Both online and in-person learning opportunities available for adults and youth; preschool spaces also open
HYANNIS, MA—January 12, 2021
The Cape Symphony is pleased to announce multiple opportunities for adults and youth to learn and play this spring, both online and in-person at the Barnstable and Falmouth campuses, with health and safety measures in place.
The Preschool program in Barnstable also has a few open spaces for additional students. The spring semester begins on Feb 1st and runs through June 19th, with a makeup week June 21-26.
The Preschool program, held at the Barnstable campus, enhances the learning experience of numbers, letters, and storytelling with music, dance, and visual arts. The Preschool is open to students whose age on February 1, 2021 is two years and nine months to four years (two-day sessions on Tuesday and Thursday) and ages four to five years (three-day sessions on Monday, Wednesday and Friday). Preschool hours are 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, with the option to extend the day to 3:00 pm. Tours are currently available for parents interested in enrollment for Spring 2021 and Fall 2021.
Beginning in early March, the Cape Youth Chorale will be held in Barnstable and Falmouth for singers ages nine to 17. Due to the pandemic, the chorale experience has been reimagined, and instead of rehearsing for a performance, the Cape Youth Chorale will focus on composing an original song. This experience, focused on the local Cape environment as a theme, is part of a larger international songbook project. The Cape Youth Chorale will be guest taught by composer/performer/educator Carla Kihlstedt, and feature several expert guest educators. Thanks to the generous support of the Bilezikian Family Foundation and Hermann Foundation, participation in the Cape Youth Chorale is free to any student taking another class/lessons of equal or greater value.
The same offer applies to the Cape Symphony Youth Orchestra, now accepting new student auditions for the spring semester starting February 1st. The Cape Symphony Youth Orchestra is a full symphonic orchestra designed for our community’s most advanced and dedicated young musicians. Audition information is available at capesymphony.org/youth-orchestra and students are urged to submit their audition videos before the first rehearsal of the new semester on February 6th, but late submissions will still be accepted and reviewed. The Cape Symphony Youth Orchestra will continue to meet online through the spring.
Two music appreciation classes are scheduled for adults. A Night at the Symphony begins January 14th and runs for ten weeks, online via Zoom. Students will learn to understand and follow the structure of a symphony, illustrated by masters like Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven. From Russia with Love, running from the end of March through early June in Falmouth and online, focuses on Russian classical music and explores the major Russian composers and landmark works. No previous musical experience is necessary for either class.
The CJazz program gives youth and adult musicians of all skill levels a chance to play jazz standards in an ensemble, just like professionals on a bandstand. Students learn and play all styles of jazz (bebop, swing, Latin, 3/4, smooth, and standards). CJazz sessions are held in both Barnstable and Falmouth.
Two Flute Choirs are planned for Falmouth, one for ages 16 and up and one for ages ten to 16. Being part of a wind group offers players a different experience from a mixed ensemble. By focusing on intonation, rhythm, tone and technique, students learn how to blend within the ensemble to create a unique and beautiful sound.
For saxophone players ages ten and up, Saxophone Choir, held in Falmouth, is an opportunity to play with a fun ensemble and keep their skills up.
Group Guitar, for players ten and up, will meet on Saturdays in Falmouth and is a fun introductory course exploring the basics of music notation, chords, picking, and strumming techniques, with song selections from a variety of genres.
Introductory piano classes include beginner and intermediate level for adults; both are offered in Falmouth and online. Children ages five to 11 can enroll in the Piano Explorers class, held in-person in Barnstable. A small group of students are taught in a positive atmosphere.
Ballet classes return to the Cape Symphony campuses in Barnstable and Falmouth, beginning February 1st. A range of classes are available for students ages three to 18. Pre-Ballet and Elementary Ballet focus on introducing students to ballet terms and concepts and engaging in creative movement. In Ballet 1 for ages six to 11, students learn placement, posture, and poise, and develop teamwork. Students must audition for Ballet 3/4 – Pointe 1, which includes beginning pointe and other more advanced techniques for ages ten to 14. Ballet 5/6 – Pointe 2 is our most advanced class, for ages 13 to 18 with prior training, and features artistry, phrasing, choreography, corps de ballet, and soloist variations for repertoire and performing.
“We’re excited that we’re able to offer such a wide variety of music and dance instruction this spring, including socially distanced ensembles,” said Michael Albaugh, Executive Director. “As our community looks forward with hope to a brighter future, this is the perfect time to learn something new or improve your skills.”
Throughout the winter and spring, private lessons are offered for youth and adults, from beginning through advanced levels in all major instruments and voice. Lessons are held virtually using simple, user-friendly technology, and the faculty creates engaging experiences that work well online. In-person private lessons are also available on a limited basis at both the Barnstable and Falmouth campuses.
“As the reality of the pandemic continues, our ongoing safety plan includes limiting building capacity, staggering class times, wearing masks, and disinfecting studios and instruments between lessons,” added Albaugh. “The safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our highest priority.”
For more information about the Cape Symphony spring semester, and to register, visit www.capesymphony.org/education/classes. For questions, contact Michael Albaugh at 508-362-2772 x201,
Media Contact:
Ellen Cliggott, Director of Marketing
774.470.2282 Ext. 106;
About Cape Symphony
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.