Registration is under way for the fifth year for the Academy of the Arts at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, a year that includes three new programs and several expansions on current offerings.
New for fall is one-on-one instruction for the violin using the Suzuki method, a theatre company for students in grades 7-9 and a flute choir. In addition to programming, the Academy now has Dr. Rosilee Walker Russell as full-time executive director, effective July 1. She previously served in a part-time capacity as artistic director.
The Academy of the Arts, a school of the arts with a curriculum of activities geared to children and teens, currently offers regional choirs for grades 3-9, theatre instruction including acting classes and small and large theatre productions, art classes for elementary school students, a preschool Musikgarten program and private piano, voice and instrumental instruction.
Walker Russell said she is excited about fall options open to children and youth.
“We have had many community members ask about the Suzuki method of violin instruction, so we are really excited to be able to provide it,” said Walker Russell. “Children as young as three may begin this program of study, which is recognized across the world as the best string program for young children.”
The Xtreme Teenz theatre company for grades 7-9 was a natural evolvement of the children’s theatre program previously offered.
“Those students who began theatre with us in the Academy in 2007 don’t want to stop,” she said. “This teen theatre company is perfect for them.”
She said that the addition of a flute choir fills a need for students who love to play the flute.
“Ensemble playing is vital for success for students in instrumental music,” she said. “This will give those students an opportunity to perform as a group.”
A new feature of the Academy drum team will be the addition this fall of African drums, geared toward those in the 12-21 age bracket.
“African drums are a very popular form of percussion worldwide,” said Walker Russell. “You do not need any previous experience to be involved. This is currently not being done in the school setting, which means this is a way for us to do something to enhance what is going on in the schools.”
Students who are currently enrolled in the Academy are given free admission to concerts and productions offered through the Distinguished Artists Series and the ShowTime Series. The 2010-11 Distinguished Artist Series, announced in the Academy’s fall brochure, includes an instrumental concert, a dance company production and an operetta, with the first event in October.
Theatrical productions in the ShowTime Series are offered by two Academy groups, the Academy Playerz and the Xtreme Teenz, and include four productions for the 2010-11 year — “Seussical the Musical,” “The Music Man,” “One Magic Moment” and “Alice in Wonderland.”
Walker Russell is also enthused about the alliance UA Fort Smith has with the Fort Smith Public Schools.
“In addition to providing transportation for students from four area elementary schools to give them the opportunity to participate in the Academy Children’s Choir, the public schools also provided bus travel for the children to go to Little Rock and perform at the Arkansas State Capitol,” said Walker Russell. The Academy also has two additional choral groups — Academy Chorale, for a select ensemble of students in grades 6-9, and Show Choir Kidz, an ensemble of students who love to sing and dance.
Walker Russell sees the Academy as an entity that supplements and enhances other arts opportunities provided to children.
“We have grown from offering minimal music opportunities in 2006, when we had approximately 70 students, to providing a very full complement of music, theatre and art options for 400 students this year. We expect to continue to grow as we see needs in the arts. Classes begin in August and September, so it is absolutely time to enroll.
Walker Russell said the tuition paid by Academy participants makes it possible for the Academy to hire additional Academy faculty to expand its offerings. The Academy also has need-based scholarships available.
Registration forms are available on the Academy website, located at www.uafortsmith.edu/academy. For more information on the Academy, contact Walker Russell at 479-788-7546 or Kathy Zeller, administrative assistant, by telephone at 479-788-7251 or by e-mail at kzeller@uafortsmith.edu.
| Article by: Sondra LaMar, Director of Public Relations | |
| Photo(s) by: Memories by Jody |
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