music class
Its Vaudeville!
by Ginevra Ralph, Director of Education
Is The Shedd Institute really trying to revive “vaudeville”? Well, not exactly –- but we do draw from the rich well of this American theatrical tradition to engage youngsters both in the audience (at the Magical Moombah for example) and on the stage with our Summer Songfest camps for elementary schoolers and the Musical Theatre Training Academy's new spring and fall program for middle schoolers, The Vaudeville Hour. “Vaudeville” is a very light-hearted, comedic revue formant rife with song, dance, jokes, slapstick, tricks, acrobatics, magic – pretty much anything we want to stuff in there to entertain?
Our goals with these camps is not to create professional musicians, but to help youngsters feel comfortable with “performing” in an emotionally safe forum. As they mature, they will later be more comfortable giving a presentation in history class, a Rotary speech, or a eulogy. They will also have lots of fun along the way – which is what this “vaudeville revival” is truly all about!
Focus on the Classes...
kids playing violin
The Music Box
Music Box provides a beginning foundation in music education with hands-on explorations of different instruments, songs and musical styles to help students discover the right “fit” for their musical interests and pick a favorite instrument for further study. Each week introduces a new song from our Music Box CD (from spirituals, folk, bluegrass and more) followed by a hands-on introduction to a new instrument led by a Shedd Faculty member! Read more...
kid playing piano
Basic Piano
Piano is a great instrument for anyone to start music lessons on and a fundamental tool for all instrumentalists, singers, and songwriters. It provides a strong foundation for reading music, manual coordination, and ear training all at the same time. In our Basic Piano courses students will learn basic keyboard orientation and simple melodies. We have one Basic Piano sections this term, Basic Piano for grades K-3 on Tuesdays.
The Eye Center
Shedd Presenting Sponsor