September 2019 at Academy of Sound

Hello AOS Students, Families, and Friends,

Welcome, and welcome back, to fall! It's time to get once again into the "groove" of lessons, practice, and all the magic that comes with music study and performance.

Important dates to remember

Thursday, October 31: closed (no lessons)

Monday, November 24: OPEN (lessons as scheduled)

Tuesday, November 25 through Sunday, December 1: closed (no lessons)

Sunday, December 15: Holiday recital 3pm, Oregon Performing Arts Center

December 23 - January 2: closed (holiday break)

January 13 - January 17: conference lessons

Monday, January 20: closed

New sign

Our partners at First Presbyterian Church have upgraded the sign welcoming visitors to our beautiful building. Check it out next time you're here!

National Night Out drawing winners

Academy of Sound held a drawing at the 2019 National Night Out in Oregon. Three winners were chosen. Each won an instrument from the Academy of Sound store.

National Night Out is designed to strengthen neighborhoods and partnerships, heighten crime prevention and drug prevention efforts, and send a message to criminals that businesses and neighbors are working together to fight crime. There were different booths for area organizations/businesses, emergency vehicles available for viewing along with personnel, games, free food, demonstrations, and much more.

Musical opportunity

Madison Opera's FREE High School Apprenticeship Program is accepting applications through September 30, 2019.

The program offers high school juniors and seniors the unique opportunity to explore the world of professional opera. With behind-the-scenes access to rehearsals and performances, one-on-one interaction with professional artists and industry experts, and guidance on training, the apprentices receive a thorough introduction to the production process and careers in the performing arts.  Many former apprentices have gone on to sing in the Madison Opera Chorus.

Apprentices will have the opportunity to: -meet and dine with distinguished guest artists -attend rehearsals and performances -participate in masterclasses and workshops -attend Opera Novice and Opera Up Close previews -speak with Madison Opera staff and crew on working in the opera industry -take a backstage tour of the Overture Center -have a great time while learning about what it takes to bring an opera to life

The program is free of charge, generously underwritten by Madison Opera’s supporters. More information about the program can be found here.

Visit madisonopera.org/learn#highschool to apply.

New & returning teachers

Mr. Chris and Mr. Keith are both returning to Academy of Sound after time away and other adventures.

Mr Chris (Drums, Piano, Voice, Winds, Brass)

Mr. Chris (Chris Telfer) comes to us with a BA in Vocal, General & Instrumental Music from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. He also holds a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Marian College, and a Doctoral Degree-in-progress at Edgewood College. Chris has worked as a Choral Director, Vocal/General Music Director, and Instrumental Director at multiple schools and grade levels. He is currently working in the Mount Horeb School District teaching 6th Grade General Music and Choir. Chris teaches brass instruments such as trombone, trumpet, euphonium, tuba, and the baritone, as well as piano, drums, and voice, and originally joined our faculty in 2012. 

Mr Keith (Voice, Guitar, Piano)

Mr. Keith (Keith Hampton) is originally from Lake Mills, WI and studied voice performance and French literature at Boston University. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music and a Master's Degree in Counseling. He is a professional performer, composer, arranger, and producer, with five solo recordings released on the Boston-based Brave Records label. Keith co-wrote an SATB choral work, "I am in love with the world," based on the life of children's author Maurice Sendak, which was featured on National Public Radio. He has sung leading roles in area productions of Annie, Side By Side By Sondheim, and Into the Woods, and performed Lysander in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. His primary teacher is former Metropolitan Opera mezzo-soprano Claudia Catania. Favorite composers and influences include Brahms, Chopin, Sondheim, and Joni Mitchell. Keith originally joined the Academy of Sound faculty in 2013. 

Mr. Keith also currently serves as Academy of Sound's Director of Education, overseeing enrollment & events.

Lost & found

Have you lost something? Maybe it is waiting to be claimed, in Academy of Sound's lost & found box. Ask at the front desk.

Reporting absences

Write to office@academyofsound.org or call us at (608) 371-9030 to report absences. Review our policies at academyofsound.org/policy. Any questions? Let us know.

Free stickers

Grab yours at the front desk, and show your Academy of Sound spirit!