Conservatory Program: Newly Expanded!
The conservatory program at BlackRock is comprised of music, dance, visual art and theater classes that are meant to be taken during the academic year from Sep 2015-Jun 2016. These classes allow students to build their skills in the same class with the same teacher and maximize skill development in their chosen class and discipline. Classes listed below are accepting new students for the winter session! Please email classes@blackrockcenter.org or call 301-528-2260 for any questions.
When you register for a conservatory class, you are registering for the full academic year with multiple payment options available. All conservatory classes will culminate in mid-year demonstrations and spring conservatory recitals in June 2016.
Students may be required to have participated in past classes at BlackRock or have permission from the instructor to join a specific conservatory class.
Students may be able to join a conservatory class after it has started with the permission of the instructor and the BlackRock Education Department.
Two part payment plans available for new students joining the conservatory program in the Winter.
Payment Plans Dance Program Theater Program Music Program Visual Art Program
Dance Conservatory
Now with a wider range of disciplines, the dance conservatory provides focused year-long study for students of all ages. We encourage students and families to read each course description carefully to find the best fit for the year. The price of all conservatory dance classes include a $52 costume fee for the Spring recital. All conservatory dance classes culminate in mid-year demonstrations and spring conservatory recitals.
Young Artists Ballet
Pre-Ballet
This is a great introductory course for our youngest students interested in developing a strong foundation in ballet. Students learn simple ballet skills through exercises and creative explorations. They will develop specific movement skills and become familiar with ballet terminology and the elements of dance. Skills become more challenging throughout the year and progress with age level. Students must be able to attend class without a caregiver present.
Age 4 | Saturdays | 10:30 AM-11:30 AM | 616.3024.1
Jan 9-Mar 12 and Apr 9-Jun 18
Early Registration: $467/Members $452 | Regular Registration: $477/Members $462
Instructor: Rachel Knudson
Beginning Ballet for Kids
Students practice beginning ballet skills and combinations at the barre, center floor and across the floor. Students become familiar with ballet class etiquette, terminology, musicality and anatomy as it relates to ballet. Students explore ballet skills and qualities of movement through the elements of dance. Class follows Cecchetti methodology and progression of skills and becomes more challenging throughout the year. It is highly recommended that students have one year of Pre-Ballet experience before signing up for this class or they may struggle with some of the material. Age 5-6 | Wednesdays | 4:30 PM-5:30 PM | 616.3044.1
Jan 6-Mar 9 and Apr 6-Jun 8
Early Registration: $467/Members $452 | Regular Registration: $477/Members $462
Instructor: Rachel Knudson
Beginning Ballet
Students practice beginning ballet skills and combinations at the barre, center floor, and across the floor. Students become familiar with ballet terminology, musicality and dynamic body alignment. Students explore ballet combinations and qualities of movement through the elements of dance.
Ages 12 and Up | Wednesdays | 6:30 PM-7:30 PM | 616.3104.1
Meets Jan 6-Mar 9 and Apr 6-Jun 8
Early Registration: $467/Members $452 | Regular Registration: $477/Members $462
Instructor: Rachel Knudson
Beginning Modern Dance
Explore this freeing and expressive style of dancing! Students practice beginning modern dance skills and combinations, including floor exercises, center and across the floor. Students become familiar with modern dance terminology, musicality, dynamic body alignment and qualities of movement through a Limon-based technique class. Students explore modern dance combinations through the elements of dance.
Ages 12 and Up |Thursdays | 7:00 PM-8:00 PM | 616.3124.1
Meets Jan 7-Mar 10 and Apr 7-Jun 9
Early Registration: $467/Members $452 | Regular Registration: $477/Members $462
Instructor: Rachel Knudson
Ballet Level 1
Students begin to learn basic ballet technique and terminology through exercises at the barre and center floor, such as: plie, tendu, releve, port de bras, jumps, turns, leaps, and fun dances.
Ages 5-7 | Tuesdays | 5:30 PM-6:30 PM | 616.3304.1
Meets Sep 8-Dec 1, Jan 5-Mar 8 and Apr 5-Jun 7
Early Registration: $467/Members $452| Regular Registration: $477/Members $462
Instructor: Maria Shorb
Ballet Level 2
Students continue to learn new steps with emphasis on alignment and stance, while becoming more familiar with ballet terminology. Petit allegro combinations, pique turns, and stretching exercises are introduced.
Ages 7-10 | Thursdays | 5:30 PM-6:30 PM | 616.3314.1
Jan 7-Mar 10 and Apr 7-Jun 9
Early Registration: $467/Members $452| Regular Registration: $477/Members $462
Instructor: Maria Shorb
Ballet Level 2
Students practice beginning and beginning/intermediate ballet skills and combinations at the barre, center floor and across the floor. Students become familiar with ballet class etiquette, terminology, musicality, anatomy and proper body alignment. Students explore ballet combinations and qualities of movement through the elements of dance. Class follows Cecchetti methodology and progression of skills and becomes more challenging throughout the year.
