SERVING OUR COMMUNITY IN ARTS EDUCATION FOR 72 YEARS

The Lawson Academy of the Arts at Converse College has served the Spartanburg community for 72 years by providing opportunities for arts education. Founded in 1944 by Alia Lawson as the Converse Pre-College, the program originally began as a “lab school” training college music students in the art of teaching music. While this original purpose is still a significant part of our program, we have expanded to include so much more.

History

From the Director

Contact UsDr. Valerie MacPhailDirector, Lawson Academy

Janae O’ShieldsAssistant Director, Lawson AcademyDirector, Fine Arts Day Camp

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 am–5:00 pm864.596.9022www.converse.edu/lawsonacademy

Member of the National Guild for Community Arts Education since 1984 National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) accredited

Our outstanding, dedicated faculty offer individual lessons in voice and nearly all instruments, as well as group classes in several areas. These opportunities cover every age range, from preschool to retired older adults and everyone in between. In the summer, Converse students staff our Fine Arts Day Camp, where children attend daily classes in visual arts, creative writing, music, dance, and theatre. The arts are so important in today’s society. Here at the Lawson Academy, we have something for everyone, whether it is taking private lessons, participating in a class or ensemble, or simply attending some delightful performances by our students and faculty. While our offerings may change throughout the year, the most up-to-date information will be available on our website listed below. Please join us and make the arts an integral part of your life!

Cover photos by Jess Parrott.

Private LessonsFee range: $352-$448 for 16 30-minute lessons (45- and 60-minute lessons also available)Instructors: Ages welcome:Holly Barnes 4 and up (ages 4-6 with parent present)Susan Davis 6 through adultJulia Eldred Preschool through adultJoy Finch Adult studentsErin Galloway* 4 and up (ages 4-6 with parent present)Eranga Goonetilleke 6 through adultKaren Hampton First grade through adultSharalynn Hicks* 5 (in kindergarten) through adultJessica King Beginners age 3 and upAlexandra Lee 5 and upNatalie Longobardo 7 through adultShannon Longobardo 7 through adultPaula Morgan Fifth through twelfth gradeErica Pauly Second grade through adultSuzy Smith* 4 and up (ages 4-5 with parent). Sight impaired students welcome.Carolyn Turner Second grade through adultStudent Teacher:Meghan Speed

Converse senior who has completed supervised Piano Pedagogy. Piano instruction for all ages at a reduced rate

Instrumental Study

Piano

The Lawson Academy of the Arts offers private instrumental study in a variety of instruments, along with group instruction in several areas. Many teachers offer daytime lesson slots to accommodate homeschooled students. To find the perfect fit for you, please complete an inquiry form on our website or contact our office.

*Also Offering Suzuki PianoThe Suzuki philosophy is based on natural learning and emphasizes the involvement of the parent at home, guided by the studio teacher. Students listen to recordings and develop listening skills to play by “ear” before note reading is mastered. These teachers offer both Suzuki method and traditional piano.

Keyboard

OrganPrivate LessonsFee range: $448 for 16 30-minute lessons (45- and 60-minute lessons also available)Instructor: Brennan SzafronAge 4 through adults. Lessons held at Episcopal Church of the Advent, with opportunities to play on organs on Converse campus as well. Read about our “Pedals, Pipes, and Pizza” event for teens at the end of our brochure!

Childbloom® Guitar ProgramFee: $350 for 16 classesInstructor: Michael MillerChildbloom® Guitar enables students ages 5-12 to engage with music quickly and successfully. Childbloom®, currently the largest program of its kind in the nation, arranges music in parts, so each student learns solo playing skills and ensemble skills as well. This integrates the young child’s attention span and the adolescent’s expanding social horizon.Taking cues from the Suzuki method, parents are encouraged to attend lessons with their children. For more information about Childbloom®, contact instructor Michael Miller at 864.921.7815 or michaelmiller.childbloom@gmail.com.

