Students choose a primary track which will be their point of focus for the week. Those choosing tracks marked with an asterisk (*) should choose an additional secondary track.
Instrumental Tracks
The FASA String Track combines the technical prowess of the Delay/Galamian classical technique with a sampling of musical styles. Violin students will be lead by Annie Wolaver, who will be working with small groups as well as overseeing the entire string section. Alex Wolaver will add his aggressive and athletic teaching style to the mix, working with both violists and violinists. Cellists will enjoy a small group atmosphere under the tutelage of Benjamin Wolaver.
(String Bass is offered through the Jazz Band—see below)
WOODWINDS »
This group participates both in Orchestra and Jazz Band as well as being featured soloists in the final performances.
* HARP »
Harpists participate with the Orchestra only and perform a featured number in the final performances. (Offered at the Memphis location only).
Led by jazz pianist/arranger, Bill Wolaver, this popular group offers young players opportunities to improvise on favorite jazz tunes, new and old. Count Basie, Glenn Miller, and Stevie Wonder are just some of the masters explored in Fine Arts Summer Academies of yesterday. If you join up with this group, prepare to be loved!
Brass
Trumpet
Trombone
French Horn
Winds:
Clarinet
Oboe
Saxophone (Tenor, Alto, Baritone)
Bass (Electric, Acoustic)
Percussion (Percussion players are also given a featured performance in the context of the show.)
For the intermediate to advanced player, pianists participate in a self-contained track and perform their own showcase within the context of the final show. Additionally, pianists who participate in the improvisation class, (see below) may rotate with other pianists in playing with the jazz band, using piano as well as supplemental keyboards such as organ and electric piano. Because all pianists cannot be playing all the time we ask that students sign up for a secondary track: Strings, Technical, Flute, Harp, Musical Theater, Photography or Visual Art. This facilitates a rotation from the piano to another area of expertise when their particular piano solo opportunities are completed. Because this show is tailored for the students, a recorded audition representative of the student’s skill level is required and to be submitted no later than May 15th.
Improvisation Class: Taught by Bill Wolaver, this class deals with playing from chord charts, improvising solos, and delves into the world of jazz harmony. It’s a lot of fun-if you’ve ever wanted to get beyond the printed page, then this class is for you!
Guitarists, like pianists, are a self-contained track, showcased within the context of the final performances. Because all guitarists cannot be playing simultaneously all the time, each student is asked to sign up for a secondary track: Strings, Technical, Flute, Harp, Musical Theater, Photography or Visual Art. This allows them, in the final show, the opportunity to rotate from the guitar to another area of expertise when their particular guitar solo and group opportunities are completed.
* BLUEGRASS: CALLING ALL TUB-THUMPERS & COMB-HUMMERS »
The customized nature of FASA’s final show allows us to write in a variety of specialty instruments. Just let us know, in advance, what you can do. In FASA’s past we have carved out spots for the whistle, mandolin, banjo, harmonica, juggling, ocarina, and dobro and we’re longing for a washboard and hurdy-gurdy duet.
Musical Theater Track
Who needs Broadway? This track acts as the thread that binds the final show into a cohesive whole, collaborating with all other tracks. Students choose their emphasis—drama, dance or vocal—but will participate in all three categories during the course of the final shows.
Technical Track
The students who select the Technical Track will be exposed to a world of indispensable wisdom as they learn fundamental skills in video, sound, and lighting. With professional guidance, videography students will get to shape a video overview of the Academy as well as a short film that will be showcased during the final show.
With dynamic video, lighting, and sound instruction, the Technical Track provides a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse at how a spectacular show is seen from behind the scenes.
Photography, Sculpting, & Visual Arts
The lobby is dressed for a spectacular art show which parents may peruse before and after the final presentations. Both Drawing/Painting and Photography will be judged by a panel of professionals and awards will be given for First, Second and Third place for superior skill shown in technique and creativity.
From pen-and-ink, to watercolors, this track is designed for beginners through intermediate artists, desiring to sharpen their individual artistic skills.
For beginning to advanced students who own their own digital camera and media card. Students will work indoors and outdoors and will learn basic editing procedures.
SCULPTING »
Taught by former model-maker for the Smithsonian, Carol Reuter, this track offers a wonderful opportunity to learn fundamental sculpting techniques from a world class sculptor.