Ages 9-11 |Thursdays | 5:00 PM-6:00 PM | 616.3064.1
Jan 7-Mar 10 and Apr 7-Jun 9
Early Registration: $467/Members $452| Regular Registration: $477/Members $462
Instructor: Rachel Knudson
Ballet Level 3
Students advance in ballet technique and terminology with longer exercises, adagios, and grand allegro combinations. Some students may be ready to take the Beginner Pointe class, with the instructor’s approval.
Ages 9-14 | Sundays | 3:30 PM-4:30 PM | 616.3324.1
Jan 10-Mar 13 and Apr 10-Jun 19
Early Registration: $467/Members $452| Regular Registration: $477/Members $462
Instructor: Maria Shorb
Intermediate Ballet
Students practice beginning/intermediate ballet skills and combinations at the barre, center floor and across the floor. Students become familiar with ballet terminology, musicality and dynamic body alignment. Students explore ballet combinations and qualities of movement through the elements of dance. This class is for students ready to experience more technique and skill development. There are 2 sections of this class and students are encouraged to sign up for both sessions for maximum benefit.
Ages 12 and Up | Wednesdays | 7:30 PM-9:00 PM | 616.3114.1
Jan 6-Mar 9 and Apr 6-Jun 8
Early Registration: $667/Members $652 |Regular Registration: $677/Members $662
Instructor: Rachel Knudson
Intermediate Ballet Technique
Students work on more complex combinations at the barre, center, and across the floor. They become stronger and more refined dancers. For a more rounded ballet experience, some students may take Beginner Pointe or Intermediate Pointe, depending on their level of training, in addition to this class.
Ages 14 and up| Wednesdays | 7:30 PM-8:45 PM | 616.3354.1
Jan 5-Mar 8 and Apr 5-Jun 7
Early Registration: $567/Members $552| Regular Registration: $577/Members $562
Instructor: Maria Shorb
Young Artists Ballet (YAB)
YAB is based on the internationally recognized methodology of the Royal Academy of Dance. The Academy’s syllabi have been devised with great care to enable a child to progress through their dance training in planned stages to insure safety of physical development and well-being. Teachers adhere to the carefully structured syllabi and continue to train through the Academy’s professional development courses throughout their teaching careers.
*All Young Artist Ballet classes require Instructor’s permission to join in the winter session.
Young Artists Ballet: Introduction to Ballet
Students are introduced to the art of classical ballet by concentrating on musicality, body coordination and a sense of movement. They will be exposed to very basic ballet positions of the feet and arms and simple dance steps. Awareness of body carriage and placement will be addressed.
Ages 5-8 | Wednesdays | 5:30 PM-6:30 PM | 616.4014.1
Jan 6-Mar 9 and Apr 6-Jun 8
Early Registration: $467/Members $452| Regular Registration: $477/Members $462
Instructor: Becci Kimm
Young Artists Ballet: Level 1
This class is for students with one year of prior training or by permission of the instructor. Exercises will be executed at the barre and in the center concentrating on posture body alignment or stance, and placement of the feet and arms. Basic ballet steps and allegro will be achieved in the center while continuing to focus on musicality, sense of movement, and terminology.
Ages 6-10 | Wednesdays | 6:30 PM-7:30 PM | 616.4024.1
Jan 6-Mar 9 and Apr 6-Jun 8
Early Registration: $467/Members $452| Regular Registration: $477/Members $462
Instructor: Becci Kimm
Young Artists Ballet: Level 2
Students must have at least two years of previous training or by the permission of the instructor. The class will introduce many more steps both at the barre and in the center. Combining several steps in one exercise will be done across the floor. More intricate musical patterns will be introduced in the center and students will begin to learn the meaning of all terminology of steps.
Ages 7-12 |Wednesdays | 4:30 PM-5:30 PM | 616.4034.1
Jan 6-Mar 9 and Apr 6-Jun 8
Early Registration: $467/Members $452| Regular Registration: $477/Members $462
Instructor: Becci Kimm
Young Artists Ballet: Level 4
This class is for third or fourth year students or by permission of the instructor. It is recommended for students to register for both lessons each week to achieve maximum benefits from the class. This level increases the difficulty of exercises at the barre in order to strengthen body alignment and proper use of the feet and legs. Emphasis will be placed on executing demi pointe work both at the barre and in the center practice. The center will include adagio work and pirouettes. Simple petite and grand allegro will be expanded as well as terminology. Knowing the methodology of each step is an important part of developing as a student. Depending on the age, strength of feet/legs, and body placement students may begin introductory exercises on pointe at the barre. Students should be taking twice a week in order to be considered for pointe work.