Spartanburg Bella CordaFee: $160 for 8 60-minute sessions Guitar ensemble instruction (with instructor approval)

StringsPrivate LessonsFee: $448 for 16 30-minute lessons (45- and 60-minute lessons also available)Instructor: Michael Miller Classical and acoustic guitar for teens and adults

Guitar

Private LessonsFee range: $352-$400 for 16 30-minute lessons (45- and 60-minute lessons also available)Instructors: Ages welcome:Lyn Acosta* 4 and up; Suzuki includes 13 private and 13 group lessons a semester.

Group lessons also open to students of other Suzuki instructors.Mary Kay Hall* 4 and up; reduced rateMari Hashimoto Sixth grade through adult with 1 year experienceSharalynn Hicks* 5 (in kindergarten) through adultTheresa Jenkins-Russ All ages; also offering jazz and fiddleSarah Johnson Advanced students by auditionJennifer Peters 4 and upStudent Teachers:Ava Cash*Darby Jones*

Converse students who have completed pedagogy course3 and up, including Suzuki through Book 3; reduced rate8 and up, including Suzuki through Book 3; reduced rate

Violin

*Also Offering Suzuki ViolinThe Suzuki method is an approach to learning music patterned after natural language acqui-sition. This method encourages learning music by listening to it. The parent attends lessons with the child and serves as the home teacher. A weekly private lesson and group class make the Suzuki program a complete learning experience. These teachers offer both Suzuki and traditional violin lessons.

Lower StringsPrivate LessonsFee: $352-$448 for 16 30-minute lessons (45- and 60-minute lessons also available)Instructors: Ages welcome:

ViolaTravis Baird 5 through adultMary Kay Hall* 4 through adult, including Suzuki through Book 3; reduced rateMari Hashimoto Sixth grade through adult with 1 year experienceTheresa Jenkins-Russ All agesJennifer Peters 4 and up

CelloKathy Foster Elementary through adultTheresa Jenkins-Russ Beginner through eighth gradePAT Teacher:Ashley Flower

Converse pedagogy student supervised by professor Kathy FosterFourth through twelfth grade; reduced rate

Double BassRobert Borden Middle and high school at satellite locations (see Satellite page)Theresa Jenkins-Russ Beginner through eighth grade

Lawson Strings, which began in Spring 2016, will now offer three levels of ensemble instruction for strings students. Patterned after the Lawson Band, Lawson Strings provides ensemble experience to homeschool, public, and private school students alike. The full year schedule includes twenty-four on-campus rehearsals and two concerts in Daniel Recital Hall. Students are directed by Stacy Wiley, a local music educator who is passionate about providing a positive learning environment that excites students and encourages them to reach their maximum potential. Students in grade 3 and up are eligible to participate. Beginning Strings: no experience required Intermediate Strings: one year experience including note reading Advanced Chamber: proficiency in 1st and 3rd positions, shifting, & vibrato

Director: Stacy Wiley

Tuition: $250 per student (full year) Materials Fee: $25 per family Schedule: Beginning Strings - Mondays 3:00 – 4:00pm Intermediate Strings - Mondays 4:00 – 5:00pm Advanced Chamber Ensemble - Mondays 5:00 – 6:00pm Schedule and offerings may be adjusted based on meeting minimum class sizes.

New Parent Meeting: August 29, 2016 — 6:30pm, Lawson Academy Recital Hall First Rehearsal: Monday, September 12, 2016 For further information, contact Coordinator Linda Ebert at 864.978.6493 or violnda317@gmail.com. Register online at www.converse.edu/lawsonacademy.

Lawson Strings Program

Wind and BrassPrivate LessonsFee: $352-$448 for 16 30-minute lessons (45- and 60-minute lessons also available)Instructors: Ages welcome:

FluteMiranda Perry Third grade through adult

Julie Tran Third grade through adult

Student Teacher:Sanuja Goonetilleke

Converse student who has completed pedagogy course8 through adult; reduced rate

Clarinet and SaxKaren Hill Third grade through adult

Jessica King Beginners of all ages

OboeJessica King All ages

Kelsey Leahy All ages

Jane Patterson All agesKelly Vaneman Teens and adults by audition

PAT Teacher:Katy Hinckley

Converse pedagogy student supervised by professor Kelly Vaneman10 through 18; reduced rate

BassoonFrank Watson Fifth grade through adult

High BrassKatie Smith Trumpet and French horn for elementary through adult

Low BrassJohn Holloway Trombone, baritone, and tuba for elementary through adult

Many of our Wind & Brass faculty offer shorter mini-semesters geared toward students in marching bands who wish to study privately in preparation for SCBDA Region and All-State Band Auditions (or other competitions or events). Fees vary by teacher and will be prorated for the number of lessons agreed upon. For further information, contact our office at 864.596.9022.

