Fine Arts Academy

Group Setting

James D. Randolph Kiltie Band (Free)
The James D. Randolph Kiltie Band, established in the Spring of 2013 and named in the late "Fuzzy's" honor, strives to keep Scottish pipe and drum music alive on campus and in the community. These group lessons and rehearsals are for beginner through advanced bagpipers and drummers with membership being open to Waynesburg University students, faculty, staff and alumni, as well as community members. No prior music experience is required, though private lessons may be recommended for new players before participating in full-group rehearsals and performances. We look forward to having you join us!

*Private instruction for beginners, falls under the instrument lessons below and will cost $350 for 10 - 30 minute lessons.

Description: Traditional Bagpipes, Drums and Kilt wearin'!
Ages: All
Days/Times: Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:10 p.m.
    6:30 to 7:30 p.m. - Intermediate/Advanced Bagpipers and All Drummers
    7:30 to 8:10 p.m. - Beginning Bagpipers
Instructor: Jeremy Olisar

*Everyone will meet together at 6:30 p.m. on the first day.

Jazz Ensemble (Free)
This class focuses on group rehearsal and performance development through the musical genre of jazz for intermediate and advanced saxophone, trumpet, trombone and rhythm section players*. Students will work on developing an enhanced proficiency in music reading, tone production, articulation, musicality and individual technique; an enhanced proficiency in ensemble techniques, such as entrances, releases, group articulations, dynamics, balance and blend, and musicality and phrasing; knowledge of different jazz styles and the means to express themselves artistically through a variety of standard, the quality repertoire for Jazz Ensemble; and the ability to create improvisatory solos.

Students are expected to attend and come prepared to all rehearsals, as well as perform during the end-of-semester concert (Tuesday at 7 p.m.; date TBD). Students will need to have their own instrument in good playing condition, as well as any necessary accessories (reeds, neck strap, mutes, drumsticks, etc.). An ensemble folder, music and pencil will be provided and need to be brought weekly to rehearsals. We look forward to having you join us!

*Students learning a new instrument or at the beginner level should sign up for individual lessons first. As spots are given priority to current Waynesburg University students, FAA students may be contacted if a spot they are interested in is already filled to see if they are interested in covering another spot.

Ages: High School and Adult
Days/Times: Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:10 p.m.
Instructor: Jeremy Olisar

Instrument Lessons 

CUSTOMIZABLE SCHEDULE WITH A ONE-ON-ONE APPROACH TO LEARNING.
 

Woodwind Lessons ($350/ 10 - 30 Minute Lessons)
Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone, Bassoon or *Bagpipe Lessons. This class focuses on instrumental development for beginner, intermediate and advanced woodwind players on flute, clarinet, saxophone, oboe, bassoon or bagpipes. Students will work on developing and mastering tone production, articulation, technique, musicality, theory, sight reading and improvisation through the use of a variety of scales, exercises, etudes and solo music.

For less experienced students, basic embouchure and technique development, note and rhythm reading and performance accuracy will also be focused on. There may also be an optional opportunity for more advanced students to perform for an end-of-semester recital. Students will need to have their own instrument* in good playing condition, as well as any necessary accessories (reeds, neck strap, etc.).

*For bagpipe lessons, starting instruments and equipment are available to borrow.

Instructor: Jeremy Olisar

Brass Lessons
Students wishing to study Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium or Tuba can take individual lessons on their instrument over the course of several weeks. Fundamentals such as tone production, music reading, scales and techniques are addressed at the student’s pace. Some materials may be needed, like method books or solos, and is decided by the teacher, student and parents on a case-by-case need.

Instructor: Eric Brewer

Percussion Lessons
Learn about drums, keyboards (mallets), marimba, vibraphone, and Latin percussion or Symphonic percussion. Kids or adults with or without previous knowledge are welcome. Technical resources and information about how to practice and improve your musical skills will also be provided.

Days/Times: Wednesday afternoons; Classes can be in-person or online.
Instructor: Camilo Jauregui

Guitar Lessons
All levels lessons (beginner to advanced) will be tailored to meet the student’s knowledge level. Students will learn proper guitar technique as well as how to learn musical notation and fundamentals of music theory. Face-to-face lessons are not guaranteed, as the instructor has limited on-campus availability.

Students should have daily access to a guitar in playable condition and be able to reserve at least 30 minutes each day for preparation of assignments.

Instructor: Scott Elliott

Piano Lessons
All levels lessons (beginner to advanced) will be tailored to meet the student’s knowledge level.

Instructor: Sora Lee

String Lessons
All levels lessons (beginner to advanced) will be tailored to meet the student’s knowledge level. Private Instruction on violin, viola or cello.

Instructor: Sara Beattie

Voice Lessons
For all levels. Will focus on learning vocal warmups with healthy vocal techniques. Will explore classical and popular music.

Days/Times: Mondays or Wednesdays
Instructor: Melanie Catana

THE YOUTH WIND ENSEMBLE WILL RESUME IN FALL 2024. REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED.

Youth Wind Ensemble (Free)
Audition is required.

The Waynesburg University Youth Wind Ensemble is a new opportunity for high school band students in Greene, Washington, Fayette, Westmoreland and Allegheny Counties. The ensemble, under the direction of Eric Brewer, focuses on advanced music from the band literature. Students are selected through an audition process. Auditions will occur on Saturday, September 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  To register for an audition time please click here. The Audition Packet with music for students to play can be found here. 

The ensemble will rehearse on several Saturdays throughout the fall and present a concert at Waynesburg University in December. To see a full rehearsal and concert schedule along with our attendance policy please follow this link.  Students who participate must give priority to all of their school band program commitments. 

Once students register for an audition, they will be contacted with a specific time and details.  Any questions should be sent to Eric Brewer at eric.brewer@waynesburg.edu.

• Registration & payment must be completed before a student may attend.
• Private lesson schedules to be arranged between the students and instructors.
• Refunds are not granted after the 3rd week of class.
• Special requests should be made in writing to the Fine Arts Department Chair.
• For more information email Emily Wiedner.

Waynesburg University Fine Arts Academy Cancellation Policy

Students need to notify instructors at least 2-hours prior to a lesson if they cannot attend. If instructors receive at least a 2-hour notice the lesson will be rescheduled. If a student does not give enough notice, or does not show up for the lesson the instructor reserves the right to not reschedule. Emergencies or sudden illnesses are an exception.

Instructors will also follow these procedures in the event that they need to cancel. If the instructor cancels a lesson it will be rescheduled.

***Please note that Fine Arts Academy Classes must be concluded by the end of the University’s current semester. No classes can be rescheduled for after the final day of classes.

If you wish to withdrawal from your Fine Arts Academy class, you must do so before the 3rd week of classes in order to get a refund. You will not be refunded for any classes that took place prior to your withdrawal.