Class Descriptions
Strings Classes (Violin Family)
Please email Miss Anna with questions: anna.cellom@gmail.com
Level 1 Strings (ages 7+)
No prerequisites or experience necessary
Materials needed:
Black folding music stand (Label this with a name!)
Music and Pencil
Essential Elements Book 1 (The link is for violin. If you have a different instrument, you’ll need to order for that instrument.)
Stringed instrument
You will need to decide if you want to rent or buy. If you are just exploring options and trying to expose your child to various string instruments, we would not recommend buying an expensive violin/cello. (If they take a liking to it after a year or so, then we would recommend investing in a higher quality in instrument.) $100-$300 range is good for a first instrument for violin or viola (Please note beginner cellos and basses are substantially more expensive to buy. We highly recommend renting to start if your child is interested in learning either of these). If you are considering buying, please do not purchase a cheap one. (Our teacher can help you with recommendations. The instruments don’t stay in tune, making it frustrating for the student and hindering their progress.)
Renting options: Renting is a great way to go if you are just wanting to test and see if your child is interested in strings. Rental instruments are also usually higher quality than the $100 Amazon purchase option. Our teacher’s recommendation is renting from either Ronald Sachs Violins or Atlanta Violins - 100% of your rental fee accrues toward the purchase of an instrument (minus a maintenance fee and taxes). If you are renting, the store associate can help you select the correct size, however if you are purchasing an instrument online, here is a link that will help you know what size your child needs: https://musicfunbooks.com/violin-sizing-guide/
A notepad/notebook
For cellists: Endpin holder https://www.amazon.com/Endpin-Non-slip-Stopper-Antiskid-Adjustable/dp/B08X4GY2L4/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?keywords=cello+endpin+anchor&qid=1660352057&sr=8-4
Intermediate and Advanced Strings
These classes are for students who have previous experience. The students must be admitted by audition or teacher recommendation, and the students will be placed in the classes based on various skills.
Materials needed for intermediate strings:
Black folding music stand (Label this with a name!)
Sheet Music and Pencil
Stringed instrument
Essential Elements Book 2 (The link is for violin. If you have a different instrument, you’ll need to order for that instrument.)
A notepad/notebook
Sacred Settings
Cello: https://www.amazon.com/95CO-Settings-Robert-S-Frost/dp/0849733588/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1QQM6PT3V6F0O&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Guu7xpfpSQ9EDrx62pF3PWZtenKCj6BlqqAuNUPY8Q-9nyD27YgMKI4rJkDurnR2WCrHQX1RvZB7b6K0LQQEKJoYLDOAQmhVNPxUYGoBS1vgNNvC86AhGmBqdPVI25ECoKhUC3WHenVsMyyJBgSBgJJM7cmU98dEgx2-QBpspdgc1mli6N9_8ugfC3XDrRhKDzjFuYoCy5JTJXaVSCXlYLwnGqDuRq5bghkhmDdFPL4.ZF27bHsPTyk3FNbJfkU0USnw2QLoXcpBquvVG4L6NQQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=sacred+settings+cello&qid=1779384670&sprefix=sacred+settings+cell%2Caps%2C215&sr=8-1
For cellists: Endpin holder https://www.amazon.com/Endpin-Non-slip-Stopper-Antiskid-Adjustable/dp/B08X4GY2L4/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?keywords=cello+endpin+anchor&qid=1660352057&sr=8-4
Group Guitar Classes
We offer beginner and intermediate classes. Students need a guitar and stand.
3-4 year old class
Our preschool classes use Dr. Feierabend’s First Steps in Music as the basic method. We learn to sing, feel the beat, and love muic!
5-6 year old class
This class includes singing, moving, developing an internal beat, playing rhythm instruments, and identifying classical pieces such as the Nutcracker, Peter and the Wolf, or Carnival of the Animals.
7-8 year old class
This class focuses on note and rhythm reading, moving to music, and singing. Much of the literature is based on Dr. Feierabend’s method as well as the curriculum Growing in Grace. Students in this class may also sign up for beginner strings.
Praise Team
One of Sounds of Praise’s goals is to develop musicians who can serve God by using their talents. We have many former students who serve in their churches by playing instruments or singing, and we even have some who have received collegiate music degrees. Members of the praise team have to be proficient on their instrument/voice. They will learn basic theory, as well as how to play in a group and where they “fit.” Eg, pianists need their left hand. Pianists who are playing with bass players need it less. Praise Team is open to ages 13+.
Choir Classes
Our Choral Program offers a learning environment designed to provide a fulfilling and rewarding musical experience for each member. After spending time in our program, we hope members walk away from our organization with a rich love for singing and a deep appreciation for the art of choral music. Additionally, we want young singers to gain solid vocal training, develop music literacy skills, and grow in their understanding of musical concepts. The singers will meet these objectives by performing a wide variety of music from contrasting time periods and varying levels of difficulty.
Treble Choir (ages 9-12)
This is our ensemble for younger singers with unchanged voices. In this class, we learn fundamentals for reading music and healthy vocal technique.
Ladies Choir (ages 13-19)
Ladies Choir is comprised of young ladies. We focus on music literacy, singing with proper technique, and working together as an ensemble. This group rehearses in a variety of formats.
Chorale (audition only): A small subset of Concert Choir, Chorale provides an opportunity to sing a more challenging repertoire. To be selected for the chorale, singers must pass an audition that demonstrates their sight-reading ability, aural skills, and vocal maturity. Chorale may be offered at various times in the year based on the discretion of the teacher.
Men’s Choir (ages 13-19)
Private Lessons
Sounds of Praise families can also take private piano lessons. These are offered by Marie Blackmar, our choral accompanist, and are separate from Sounds of Praise.