All-State Band Prep

The Lawson Band provides a concert band experience to homeschool, public, and private school students who may not otherwise have an opportunity to gain invaluable ensemble skills. Students have sectional instruction and full band rehearsal experiences, directed by dedicated music educators. The full year schedule includes twenty-four band rehearsals and two concerts, all held on the Converse campus. Lawson Band also provides opportunities for homeschooled students to participate in regional activities and competitions such as All State and Region Band. Students in grades 3-12 are eligible to participate in Lawson Band. Beginning Band: No experience required Thursdays 3:45 – 5:15pm

Intermediate Band: One year experience Thursdays 3:45 – 5:45pm

Advanced Band: Audition only Thursdays 3:45 – 5:45pm

Band Directors: John Holloway Jessica King Miranda Perry Frank Watson

Tuition: $275 per student (full year) Materials Fee: $25 per family

New Parent Meeting: August 18, 2016 — 7:00pm, Lawson Academy Recital HallFirst Rehearsal: Thursday, September 1, 2016 For further information, contact Janae O’Shields at 864.596.9022 or janae.oshields@converse.edu. Register online at www.converse.edu/lawsonacademy.

Lawson Band Program

Private LessonsFee range: $352-$448 for 16 30-minute lessons (45- and 60-minute lessons also available)Our voice faculty offer a wide variety of styles including classical, musical theatre, and sacred.

Group Voice ClassesFee: $200 for 16 45-minute classesInstructor: Suzanne BrownClass: Young Beginners (Kindergarten-1st grade)Schedule: Tuesdays 3:00-3:45pmClass: Beginners (2nd-4th grade)Schedule: Tuesdays 4:00-4:45pmClass: Intermediate (5th-7th grade)Schedule: Tuesdays 5:00-5:45pm

Acting for Singers Fee: $200 for 15 60-minute classes Instructor: Aimée Gans Ages: 13 – 18 currently enrolled in voice lessons or with 2-3 years of vocal experience Schedule: Mondays 5:30-6:30pm

This class is designed for teen vocalists who want to improve their performances by refining their acting abilities. Students learn to bring characters to life on stage through movement, expression, character study, vocal energy, and working through performance anxiety. Classes range from discussions to workshops, and the semester culminates in a public showcase of students’ work with monologues, songs, and group scenes.

Join us in a nurturing, supportive environment to learn a wide variety of age-appropriate music, theory, and concepts. Practice working together as an ensemble, and soloing each week in the Recital Hall with your classmates as an audience, preparing at least two recitals per year.

Vocal Classes

Instructors: Ages welcome:Wendi Arms Fourth grade to adultLeala Blakeley 6 to adultSuzanne Brown Elementary to adultAnne Denbow 12 and upAimée Gans Sixth grade to adultValerie MacPhail By audition onlyDavid Mosely 5 to adultEranga Goonetilleke 6 to adultCathy Siarris Fifth grade to adultLaura Thomason 8 to adultPAT Teacher:Grace Frazor

Converse pedagogy student supervised by Dr. Valerie MacPhailReduced rate

Vocal Study

The Lawson Academy offers satellite programs in many area schools, sending our faculty to give private instruction to choral and orchestral students on-site during their ensemble classes. Registration is available online at www.converse.edu/lawsonacademy.

Satellite Programs

PIANO SATELLITE PROGRAM AT THE UPSTATE FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER (UFRC)

The Lawson Academy experience at the UFRC, conveniently located for families in Boiling Springs. Piano Instructor: Erin Galloway, Suzuki/traditional Fee: $352 for 16 30-minute lessons (45- and 60-minute also available)Registration is available online at www.converse.edu/lawsonacademy.

