Music offerings for adults and youth; auditions open for Youth Orchestra
HYANNIS, MA—August 31, 2022
Music classes and ensembles led by experienced faculty, private lessons in all major instruments and voice, and seats in the Cape Symphony Youth Orchestra are available this fall for adults and youth. The Cape Symphony fall semester runs from September 6, 2022 to January 20, 2023 at the Barnstable and Falmouth campuses.
In Mind-Body Music, a new class that was piloted over the summer, adult students will explore music as a vehicle for inspiring joy through the practice of wellness, learning how to combat stress by eliciting the relaxation response with favorite songs. Instructor Nick Suchecki holds a Bachelor's of Music from Berklee, a Master's of Music from New England Conservatory, and is currently a doctoral candidate in educational studies at Leslie University. Suchecki also has a mind-body medicine teaching certificate from Mass General Hospital. The class is offered online and in Barnstable and Falmouth.
“It’s well-documented that music can improve mood, decrease pain and anxiety, and facilitate opportunities for emotional expression,” said Michael Albaugh, Executive Director, Cape Symphony. “The Cape Symphony is launching wellness programming because we strongly believe that music can bring enormous benefits to our community.”
Another new class is Intro to Ukulele for Adults, taught in both Barnstable and Falmouth by Joseph Scott, a graduate of Boston Conservatory. Students will learn to play several simple songs so that they’ll be able to play for enjoyment at any time. Ukulele is a good instrument to begin learning as it is arguably the easiest stringed instrument to play and is portable and fun.
Introductory piano classes for adults include beginner and intermediate levels held in Falmouth and online. In both levels, students learn to play in a fun group setting. Angela Poirier teaches small-group classes online, and Fred Johnson teaches in Falmouth; both have over 35 years of experience in music education.
Two adult ensembles offer the opportunity to play in groups that focus on their instruments. The Seaside String Ensemble welcomes string students of all levels ages 18 and up. Participants develop technical and rhythmic skills through the ensemble experience, in a low-pressure setting. Seaside Strings, led by Cape Symphony violinist Lary Chaplan, meets in Barnstable on Tuesday nights, as does Flute Choir, led by Cape Symphony flutist Mariellen Sears. Flute Choir is for intermediate and advanced adult students and offers players a different experience from a mixed ensemble, learning how to blend within the ensemble to create a unique and beautiful sound.
Children ages six to ten can enroll in the Piano Explorers class, where a small group of students are taught in a positive atmosphere. Piano Explorers creates the perfect bridge to life-long music education, with emphasis on keyboard skills, ear training, rhythm, phrasing, fingering, singing, movement, and staff reading. The class is offered in Barnstable, taught by Angela Poirier, and in Falmouth, taught by Su D’Ambrosio, Cape Symphony Instruction and Community Engagement Manager.
Private lessons are offered in person at both Barnstable and Falmouth campuses, for youth and adults, from beginning through advanced levels in a wide range of instruments as well as voice. Online lessons are also available using simple, user-friendly technology.
The Cape Symphony Youth Orchestra is holding new student auditions for the fall semester on September 10 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Barnstable Campus and 3:00 to 5:00 PM at the Falmouth Campus. The Cape Symphony Youth Orchestra (CSYO) is a year-round program that consists of three ensembles: CSYO, Repertory Winds & Strings, and the Repertory Percussion. The new Repertory Percussion Ensemble, led by CSYO Program Percussion Coordinator and Cape Symphony Principal Timpanist Mark Prall, will be devoted to preparing and performing percussion ensemble repertoire while learning to play a wide range of symphonic percussion instruments.
CSYO members learn to rehearse and perform like the Cape Symphony, exploring the beauty and intricacy of history’s greatest compositions while continuing to grow their musicianship and technical ability. All young musicians from ages 12 to 21 who play orchestral instruments are welcome to audition for placement in one of the ensembles. Audition information is available at capesymphony.org and students are urged to sign up for an audition slot as soon as possible. Participation in CSYO is free to any student taking private lessons at the Cape Symphony. Special thanks to the generous support of the Bilezikian Family Foundation and Hermann Foundation.
“Our focus is on offering a wide range of classes and ensembles for students at all levels to enjoy,” said Albaugh. “If you, your children, or grandchildren want to try something new and fun this fall, please join us!”
The Cape Symphony’s safety policy for the Barnstable and Falmouth campuses will continue to follow public school guidelines. Masks are optional; however, teachers and students can request masking in lessons. Students who are not well are asked to stay home. These guidelines may be adjusted as warranted.
For more information about the Cape Symphony fall semester, and to register, visit capesymphony.org/education/classes. For questions, contact the Cape Symphony registrars at
Media Contact:
Ellen Cliggott, Public Relations & Marketing Writer
774.470.2282 Ext. 106;
About Cape Symphony
At the Cape Symphony, our mission is to Inspire Joy. We do this through outstanding entertainment and educational programs. Cape Cod’s very own professional orchestra, the Cape Symphony, performs at the Barnstable Performing Arts Center in Hyannis. From popular hits to magnificent classics, highlighting hidden gems and putting a new twist on standards, the emphasis is always on fun, surprises, and beautiful music. The Cape Symphony commitment to education for all ages includes private lessons, classes and ensembles at campuses in Barnstable and Falmouth as well as online. Its acclaimed preschool program is known for blending traditional academics with the arts. Through community outreach, the Cape Symphony brings an array of engaging programs to the Cape Cod community. Visit www.capesymphony.org for more information.
