Maryvale Community Education teaches the following classes in Art, Music, and Dance:

Click on the name of the course, or scroll down, for more information.

 

COMMUNITY ED JAZZ ENSEMBLE (Ages 13 & older)

Calling all trumpeters, saxophonists and trombone players to form a traditional, "big band style" music ensemble. Also needed are two each of drum set players, bass players, pianists and guitar players. Sessions will include rehearsals/learning of said music incorporating jazz style and improvisation. Applying musicians must be minimally at a high school level of playing (N.Y.S.S.M.A. level 4 or higher). The director must be contacted at cohen@maryvale.wnyric.org prior to registration for approval. Each participant must have his/her own instrument. Amplifiers and drum sets will be provided. A concert performance is our goal.
(ART-021)

Fee: $69
Music Fee: $20 payable to instructor

Band Room (High School)
Instructor: Dave Cohen
Jazz Ensemble Instructor at Maryvale for 31 years; professional jazz musician for 35 years.

 

FLUTE, CLARINET OR SAXOPHONE LESSONS (Ages 10 & Older)

No one seems to question the popularity of learning to play the piano, guitar or drums. But, what about the woodwind instruments? Don' t miss this opportunity to learn to play the flute, clarinet or saxophone - your choice. Private half-hour lessons will be given on Tuesday evenings. Students must supply their own instrument.

Fee: $99

Room 124 (High School)
Instructor: Lawrence Cheeley
Master woodwind instructor for 20 years.

 

INTRODUCTION TO WEST AFRICAN DRUMMING (Ages 9-adult)

This course is designed to introduce students to the techniques used for West African hand drum styles. The course will focus on two regions and traditions, Djembe Drums from Guinea and Senegal and Barrel drums from Ghana. Students will learn interlocking rhythms and patterns for fun, recreational dances from those regions. These styles of drumming can also be considered therapeutic, as the rhythms are repetitious and "jam-like." An instrument will be provided unless a student already has his/her own.
(ART-014)

Fee: $45

Room 182 (Middle School)
Instructor: Michael Yanoski
Member of the African Drumming Ensemble at Kent State; has previously taught this course.

 

INTERMEDIATE WEST AFRICAN DRUMMING

This is a continuation of the INTRODUCTION TO WEST AFRICAN DRUMMING course. It will focus on learning additional recreational drum and dance pieces from Ghana, Nigeria and Mali. Students who have previous experience playing hand drums in a group setting are also welcome to take this course. An instrument will be provided unless a student already has his/her own.
(ART-019)

Fee: $45

Room 182 (Middle School)
Instructor: Michael Yanoski
Member of the African Drumming Ensemble at Kent State; has previously taught this course.

 

INTRO TO PLAYING ACOUSTIC GUITAR, BANJO & MANDOLIN

One of the most rewarding aspects of playing an instrument is playing with others who are interested in the same kind of music. This class is intended to provide an opportunity for the inexperienced student to learn to play guitar, banjo or mandolin, or for a beginning stringed instrument player to hone playing skills. Basic instruction will be given on guitar, banjo and mandolin so that the student can begin to play many of the folk songs which are part of our musical heritage. The classes will also include discussions about the basic structure of folk music and how to play in a group, thus providing the experience of playing with others. At the end of the 10 weeks, with practice and regular attendance, the student should be able to join in the Folk/Bluegrass Music Jamboree class. Students are expected to provide their own instruments. If you do not have an instrument, contact the instructor about the possibilities of obtaining one. Limit 15.
(ART-010)

Fee: $43

Room 184 (Middle School-High School Campus)
Instructor: Peter Mirando
Over twenty years experience playing the banjo, guitar and mandolin; instructor for Hamburg Community Education; owner of South Towns Banjo.

