LawsonACADEMY OF THE ARTS

1944–2013: SERVING THE COMMUNITY FOR 69 YEARS

Founded in 1944, the Lawson Academy of the Arts at Converse College offers quality instruction in music and dance with an excellent faculty, in a professional yet nurturing environment. We serve over 1,000 families each year and encourage students of all ages from preschoolers to adults to join us. The Lawson Academy also functions as a “lab school,” introducing Converse music students to the experience of teaching. This experience crosses over to the full arts spectrum during the summer when college students staff our Fine Arts Day Camp. They teach classes in visual arts, creative writing, music, dance, and theatre. In addition, our Lawson Band and smaller chamber ensembles provide wonderful collaborative opportunities for students. The Lawson Academy affords the opportunity for Converse College and the Spartanburg community to share in a wonderful learning experience. Join us! Staff: Paula Morgan, Director Sharalynn Hicks, Assistant Director Janae O’Shields, Director, Fine Arts Day Camp

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 am–4:00 pm 864.596.9022 or www.converse.edu/lawsonacademy

Fine Arts Day Camp: 864.596.9607 or www.converse.edu/FADC

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

Fall RegistrationAugust 19–30, 2013; 8:30 am–5:00 pm

Spring Registration January 6–17, 2014; 8:30 am–4:00 pm

Summer RegistrationMay 5–16, 2014; 8:30 am–4:00 pm

Audition Dates: March 20 – 22, 2014Scholarship auditions are held each spring for the following school year. Approximately 60 scholarships are available. This unique program is made possible through the generosity and support of the following individuals and organizations.

Annual Registration Fee: $25

Late Registration Fee: An additional $35 (Fall Semester: after August 30, 2013; Spring Semester: after January 17, 2014)

The $25 registration fee and tuition are payable at the time of registration. A plan of two equal tuition payments is optional. There will be a finance charge on all outstanding balances.

Alia Lawson EndowmentDorothy Chapman Smith EndowmentHenry Janiec EndowmentHarrison/Romney EndowmentFrankie Humphries EndowmentLloyd and Pauline Sigler EndowmentByrd Austell Thompson Cassibry EndowmentJames Hilton Junior EndowmentPeggy Gignilliat Scholarship of The Arts Partnership of Greater Spartanburg

Music Foundation of SpartanburgCase Brothers of SpartanburgMusic Club of SpartanburgSpartanburg Philharmonic Music ClubPast President’s AssemblyDorothy Horner Colvin Piano ScholarshipsMoss and Rosa Lee Miller Guitar ScholarshipsMary Wiles Smithey Piano ScholarshipTenzell Barberry Piano ScholarshipSpartan Felt Company

The Lawson Academy has established a Student Assistance Fund. Our goal is to build a $25,000 endowment providing annual revenues for students with financial needs.

To pledge your support for the Lawson Academy Scholarship Program, please contact Paula Morgan at 864.596.9159 or paula.morgan@converse.edu.

Please save the date for our Lawson Academy Student Assistance Endowment Fundraiser this year. Join us on Saturday, October 19, 2013 for our Comedy Idol Concert including a Silent Auction and Wine and Cheese Reception.

Fall SemesterSeptember 3, 2013 – January 17, 2014

Spring SemesterJanuary 20–May 16, 2014

Scholarship AuditionsMarch 20–22, 2014

2013-2014 Schedule

Scholarships

The Lawson Academy of the Arts offers a unique dance experience for both students and parents. We aim to inspire a true love for dance, while maintaining a disciplined approach to proper technique and classroom behavior. Parents will find that our teachers take a personal interest in their children and work to help every student reach their full potential.

Opportunities• Classes are offered for students age 3–adults• Typical areas of study include Pre-Dance, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary and Lyrical

Instructors: Sagen Blackwell

Class Fees: $100.00 for 16, 30–minute classes $140.00 for 16, 45–minute classes $170.00 for 16, 60–minute classes $260.00 for 16, 90–minute classes 2nd class is half price.

Student Teacher: Emily Patterson

Fees: $75.00 for 16, 30–minute classes $110.00 for 16, 45–minute classes $140.00 for 16, 60–minute classes

Visit our website at converse.edu/lawsonacademy to find a complete listing of dance classes for our upcoming semester.

