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Music Ensembles

Group Music & Ensembles

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Shenandoah Conservatory Arts Academy (SCAA) music programs are designed with classes such as group piano, as well as educational/performance-based guitar ensemble, choir ensembles and string chamber orchestra.

Group Music Classes and Ensembles are either held on a school-calendar schedule from September-May, or in Fall or Spring semesters. 

SCAA Closures Calendar

Choir

Age: 5 to 8 years

The Crescendo Chorus is for children who love to sing. The chorus will nurture musical learning, vocal development and friendships in a comfortable, positive setting, building confidence in each one’s singing and performing. Each class will be an hour filled with songs, musical games, playing small instruments, musical learning, crafts, and preparing for performances. The chorus will present two concerts during the academic year. New students can enroll during the year if space is available and tuition will be prorated. Class begins September 14, ending in late-May 2027.

Tuition

$512

Instructor

Patty Austin

Location

Room 100

Meeting Dates & Times

Mondays | 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Age: Approximately 9–12 years

Blue Ridge Choristers is for children interested in sharing music with others in a focused but fun setting. Singers nurture their individual voices as they grow as a choir. With a varied repertoire, students will experience performance artistry, vocal technique, and musical learning. The choristers will present two concerts during the academic year. New students can enroll during the year if space is available and tuition will be prorated. Class begins September 8, ending in late May 2027.

*New students can enroll during the year if space is available and tuition will be prorated.

By Audition/Meeting:

Call (304) 874-4345

Tuition

$624

Instructor

Patty Austin

Location

Room 100

Meeting Dates & Times

Tuesdays | 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Age: Approximately 13–18 years

The Top of Virginia Youth Chorale is for highly motivated singers desiring a challenging and artistically fulfilling choral experience. Vocal performance is nurtured both individually and as a choir, while singing a variety of choral literature. Performances are typically planned throughout the year. New students can enroll during the year if space is available and tuition will be prorated. Rehearsals begin September 8, ending in late May 2027.

*New students can enroll during the year if space is available and tuition will be prorated.

By Audition/Meeting:

Call (304) 874-4345

Tuition

$728

Instructor

Patty Austin

Location

Room 100

Meeting Dates & Times

Tuesdays | 6:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.

Group Piano

Age: 6 through Adult

(Two offerings)

The Piano Express method is designed for both beginners and experienced students, combining expert instruction with modern technology to create a fun, engaging learning experience. Students attend a weekly, one-hour small group class (max 8 students) using the Piano Express curriculum.
 
In the classroom, students use classroom Chromebooks, a Piano study book, and direct instruction from the instructor. At home, an accompanying app and/or their piano book, keeps the momentum going. Because the curriculum feels like a game—where students level up and beat high scores—learning comes naturally. Studies show that students using the Piano Express curriculum can progress up to six times faster than traditional piano lessons.
 
How does it work?
 
Student Assessment Half an hour is focused on student assessment, progress, and review of work done at home; the other half hour is focused on musicianship, ear training, sight-reading, and theory with the piano instructor.
 
At-Home Practice Students can make significant progress at home using the Piano Express application -allowing them to master songs from anywhere! They can move through levels at their own pace. Students are provided a book in which to use with or without the App.
 
Level 1 is for any age beginner who has had no formal instruction in piano.
 

Class begins Monday, September 14 for 12 weeks

Tuition

$348

Instructor

Rose Lauck

Location

Room 310 (Keyboard Lab)

Meeting Dates & Times

Mondays | 1:oo p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

OR

Mondays | 4:3o p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Age: 6 through Adult

The Piano Express method is designed for both beginners and experienced students, combining expert instruction with modern technology to create a fun, engaging learning experience. Students attend a weekly, one-hour small group class (max 8 students) using the Piano Express curriculum.
 
In the classroom, students use classroom Chromebooks, a Piano study book, and direct instruction from the instructor. At home, an accompanying app and/or their piano book, keeps the momentum going. Because the curriculum feels like a game—where students level up and beat high scores—learning comes naturally. Studies show that students using the Piano Express curriculum can progress up to six times faster than traditional piano lessons.
 
How does it work?
 
Student Assessment Half an hour is focused on student assessment, progress, and review of work done at home; the other half hour is focused on musicianship, ear training, sight-reading, and theory with the piano instructor.
 
At-Home Practice Students can make significant progress at home using the Piano Express application -allowing them to master songs from anywhere! They can move through levels at their own pace. Students are provided a book in which to use with or without the App.
 
Level 3 is for students who have finished the primer level of any method book or had at least 1 year of introduction to the instrument.
 

