Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/860212
S U P P L E M E N T T O T H E W I N N I P E G F R E E P R E S S - T H U R S D A Y, A U G U S T 1 0 , 2 0 17 Kenaston & Scurfield 204.488.9091 www.shelleyshearerdance.ca Specialized Preschool Programs: Two's & You (Age 2), Storybook Ballet (Age 3), Creative dance (Age 4), Prep Steps ( Age 5) Ages 6 to Adult: Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Lyrical, Contemporary & Musical Theatre Classes Start September 5 - REGISTER ONLINE on our Website or In Person Monday - Friday So You Think You Can Dance U.S. Home of Lindsay Nelko, Choreographer CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE! over View online at winnipegfreepress.com/publications The preparatory studies division of the Marcel A. Desautels Faculty of Music at the University of Manitoba has an open-door policy when it comes to accepting new learners. Although the preparatory program has been a training ground for numerous individuals who have gone on to distinguished careers in music, you don't need to be the next Bach or even Bruno Mars to benefit from its teachings. Quite the opposite, in fact, according to program co-ordinator Donnalynn Grills. "We welcome any age and level of experience or no experience at all," she says. "We're here to provide lessons to any people who want to learn. We're not here to turn anybody away." The preparatory studies division originally began as something of a feeder system for the university's music faculty. Although that is still the case to some extent, it has grown into something far more in recent years. It now offers programming for everyone from toddlers to octogenarians, both on campus and at locations scattered throughout the community. One of the division's most popular offerings is its Early Childhood Music classes. Toddlers Make Music is for children from 18-36 months old and offers weekly half-hour sessions aimed at helping children discover the joys of music through singing, dancing, games and playing musical instruments. Music For 3s and 4s encourages children ages three and four to experiment with rhythm, melody and movement while learning about music through group activities. In Music For 5s and 6s, five- and six-year-olds participate in improvisation and composition exercises designed to help them explore dynamics, tempo and other musical ideas. Grills says the Early Childhood Music classes are designed to help youngsters learn basic music skills in a fun, pressure-free environment. "It's all about having fun and playing an instrument Early Childhood Music and Musical Theatre classes are designed to help youngsters learn basic music skills in a fun, pressure-free environment. U of M Faculty of Music Prep Studies photos By Jim Timlick | Winnipeg Free Press Continued on Page 3 >>