Music

Individual Instruction Offered

2009-06-11T09:25:00.000-05:00

The Ashtabula Arts Center offers individual instruction in many musical instruments.
For information or to arrange for a lesson time,
contact Music Coordinator Lyn Savarise at the Arts Center, 964-3396.
PIANO
Natella Askerova - $14.50/half hour
Lyn Savarise - $14.00/half hour
VIOLIN
Linda Doviak - $11.50/half hour
Carol Linsenmeier- $16.00/half hour
GUITAR
Randy Coutts - $14.00/half hour
James Hilton Luce - $14.00/half hour
FLUTE
Nanette Case - $12.00/half hour
VOICE
Deborah Inks - $14.00/half hour
Geoff Wands - $14.00/half hour
TRUMPET
James Fuller - $14.00/half hour
FRENCH HORN
James Fuller - $14.00/half hour
TROMBONE
James Fuller - $14.00/half hour
ORGAN
Lyn Savarise - $14.00/half hour
CLARINET
Geoffrey Wands - $14.00/half hour
SAXOPHONE
Geoffrey Wands - $14.00/half hour
PERCUSSION/BARITONE/HORN
Frank Montanaro - $14.00/half hour
DULCIMER
James Hilton Luce- $14.00/half hour
RECORDER
James Hilton Luce- $14.00/half hour

A Note About Suzuki Violin for Children
Instruction in violin, viola, & cello is offered by Dr. Carol Linsenmeier using the nurturing teaching method developed by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki. Students may begin to study on child-sized instruments as young as 4 years of age. Teaching methods especially adapted to young children are used. Parents are an essential part of the process as they attend their child's private lessons and practice with the child at home. Students also attend a weekly group class. Cost of the group lesson is $5 per week in addition to the private instruction fee.

See "Barbato and James" on March 15th!

2009-03-04T09:59:00.002-05:00

It�ll Be Another Rockin� Afternoon When

�Barbato and James� Returns to the Gallery!

Join us for a jazzy mix of acoustic blues and folk with

�Barbato and James�

featuring Steve Barbato & Randy �James� Coutts

in the intimate surroundings of the Arts Center gallery.

Sunday, March 15

at 2 p.m.

General Admission $10

If you missed the last �Barbato and James� coffeehouse at the Arts Center, you missed a great afternoon of entertainment that rocked the house and thrilled the audience. But now you have a chance to see this dynamic duo once again when they play another afternoon coffeehouse in the Arts Center gallery on Sunday, March 15.

Local musicians Steve Barbato and Randy �James� Coutts have been playing music for over thirty years. Listening to Beatles�s songs on the radio gave them both the inspiration to play.

Randy started taking guitar lessons at age 10. He received instruction from Tony Butch, Don Banzer, Ed Ollikainen and Glen Schwartz of the well-known 70�s band �Union Pacific Gas & Electric Band� and �The James Gang.� �The Fast Cats� was one of the many bands Randy has been a member of. Steve learned to play guitar from his father. He has been in various bands from California to Ohio and played in the well-known area band �Oil Can Harry� in the 70�s.

In the 1980�s, these two began playing in various bands together. In 1999, they formed the duo, �Barbato and James,� playing acoustic guitars and singing a variety of ever popular favorites including �The House of the Rising Son,� �Ain�t No Sunshine,� �Ghost Riders,� and �A Million Miles Away.�

Additionally, they currently play together in �The Ernest T Band,� with musicians Mike Penna and Brady Burnett with lead singer Steve Tobias. They play Blues, Classic Rock, Rock, Rockabilly, Motown and Country. Both groups play locally in clubs, wineries, taverns and are available for private parties, festivals, community events and more.

Seating is limited! Call to order your tickets today! 964-3396.

Good Life and the Spotlight Singers

2009-02-24T14:15:00.000-05:00

�The
Good Life Singers�
presents
�Hit Parade!�

Join �The Good Life Singers� for their annual spring concert! Filled with a variety of favorite tunes, this program is based on the radio show �Your Hit Parade� and will feature the most frequent pieces performed by �The Good Life� throughout the years. Songs will include: �I Believe/Ave Maria,� �Alexander's Ragtime Band,� �Putting on the Ritz,� �Bridge Over Troubled Water,� �Even Now,� �Don't Cry for Me Argentina,� �Music of the Night,� �Lullaby of Broadway,� �Sentimental Journey,� �Waitin' for the Robert E. Lee� and many more!
Don�t miss this annual favorite!

