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Stuart’s Opera House Launches After-School Music Program


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Stuart's Opera House has announced a new after-school music program starting this fall.

The program will provide instruction and guidance in musicianship using the format of a rock band (or a 3-5 piece music ensemble) to area youth. 

The program's goal is to provide a place for young adults to gain confidence and build skills through music.

Each student will get hands-on experience with all instruments related to a basic rock ensemble (drums, guitar, bass, keyboards and vocals), culminating in a band in which students will ultimately perform.

"Stuart's Opera House is very excited to start this new after school program,” said Tim Peacock, executive director for Stuart’s Opera House. “We think this is a unique opportunity for area students to be involved with the arts in a direct and personal level. Learning to play an instrument and playing with peers in a band is a great way to learn to be creative and have a creative outlet. I think all of us here at Stuart's would have loved a program like this when we were young."

The program, which is free to students ages 14-18, will operate year-round and will be divided into three sessions, all of which will be held at the opera house.

Students will attend one or two days a week from 2:30-5:30 p.m., receive help with homework and be provided a nutritious snack.

Stuart’s also encourages community involvement in this program and has outlined two ways people can initially be involved:

1. Apply to be an instructor: While a few instructors are already lined up, Stuart’s is accepting applications from area musicians for consideration as an instructor for the program.

2. Donate equipment: Stuart’s is looking to the community for donations of gently used music equipment including:

•    guitars (electric and acoustic)
•    bass guitars
•    amplifiers
•    drum kit
•    keyboards
•    supplies such as strings, picks, music stands, etc.

The program is supported by The Epstein Teicher Philanthropies, The Ohio Arts Council with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans; Guitar Center; The Johnny B Fund and individual contributions from Stuart’s donors.

In addition to this new program, Stuart’s will continue its tradition of educational programming to local school districts with productions from ArtReach, The Children’s Theater of Cincinnati.

Anyone wishing to donate equipment to the program can bring their items to either Stuart’s Opera House, 46 Public Square, Nelsonville, Ohio or Blue Eagle Music, 40 N. Court St., Athens, Ohio.

To learn more about the program, donations or to obtain an instructor application, contact Leah Nairn, education coordinator for Stuart’s, at (740) 753-1924 or leah@stuartsopearhouse.org.