Dance Program

The Childbloom® Guitar Program is a comprehensive musical education program for children between the ages of 5 and 12. It was developed in 1980 by Kevin Taylor, of Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX. The Childbloom® method of music instruction through the guitar is currently the largest program of its kind in the nation.

The curriculum used in the Childbloom® Program is comprised of music arranged in parts; the student not only learns solo playing skills, but ensemble skills as well. This enables learning to proceed successfully in groups, thus integrating the young child’s attention span and the adolescent’s expanding social horizon.

Taking a lesson from the Suzuki method, parents are encouraged to attend the lesson with their child.

Instructor: Michael Miller

Fees: $325 for 16 classes

Childbloom® Satellite Program: Montessori Academy of Spartanburg

For further information, contact Michael Miller at 864.585.5774 or mmiller@miller-rowe.com.

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Childbloom®

Young Children’s Piano ClassThis piano class provides a fun-filled introduction to group piano for beginning students ages 5 – 8 years. Students will explore concepts of rhythm, melody, and harmony in a collaborative setting that incorporates songs, games, basic theory and keyboard experiences.

Instructor: Sharalynn Hicks

Fees: $285 for 14 classes (Fees include tuition and class/home materials.)

Day & Time: TBA

Kindermusik® is an age-appropriate, developmentally-based program for children combining music and movement to foster development of the whole child. Based on the latest research in child development, musical experiences are provided to stimulate the senses, excite the imagination, and nurture self-awareness. The curriculum fosters spatial awareness and communication skills, and increases social interaction and confidence. All levels incorporate hands-on exploration of age-appropriate instruments. Parents continue to be their children’s most important teachers as they extend the joyful experiences outside the classroom with the CD’s, colorful review cards, and safe, durable instruments included in the At Home materials.

Instructor: Sharalynn Hicks

Fees: $200 for 14 classes

Class: Our Time®

Kindermusik® Classes

Ages: 18 months–3 years

Day & Time: TBA

Suzuki Classes

Don’t miss our Instrumental Petting Zoo!Great for toddlers through elementary age!

Saturday, October 26, 2013

The Suzuki philosophy is based on natural learning, just as the child learns his or her native language. Since parental involvement is key to the learning process, one parent accompanies the child to each lesson and in turn becomes the home teacher. The studio teacher guides the parent through this process. From the very first lessons, as the student listens to recordings of the music on CD, he or she develops acute listening skills to play by “ear” even before notational reading is mastered. A weekly private lesson and group class combine to make the Suzuki program a complete learning experience. Parents are advised to wait to obtain instruments until after a teacher consultation.

Class Ages Instructor Fee

Suzuki Piano 4 and up Erin Galloway $273 for 13 lessons

Suzuki Piano 4 and up Sharalynn Hicks $360 for 15 lessons

Suzuki Piano 4 and up Suzy Smith $384 for 16 lessons

Suzuki Violin 4 and up Lyn Acosta $540 for 15 private and 15 group classes

Suzuki Violin 4 and up Lyn Acosta $180 for 15 group classes (must be taking private lessons also)

Suzuki Violin 4 and up Sharalynn Hicks $360 for 15 lessons

Suzuki Violin 4 and up Meredith Pendley $304 for 16 lessons

Individual Music Therapy sessions are offered to children with special needs. A variety of musical experiences is used to improve cognitive, communicative, social and emotional development. Initially, parents schedule an assessment and interview with the Director of Music Therapy to determine a child’s suitability for music therapy. After acceptance into the program, goals are individualized and developed based on the needs, preferences and abilities of each child. Sessions can be designed to improve receptive and expressive language, fine and gross motor skills, attending behavior, basic academic concepts, creativity and musicality. Music Therapy sessions are conducted by Board Certified Music Therapists (MT-BC) or by music therapy students under the supervision of an MT-BC. Director of Music Therapy: Elizabeth York, PhD, MT-BC Fees: $80 for an Assessment Session $360 for 12, 30–minute individual sessions $480 for 12, 45–minute individual sessions For further information contact Elizabeth York at 864.596.9166 or elizabeth.york@converse.edu.

Music Therapy Program

Nurturing Preschool Opportunities(Beginning ages will vary with individual programs/studios.)