Fri., April 24 at 7:30 p.m.
and Sat., April 25 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $8 adults/ $7 seniors
Advance sale tickets receive a $1 discount!
For tickets: (440) 964-3396

�The Spotlight Singers�

The Ashtabula Arts Center�s children�s choir, directed by Deborah Inks,
will perform their

�Spring Concert�

on Sunday April 26
at 2 p.m.

Admission is free!
No reservations necessary.

Meet our Music Staff...

2008-12-16T12:06:00.000-05:00

Meet the music staff....

James Fuller

Trumpet, French horn, Trombone

A 1970 graduate of Ashtabula High School, James Fuller started his musical career participating in his school band and various church groups. He has studied under Oliver Kaura, Ward Hamm, Norman Taylor, Hector Martinez, Chris Bumpus, and William Slocum. He attended Kent State University and the Dana School of Music.

While in his teens, Jim met local legend Spencer Thompson and was introduced to blues and jazz standards while attending the many jam sessions that Thompson held.

Jim has performed in many area bands including the Ashtabula Symphonic Band, Ashtabula Area Orchestra and Northeasterly Winds. He is currently a member of �King Pins� and �Blues Project 2008.� He also serves Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and United Church of Christ in Conneaut and Indian Creek Chapel in Geneva.

At the Ashtabula Arts Center, Jim gives lessons in trumpet, French horn and trombone. Lessons are $14 per half hour. Most students take one lesson per week. Lessons can be arranged with any of our music instructors by calling the Arts Center at 964-3396.

Spotlight Singers

2008-12-10T12:08:00.004-05:00

�The Good Life Singers�

presents

�Hit Parade!�

Fri., April 24 at 7:30 p.m.
and Sat., April 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $8 adults/ $7 seniors

Join �The Good Life Singers� for their annual spring concert!

Filled with a variety of favorite tunes, this program is based on the radio show �Your Hit Parade� and will feature the most frequent pieces performed by �The Good Life� throughout the years. Songs will include: �I Believe/Ave Maria,� �Alexander's Ragtime Band,� �Putting on the Ritz,� �Bridge Over Troubled Water,� �Even Now,� �Don't Cry for Me Argentina,� �Music of the Night,� �Lullaby of Broadway,� �Sentimental Journey,� �Waitin' for the Robert E. Lee� and many more! Don�t miss this annual favorite!

�The Spotlight Singers�

directed by Deborah Inks,
will perform their
�Spring Concert�
on Sunday April 26 at 2 p.m.

Admission is free! No reservations necessary.

2008-12-10T12:08:00.000-05:00

2008-10-27T14:13:00.000-05:00

The Ashtabula Arts Center presents

The Spotlight Singers

singing

�Kids on Broadway at Christmas!�

featuring songs from �Grease,� �Scrooge� and�Seussical� as well as many seasonal favorites!
Thursday, December 11 at 7:00 p.m.
Admission is free!

The Arts Center�s Children�s Choir, �The Spotlight Singers� are available to perform at your event. Call director Deborah Inks at the Arts Center for more information (440) 964-3396.

"The Good Life" Christmas Concert

2008-10-27T11:13:00.000-05:00

Join us for our annual Christmas concert!

The Good Life

presents

�Christmas at the Movies�

Saturday, November 22 at 7:30 p.m.

and Sunday, November 23 at 2 p.m.

Tickets $8 adults/$7 seniors and children

Save $1 when you purchase advance tickets!

Remember Bing Crosby and Elvis? Burl Ives and Guy Lombardo? �Christmas at the Movies� is a delightful mix of holiday songs that will celebrate all of those classic holiday films and television specials we�ve come to love and look forward to every year. Songs in the program will include �Auld Lang Syne,� �Blue Christmas,� �Christmas Waltz,� �Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,��Here Comes Santa Claus,��Rocking Around the Christmas Tree,� and many more! Join us for this annual holiday treat!

Order tickets today! (440) 964-3396

Meet our music staff....

2008-06-25T14:14:00.004-05:00

Dr. Carol Linsenmeier

violin, viola & cello

Instruction in violin, viola, & cello is offered for all ages at the Arts Center by Dr. Carol Linsenmeier. Dr. Linsenmeier also offers Suzuki violin instruction for children. A nurturing teaching method developed by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, �Suzuki� is a method of teaching young children, ages 3 or 4 and up, to play violin through a process that is modeled after the way children learn language. With the constant encouragement of parent and teacher, children master a series of many small steps that start with music skill and coordination games, moves on to playing variations on "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," and progresses through the ten books of the Suzuki Violin School to playing Mozart violin concerti. In the beginning, children learn to play by ear. After they are comfortable with playing the violin, these children learn to read music, just as children learn to read words after they can speak fluently. Parents do not need to know how to play a musical instrument. During lessons they are taught how to work with their child.

