"A Fresh Approach to Learning New Material"
Five days, June 27 - July 1, 2005
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
$150 non-members/ $125 AAC members
For registration (440) 964-3396
Registration deadline: June 13th

The Ashtabula Arts Center and Artsmith Sudios of New York City are collaborating to bring a vocal performance workshop, "A Fresh Approach to Learning New Material" to the Arts Center this summer.

The session is designed for students age 10 through adults. It will be taught by Melinda Smith, who performed on the Arts Center stage for more than five years before moving to New York City to finish her Masters of Arts in vocal performance/musical theater from New York University, where she teaches private voice.

Mindy's featured roles at the AAC included Maria in "The Sound of Music" and Lilli Vanessi in "Kiss Me Kate."

Since moving to New York, Smith has served as muscial director for several productions and most recently originated the role of Pip the Pirate in "Twin Treasures."

The sessions will focus on a method of learning new material, from choosing a song, to learning the technical aspects of the music, to interpretation of the material and performance skills. The workshop also works on healthy singing habits, addressing posture, breathing and tension release.

The Artsmith class helps students focus on one aspect of singing at a time, rather than becoming overwhelmed by trying to mentally multi-task. Students are able to progress much faster and have the opportunity to perform a song learned through this process at the end of the week-long session.

Smith and Artsmith Studios also will be holding workshops this summer in Denver at Arapahoe Community College; The Villages Lifelong Learning College in the Villages, FL.; Pocatac Neighborhood Center in Westerly, Rhode Island; Springfield North High School in Springfield, Ohio; and New York City.

Before moving to New York with her husband Ryan, Smith was director of vocal music at Conneaut High School and assistant band director. She earned a Bachelors Degree in music eduacation and a Master's Degree in secondary education from Ohio University.

For more information, contact Darrell Lowe (440) 964-3396.