Sydney Gerritsen

The Des Moines Symphony Academy’s Beginning Strings Program will provide young, aspiring musicians ages 4 and 5 years old with their first instructional experience on violin, viola or cello.

Group classes will be offered in four semesters yearly—Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer—each semester consisting of nine weeks of 45 minute weekly classes culminating in a large group class taking place during the tenth week, which will provide students with ensemble experience early on in the learning process.  Students may join at the start of any semester.

The Symphony Academy Beginning Strings Program is designed for students to enter the program at age four or five and continue on until they are prepared to begin private lessons at the Symphony Academy and participate in the Symphony Academy Youth Orchestras program. When they move into private studios, they will have all of the skills necessary to move forward with productive weekly private lessons and to be fully participatory members of the Des Moines Symphony Youth Orchestras.

Download a copy of our Beginning Strings Program Flyer.  Learn more about our Program Director Sydney Gerritsen (pictured).

For more information about our Beginning String Program, please contact Joshua Barlage,  Managing Director, at 515.280.3332 or joshua@dmsymphony.org.

Supported by Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino.

FREE BRASS CLINIC AND MASTERCLASS

2013 DES MOINES SYMPHONY ACADEMY DOUBLE REED SYMPOSIUM

Sat, Feb 23, 2013, 10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Civic Center of Greater Des Moines

We invite high school and collegiate oboists and bassoonists to join us for our first Des Moines Symphony Academy Double Reed Symposium.

Internationally renown Oboist Humbert Lucarelli will be our featured guest presenter during this day-long symposium focused on all things double reed! This event is sponsored by Lynn Rankin & Steve Karlin.

Registration Fee: $25, includes (1) ticket to the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra’s Masterworks 4 concert on Sat. Feb 23, 2013.  To register, download a Des Moines Symphony Academy Double Reed Symposium Registration Form Rev Feb 14, 2013 or call 515.280.3332 to register by phone.  You may also register for our Symposium as an Auditor at a reduced Registration Fee of $10, which includes (1) ticket to the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra’s Masterworks 4 concert.
Registration Deadline: Fri Feb 22, 2013.

Symposium highlights include:
Oboe Master Class with Humbert Lucarelli
Reed Making Workshop
Double Reed Ensemble Reading Session

Click here for a detailed Des Moines Symphony Academy Double Reed Symposium Schedule Feb 23, 2013 or download a Symposium flyer Des Moines Symphony Academy Double Reed Symposium Flyer

Master Class performers will be selected by recorded audition.  To apply to perform on our Master Class with Humbert Lucarelli, please download and Master Class Application Form.

Des Moines Symphony Academy Double Reed Symposium Oboe Master Class Application
Des Moines Symphony Academy Double Reed Symposium Master Class Rules & Guidelines

BENNY KIM 2012-2013 DES MONIES SYMPHONY ACADEMY ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE

We are very excited to host violinist Benny Kim as our 2012-2013 Des Moines Symphony Academy Artist-In-Residence.  Mr. Kim performs with the Des Moines Symphony Oct 27 & 28 and will participate in the following education activities during his visit to Des Moines.

Thr, Oct 25, 2012 at 4:00 p.m., Fine Arts Center, Drake University

Master Class with Symphony Academy & Drake University Students.  Representing the Symphony Academy will be violinist Laura Carther.  Laura studies violin at the Symphony Academy with John Helmich and is a member of the Des Moines Symphony Youth Orchestras Youth Symphony.  At this master class Laura will be performing the first movement of Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 4.

Fri, Oct 26, 2012, Valley High School

Mr. Kim will work with Valley High School Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra musicians.   These orchestras are led by Phil Peters.

Funding for our 2012-2013 Artist-In-Residence Program was provided by TARGET.

Youth Concerts

Central Iowa fourth and fifth graders will experience the power and beauty of a full symphony orchestra at these specially designed youth concerts. For most students, this is their first exposure to live, orchestral music. Thousands of students attend this concert each year. Reservations are required.

Concerts:

Feb 26, 2013              10:00am and 11:30am       Civic Center of Greater Des Moines

Cost: $3.50/person (1 complimentary teacher/chaperone ticket per 20 students)

Each registered school will receive a Teacher’s Resource Guide providing valuable information to further enhance the concert experience.

Teachers, please visit the Connecting Kids and Culture website for information on securing transportation funding as well as curriculum connections.

Join us for one of our 2013 Summer Programs!

