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Butler Community Arts School
Jordan College Academy of Dance
 

Butler Community Arts School

Welcome! We invite you to join us for private music lessons and group classes. Future offerings may include programming in theatre, dance and media arts.

The Butler Community Arts School, an initiative of the Jordan College of Fine Arts, opened its doors to the community in September 2002. BCAS is an arts education and outreach program that provides instruction in specific performing arts disciplines to all ages and abilities. Instruction is provided by carefully selected and trained Butler students ("Teaching Fellows"). Faculty offer mentoring, guidance and administrative support. This program has the dual mission of providing quality arts instruction at an affordable price while also developing community involvement and civic-mindedness in university students.

For More Information
Contact Karen Thickstun, director, at (317) 940-5500 or email BCAS@butler.edu.

BCAS Registration Form (PDF)

Private Music Lessons

Private LessonsInstruction is available in piano, voice, strings, brass, woodwinds, percussion, guitar, harp, composition, and music theory.

Lessons are held in Lilly Hall on the campus of Butler University. Lesson times are arranged individually to accommodate both teachers and students. Tuition is prorated for students beginning instruction after the term begins. Tuition for a typical 14-week semester of 30-minute private lessons is $240; longer lessons are also available. Please consult the Registration Form for payment options. Need-based scholarships may be available; a Scholarship Application form is available here. Please contact us if you would like more information regarding need-based scholarships.
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Steel Drum Ensemble

Stell Drum EnsembleCome explore the world of drumming! This group class is open to students ages 11 and older (including adults!). No previous music experience is required. The class meets on Saturday mornings, 11:30-12:30 in Lilly Hall. Tuition for a ten-week session is $145. Need-based scholarships are available. Please call or email for further details.
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Music For Little Mozarts

Music for Little MozartsYou are invited on a musical adventure with Mozart Mouse and Beethoven Bear! This class offers beginning piano instruction for students ages 5-6. Class meets on Saturday mornings, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 noon. No previous music experience is required. Please note that a parent or caregiver must attend class with the child. Tuition for a ten-week session is $145. Need-based scholarships are available. Please call or email for more details.
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Basics of Singing (for adults)

If you’ve ever wanted to sing or sing better, this class is for you! Along with learning and practicing important fundamentals of singing techniques, the supportive, low stress class environment will help you develop confidence in your singing. You will learn exercises that you can practice on your own to help improve posture, breathing, breath control, tone, range, as well as your musical and dramatic expression. Classes meet on weekday evenings. Please call or email for more details.
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Chamber Music

Chamber MusicYoung musicians (ages 9 and up) in piano and strings are invited to join a chamber group (4-6 musicians) and enjoy coaching by a Butler student. Groups are arranged based on age and ability; existing groups are welcome, too. Rehearsals are held on Saturdays (time arranged with instructor), with a concert at end of semester. Please call or email for more details.
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Summer Camps and Programs

Piano Camp 1 (Ages 12-17)

Piano Camp 1Ages 12-17: JUNE 22-27, 2008
Lilly Hall at Butler University’s Jordan College of Fine Arts
Tuition $395 (residential), $295 (commuter)
Postmark deadline: May 15
Piano Camp Registration Form ONLY (Adobe PDF)

This camp is open to students ages 12-17 or who are in rising grades 7-12. No audition is required; all levels are welcome. All students receive daily private lessons and master classes. (NOTE: on a limited basis, private lessons in jazz piano are available). Other sessions include theory, ensemble, music history, sightplaying, and guest speakers and performers. Optional classes include dance, composition and steel drum ensemble. Evening sessions are designed to involve all students and may include guest recitals, interactive music games, and a formal event such as "An Evening with Anna and Johann."

Housing is provided in Butler University's ResCo dorm, which is air-conditioned. Dorm check-in is 4:30-6:00 on Sunday evening; check-out is 4:30-6:00 on Friday. It is generally recommended that 7th graders attend as commuter students. Commuters arrive by 9:00 a.m. each day and may be picked up between 5:00 and 9:00 p.m. Applications must be postmarked by May 15 for residential campers; full payment due by June 1. Late applications may be accepted on the basis of available space.

Need-based scholarships are available.

For more information, please contact Karen Thickstun at (317) 940-5500 (1-800-368-6852, ext. 5500) or BCAS@butler.edu.
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Piano Camp 2 (Ages 7-12)

Piano Camp 2Ages 7-12: JULY 14-18, 2008
(9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m daily)
Lilly Hall at Butler University’s Jordan College of Fine Arts
Tuition $130
Postmark deadline: June 15
Piano Camp Registration Form ONLY (Adobe PDF)

Butler piano camp for ages 7-12 is designed for students with prior piano study. It is recommended that students have had at least one year of piano study. Students will be divided into smaller groups based on age and repertoire level. Activities will focus on music skills that are appropriate for students in each respective group. Our intent is to maintain interest, stimulate imagination and provide attainable challenges. Classes may include repertoire, ensemble, music theory and games. Students should bring a favorite solo piece to share (memory optional). Ensemble pieces will be provided the first day of camp. Tuition includes snacks, T-shirt, and all materials. Need-based scholarships are available.