VOCAL AND STRING SATELLITE PROGRAMS OFFERED AT DORMAN HIGH SCHOOL AND 9TH GRADE CAMPUS; DAWKINS, FAIRFOREST, & GABLE MIDDLE SCHOOLS

Vocal Instructor: Leala Blakeley

String Instructors: Mari Hashimoto, violin and viola Mindy Burgin, cello Robert Borden, double bass

Fees: $300 for 14 half-period lessons, $500 for 14 full-period lessons (where available)

VOCAL AND STRING SATELLITE PROGRAMS OFFERED AT SPARTANBURG HIGH SCHOOL AND MCCRACKEN MIDDLE SCHOOL

Vocal Instructors: Natalie Longobardo Shannon Longobardo

String Instructors: Mari Hashimoto, violin and viola Mindy Burgin, cello Robert Borden, double bass

Fee: $300 for 14 half-period lessons $500 for 14 full-period lessons (where available)

District 6 Satellites

District 7 Satellites

Boiling Springs Satellite

Dance is an art form that crosses the boundaries of culture. In our world which can seem so divided, we are bringing some exciting and widely diverse dance teachers to the Lawson Academy to share the movement and musical experiences of other cultures to students of all ages. Our new dance offerings cover a range of international styles taught by teachers from around the world. These classes are offered at a rate designed to be affordable and accessible to all. Join us in helping to spread the word about the opportunities to learn a new dance style and learn about another culture along the way. Class Fee: $140 for 14 60-minute classes Costume Fee: $25 per registration

Dance

Rhythms of IndiaBollywood & ClassicalExperience a dramatic, vibrant introduction to the two most popular forms of Indian dance, Bharathnatyam (Classical) and Bollywood (Modern). While Classical Indian dance draws its essence and emotions from Indian culture and traditions dating back over 3000 years, Bollywood draws from innovative dance styles from all around the world, including jazz, hip-hop, Mediterranean, and Latin, all blended with aspects of Indian classical and folk dances. Students will be trained in the basics of both dance forms and will perform in an end-of-semester concert. Instructor Sunitha Raj, star of over 50 Indian films and dance teacher both here and abroad for over 25 years, will offer this class for two age groups. Schedule: Children’s class (ages 7-12) Mondays 4:00-5:00pm Teen and adult class (age 13 and up) Mondays 5:00-6:00pm

Bring the joy of music into your preschooler’s life with Musikgarten classes! Children age 2 ½-5 will learn impulse control, listening, and following directions all while enjoying a fun, movement-filled musical experience. Preschoolers will enjoy singing, chanting, movement, musical games, storytelling, and a variety of musical instruments in a warm, nurturing , and social environment. This class builds a solid foundation for any young child to eventually pursue singing, playing an instrument, or even dancing!

Instructor: Leala Blakeley Fees: $175 for 14 classes $30 materials fee (includes instrument) Schedule: Saturdays 10:00-10:45am Register online at www.converse.edu/lawsonacademy.

Musikgarten

Give your child the opportunity to experience energetic, percussive music and movement with African Dance and Drumming! Taught by master djembe player and international performer Adama Dembele from Ivory Coast, West Africa, this exciting class encourages creativity and expression while also building teamwork, stamina, coordination, and motor skills. Students of all ages will be immersed in a rich cultural art form while gaining focus and confidence. The class will also perform in an end-of-semester concert.

Schedule: Monday 6:00-7:00pm Minimum enrollment: 14

African Dance & Drumming

American Style RhythmBallroom DanceTreat yourself to a fun, social dance class for adult singles and couples! American Style Rhythm encompasses several types of partner dancing with an approach that allows for more freedom and expression than their Latin counterparts. In this action-packed class, adult students will learn posture and movement as well as basic patterns for Cuban-inspired Cha Cha and Salsa dance styles and American (or “East Coast”) Swing. Taught by Crystal Chang, student in the class will dance in pairs, but adult singles are also welcome to join in the fun!

