Group Music & Ensembles
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
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 8, ending in late-May 2026.
Tuition
$480
Instructor
Patty Austin
Location
Room 100
Meeting Dates & Times
Mondays | 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Course Code
AMEN 800-01
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 9, ending in late May 2026.
*New students can enroll during the year if space is available and tuition will be prorated.
By Audition/Meeting:
Call (304) 874-4345
Tuition
$576
Instructor
Patty Austin
Location
Room 100
Meeting Dates & Times
Tuesdays | 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Course Code
AMEN-801-01
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 9, ending in late May 2026.
*New students can enroll during the year if space is available and tuition will be prorated.
By Audition/Meeting:
Call (304) 874-4345
Tuition
$688
Instructor
Patty Austin
Location
Room 100
Meeting Dates & Times
Tuesdays | 6:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
Course Code
AMEN-802-01
Group Piano
Age: 6–10 years
Tuition
$225
Instructor
Rose Lauck
Location
Room 310 (Keyboard Lab)
Meeting Dates & Times
Mondays | 12:oo noon to 12:45 p.m. | AMEN 100-03
Age: 6–10 years
Group Piano 1 is for beginners. Students are taught keyboard fundamentals of rhythm, note reading and theory in a friendly group setting. Access to a keyboard or piano at home is required. Tuition includes a piano book. Class begins Thursday, September 4 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 100-01
Age: 6–10 years
Group Piano 1 is for beginners. Students are taught keyboard fundamentals of rhythm, note reading and theory in a friendly group setting. Access to a keyboard or piano at home is required. Tuition includes a piano book. DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED.
Tuition
$273
Instructor
Maria Anderson
Location
Room 310 (Keyboard Lab)
Meeting Dates & Times
Thursdays | 4:15 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. | AMEN 100-01
Age: 7–12 years
Group Piano 2 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. Tuition includes a piano book. Access to a keyboard or piano is required. Class begins Thursday, September 4 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 101-01
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 are needed for placement of students in the ensemble. Students can either audition in person or via video recording. Open in-person auditions take place at SCAA (203 S Cameron St, Winchester 22601) on Friday September 5, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.
Rehearsals begin Monday, September 15, 2025.
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.
Tuition
$590
Instructor
Dr. Alán Saucedo, Ms. Cynthia Saucedo, Artistic Directors
Location
Room 100
Meeting Dates & Times
Mondays | 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Course Code
AMEN 700-01
Guitar Ensemble
Age: 12 and up
Guitar Ensemble
This ensemble is meant for guitarists of most ability levels. There will be 15 rehearsals throughout the year with a performance on November 13, 2025 and April 21, 2026. 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 3 for fifteen weeks. See dates below.
Tuition
$285
Instructor
Keith Filppu
Location
Room 100
Meeting Dates
Wednesdays | September 3, 17; October 1, 15, 29; November 12; December 3; January 7, 21; February 4, 18; March 4, 18; April 1, 15.
Performances | November 13 & April 21 | Time TBA
Class Time
7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Course Code
AMEN 200-01
Classes/Ensembles Begin
September 2025
Classes End
Varies by Classes and Ensembles
Instructors
Maria Anderson
Patty Austin
Keith Filppu
Richard Follett
Rose Lauck
Dr. Alán Saucedo Estrada
Ms. Cynthia Saucedo
Registration Fee*
$35
Students pay a one-time annual Registration Fee which covers all classes and lessons taken between September and August.
*non-refundable
Payment Plans
Payment Plans are available as an option for class and lesson tuition.