In Suzuki instruction, parent and child attend a half-hour long private lesson and a group class each week. During the private lessons, the child learns to develop the skills of playing the violin. In group classes, young violinists play both music and games together to gain musical skills, and share the joy and camaraderie of making music together.

Private lessons with Dr. Linsenmeier cost $16 per half hour. The Suzuki group class costs an additional $25 for a 5-week session. To be eligible to be in the group Suzuki class, students must be taking Suzuki violin private lessons.

Dr. Linsenmeier has degrees in music education from the College of Wooster and the University of Georgia and a Ph. D. from Kent State University in Special Education. She received her Suzuki teacher training from Ithaca College Suzuki Institute.

Natella Askerova

piano

Natella was born and raised in Azerbeijan (former SSSR) and has been teaching piano for more than 30 years. Beginning her musical studies at age 8, Natella received a Bachelor of Music degree from Baku College. After earning her Master�s degree in Piano performance and collaboration at the Azerbaijan State Conservatory of Music she went on to perform as a soloist with several symphony and chamber orchestras. For the last 16 years, Nat has taught piano at the Ashtabula Arts Center and the Rabbit Run Community Arts Association. Having musically directed several shows at both the Arts Center and Rabbit Run, Nat also serves as director of music at the Second Congregational Church in Ashtabula. In each student she sees a potential professional pianist and she works with each of them according to their talents and abilities. To sign up for individual instruction with Nat or any of our other music instructors, call the Arts Center at 964-3396.

For information about private music instruction call (440) 964-3396.

Stringapalooza!

2008-04-28T14:23:00.000-05:00

Stringapalooza!

Join us for an evening recital featuring Suzuki students of
the Ashtabula Arts Center and special guests
The Fine Arts String Orchestra
from The Fine Arts Association, Willoughby, OH
Conducted by Dr. Carol Linsenmeier

June 12
7:00 p.m.

Admission is free!

The Suzuki program is one of the newest additions to the Arts Center�s music programs. Developed by Shinichi Suzuki of Japan, the Suzuki method focuses on training children to play music beginning at a very young age. The violinists in our recital range in age from 3 to 18 years. The guest ensemble from the Fine Arts Association in Willoughby, The Fine Arts String Orchestra, will also perform. A reception will follow. Please stay and meet our young musicians!

2008-04-03T13:37:00.000-05:00

The Good Life Singers

2008-03-11T10:58:00.001-05:00

The Good Life Singers

will present their annual

Spring Concert
Fri., April 25 at 7:30 p.m.

and Sat., April 26 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $8 adults/ $7 seniors

Advance sale tickets recieve a $1 discount!

For tickets: (440) 964-3396
Join us for this fun-filled performance of songs made famous by the legendary �Rat Pack.� Included will be favorite, familiar tunes like �Me and My Shadow,� �Young at Heart,� �Someone to Watch Over Me,� �My Way,� �That�s Amore,� �I�ve Got You Under My Skin,� �That Old Black Magic,� and many, many more!

The Spotlight Singers

2008-03-11T09:00:00.000-05:00

�The Spotlight Singers�

Spring Concert
will be held on Sunday, April 27 at 3:00 p.m.

A cookie and punch reception will follow.

Admission is free!

Please join us!

BackBeat...A Tribute

2007-12-11T13:19:00.000-05:00

"BackBeat... a Tribute" Brings Back �The Beatles!�

February 23

7:30 p.m.

Tickets:

$15 General Admission

$20 Patron Seating

Reserve yours today!

�The Beatles� arrived on the music scene in the early 60�s and rode such a wave of mass appeal that a cultural revolution was born. Relive that excitement once again and hear all of The Beatles great hits from all of their great albums when the Ashtabula Arts Center brings BackBeat...a Tribute to the stage on February 23.

Unlike many �tribute bands� the members of BackBeat-A Tribute are enthusiastic Beatles historians who strive to recreate the most accurate portrayal of the legendary group. Exact replicas of the classic �Beatle suits� were tailored to order, actual �Beatle Boots� were tracked down and haircuts & wigs were employed. Stage make-up and Liverpool voice accents complete the package beyond a mere resemblance.