Classes/Lessons Instructor

Pre-Dance Classes Sagen Blackwell

Emily Patterson

Kindermusik® Sharalynn Hicks

Young Children’s Piano Class Sharalynn Hicks

Childbloom® Guitar Michael Miller

Suzuki Piano Erin Galloway

Sharalynn Hicks

Suzy Smith

Classes/Lessons Instructor

Suzuki Violin Lyn Acosta

Sharalynn Hicks

Meredith Pendley

Traditional Piano Holly Barnes

Julia Eldred

Traditional Violin Jennifer Peters

BEGINNER PIANO SKILLSIdeal for vocalists and instrumentalists alike! Instructor: Sharalynn Hicks Fee: $225 for 14, 45–minute classes Grades: 10th– adult Day & Time: TBA

POPULAR PIANO CLASSLearn basic piano jazz skills through ear-training, popular harmony and improvisation. Instructor: Annalisa Monticelli Fee: $240 for 16, 45–minute classes Grades: 7th–12th Day & Time: TBA

PRIVATE INSTRUMENTAL LESSONSFees: start at $304 for 16, 30–minute lessons

HOMESCHOOL SCHEDULING OPPORTUNITIES10:00 am–12:00 pm and 1:00–3:00 pm • Individual teacher schedules will be available at registration.

Instrumental Study

Instrument Private InstructorsViolin Lyn Acosta Erin Byrnes Chastain Mari Hashimoto Sarah Johnson Megan Kemp Meredith Brittingham Pendley Jennifer Peters Linda SicklesViola Megan Kemp Jennifer Peters Linda SicklesCello Mindy Burgin Kathy Foster Brenda LeonardDouble Bass Brenda LeonardHarp Anna Grace BennettGuitar Michael Miller Buddy WoodwardBanjo/Dulcimer Buddy WoodwardRecorder Sureka AmerasingheFlute Sureka Amerasinghe Miranda Burdette Perry Chris Vaneman

Instrument Private InstructorsClarinet/Saxophone Karen HillOboe Jane Patterson Kelly VanemanBassoon Frank WatsonHigh Brass George WengerLow Brass George WengerPiano Sureka Amerasinghe Holly Barnes Julia Eldred Joy Finch Erin Galloway Karen Hampton Sharalynn Hicks Penny Holt Annalisa Monticelli Paula Morgan Erica Pauly Suzy Smith Carol Starnes Carolyn TurnerOrgan Brennan SzafronPercussion Matthew McDaniel

YOUNG BEGINNER’S VOICE CLASS Instructor: Suzanne Brown Fee: $200 for 16 classes Grades: Kindergarten–3rd

Day: Tuesday Time: 3:00–3:45 pm

INTERMEDIATE VOICE CLASS Instructor: Suzanne Brown Fee: $200 for 16 classes Grades: 4th–6th Day: Wednesday Time: 3:30–4:15 pm

SINGERS WITH SKILLSBeginning Theory and Musicianship

Discover what the music you sing is made of at its most fundamental level and achieve the skills you need to become a smarter, more confident singer. This class is geared for young singers interested in pursuing a career in music. It will cover basic elements of music theory in a fun, interactive and supportive atmosphere.

Instructor: Laura Denney Thomason Fee: $160 for 16 classes Grades: 9th–12th Day & Time: TBA

PRIVATE VOCAL LESSONSPrivate Instructors: Wendi ArmsLuke BrowderSuzanne BrownMaurice BurgessAnne DenbowEranga GoonetillekeMaurice HendricksWayne HobbsValerie MacPhailAnna McTiernanLeigha PaceCathy Siarris Laura Denney Thomason

Fees start at $304 for 16, 30–minute lessons

Vocal Study

The Lawson Academy offers satellite programs in many area schools, sending our faculty to give private instruction to choral and orchestra students on-site during their ensemble classes. Satellite students are entitled to all privileges of those studying in the Lawson Academy.

Registration: All Satellite Programs will register on site.

