Adam Sheldon, Director
Dear CAS families,
It’s been more than one year since our daily lives were turned upside down by COVID-19. From the beginning, CAS staff and faculty knew it would be critical for our families to remain involved in the arts as a way to continue their creative journeys and foster meaningful connections with one another. We’re so proud of how our community has responded – faculty, students, parents, and staff alike – and are so thankful for the support we received along the way! As we look ahead to the end of the spring semester and the warmer days of summer, we know there are many lessons each of us has learned that will benefit our community for years to come.
The BW Women's Chorus continued to meet virtually throughout the spring season.
SPRING HIGHLIGHTS
The arts continue to thrive at the Community Arts School this spring. The Baldwin Wallace Women’s Chorus recently hosted composer Andrea Ramsey for a virtual choral workshop, where members gained insight into the compositional process of pieces the ensemble is currently rehearsing. The BW Men’s Chorus has found creative ways to connect with its members virtually in their “Still Connected” series, and will offer a virtual spring review entitled “Things That Never Die”.
CAS classes continue to meet safely, whether virtually or in-person, including our dance, visual art, and Dalcroze Eurhythmics classes. Our youngest musicians – ranging from infants to age 4 – will soon begin their outdoor spring session of MusicPlay, where they will build the foundations of music-making through fun and engaging experiences.
LOOKING FORWARD TO SUMMER
In June, our campus will once again be buzzing with the sounds of excited young musicians attending String Camp and Band Camp for students in grades 4-9. This year, these programs will be offered in a day camp format and will include enhanced safety protocols to keep campers and staff healthy. The joy of meeting new friends and making music together, however, will still be at the heart of camp! We are thrilled to be able to offer tuition assistance to Lorain County residents for String and Band Camp, made possible through generous support from the Nord Family Foundation and Nordson Corporation Foundation.
Students participate in a past summer camp for High School students.
For many high school students, summer is the time of year when they consider the next step in their musical journeys. BW Conservatory Summer Workshops are one-day on-campus experiences that allow high school musicians to study with BW Conservatory of Music faculty in rehearsals, sectionals, and masterclasses with an emphasis on preparing for their college audition and future musical pursuits.
Also returning to campus in Summer 2021 is the Institute for Music Teaching & Learning, offering seven diverse in-person courses for Music Educators. Topics range from ‘West African Drumming, Song and Dance’ to ‘Lift Every Voice’ - a course where book club meets choir.
If the warmer weather is inspiring you to break out of your comfort zone and learn something new, it might be the perfect time to pick up a new instrument – our private lessons offer rolling admission that can begin at any time. Registration is also open for our summer dance classes, which present a great opportunity for students to try a new genre of dance in convenient 1-week sessions. Be sure to check our website for summer visual art classes which will be available very soon.
No matter where you are on your artistic journey, we look forward to staying connected with you, our CAS community, and finding new ways to bring the arts into our lives. As always, we welcome your questions and comments as we learn and grow together.
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