In the fall of 2013 River Tree Arts will begin offering classes specifically designed for Home School families.  All classes are held on Friday, between 9-4pm & run 14 weeks per semester.  All classes are 1.5 hours long & meet the State of Maine standards for art, music, dance and science.

The focus of each semester will be the same for both art and music:  Semester I (Baroque, Classical & Impressionism) Semester II (Romantic, Modern and American).  Families may choose one or several classes per semester.

Students are also able to schedule private lessons the same day or throughout the week. Lessons are available for all levels.  Choose from: brass, percussion, strings, voice, piano & woodwinds.                                                                                                                                           

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              River Tree Arts will follow the holiday & vacation calendar of RSU 21.  Please check back for the official start dates of Semester 1 & 2.

Session #1, 9-10:30am:

General Music & Choral Group (K-3) 

From 9:00-9:40 students will participate in General Music. Students will explore music through the use of songs and games, experience singing and playing in groups on a variety of instruments.  Students will gain understanding and experience a mix of genres and styles & learn exemplary musical works and explain characteristics that cause each work to be considered exemplary. Students will also learn significant contributions of composers and performers from various periods.  Additionally, all students will learn to play the recorder. At 9:40 students will have a short snack break and then move on to Choral Group. During this portion of the class students will learn a variety of songs in one and two parts that will culminate in a performance at the end of each semester.

Art (grades 4-8)

Working artist & River Tree Arts faculty Gayle Fitzpatrick will focus on a new medium and style over the course of the semester. Learn printmaking, drawing, painting, collage and more! The course will focus on specific periods of art history. Students will learn what techniques and materials were used during each period of history. Students will be familiarized with artistic masterpieces of each period.  Students will know and compare the characteristics of artworks in various cultures and eras.  Materials provided.

Music Theory/Music History (grades 9-12)

Students will learn the some of the basic elements or building blocks of music. This class will further students understanding of musical components and structures. Topics will include scales, key signatures, and the circle of 5ths, overtones, intervals and chords as they relate to all styles of music. A seminar styled class will encourage students to participate through written work, ear training and sight singing. Students will receive weekly assignments.  Additionally a portion of the course will introduce students to a variety of genres and styles of different periods in music history

Session #2, 10:30-12pm:

Music Basics (Grades 4-8) 

Students will participate in a general music class. In that class they will explore music through the use of songs and games.  Students will experience singing and playing in groups on a variety of instruments.  Students will gain understanding and experience a mix of genres and styles. Students will learn exemplary musical works and explain characteristics that cause each work to be considered exemplary. Students will also learn significant contributions of composers and performers from various periods.

Art (K-3) 

Working artist & River Tree Arts faculty Gayle Fitzpatrick will focus on a new medium and style over the course of the semester. Learn printmaking, drawing, painting, collage and more! The course will focus on specific periods of art history. Students will learn what techniques and materials were used during each period of history. Students will be familiarized with artistic masterpieces of each period.  Students will know and compare the characteristics of artworks in various cultures and eras.  Materials provided

Ensembles (Grades 9-12) 

Students will take a placement audition to be assigned an appropriate ensemble. Groups will meet weekly to work on appropriate repertoire. Faculty will provide coaching to each group to work on developing musicianship and technique. All levels are encouraged to participate. Each ensemble will participate in several performances at River Tree Arts and in the local community. Strings, woodwinds, brass, piano, voice, percussion and guitar accepted.

Session #3, 1-2:30pm:

Dance (Grades K-3) 

Angela Russell will be teaching a combined dance classes  in Hip-Hop and Jazz. Students will spend 40 minutes learning Hip Hop to age-appropriate songs, take a short break & then 40 minutes learning Jazz. These classes will culminate in a recital at the end of each semester.

Robotics (Grades 6-8) 

Do you love building things?  Would you like to learn more about how robotics work?  Join us at one of our Lego Robotics class. This course will introduce your child to the world of Lego Robotics.  Students will learn how to build and program a robot completely out of Legos!   Ann Charlton leads Robotic teams in York County.  Maximum: 6

Guitar Class (Grades 3-8) 

This group class is for the beginner student who is interested in learning guitar. The class will teach students proper technique as well as an introduction to reading guitar notation. Guitars are available for classroom use.

Rock Band (Grades 4-8) 

This class is designed to rock and roll! Songs selected will range from classic rock to newer favorites. Students will work as a band as they focus on their song list in a productive setting. All instruments are welcome and encouraged. Prerequisite: students must have prior experience in school band or private lessons.

Advanced Drawing (Grades 6-12) 

This course is designed for older students looking to have a more in depth experience and structured drawing class.  Each week will present a new topic & challenge and students are encouraged to work on assignments outside of class.

Each class is $105/members, $115/non members per semester (14 weeks).   Sign up for 3 classes per family= additional 5% discount.  Sign up siblings= additional 5% discount off total amount due.