The group also uses exact replicas of The Beatle�s instruments and gear including guitars and basses such as Rickenbacker, Hofner, Gretch, Gibson and Fender. And who can forget Ringo�s trademark Ludwig drumset? Even the tiniest details such as guitar straps, cables or the size of a drumhead or cymbal are duplicated to match that of The Beatles.

BackBeat...a Tribute has played in cities around the country including New York City, Las Vegas, Chicago, Pittsburgh and Ocean City. They have played numerous times in the Cleveland area and have sung the National Anthem at Jacobs Field.

Don�t miss this impressive and captivating show! Tickets are on sale now and seating is limited. Get yours today before they are sold out! (440) 964-3396.

Visit www.backbeatatribute.com

�BackBeat is one of only a few groups in the world that can reunite the enthusiasm of The Beatles...Every detail of a Beatles performance is captured by �BackBeat-A Tribute.�� --Jay Fox, ABC Radio Network

�I was astonished.by their resemblance to The Beatles...it is just like being back in England in the sixties.� --Lou Clark, Electric Light Orchestra (conductor/arranger �Hooked on Classics� cd).

�It�s the 60�s skinny-tie fashion, the accents, and , of course, the music which has everyone on the North Coast of America talking about �BackBeat!�� -- MIX102.7 FM Radio

The Spotlight Singers

2007-12-11T13:16:00.000-05:00

Register for the next season of

�The Spotlight Singers�

the Ashtabula Arts Center�s children�s choir!

Directed by Deborah Inks

For boys and girls ages 7 - 14

Rehearsals: Tuesdays from 5 - 6 p.m., for 15 weeks beginning Jan. 15.

Cost is $15 per child.

Scholarships available.

We will perform our spring concert on April 27th!

Come join the fun!

Upcoming Christmas Concerts

2007-11-05T14:00:00.000-05:00

The Good Life Singers

present their annual holiday concert

"A Christmas Truce"

On Friday, Nov. 16 and Sat. Nov. 17

at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets $8 adults/$7 seniors and children.

Buy tickets in advance and save $1!

The Ashtabula Arts Center

presents

The Spotlight Singers

"Holiday Concert!"

Join us for a delightful Christmas concert by the Arts Center's Children's Choir!

Directed by Deborah Inks

Tuesday, December 4

7:00 p.m.

Admission is free!

Music Appreciation

2007-11-05T13:55:00.000-05:00

Music Appreciation with Dr. William Martin will be held November 13th at 10 a.m. at the home of Gloria Kaull, 4569 Overlook Dr., Ashtabula. Everyone is welcome! $5 per person. Call the Arts Center for more information.

"Broadway and Beyond"

2007-10-05T10:12:00.000-05:00

JIM AND JEFF PRESENT

�Broadway and Beyond�

Sunday, October 28

at 3:00 p.m.

For tickets: (440) 964-3396

All tickets $10

All proceeds will benefit the Arts Center.

Jim Onion and Jeff Hughes will present on the Arts Center stage, a program of music from the Broadway and Pops repertoire. Jim Onion has been a favorite singer for Arts Center audiences over the last several decades. He has been seen and heard in roles as varied as Marco the Magnificent in �Carnival,� the father in �Bye, Bye, Birdie,� Edward Ruttledge in �1776,� and Tevye in �Fiddler on the Roof.�

Jim was the Director of Vocal Music in the Buckeye Schools for 28 years, and as such, created the well-loved singing group, The Warrior Soundsations. While spending the bulk of his career as a public school music director, he also spent over 45 years directing choirs and singing in area churches.

In his spare time, Jim has performed professionally as soloist and chorister with several orchestras and choruses around the nation, primarily with The Cleveland Orchestra and Chorus under directors such as Robert Shaw, George Szell, Pierre Boulez and most recently, Franz Welser-Most. He has had the pleasure of traveling to perform in countries as varied as Puerto Rico, France, Switzerland, Wales, England and Scotland.

Jim�s accompanist for the afternoon concert is Jeff Hughes. Jeff is a native of Greenville, Pennsylvania, where he started playing piano at the age of six. He attended the Dana School of Music at Youngstown State University, where he received his degree in piano, music education and voice. He was the organist for First Christian Church in Youngstown for six years, taught music in the Grand Valley Schools of Orwell for four years, and was accompanist for �The Men of Praise� choral group (directed by Jim) for several years.