 

FOLK MUSIC JAMBOREE

Do you remember Tom Dooley or Charlie on the MTA? Are you familiar with the Wabash Cannonball, Jambalaya and the Battle of New Orleans? Do you play acoustic guitar, banjo, mandolin or any other acoustic folk instrument? If you enjoy playing or singing folk music, you are invited to join us for an acoustic music jam. The music played includes traditional folk, old time country and bluegrass, depending on the interests of the class. Song and chord sheets with lyrics are provided for the songs played by the class. The class is designed to accommodate beginners as well as more experienced musicians. Each session is a "gentle jam" where songs are selected at the prior class. This allows the participants an opportunity to anticipate each song and get out any song sheets that he or she might need. This is a great opportunity to gain experience in playing with others. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal and...great fun. If you can’t play an instrument, come to sing. If you like to learn some basic guitar, banjo, mandolin or ukulele, instruction will be given in the introductory class conducted from 6:30-7:30 PM so that by the end of the 6-week session (with practice), you should be able to play along with many of the songs in the acoustic jam class. You are responsible for providing an instrument. If you do not have an instrument and would like to obtain one, contact the instructor. Limit 15.
(ART-011)

Fee: $79

Room 184 (Middle School-High School Campus)
Instructor: Peter Mirando
Over twenty years experience playing the banjo, guitar and mandolin; instructor for Hamburg Community Education; owner of South Towns Banjo.

Register for both Intro to Playing Acoustic Guitar, Banjo & Mandolin AND Folk Music Jamboree and pay only $89.

 

VOICE LESSONS (Ages 12-Adult)/PIANO LESSONS (Ages 7-Adult)

The human voice was the first instrument. If you are interested in developing your own instrument, PRIVATE HALF-HOUR VOICE LESSONS may help you to achieve that goal. These lessons include breath control, range extension, pitch awareness, quality of vocal sound and development of a song repertoire. Whether you sing for your own enjoyment, wish to join a group or aspire to be the next American Idol, learning the proper vocal methods can be beneficial as well as enjoyable/private half-hour piano lessons are scheduled.

Fee: $89 

Room 101 (Community Education Center)
Instructor: Elaine Swords
Voice Instructor for ten years; Music teacher for 26 years.

 

PIANO LESSONS (Ages 7-Adult)

Private half hour lessons are scheduled. 

Fee: $81

Room 203 (Community Education Center)
Instructor: Hassan Haky
Concert pianist

Fee: $81

Room 203 (Community Education Center)
Instructor: Elaine Swords
Piano teacher for over 25 years

BLUES HARMONICA LEVEL I

This level is for beginners only. Students will be introduced to the harmonica as a rhythm as well as a solo instrument. Chord playing and single note techniques will be emphasized. Several one verse solos will be presented. You may purchase your "Key of A" harmonica at the first class (approximately $20) or bring your own. Class size is limited.
(ART-004)

Feee: $75
Materials Fee: $20 payable to instructor

Room 184 (Middle School)
Instructor: Richard Nicotra
Retired school teacher; plays with several local bands

 

BLUES HARMONICA LEVEL II

Students will concentrate on old and new harmonica techniques and improvisational ideas. New one verse solos will be presented. There will be a strong emphasis on playing with others. Class size is limited.
(ART-005)

Fee: $75
Materials Fee: $20 payable to instructor

Room 184 (Middle School)
Instructor: Richard Nicotra
Retired school teacher; plays with several local bands

 

BLUES HARMONICA LEVEL III

Advanced techniques, including "note bending," as well as solos and improvisational ideas will be presented. Students will begin to write their own musical pieces at this level. Class size is limited.
(ART-006)

Fee: $75
Materials Fee: $20 payable to instructor

Room 184 (Middle School)
Instructor: Richard Nicotra
Retired school teacher; plays with several local bands

 

BLUES HARMONICA LEVEL IV

Building upon previous levels, students will be presented with more one verse solos and improvisational ideas. Classic harmonica instrumentals are introduced for study for the first time with emphasis on the advanced techniques needed to play them. Class size is limited.
(ART-007)

Fee: $75
Materials Fee: $20 payable to instructor

Room 184 (Middle School)
Instructor: Richard Nicotra
Retired school teacher; plays with several local bands

 

MORE BLUES NEWS

"Blues in the Afternoon" Harp Jam was formed six years ago by Rick Nicotra as part of Maryvale’s Community Education Program. The "Harp Jam" was formed to give Harp players an opportunity to perform in front of a live audience. Guitars, keyboards and drums are provided by local professional musicians. The group performs every month and each "jam session" lasts about three hours. The performers have a great time making "Blues" music together and a fun time can be expected by all in attendance.
Special Blues Harmonica mini-workshops by area pros (as well as national recording artists when they are in town) will be offered intermittently as well.
Students have an additional opportunity to practice their harmonica playing in conjunction with a local guitarist every Wednesday evening during the course for a minimal fee.