Section 1
Ages 8-15 | Tuesdays | 5:30 PM-6:30 PM | 616.4054.1
Jan 5-Mar 8 and Apr 5-Jun 7
Early Registration: $467/Members $452| Regular Registration: $477/Members $462
Instructor: Becci Kimm
Section 2
Ages 8-15 | Thursdays | 5:30 PM-6:30 PM | 616.4054.2
Jan 7-Mar 10 and Apr 7-Jun 9
Early Registration: $467/Members $452| Regular Registration: $477/Members $462
Instructor: Becci Kimm
Young Artists Ballet: Level 4B
This class is designed for the student that has completed at least one year of level four. All areas of study will be increased especially demi pointe work. Depending on the age, strength of feet/legs, and body placement the students will be assessed to begin introductory exercises on pointe starting at the barre. Students must attend class twice a week to be considered for pointe with no exceptions.
Ages 9-15 | Tuesdays/Thursdays | 6:30-7:45 PM | 616.4154.1
Dates: Sep 8-Dec 3, Jan 5-Mar 10 and Apr 5-Jun 9
Early Registration: $1,067/Members $1,052 | Regular Registration: $1,077/Members $1,062
Instructor: Becci Kimm
Theater Conservatory
Give your child the skills to become a true thespian. Both classes culminate in mid-year demonstrations and spring conservatory recitals.
Acting and Singing for Musical Theater
This class concentrates on the vocal aspect of musical theater. Develop a strong stage presence while expressing your creativity through song and movement. Using proper breath work and vocal warm-ups, you’ll learn healthy singing habits. Increase your confidence singing pieces from different genres such as pop, rock, jazz and Broadway shows.
Ages 8-14 | Saturdays | 9:30 AM-11:30 AM | 616.5204.1
Jan 9-Mar 12 and Apr 9-Jun 18
Early Registration: $815/Members $800 | Regular Registration: $825/Members $810
Instructor: Jane Christenson
Page to Stage
Learn the aspects of what it takes to produce a play – analyzing and breaking down a script, set design, blocking, directing, acting, props, costumes, and lighting. Students will be required to memorize lines and stage directions for showcases in December and March with a final larger performance of a play on our main stage in June 2016.
Ages 8-14 | Wednesdays | 6:45 PM-7:45 PM | 616.5064.1
Jan 6-Mar 9 and Apr 6-Jun 8
Early Registration: $415/Members $400 | Regular Registration: $425/Members $410
Instructor: Sonie Mathew
Music Conservatory
Piano, guitar, violin and voice are all part of our offerings for the focused study of music. The piano program is meant to be taken in sequence over a five-year period and covers all basic levels of experience. There is also and advanced class for students who have completed Level 4. All music conservatory classes culminate in spring conservatory recitals: June 11-12, 2016.
Piano Violin Voice
PIANO
All classes include 20 sessions between January and June 2016
Early Registration: $415/Members $400 Regular Registration: $425/Members $410
Introduction to Piano
For beginners especially in the lower grades to develop basic piano skills, fundamental note reading with emphasis on keyboard typography, simple rhythms and preparation for reading and identifying notes.
Grades K-2
Saturdays 9:30-10:30 AM | 616.1014.4
Jan 9-Mar 12 and Apr 9-Jun 18
Instructor: William Chang
Saturdays | 2:30-3:30 PM | 616.1014.5
Jan 9-Mar 12 and Apr 9-Jun 18
Instructor: Robert Shann
Grades 1-5
Wednesdays | 4:30 PM-5:30 PM | 616.1024.1
Jan 6-Mar 9 and Apr 6-Jun 8
Instructor: Al Hart
Saturdays | 10:30-11:30 AM | 616.1024.4
Jan 9-Mar 12 and Apr 9-Jun 18
Instructor: William Chang
Piano Level 1
For beginners to continue developing keyboard and note-reading skills as well as beginning repertoire.
Grades K-2
Tuesdays | 6:00 PM-7:00 PM | 616.1074.2
Jan 5-Mar 8 and Apr 5-Jun 7
Instructor: Paul Buehler
Thursdays | 6:30 PM-7:30 PM | 616.1074.3
Jan 7-Mar 10 and Apr 7-Jun 9
Instructor: Al Hart
Grades 1-6
Fridays | 5:30-6:30 PM | 616.1054.1
Jan 8-Mar 11 and Apr 8-Jun 10
Instructor: Barbara Kober
Tuesdays | 7:00-8:00 PM | 616.1054.3
Jan 5-Mar 8 and Apr 5-Jun 7
Instructor: Paul Buehler
Piano Level 2
Grades 2-7
Prerequisite: Piano Level 1 or permission of instructor. This level is for advanced beginners ready to focus on music theory, technique and developing repertoire.