Fees: $300 for 14, 30–minute lessons (exceptions listed below)*

Satellite Programs

SATELLITE PROGRAM IN DISTRICT 3BROOME HIgH SCHOOL VOCAL SATELLITE PROgRAM Vocal Director: Maurice Burgess Vocal Instructors: Luke Browder Eranga Goonetilleke

SATELLITE PROGRAMS IN DISTRICT 6DORMAn HIgH SCHOOL AnD 9TH gRADE CAMPuS VOCAL SATELLITE PROgRAMS Vocal Director: Suzanne Brown Vocal Instructors: Luke Browder Suzanne Brown Laura Denney Thomason

DAWkInS, FAIRFOREST & gABLE MIDDLE SCHOOL STRIng SATELLITE PROgRAMS String Director: Brenda Leonard String Instructors: Megan Kemp, violin/viola Jennifer Peters, violin/viola Mindy Burgin, cello Brenda Leonard, cello/bass

gABLE MIDDLE SCHOOL VOCAL SATELLITE PROgRAM Director/Class Instructor: Suzanne Brown *Fee: $120 for 12 classes (Length based on school class schedule)

SATELLITE PROGRAMS IN DISTRICT 7SPARTAnBuRg HIgH SCHOOL VOCAL SATELLITE PROgRAM Vocal Director: Suzanne Brown Vocal Instructors: Suzanne Brown Laura Denney Thomason *Fee: $250 for 14, 25-minute lessons

MCCRACkEn MIDDLE SCHOOL STRIng AnD VOCAL SATELLITE PROgRAMS String Director: Brenda Leonard String Instructors: Jennifer Peters, violin/viola Brenda Leonard, cello/bass Vocal Director: Suzanne Brown Vocal Instructors: Luke Browder Suzanne Brown Laura Denney Thomason *Fee: $250 for 14, 25-minute lessons

In 1944, eight Converse students began teaching 38 community students, and the Pre-College was officially born. The student teaching program has grown over the years and continues to be a thriving feature of the Lawson Academy experience today. Each student teacher is required to take a “Private Applied Teaching” (PAT) course under the direction of Converse faculty. This program provides a wonderful opportunity for our young Converse musicians to gain invaluable teaching experience while affording the Spartanburg community quality private study at a very reasonable price.

Class/Instrument Converse Faculty Student FeeFlute Student Teacher Julie Tran $196 for 14, 30 minute lessonsClarinet/Sax Student Teachers Emma Ostapeck $196 for 14, 30 minute lessons Chloe Spitzer Saxophone (PAT) Karen Hill Brandon Graves $75 – 12, 30 min. lessonsOboe (PAT) Kelly Vaneman Kelsey Leahy $75 – 12, 30 min. lessonsPiano Student Teacher Lechetze Lewis $196 – 14, 30 min. lessonsViolin Student Teachers Grace Egan $196 – 14, 30 min. lessons Alexandra Mayes Margaret Walser Voice (PAT) Valerie MacPhail Aimée Dumuchel $75 – 12, 30 min. lessonsAges: 7th – 12th grades Katie PhillipsSchedule: Thursdays, Pamela Williamson5:00 pm and 5:30 pm Voice Student Teacher Rebekah Wertz $196 – 14, 30 minute lessons

Student Teaching Program

SPECIAL SATELLITE PROGRAM IN DISTRICT 2 AT THE UPSTATE FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER (UFRC)Join us for the Lawson Academy experience at the UFRC conveniently located for those of you in the Boiling Springs area. Here are the opportunities available to you on site. Registration: August 19–23, 2013 from 9:00 am–5:00 pm. Fees: start at $304 for 16, 30 minute lessons String Instructor: Erin Byrnes Chastain, violin Brenda Leonard, cello Guitar/Banjo Instructor: Buddy Woodward Piano Instructor: Mindy Burgin Erin Galloway, Suzuki/Traditional Vocal Instructor: Laura Denney Thomason Wind Instructor: Miranda Burdette

For further information contact Kelley Ezell, Executive Director of the UFRC at 864.578.6013.

Classes/Lessons Instructor Day Time Fee

Beginning or Advanced Theory Sharalynn Hicks TBA TBA $360 for 15, 30–minute lessons

Composition Carol Starnes TBA TBA $448 for 16, 30–minute lessons

Song Writing Buddy Woodward TBA TBA $384 for 16, 30-minute lessons

Music Appreciation Brenda Leonard TBA TBA TBA

Theory, Composition and Music Appreciation

Performance opportunities abound at the Lawson Academy. Studio and Department Recitals fill the calendars each semester along with the National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC) Festival and Lawson Scholarship auditions. The annual Lawson Series, founded in 2000, presents a wide array of performances and masterclasses which include our annual Lawson Band and Dance Concerts. Our “Shining Stars” concert

featuring top scholarship students is an outstanding favorite. Our Lawson Faculty members present outstanding solo and chamber recitals which inspire their students and engage the Spartanburg community. With 80-90 performances a year, there’s certainly something for everyone!

