Performing Arts

The Flashbacks

Friday, December 3, 2021 | 10:45am-12:45pm

One of only two Virginia-based New Horizons Band Project (NHBP) bands, a project that promotes lifelong learning through music and boasts over 100 bands, this 22-member jazz ensemble is under the direction of Greg Vaughn. Their classic swinging sounds can be heard at the Center and throughout the region at public events and private parties.

Guests are welcome to visit practices.

Need a band for a special event? Contact the director to see if we fit the bill! 

Members only.

Location: The Center

Still Sharp Singers

Friday, December 3, 2021 | 1:00pm-2:30pm

Did you sing in your high school or college glee club? Or Church choir? Still like to sing? Come to a rehearsal and listen to the Still Sharp Singers, and decide if you would like to join this four-part mixed choral group. We welcome sopranos, altos, tenors, and basses. Ability to read music is preferred.

Free for Prime members.

Standard members - There is a $35 fee for the Spring session and a $35 fee for the Fall session.

Members only.

Location: The Center

Contact: Dorothy Richards 434.973.5713

Barbershop Belles & Beaux

Friday, December 3, 2021 | 2:30pm-4:00pm

Women and men who love to sing are encouraged to come and share their talent. Professional singing ability is not necessary!

Even if you have never sung Barbershop harmony, you are welcome to join this group of fun-loving singers.

Director June Andrews, with over 30 years Barbershop singing experience, helps us blend our tenor, lead, baritone and bass voices together in "perfect harmony."

Members only.

Location: The Center

Contact: June Andrews (434) 823-4956

Holiday Band Concert

Saturday, December 4, 2021 | 3:00pm-4:30pm

The holidays would not be complete without your favorite holiday songs. Enjoy the sounds of the season with the Second-Wind and First-Wind Bands. Free and open to the community; donations are appreciated! No registration necessary.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Music in the Atrium

Wednesday, December 8, 2021 | 12:00pm-1:30pm

Every Wednesday, 12:00-1:30 pm

Jim Richardson on vocals and guitar.

Every Thursday, 12:00-1:30 pm 

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Recorder Lessons

Wednesday, December 8, 2021 | 1:30pm-3:00pm

Meets every Wednesday from1:30-3:00 pm.

Learn the recorder, make music, and have fun! Gary Porter, a longtime musician, teacher and lifetime member of the American Recorder Society, shares her love of the recorder and the music you can make with it. No experience is necessary; new members to the group are accepted at any time.

You will need to supply your own recorder. Ms. Porter uses the Suzuki Recorder Methods books (soprano or alto) for class instruction. She recommends the Yamaha ECODEAR  instruments with Baroque fingering.  Please consider beginning with the alto recorder if you are a new to the recorder. All appropriate supplies can be purchased online from the following vendors: Amazon.com, West Music.com, Music & Arts.com, Sweet Pipes.com, Shar Music.com, or Walmart.com. If you have questions please contact Gary.

$25/month for Standard members and guests. Free for Prime members.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Tap Lessons - Intermediate (December)

Thursday, December 9, 2021 | 10:30am-11:30am

Thursdays, 10:30am-11:30am

This class is for those who have tap experience or who have already taken the beginners class for a while and are ready for the next "step." Classes are taught by Diana Freeman, a Royal Academy of Dance Instructor.  Diana has taught ballet and tap for over 40 years.  She was also a member of a Seniors Tap Dance team, competing in European championships and winning three consecutive years in two categories.  Tap dance offers a fun way to exercise.   

Standard Members - $40/month; Prime Members - included in membership

REGISTRATION REQUIRED BELOW.

Members only.

Location: The Center

Tap Lessons- Advanced (December)

Thursday, December 9, 2021 | 11:30am-12:30pm

Thursdays, 11:30am-12:30pm

This class is for those who know basic steps, have no physical contraints and are ready for a challenge! Classes will be taught by Diana Freeman, a Royal Academy of Dance Instructor.  Diana has taught ballet and tap for over 40 years.  She was also a member of a Seniors Tap Dance team, competing in European championships and winning three consecutive years in two categories.  Tap dance offers a fun way to exercise.  

Members only.

Location: The Center

Rock Jam Session - NEW!

Wednesday, December 15, 2021 | 2:00pm-4:00pm

Rockers wanted! Join fellow musicians for a rock jam session which will meet the 3rd Wednesday of every month. Guitar, bass, drums,  and vocals ... all skill levels welcome — attitude is the only qualification!  Bring your favorite axe and amp if you can, but 1 drum set, 1 electric guitar and amp, 1 bass guitar and amp will be provided. For inquiries, contact Don Cowdrey. No registration required, just come!

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Cville Band Brass Quintet

Thursday, December 16, 2021 | 7:00pm-8:00pm

The Cville Band (formerly known as the Charlottesville Municipal Band) was formed in 1922 by local business leaders as a community resource. It consists of 90 volunteer musicians who enjoy speaking the universal language of music, the happiness of fellowship, and the service they render to their community. These events are free and open to all and will be held indoors. No registration required for the ensemble performances.

Thursday, December 16, 7:00-8:00 pm:  Presenting a holiday-themed concert, the Brass Quintet consists of two trumpets, horn, trombone, and tuba.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

African Drumming Class (On site)

Thursday, January 6, 2022 | 2:00pm-4:00pm

Thursdays, 2:00 pm

The African Drumming Class will introduce participants to traditional beats in a group setting from the cultures of the Old Mali Empire, the coastal cultures of Ghana, and some New World beats from the Caribbean and Brazil.

The class will always be aiming towards preparation for performance, as the opportunities arise and participants have the skills and comfort to do so.

Participants will learn the motor skills needed to advance as drummers, how to verbally articulate different beats, group like beats and separate them by styles. Different notation styles will be introduced, as an aid to memorizing beats.

African Drumming Class:

     Objective One: Introduce traditional beats of Old Mali Empire and coastal Ghana. 

     Objective Two: Establish ensemble rhythm; playing together while holding separate beats against each other.

     Objective Three: Learn common accompaniment patterns within each style, and how to use them with common dance beats, from whatever source.

For more info, contact Bruce Penner at (434) 249-1406. The instructor  will provide whatever media is needed.

Free and open to the community. Register below.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Thursdays Around 5

Thursday, January 13, 2022 | 5:04pm-7:00pm

Enjoy FREE live performances that showcase area musicians! Weather permitting, these events are held outdoors, so bring a lawn chair or blanket. In case of inclement weather, the music moves to auditorium. Advance registration is requested via the button below.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Second-Wind Band

Tuesday, January 25, 2022 | 10:45am-12:45pm

RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS, COME JOIN US!  All ability levels are welcome, with director's approval. 

Want to be a musician? We can make your dream come true with serious fun!

Organized in 1994, this is one of only two Virginia-based New Horizons Band Project (NHBP) bands—a project that promotes lifelong learning through music and boasts over 100 senior citizen bands. Greg Vaughn directs a group of players, most of whom had either never played an instrument or hadn’t played since their school days. The repertoire includes classical, show tunes, patriotic, and holiday music. Along with community performances, the band’s schedule includes two annual concerts at the Center.

Members only.

Location: The Center

First-Wind Band

Thursday, January 27, 2022 | 10:30am-12:00pm

Learn new musical skills or revitalize old ones with the First-Wind Band. All you need is the desire to learn to play an instrument. Interested, but no instrument? We have several for rent. Playing music is not only fun, but is good for your mental and physical health. Ask any of the members and they’ll tell you that it keeps them active and involved, and is a great way to make new friends. 

Open to all.

Location: The Center