All sections of Piano Level 2 are currently full. If you are interested in being put on a waitlist for any spots that may become available, please email classes@blackrockcenter.org.
Piano Level 3
Grades 3-8
Prerequisite: Piano Level 2 or permission of instructor. This level integrates formal technique and music theory for students learning to work independently. Students continue to explore classical, blues and popular repertoire and have the opportunity to perform works-in-progress for each other.
Tuesdays | 4:30 PM-5:30 PM | 616.1114.1
Jan 5-Mar 8 and Apr 5-Jun 7
Instructor: Barbara Kober
Piano Level 4
Grades 4-9
Prerequisite: Piano Level 3 or permission of instructor. This level allows advancing intermediate students to play music in classical and popular styles and explore ensemble playing. Students may remain in this level for more than one year.
Tuesdays | 7:30 PM-8:30 PM | 616.1124.1
Jan 5-Mar 8 and Apr 5-Jun 7
Instructor: Barbara Kober
Piano Level 5
Grades 5 +
This class is specifically for students who have completed Level 4 or wish to continue their advanced study in Level 5.
Thursdays | 4:30-5:30 PM | 616.1144.1
Jan 7-Mar 10 and Apr 7-Jun 9
Instructor: Barbara Kober
Advanced Piano
This class is for students who have completed one year of level 4, with instructor’s permission; or have completed level 5.
Thursdays | 7:30-8:30 PM | 616.1154.1
Jan 7-Mar 10 and Apr 7-Jun 9
Instructor: Barbara Kober
VIOLIN
All Violin classes require permission of the instructor to register
Introduction to Violin
Class covers proper bowing and fingering technique in first position, learning short pieces and reading music. Required: Have a violin, bow and “Essential Elements” book 1 for violins.
Saturdays | 9:30 AM-10:30 AM | 616.1354.1
Jan 9-Mar 12 and Apr 9-Jun 18
Early Registration: $415/Members $400 | Regular Registration: $425/Members $410
Instructor: Natalia Vladimirova
Violin Level 1
Continue to build on skills gained in Introduction to Violin. Students will be working on slurs, staccato, and low second finger in first position. Required: Have a violin, bow and Play G major scale in first position.
Saturdays | 10:30 AM -11:30 AM | 616.1364.1
Jan 9-Mar 12 and Apr 9-Jun 18
Early Registration: $415/Members $400 | Regular Registration: $425/Members $410
Instructor: Natalia Vladimirova
Violin Level 2
Strengthen violin skills by playing different sharps and flats positions with a lot of rhythmical difficulties and duets. Required: Have a violin, bow and Play G and C major scales in first position.
Saturdays | 11:30 AM -12:30 PM | 616.1374.1
Jan 9-Mar 12 and Apr 9-Jun 18
Early Registration: $415/Members $400 | Regular Registration: $425/Members $410
Instructor: Natalia Vladimirova
Violin Level 3
For students who have taken Violin Level 2 and are ready to move on to the next level. Explore vibrato, second and third position in violin. Required: Have violin, bow and Play one octave scales with 3 sharps and two flats.
Saturdays | 12:30 PM-1:30 PM | 616.1384.1
Jan 9-Mar 12 and Apr 9-Jun 18
Early Registration: $415/Members $400 | Regular Registration: $425/Members $410
Instructor: Natalia Vladimirova
VOICE
BlackRock A Capella
In this fast paced a cappella class, you and your fellow singers will learn pop and rock tunes and how to harmonize with your group. If you have sung in a school, church or other choral group, this is a fun next step! Work together towards creating a repertoire for our mid-year demonstration and spring conservatory recitals.
Ages 13 and Up | Sundays | 5:00 PM-6:00 PM | 616.1784.1
Jan 10-Mar 13 and Apr 10-Jun 19
Early Registration: $415/Members $400 | Regular Registration: $425/Members $410
Instructor: Lisa Shaw
Visual Art Conservatory
New to BlackRock, the visual art conservatory classes not only give students the chance to develop strong artistic skills, but also to learn the important component of showing their work in exhibits. Conservatory visual art classes will culminate in an end-of-year art show in June of 2016.
Studio Art Conservatory
This year-long conservatory program is for students interested in developing an art portfolio and participating in art exhibits. It is designed to introduce students to traditional and contemporary drawing techniques and materials. A variety of media will be used including pencil, graphite, conte, charcoal, pastel and ink and brush. Emphasis will be placed on composition and developing freehand drawing skills.
Ages 10-16 | Saturdays | 11:00 AM-12:30 PM | 616.7154.1
Jan 9-Mar 12 and Apr 9-Jun 18
Early Registration: $615/Members $600 | Regular Registration: $625/Members $610
Instructor: Marta Lautz