Performance Opportunities

The Lawson Band Program provides a concert band experience to homeschool, public and private school students who do not otherwise have the opportunity to gain invaluable ensemble skills. The band meets for two hours per week with one hour devoted to sectionals and one to full band rehearsal. The annual fee includes twenty-four band rehearsals and two concerts. The Essential Elements 2000 book forms the instructional foundation.

Our students are directed by award-winning brass, wind and percussion instructors with many years of teaching experience. The Lawson Academy provides excellent rehearsal space and Daniel Recital Hall in the Petrie School of Music is home to our concerts.

Lawson Band Students also have the opportunity to participate in the following activities:• South Carolina Band Directors Association All-State and Region Band, Solo and Ensemble Master

Recital Competition• Carowinds Festival of Music• Dickens of a Christmas• Limestone Honor Band

Lawson Band Program

Beginning Band: little or no previous instrumental experience required

Level II Band: minimum of one year instrumental instruction and/or one year of band experience

Level III Band: minimum of three years of instrumental instruction or three years of band experience

Level IV Band: minimum of four years of instrumental instruction or by audition

Band Director: George Wenger

Executive Director: Gena Hammett

Sectional Instructors: Scott Keever Frank Watson

Converse Liaison: Karen Hill

Tuition: $225 per student

Materials Fee: $25 per family

Schedule: Thursdays, 2:45-4:45 pm — Level IV Band

Thursdays, 3:45-5:45 pm — Beginner, Level II, and Level III Bands

Registration: August 19–30, 2013 — 8:30 am–5:00 pm, Lawson Academy Lobby

New Parent’s Meeting: August 29, 2013 — 7:00 pm, Lawson Academy Recital Hall

First Rehearsal: September 12, 2013

For further information, contact Gena Hammett at 864.599.9951 or gena.hammett@yahoo.com

We invite adult students to join us! We offer private instruction in all areas of musical study. Each semester we hold our “Musical Gatherings,” special evenings for our adult students to get to know each other and perform. In the spring, we schedule Adult Scholarship Auditions for study in the following year. Special dance opportunities are also available. Check our Dance Schedule for further details.

Exciting Adult Opportunities

Each year, our faculty members nominate their most talented and dedicated students to participate in our Chamber Program. On receiving these acceptances, trios, quartets, and quintets are formed, coaches are assigned, and rehearsals begin. We also encourage student ensembles from the community to join our program for excellent ensemble coaching.

CHAMBER COACHIng Fee: $160 for 8 sessions, length varies Faculty: Kathy Foster Jennifer Peters Frank Watson Michael Miller Linda Sickles

SPARTAnBuRg BELLA CORDA Spartanburg Bella Corda is an ensemble opportunity for young guitarists in the Childbloom® Guitar Program.

Director: Michael Miller For further information, contact Michael Miller at 864.585.5774 or mmiller@miller-rowe.com.

SPARTAnBuRg PHILHARMOnIC MuSIC CLuB CHAMBER SCHOLARSHIP AuDITIOn Date: Thursday, March 20, 2014

Lawson Chamber Program

The Lawson Academy provides an exciting summer arts program for rising kindergarten through sixth grade students. There are four, two-week sessions running from early June through the first week of August when these campers come together to enjoy daily classes in visual arts, creative writing, dance, music and theatre. As the camp is staffed by fine arts and education majors from Converse

College, the cost is “daycare comparable” with early drop-off and extended-stay supervision. This is a wonderful opportunity for young students to enjoy and get to know all of the arts in a nurturing atmosphere.

For further information, contact Janae O’Shields at 864.596.9607 or janae.oshields@converse.edu.

Fine Arts Day Camp

Plan Ahead!Session I — A Blockbuster Summer

June 2–13, 2014

Session II — The Wild, Wild WestJune 16–27, 2014

Session III — I Y the 80’sJuly 7–18, 2014

Session IV — Dream OnJuly 21–August 1, 2014

Don’t miss the special Family Day performances held on the final Friday afternoon of each camp session!

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

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Spartanburg, SC