The Symphony Academy’s Summer Camps and Workshops are geared to providing a challenging, yet nurturing music learning environment for young musicians at various levels of their musical development. Musicians will gather to make music, improve musicianship and listening skills and work with professional musicians; all while creating lasting friendships.  Students should expect to be challenged through new experiences with fellow players.  Instructors will give participants encouragement and a fresh perspective.  Previous enrollment in Symphony Academy programs is not required; students from all schools and private teachers are welcome! Fill your summer with musical memories at the Des Moines Symphony Academy.

Des Moines Symphony Academy 2013 Summer Programs. Click here to download a Symphony Academy 2013 Summer Programs Flyer.

INTRO TO FLUTE CHOIR WORKSHOP
Instructor: Anne Stein
Description:
Do you love playing the flute? Come join other flute enthusiasts for our Intro to Flute Choir Workshop! This class will offer middle school flutists an opportunity to gain experience as an ensemble player which enhances a flutist’s individual musical development. Students will learn how to use different tonal colors and listen for blend, balance, and intonation as well as developing their technique in fingering, articulation, breathing, and embouchure. Participants will have the opportunity to play alto flute and bass flute. Repertoire includes traditional rounds, classical, and jazzy pieces. The class will prepare students to play in the upper level Des Moines Symphony Academy Flute Choirs. New members may be required to audition.
Dates: Thr, May 9, 16, 23 and 30, 2013
Time: 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Performance: Thr, May 30, 2013 at 6:15 p.m.
Location: The Temple for Performing Arts, 4th Floor Recital Hall
Ages: 7th & 8th Grades
Tuition: $90 per musician, includes (4) 60-min sessions
Minimum Enrollment: 4

FLUTE CHOIR WORKSHOP
Instructor: Anne Stein
Description:
Savor your “flute flavor” with other flute fanatics. We will explore music arranged and composed specifically for flute choir. Participants will have the opportunity to performance on alto and bass flutes. Performances will include a final concert and possible casual performances in summer settings. New members may be required to audition.
Dates: Thr, Jun 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2013
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Performance: Thr, Jun 27, 2013 at 8:00 p.m.
Location: The Temple for Performing Arts, 4th Floor Recital Hall
Ages: 9th – 12th Grades
Tuition: $130 per musician, includes (4) 90-min sessions
Minimum Enrollment: 4

RHYTHM BOOM!!
Instructor: Aaron Williams
Description:
Don’t read music? Don’t play an instrument? No problem! Rhythm Boom is an energy-packed class where students get to dig in to all sorts of rhythm activities. All the activities incorporate hands-on performance with a wide variety of percussion instruments, from African hand drums to objects that can be found in your own home. Students will learn to feel the beat and understand tempo through active, group-oriented jam sessions.

Dates: Dates: Mon – Thr, Jun 17 – 20, 2013
Time: 10:00 – 10:45 a.m. and/or 1:00 – 1:45 p.m.
Performance: Thr, Jun 29, 2013 at 10:15 and 1:15 p.m.
Location: The Temple for Performing Arts, 4th Floor Grand Hall
Ages: 1st – 5th Grade
Tuition: $65.00 per musician, includes (4) 45-min sessions
Minimum Enrollment: 4

PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE CAMP
Instructor: Aaron Williams
Description:
Big grooves and funky beats are what this ensemble is all about. Have fun this summer playing high-powered percussion ensemble music with other percussionists. Music will be distributed on the first
day of camp.

Dates: Mon-Thr, Jun 17 – 20, 2013
Time: 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Location: 4th Floor Grand Hall, Temple for Performing Arts
Ages: 6th – 12TH Grade
Tuition: $80.00 per musician, includes (4) 90-min sessions
Minimum Enrollment: 4

BRASS ENSEMBLE CAMP
Instructors: Casey Maday, Christian Baughman, Joshua Johnson
Description:
Attention all Middle and High School brass players! Are you interested in keeping your chops in shape before marching band season begins? Do you want to gain the necessary skills to move to the head of your squad or section? Well, our Summer Brass Camp is the place to be this June. Led by Symphony Academy brass faculty Casey Maday, Christian Baughman and Joshua Johnson, our Summer Brass Ensemble Camp will provide brass players with the fundamentals of a proper warm-up, techniques to maximize your practice time and the chance to play some of the greatest brass music in the repertoire. Catch the “buzz” this June at our Summer Brass Ensemble Camp!
Students are asked to bring a sack lunch each day or sandwiches can be purchased downstairs at South Union.