Schedule: Monday 6:00-7:00pm Minimum enrollment: 10

Adult TapAmerican tap dance has its roots in ethnic dance styles like African tribal and Scottish and Irish clogging. Instructor Emily Patterson offers a tap class with a relaxed atmosphere and a fun, low-pressure environment for beginning tap students age 18 and up. Schedule: Wednesday evenings (time TBA)Fee: $200 for 16 60-minute classes

Instrumental Petting ZooSaturday, October 29, 10:00amEach year, the students of Converse College’s Petrie School of Music in the Delta Omicron Music Fraternity present a free, fun, interactive musical event for children of all ages. Children are invited to come in costume and sit in on a brief demonstration of college students playing a wide variety of musical instruments onstage in Daniel Recital Hall. The children then have an opportunity to try out as many instruments as they like, guided by the aspiring music educators (also in costume)! This provides a unique, hands-on experience that helps children to identify their instrumental preferences and interests at an early age.

This summer, give your child an opportunity to experience the arts! The Lawson Academy Fine Arts Day Camp is an exciting summer program for children age 3 through rising 6th grade that serves as a creative alternative to traditional daycare. Campers enjoy all-day, well-supervised care and daily classes in art, creative writing, dance, music, and theatre. Lessons and activities are different with each themed session, so children can enjoy multiple sessions without repetition. Since the camp is staffed by fine arts and education majors from Converse College, the cost is daycare comparable. Extended hours are available for working parents. Each session culminates in a Family Day Program in Hazel B. Abbott Theatre showcasing what our campers have learned and prepared. This is a wonderful opportunity for young students to enjoy and get to know all of the arts in a nurturing atmosphere. The camp also includes CREW, an arts and production workshop for middle schoolers, and a volunteer Junior Counselor program for high schoolers.

For further information, contact FADC Director Janae O’Shields at 864.596.9607 or janae.oshields@converse.edu, or visit www.converse.edu/FADC to register.

Fees: $375 per two-week session $187.50 per one-week session *Contact our office to inquire about our available discounts for multiple children, multiple sessions, and more!

Hours: Weekdays 8:30am-4:30pm *Extended care available from 7:30am-5:30pm for an additional $15 per week

Fine Arts Day Camp

Audition Dates: March 23-24, 2017 Applications Due: February 17, 2017We are grateful for the endowments and scholarships provided to our students by many generous individuals and organizations. Their support helps us to continue the legacy of arts education in Spartanburg. We award talent-based scholarships through competitive auditions each spring, as well as financial aid to those in need by application each fall. See the Scholarships page of our website for applications, more information, and a full listing of our generous donors.

Scholarships 2017-2018

FADC 2017 Schedule

Session I — Let’s Get MythicalMay 30–June 9 , 2017

Session II — Never Never LandJune 12–23 , 2017

Mini-Session III — Converse, Converse!June 26–30 , 2017

Session IV — When I Grow UpJuly 10–21 , 2017

Session V — The Polar ExpressJuly 24–August 4 , 2017

Mini-Session VI — Full STEAM AheadAugust 7-11, 2017

Fall Semester: August 22 - December 16, 2016Fall Registration- Online registration opens July 25 for returning students and August 1 for all students- Onsite registration August 15 - 19, 8:30am - 5:30pm (or by appointment)- Tuition and Fees: Annual Registration Fee: $30 Late Registration Fee: Additional $35 (after August 19, 2016) All fees payable at time of registration. Optional plan of two equal payments. Finance charges apply.