Class begins Monday, September 14 for 12 weeks

Tuition

$332

Instructor

Rose Lauck

Location

Room 310 (Keyboard Lab)

Meeting Dates & Times

Mondays | 2:oo p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Age: 7–12 years

This 45 minute class builds on the basics learned in Group Piano 1 and moves on to reading from a staff. It continues the use of games and student interaction to enhance learning in a friendly group setting using the Alfred Piano curriculum.

Tuition includes a piano book. Access to a keyboard or piano at home is required. Class begins Thursday, September 3 for 14 weeks.

Tuition

$273

Instructor

Maria Anderson

Location

Room 310 (Keyboard Lab)

Meeting Dates & Times

Thursdays | 5:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. | AMEN 100-02

Age: 8–12 years

This 45 minute class is for students who have completed Group Piano 2. Students will continue to grow in their knowledge of piano through song, rhythm, ear training and composition using the Alfred Piano curriculum.

Tuition includes a piano book. Access to a keyboard or piano at home is required. Class begins Thursday, September 3 for 14 weeks.

Tuition

$273

Instructor

Maria Anderson

Location

Room 310 (Keyboard Lab)

Meeting Dates & Times

Thursdays | 4:15 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. | AMEN 101-02

Orchestra

Age: 8–17 years

The Shenandoah Valley Chamber Orchestra (SVCO) is a multifaceted instructional and performance program for string players. The purpose of the SVCO is to immerse students into the professional orchestra experience to include collaboration with guest artists by presenting two concerts during the academic year. The SVCO requires a commitment of time and effort beyond private string study on the part of the student. 
 
Auditions: Students (new and returning) submit a recorded audition directly to the orchestra directors according to the audition requirements. If a student would rather audition live, they must contact orchestra director, Alán Saucedo Estrada, to schedule an audition for September 11.*
 
Email Auditions/Audition Requests to: asaucedo@su.edu
 
SVCO Audition Requirements:
  • One solo work of your choice
  • Scales: One major or minor scales of your choice (2 or 3 octaves)
 
*New students can audition and enroll during the year if space is available and tuition will be prorated.

Rehearsals begin Monday, September 21, 2026.

SVCO Audition Requirements:
  1. One solo work of your choice
  2. Scales: One major or minor scales of your choice (2 or 3 octaves)

New students can audition and enroll during the year if space is available and tuition will be prorated.

Tuition

$645

Instructors

Dr. Alán Saucedo, Ms. Cynthia Saucedo, Artistic Directors

Location

Room 100

Meeting Dates & Times

Mondays | 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Guitar

Age: 12 and up

Guitar Ensemble 

This ensemble is meant for guitarists of most ability levels. There will be 16 rehearsals throughout the year with a performance in Fall 2026 and Spring 2027. This is a great way to have fun and play with other guitarists while building your guitar skills. Students should be able to read music in order to participate in the ensemble.  Class begins September 2 for sixteen weeks. See dates below.

Tuition

$320

Instructor

Keith Filppu

Location

Room 100

Meeting Dates 
Wednesdays | September 2, 16, 30; October 7, 21; November 4, 18; January 13, 27; February 10, 24; March 10, 24; April 7, 14, 21
 
Performance Dates
November 9 & April 26 | Time TBA
Class Time

7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Age: 7 t0 10 years

Group Guitar 

Designed for young students with little to no experience with the guitar. Students will learn the basics of reading notes, rhythms, technique, strumming chords and playing melodies all in a relaxed and fun environment. Time will be spent developing solo and ensemble skills as well as playing music theory games. The class begins Thursday, September 10 for ten weeks.

Student must bring a guitar. A beginner guitar book is included.

Tuition

$245

Instructor

Keith Filppu

Location

Room 100

Meeting Dates & Times

Thursdays | 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Classes/Ensembles Begin

September 2026

Classes End

Varies by Class/ Ensemble

Instructors

Maria Anderson
Patty Austin
Keith Filppu
Rose Lauck
Dr. Alán Saucedo Estrada
Ms. Cynthia Saucedo

Registration Fee*

$35

Students pay an annual SCAA Registration/ Membership Fee of $35. The membership fee will be valid from September-August each year, and will be applicable for renewal each September.

*non-refundable

Payment Plans

Payment Plans are available as an option for class and lesson tuition. Learn more on our ABOUT page

Music Theory

Age: 10 and up  

This introductory class is for any musician who seeks to develop their musical skills and gain a greater understanding of the music they hear and perform. Topics include note reading, rhythm, intervals, scales, key signatures and chords. Students should have some experience reading music and taking instrumental or vocal lessons before enrolling. Questions? we will put you in touch with the instructor.

Classes begins September 10 for twelve weeks.

Tuition

$282

Instructor

Keith Filppu

Location

Room 100

Meeting Day & Time

Thursdays | 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.