Learn beginner bluegrass techniques and how to apply them to all styles of music. Taught by the well-seasoned banjo player, Kenneth Everett, that teaches in a down-to earth style that anyone can understand. This masterclass includes a full course book with chords, scales, tablature and other resources that will have you picking like a pro in no time. 10 week course.

Skill Level: For all ages
Scholarships are available.

Mondays, begins Jan 27
call to schedule lesson time
$350*
15054
*lesson book $20. Due to instructor during first lesson.

Swing Dance

Essie Jennings

Learn West Coast Swing Dance in these beginner friendly classes for adults. 1-hour drop in lesson followed by an hour of social practice. Partners are welcome but not required. Facebook.com/AikenWesties.
Resumes May 7, 14, 21

Skill Level: All
Scholarships are available.

Thursdays
6:00-8:00pm
$12
15055

Aiken Youth Orchestras

Adam DePreist and Angela Shaw

The Aiken Youth Orchestras are for a variety of ages – from youth to those young at heart!
Ensemble provides an opportunity for those who have never been in a group to play, rehearse and perform with other musicians.
Aiken Youth Orchestra continues this education as the musician advances in skill. All ensemble and orchestra students should have some form of regular instruction on their instrument, be that a class at school, private lessons or lessons through Aiken Center for the Arts. Approximately one year of music experience is needed prior to auditioning. Scholarships are available. No member discount on music programs.

Skill Level: For all ages
Scholarships are available.

Ensemble
Mondays
January 6 – May 4
New dates: May 4, 11, 18 with concert June 2
6:00-7:00pm
$100
15056
Full Orchestra
Mondays
January 6 – May 4
New dates: May 4, 11, 18 with concert June 2
7:00-8:30pm
$100
15057
Cello and Bass Small Group Lessons
8 lessons
Thursdays, begins January 9
Time: TBD*
$200
15058
*evening time TBD between instructor & student
Violin/Viola Small Group Lessons
10 lessons
Thursdays, begins January 20
5:00-5:30pm
$250
15061

Suzuki Pre-Twinkle

Laura Lee Atkinson

An exciting class for 3-6 year olds with one parent in the at-home teacher role. Taught through technique-building games and songs. Child must be potty-trained. Instructor will contact you upon registration to help you with sizing and instrument choice. No member discount on music programs. Ten lessons Jan-May. Lesson payment may be made in two payments. $125 due upon signup, $125 due 3/02/20.

Skill Level: For ages 3-6
Scholarships are available.

Mondays
Begins January 20
4:00-4:30pm
$250
15059

Suzuki Book 1 – Violin & Viola

Laura Lee Atkinson

Skill building techniques will be taught using the Suzuki book 1 repertoire. Parent support for students 12 and under. Beginners will be contacted for instrument sizing and an introduction session. No member discount on music programs. Ten lessons Jan-May. Lesson payment may be made in two payments. $125 due upon signup, $125 due 3/02/20.

Skill Level: Ages 7-adult
Scholarships are available.

Mondays
Begins January 20
4:30-5:00pm
$250
15060

Experienced Violin & Viola

Laura Lee Atkinson

Small group setting for students with one or more years of experience. This class will focus on intermediate to advanced string technique. Modified Suzuki and traditional approach will be used. No member discount on music programs. Ten lessons Jan-May. Lesson payment may be made in two payments. $125 due upon signup, $125 due 3/02/20.

Skill Level: Ages 13+
Scholarships are available.

Mondays
Begins January 20
5:00-5:30pm
$250
15061

Registration

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL CLASSES & CAMPS.
Class registration is taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration closes when classes meet maximum capacity. Teaching Artists are unable to admit students who have not registered in advance. Full payment by check, cash or credit card is required to secure a space in a class. There is a $2 processing fee for online transactions.

ACA members receive a 10% discount on most classes, camps and workshops with the exception of music classes.

How to Register

  • Aiken Youth Orchestra: To register, please call 803-641-9094
  • Pick up a hard copy of the registration form at the ACA front desk, complete and return to the front desk.
  • Call us at 803-641-9094 and register over the phone.
  • There is no online registration available for music classes.
Phone Registration

Scholarships

A limited number of need-based scholarships are available to qualified children and seniors. Please visit the Scholarships page under for more information and to download the application.

Inclement Weather Policy

It is our policy to close for inclement weather conditions when Aiken Public Schools are closed (listen to local radio/TV bulletins). Call us at 803-641-9094 or check our website/Facebook page for updated information as weather conditions can change during the day. If a class is cancelled due to weather, a make-up class may be arranged.

Cancellation

If you cancel your registration after it has been processed, but at least seven business days before the class begins, we will refund your class fee (less a $10 cancellation fee). If you cancel with less than seven business days’ notice, no refund will be given. ACA reserves the right to cancel classes with low enrollment. If we must cancel a class, we will issue a full refund.

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