Summer Registration- Online registration April 24 - May 26, 2017- Onsite registration May 1 - 12 or by appointment through May 26

Scholarship Applications DueFebruary 17, 2017 (Applications available in the Lawson Academy office and on our website)

Scholarship AuditionsMarch 23 - 24, 2017

Lawson Academy Junior Music Club Fees DueSeptember 9, 2016 — Includes Membership Dues and Event Fees: $11 for one Festival event + $8 for each additional event

Junior Music Club FestivalFestival Applications Due: January 25, 2017Festival Auditions: March 4, 2017“Best Performers” Recital: March 11, 2017

Winter BreakDecember 19, 2016 - January 8, 2017 *Individual teachers’ scheduldes may vary

Spring BreakApril 3 - 7, 2017

Spring Registration- Online registration opens December 12 at www.converse.edu/lawsonacademy- Onsite registration January 3 - 6, 8:30am - 5:30pm (or by appointment)- Tuition and Fees: Annual Registration Fee: $30 Late Registration Fee: Additional $35 (after January 6, 2017) All fees payable at time of registration. Optional plan of two equal payments. Finance charges apply.

Labor Day HolidaySeptember 5, 2016 (no lessons or classes)

Thanksgiving BreakNovember 22 - 25, 2016 (no lessons or classes)

2016-2017 Lawson Academy Calendar

Spring Semester: January 9 - May 8, 2016

Scholarship HearingsDecember 12 - 14, 2016

Martin Luther King Day HolidayJanuary 16, 2017 (no lessons or classes)

Fall Semester: August 22 - December 16, 2016Spring Semester: January 19 - May 16

“Songs About Music”Valerie MacPhail, sopranoDirector Valerie MacPhail and pianist Mildred Roche present a program of songs about musicians, instruments, musical praise, and the meaning of music.Sunday, October 2, 2016, 3:00pm

Free admission to all events except Shining Stars. Donations benefit the Lawson Series. All events held in Daniel Recital Hall.

2016-2017 Lawson Series

“Sassy, Sensuous, and Sesto: A Survey of Mezzo Repertoire”Aimée Gans and Laura Thomason, mezzo-sopranosTwo of the Lawson Academy’s own vocal instructors share lovely pieces written just for mezzos.Saturday, October 8, 2016, 6:00pm

“A Night at the Movies”Featuring TrilogiaLawson’s faculty trio presents a program of movie music and themes in their own signature style. Jennifer Peters, violin and viola Mindy Burgin, cello Julia Eldred, pianoSaturday, October 29, 2016, 7:00pm

“Suites, Beats, and Sleigh Rides”Susan Davis and Robert Wells, pianistsTwo-piano favorites from traditional classical to exciting pop and holiday arrangements.Sunday, December 11, 2016, 4:00pm

2016-2017 Lawson Academy Calendar

“Pedals, Pipes, and Pizza”Presented in cooperation with the American Guild of OrganistsAn exciting, hands-on workshop for teens, focusing on the King of Instruments--the pipe organ.Saturday, March 18, 2017, 9:00am - 3:30pm

“Rock Cultured”Featuring TrilogiaTrilogia returns with a special guest, putting a unique spin on a blend of classical and classic rock pieces. Jennifer Peters, violin and viola Mindy Burgin, cello Julia Eldred, piano Chris McGowan, percussionSaturday, February 18, 2017, 7:00pm

“A Musical Adventure”Lisa Dillard and Erica Pauly, pianistsPiano duets and duos inspired by exotic lands, including works by Brahms, Stravinsky, Dvorak, and Milhaud.Saturday, March 18, 2017, 7:00pm

Lawson Band Fall ConcertMonday, December 5, 2016, 7:00pm

Lawson Strings Fall ConcertTuesday, December 6, 2016, 7:00pm

Lawson Band Spring ConcertMonday, May 8, 2017, 7:00pm

Lawson Strings Spring ConcertTuesday, May 9, 2017, 7:00pm

“Simply Sonata”Mary Kay Hall, violin, and Erica Pauly, pianoA program of sonatas for violin and piano by Handel, Beethoven, Dvorak, Mozart, and more.Friday, February 10, 2017, 7:00pm

Shining Stars ConcertThe Lawson Academy’s annual formal student showcase, benefitting our Lawson Series events. $10 for adults, $5 for 18 and underSaturday, March 25, 2017, 7:00pm

580 East Main Street Spartanburg, SC 29302www.converse.edu/lawsonacademy

Non-ProfitU.S. Postage

PAIDPermit #108

Spartanburg, SC

LAWSON ACADEMY OF THE ARTS