In 1990, Jeff auditioned for and won the position of Pianist with the Glenn Miller Orchestra. After traveling with the Miller Band for a year, Jeff began working in the Cruise Ship Industry, starting with Regency Cruises. Since 1994 Jeff has been the Bandleader for the premier ship of Celebrity Cruises and has been responsible for bringing out seven of their ships for their maiden voyage. Most recently, Jeff has been in Alaska on the �Infinity�. This coming Winter, he will be taking the �Mercury� to the South Pacific, New Zealand and Australia. After returning next year, Jeff will bring out the first of four new ships for Celebrity.

Jim and Jeff eagerly anticipate performing for you!

Coffeehouse Presentation

2007-08-27T10:19:00.000-05:00

Join us for an afternoon of great music!

A Coffeehouse presentation by

�Barbato and James�

Featuring Steve Barbato and Randy James Coutts

playing a jazzy mix of acoustic blues/folk

in the relaxed, intimate setting

of the Arts Center Gallery.

Sunday, Sept. 30

3:00 - 4:30 p.m.

General Admission $8 Seniors/Students $7

Refreshments will be provided.

(440) 964-3396 for tickets.

Brown Bag Concert Series

2007-06-23T09:29:00.000-05:00

2007 Brown Bag Concert Series

Brown Bag concerts are held at noon in Ashtabula�s North Park on Wednesdays and Jefferson�s Village Park on Thursdays. All concerts are free.

Bring your chair and bring your lunch and enjoy this annual summer treat!

2007 Schedule of Performers

Ashtabula Series

North Park Gazebo, Downtown Ashtabula

Rain Site: First Presbyterian Church, Park Avenue

Our Students...

2007-06-19T13:22:00.000-05:00

Logan Mueller Accepted to Cleveland Youth Wind Symphonies Orchestra

13 years old, Logan Mueller is a very dedicated young musician. He currently leads a thirteen-member trumpet section in the school band directed by John Shamp and has recently been accepted to the Cleveland Youth Wind Symphonies Orchestra for 2007-2008, which will travel to Spain and Austria next summer. Logan plays his instrument at his church, sings on the Praise Team each week and has volunteered for the Salvation Army. His creativity is also shown throughout his artwork, which was recently displayed at the Ashtabula Arts Center during the May exhibit of the annual Kiwanis Competition. Logan has competed as a soloist and also in a brass quintet. Each was rated as an �Outstanding Performance� by each adjudicator. Logan enjoys performing before live audiences in a variety of styles and arrangements. He has performed at local area churches including East Side Presbyterian , Edgewood Alliance & First Covenant Church and will be a guest player at First Presbyterian church on June 24. He attends eighth grade at Wallace H. Braden Junior High where he holds a 3.5 GPA.

Stringapalooza!

2007-05-15T13:18:00.000-05:00

Stringapalooza!

Thursday, June 14

7:00 p.m.

Featuring Suzuki students of the Ashtabula Arts Center and special guests The Fine Arts Cadet Orchestra and The Fine Arts String Orchestrafrom The Fine Arts Association, Willoughby, OH.

The Suzuki program is the newest addition to the Arts Center�s music programs. Developed by Shinichi Suzuki of Japan, the Suzuki method focuses on training children to play music beginning at a very young age. The violinists in our recital range in age from 3 to 18 years.

Two guest ensembles from the Fine Arts Association in Willoughby, The Cadet Orchestra and The Fine Arts String Orchestra, will also perform, conducted by Dr. Carol Linsenmeier.

Admission is free.

The Good Life

2007-03-19T13:12:00.000-05:00

Make your reservations now for

�The Good Life�

as they present their annual spring concert

on Friday, April 27 and Saturday, April 28 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $8 adults/ $7 seniors

Advance tickets: $7 adults/$6 seniors

Reservations (440) 964-3396

The Spotlight Singers

2007-03-19T13:05:00.000-05:00

The Ashtabula Arts Center�s Children�s Choir

The �Spotlight Singers�

under the direction of Deborah Inks

will present a concert on

Sunday, April 22

at 3:00 p.m.

Admission is free.

A reception will follow.

Join us for this spring treat!

2006-11-20T14:37:00.000-05:00

Hey kids!

Join the Ashtabula Arts Center�s Children�s Choir!

The Ashtabula Arts Center is in the process of forming a children�s choir for ages 7-14 to perform concerts at the Arts Center and other venues. Directed by Deborah Inks, rehearsals will be Tuesdays from 5-6 p.m., beginning January 9. Please call the Arts Center (440) 964-3396 in January for more information or to sign-up for this newest, fun activity!