Dates/Times: Mon – Wed, Jun 24 – 27, 2013, 9:00-11:30 a.m. and 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Thr, Jun 27, 2013, 9:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Performance: Thr, Jun 27, 2013 at 11:00 a.m.
Location: The Temple for Performing Arts, 4th Floor Recital & Grand Halls
Tuition: $175.00, includes (7) 2.5-hour sessions
Minimum Enrollment: 16

STRING ORCHESTRA CAMP
Instructors: Matt Meyer, Michele Senger
Description:
Rosin up those bows for our Summer String Orchestra Camp. Participants will work with Des Moines Symphony Youth Orchestra conductors on challenging, age-appropriate repertoire for string orchestra.

Program Overview: (2) Large Ensemble Orchestral Program
Ensemble 1 – Musicians in Suzuki Books 1-4
Ensemble 2 – Musicians in Suzuki Books 5+

Dates: Mon – Fri, Jul 8 – 12, 2013
Mon – Tue, Jul 15 & 16, 2013
Time: 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Performance: Thr, Jul 16, 2013 at 11:00 a.m.
Location: The Temple for Performing Arts, 4th Floor Recital and Grand Halls
Tuition per musician: $150.00, includes (8) 2-hour sessions
Minimum Enrollment: 7 musicians per ensemble

HARP ENSEMBLE CAMP
Instructor: Mary Foss
Description:
Beginning, intermediate and advanced harpists are welcome! This course is a great way to learn ensemble techniques, listening skills, phrasing and tuning using intervals. Students will rehearse ensemble repertoire, which will be mailed prior to the first class. Styles covered include classical, Celtic, and jazz. Players will perform solo repertoire for critique. We encourage you to bring your own instrument. For more info or to arrange to use a harp, please contact Mary Foss at 515.480-3275.

Dates: Tue– Thr, Jun 4-6, 2013
Time: 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Performance: Thr, Jul 18, 2013 at 6:00 p.m.
Location: The Temple for Performing Arts, 4th Floor Recital Hall
Tuition: $155 per musician, includes (3) 2-hour sessions
Minimum Enrollment: 4

CHAMBER MUSIC CAMP FOR PIANO, WINDS, STRINGS AND BRASS
Instructors: Various Symphony Academy Faculty
Description:
Piano, wind, strings and brass players are invited to perform chamber music here at the Symphony Academy. Musicians will be grouped by grade and experience into trios, quartets and mixed ensembles. Repertoire will be mailed in advance. Each group will be coached by a member of the Symphony Academy faculty. Groups will explore chamber repertoire while building confident and leadership skills as a young musician. Existing groups also welcome!

Dates: Mon – Thr, Jul 8 – 11, 2013 and Mon, Jul 15, 2013
Times: 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Performance: Tue, Jul 16, 2013 at 11:00 a.m.
Location: The Temple for Performing Arts, 4th Floor Recital and Grand Halls/Practice Studios
Tuition: $130 per musician, includes (5) 90-minute sessions
Minimum Enrollment: 3 musicians per group

To Register for one of our Summer Programs, please download a Symphony Academy 2013 Summer Program Registration Form (1) or call 515.280.3332 to register by phone.

CLASSICAL CONVERSATIONS

Join Dr. Eric Saylor (pictured) for four informal and enjoyable classes that introduce you to the music the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra will perform during the 2012-2013 season! This class is intended for anyone who enjoys music — from long-time Symphony-goers to those interested in attending their first concert. Enjoy the company of fellow music-lovers, a little wine and cheese and enlightening conversations.

Cost: $15 per class

Dates: Wed May 8, 6:30-8p

Location: The Temple for Performing Arts, 1011 Locust Street

Please contact Joshua Barlage, Managing Director, Symphony Academy at Joshua@dmsymphony.org or 515.280.3332 for more information or to register for an Adult Class.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

To Register for our Spring 2013 Semester, download a Spring 2013 Semester Registration Form.  Completed registration forms can be mailed to the Des Moines Symphony Academy at the address below, e-mailed to Joshua Barlage, Managing Director, at joshua@dmsymphony.org or call 515.280.3332 to register by phone.

Spring 2013 Group Lessons for Young Beginners Registration Form

If you have questions about or Group Lessons for Young Beginners Program, please contact Joshua Barlage, Managing Director, at 515.280.3332 or joshua@dmsymphony.org,

CANCELLATIONS, MAKE-UPS & REFUNDS

Classes that do not enroll the required minimum number of students 5 days prior to class convening may be cancelled. Students that have paid for a cancelled class will receive a refund or may apply credit to another class or private lesson.

Any class missed due to inclement weather or faculty absence will be made up. No other make-ups will be offered.

If a family needs to drop a class, the Des Moines Symphony Academy will consider refunding the classes missed if dropped within the first 2 weeks of the semester.

OFFERINGS

Poco Piano

Presto Piano

Piano Partners