Music Ensembles
NIU students, faculty and staff are invited to try CSA Steelband for free at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23, in the NIU Music Building room 154C.
Directed by Yuko Asada, CSA Steelband welcomes members ages 12 to adult. No previous experience is needed, but students should be able to read music. The group rehearses on Mondays from 6:30 to 7:25 p.m.
NIUkulele Ensemble, directed by Eric Schroeder, is for beginning and intermediate ukulele players ages 9 to adult. All types of ukuleles are welcome, and everyone must have an instrument. The group meets on Mondays from 7:30 to 8:25 p.m. beginning Jan. 23.
CSA Guitar Ensemble meets Wednesdays from 8 to 8:55 p.m. beginning Feb. 8. Directed by Quentin Dover, the ensemble builds confidence and skill on the instrument for beginning and intermediate guitar players ages 14 to adult.
CSA Symphonette invites string players ages 8 to 16 to rehearse together on Tuesdays from 4:30 to 6 p.m. under the direction of Linc Smelser. This group plays lively and challenging music and performs in concert twice during the year. The first rehearsal is on Jan. 31.
Art EXPRESS FOR KIDS
This popular class for ages 4 to 12 meets on six Saturdays from 1 to 3 p.m. beginning Feb. 4. Students learn about art and the world as they create original arts and crafts. Taught by NIU art education students supervised by an NIU School of Art instructor, Art Express has a new theme every semester. Classes are organized by age and limited in size. Class fee is waived for all Huskie families.
MUSIC CLASSES FOR OLDER CHILDREN AND ADULTS
Group Guitar for Kids Teacher Aerie Bernard introduces children ages 8 to 12 to guitar playing through a fun approach. Exposure to music fundamentals allows students to begin building skills which can lead to confident and comfortable playing. Meets on Wednesdays from 6 – 6:55 p.m. starting Feb. 1.
Guitar Basics and Intermediate Guitar These classes for students from age 13 to adult are taught by Quentin Dover on Wednesday evenings. Guitar Basics meets from 6 – 6:55 p.m., and Intermediate Guitar meets from 7 – 7:55 p.m. Both classes begin on Feb. 1.
Group piano classes for adults meet on Monday evenings starting Jan. 30. CSA instructor Jaina Krueger teaches Square One Piano: Group Basics Class from 6:15 – 7:00 p.m. for beginning students and Piano Forte: Building Piano Skills from 7:15 – 8:00 p.m. for intermediate players. Both classes accept students from age 13 to adult, and early registration is encouraged.
QI GONG
In Qi Gong (or Chi-Kung), students learn 24 postures that can be done at one time or interspersed amid rehearsals to renew energy and release tension. Qi Gong improves relaxation and concentration when practiced immediately before a performance. Eric Schroeder leads this class for ages 12 to adult, meeting on six Mondays from 5 to 6 p.m. starting Jan. 23.
The NIU Community School of the Arts is sponsored by the College of Visual and Performing Arts and is located in Music Building room 132. More information and registration forms can be found online or call 815-753-1450.