For more information, please contact Karen Thickstun at (317) 940-5500 or BCAS@butler.edu.
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Percussion Camp

Percussion Camp

Jeff Queen (left)
and Jon Crabiel
Ages 12-17: June 22-27, 2008
Lilly Hall at Butler University’s Jordan College of Fine Arts
Tuition $395 (residential), $295 (commuter)
Postmark deadline: May 15

Percussion Camp REGISTRATION FORM (Adobe PDF)

This camp is open to students ages 12-17 or who are in rising grades 7-12. No audition is required; all levels are welcome, although it is recommended that participants have at least one year of prior study on snare drum. All students will receive instruction on snare, drumset, timpani, mallets, world percussion, and concert percussion.

FEATURED FACULTY: Jon Crabiel, Butler University Percussion Artist-in-Residence; Jeff Queen, 4-time Solo Snare Drumming World Champion, national clinician and author, soloist in Blast! On Broadway; Jauvon Gilliam, principal timpani, Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra; and Matt McGraw, drumset and latin percussionist.

Jauvon Gilliam

Jauvon Gilliam
Housing is provided in Butler University's ResCo dorm, which is air-conditioned. Dorm check-in is 4:30-6:00 on Sunday evening; check-out is 4:30-6:00 on Friday. It is generally recommended that 7th graders attend as commuter students. Commuters arrive by 9:00 a.m. each day and may be picked up between 5:00 and 9:00 p.m. Applications must be postmarked by May 15 for residential campers; full payment due by June 1. Late applications may be accepted on the basis of available space.

Need-based scholarships are available.

For more information, please contact Karen Thickstun at (317) 940-5500 (1-800-368-6852, ext. 5500) or BCAS@butler.edu.
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Strings Camp

Strings CampAges 6-12: JULY 21-25, 2008
(9:00 a.m. – 12:00 daily)
Lilly Hall at Butler University’s Jordan College of Fine Arts
Tuition $130
Postmark deadline: June 15
Strings Camp REGISTRATION FORM (Adobe PDF)

Butler strings camp for ages 6-12 is designed for students with prior strings study. It is recommended that students have had at least one year of prior study. Students will be divided into smaller groups based on age and repertoire level. Activities will focus on music skills that are appropriate for students in each respective group. Our intent is to maintain interest, stimulate imagination and provide attainable challenges. Classes may include repertoire, ensemble, music theory and games. Students should bring a favorite solo piece to share (memory optional). Ensemble pieces will be provided the first day of camp. Tuition includes snacks, T-shirt, and all materials. Need-based scholarships are available.

For more information, please contact Karen Thickstun at (317) 940-5500 or BCAS@butler.edu.
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Adult Big-Band Workshop

Adult Big-Band WorkshopJuly 27-August 2, 2008
(Sunday, 2:00-5:00 p.m.; Monday through Friday 6:00-9:00 pm.; Saturday 7:00-11:00 p.m.)
Lilly Hall at Butler University’s Jordan College of Fine Arts
Tuition $195
Postmark deadline: May 15 (full payment due by June 15)
Adult Big-Band Workshop REGISTRATION FORM (Adobe PDF)

This week-long workshop provides the opportunity for adults with intermediate to advanced skills on their instrument to participate in a true big band learning experience under the direction of a professional staff led by Mark Buselli, co-director of the Buselli-Wallarab Orchestra. Faculty will include Gary Walters, Harry Miedema, Jim Edison, and Brent Wallarab. Performance charts will be selected from those typical of Basie, Miller, Nestico, Ellington, Kenton, and Holman. Bands will consist of saxophones, trombones, trumpets, piano, bass, guitar and drums. The workshop begins with orientation and improvisation instruction on Sunday afternoon followed by daily evening band rehearsals during the week starting at 6:00 pm. The culmination of the week is a performance on Saturday evening at Indy's well-known spot for jazz - The Jazz Kitchen.

Artistic Director Mark Buselli

Artistic Director
Mark Buselli
Applicants typically are adults from all walks of professional life who are not professional musicians but have continued to maintain their interest in playing. Participants should be able to read music at the intermediate level and ideally have had at least some minimal experience in reading jazz or big band charts. Improvisation skills are not required but some improvisation training will be provided during the week.

Early registration is advised due to the limited number of positions available to assemble bands. Registrations which are not accepted will have the entire deposit refunded.

NEW this year:
OPTIONAL classes in Jazz Improv/Theory (beginner or intermediate) and Jazz Sightreading (beginner or intermediate) will be offered each evening at either 4:00-4:50 or 5:00-5:50 (Monday through Thursday), prior to the workshop rehearsals at 6:00.

Limited class size.

Class fee $60.

Jazz Improv/Theory (5:00-5:50) explores the art of creating an improvised solo by exploring chord/scale theory, rhythm, and listening examples.

Jazz Sightreading (4:00-4:50) is designed to help the student cope with the rigorous demands of jazz rhythms, inflections and articulations.

For more information, please contact Karen Thickstun at (317) 940-5500 or BCAS@butler.edu.
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