Visual and performing arts academy kicks off second year with new programs

In addition to group and private lessons offered for 12 instruments including voice, the academy this year will premiere its Children’s Choir, its chamber music program, and an “Art in 5 Sundays” series that offers five-week instruction workshops in various media.

On Sun., Oct. 5 at 2 p.m., the academy will celebrate its new academic year with a Faculty Showcase Recital featuring its student faculty members who are studying in La Sierra’s music department. The concert will be held at Hole Memorial Auditorium. Admission is free.

The “Art in 5 Sundays” workshops, designed to introduce junior high and high school students as well as adults to the arts, is divided into two, five-week sessions with classes held each Sunday. The first session will be held Sun., Oct. 5 through Sun., Nov. 2, with 50-minute classes offered in photography at 11 a.m., drawing at 12 noon, and ceramics at 1 p.m. The second five-week session begins Sun., Nov. 9 and runs through Sun., Dec. 14 offering Adobe Photoshop instruction at 11 a.m., watercolor painting at 12 noon, and ceramics at 1 p.m.

Each five-week course costs $120 and includes materials. Interested participants may try out the first class for an introductory rate of $10 before paying for the entire course. The photography course is geared toward owners of compact or DSLR cameras who want to learn manual camera operation for best photographic results.

The Children’s Choir, directed by La Sierra alumnus and music educator C.K. Francisco is designed for children in 3rd through 6^th grade. Rehearsals will be held in Hole Memorial Auditorium for 10 consecutive Tuesdays from 6 – 7 p.m. beginning Tues., Oct. 7. Cost is $125 for an academic quarter.

Beginning Sun., Oct. 12 the academy is also launching a chamber music program directed by violinist and La Sierra music major Tori Belliard. The program is geared for all band and orchestra instruments, including piano. Students will be grouped according to age and ability. Students of all ages are encouraged to apply, including adults. Interested participants need to call or email the AVPA office to schedule an informal playing assessment which will allow the student to be placed in an appropriate group. 

The academy’s second season builds upon the successes of its inaugural year during which 36 students enrolled in private music instruction and its summer music camp program signed up more than 80 kids.

“The Academy of Visual and Performing Arts has more than doubled its enrollment in private lessons in less than a year and is proud to continually offer new programs to the community,” said academy Director Martin Glicklich, a member of the La Sierra University music faculty. “In addition to the performing and visual arts, drama will soon be brought back to the curriculum, furthering AVPA’s commitment to working with the community and providing a valuable, cultural resource for all.” 

For further information about the Academy of Visual and Performing Arts and for registration call 951-785-2086, or email avpa@lasierra.edu. Enrollment is open for all programs, and private lesson signups are ongoing.