Optional Enrichment Classes

When scheduling permits, students will be assigned to an age- or level-appropriate enrichment class. After carefully reading the enrichment class requirements, indicate first, second, and third choices in the space provided on the application form.

This summer two youth choirs will be offered to students.

• Children’s Chorus is open to students ages 6–9. Emphasis will be on unison singing as well as simple rounds and partner songs.
• Youth Chorus is open to students ages 10–14. The group includes both boys (with unchanged voices) and girls. Emphasis will be on two- and three-part singing. Music reading and prior chorus experience helpful.

Ghislaine Stewart conducts the choirs, which perform each week at the final institute concert. Stewart is a professional singer, Suzuki violin teacher, and public school general music teacher with much experience. She is the conductor of the Binghamton (New York) All-City Fifth Grade Chorus.

Fiddling class is open to violinists in book 3 or 4. Some experience with simple double-stops is helpful. Students will learn basic fiddle tunes in various styles by ear. Laurie Hart, one of Ithaca’s finest fiddlers, will teach the class.

Reading Ensemble is open to students with reading experience who do not meet the qualifications for orchestra. Students must be capable of reading half, quarter, and eighth notes, plus dotted quarter and eighth notes, in the keys of C, G and D. The minimum Suzuki book level is violin book 3 or cello book 2.

Creative Movement/Dance class is available for all age groups and will be taught by Bob Oates, who teaches K–12 physical education, is a high school dance instructor, and is a Suzuki parent. He will work with the dances in the Suzuki literature (minuet, gavotte, and bourrée) as well as African and Bulgarian folk dances. Parents are welcome to participate with their children. Oates has taught for three years at the Central Pennsylvania Suzuki Institute.