Starting Saturday, September 13th, 2008, the WSO began a "Saturday morning music school" on the campus of Lycoming College, Williamsport. During its pilot year, the Academy will provide excellent, affordable, instruction in orchestral instruments to children living in the Williamsport region. As the Academy grows in reputation and stature, the vision is to extend the instruction to chamber music coaching; composition, theory and history classes; and musical education appropriate to those who intend to pursue a career in music.
faculty
The Academy’s faculty, all members of the WSO, include: Kenneth Sarch, (Concertmaster), Andrew Rammon (Principal Cellist), Timothy Breon (Principal Bassist), Reuben Councill (Principal Flutist), Judith Burke (Principal Clarinetist), Richard Campbell (Principal Bassoonist), David Bailey (Trumpeter); and Rebecca Anstey (Hornist).
sessions
The program will consist of 20 Saturday morning tuition sessions, between September and May. The faculty and students will meet in Clarke Chapel, Lycoming College, for individualized instruction on orchestral instruments (violin, viola, cello, bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion).
fees
Students will pay half the teacher’s fee ($15 per hour in 2008) and the WSO will cover the other half. This arrangement will normally last only one year. During the second year of a student’s tuition, WSO will cover 25% of the cost of tuition. After year two, students may continue their instruction privately with the instructor. Need-based scholarships will be available to continue studying at the Academy.
administration
The Director of the Academy is Gary Boerckel. The Coordinator of the Academy is Rose Dirocco. Applications and questions relating to invoicing should be directed to Valerie Whyman, WSO Executive Director, by phone (570 322 0227) or by
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