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Instructor's Bio's & Class Descriptions

Mike Whitney-Guitar

(1/2 hour classes) consist of exercises & dexterity training, to teach the fingers to move on the fret board, we will learn all the basic open position & bar chords & how they work with each other. ( basic theory ) We will learn songs that will teach rhythm & lead guitar techniques. My training will apply to almost all styles of popular music, rock, country, bluegrass, blues, folk etc. I will focus my lessons on the individual needs & requirements of the student. To more advanced guitarists I offer to coach them on performance with the guitar. Mike has over 35 years experience, performing & teaching both electric & acoustic guitar.

 Al Miele - Drums

 (1/2 hour classes) - Al Miele has taught private drum lessons in Endicott for the past 6 years.  He has studied with Joe Roma, Tony Monforte, and Chris Adams.  Al’s focus is on hand and foot technique, reading, and drum set coordination.  He has been a regular member of the EPAC Orchestra Pit and has performed in “Tommy”, “Fame”, “Dark Side of the Moon”, “The Wall” , “Sensory III”, and many others”.

 (1 hour class) has been involved with the EPAC  Kids’ Theater Workshop since its inception an and has    appeared in a  wide variety of EPAC shows as a dancer.  Tappercize is an exercise/Tap dance class for those who are seeking a fun way to stay fit and enjoy tap dancing in a “non’performance” or competitive setting.

(1 hour classes) Jazz dance offers students jazzy, fun choreography for both beginner and intermediate dancers of all ages.  Kim  brings new fun and exciting styles of jazz and hip-hop to the dance program at EPAC. Both classes consist of stretching, technique, and beginning to intermediate routines. Students will learn how to express themselves through the different dance styles and have a confidence building experience.

Jo Whitney - Singing Rock

(1/2 hour classes) - Jo has over 15 years experience singing with local rock bands and is an excellent front person with dynamic stage presence. Whether you are interested in singing the latest top 40 songs, indie pop, classic rock n' roll, or something a little heavier, this class will teach the aspiring rock star everything from microphone technique to the benefits of stage presence. You'll also learn the full importance of breathing exercises, posture, and ear training.

(1/2 hour Classes) Private voice lessons focus an individualized approach to breathing, posture, vowels and clear diction. These technical topics are applied to the student's repertoire.  Lessons consist of technical work, and its practical application to appropriate repertoire.  I believe it is important to study both classical and musical theatre repertoire, so the student will be expected to purchase music to fit these categories.  Tim is well known to local audiences as a frequent performer with Tri-Cities Opera and the Binghamton Philharmonic, as performances at Binghamton University and the Downtown Singers. Tim maintains a professional singing career with many national orchestras and opera companies such as San Francisco Opera, Chattanooga Symphony & Opera, Sarasota Opera, Syracuse Symphony, & Opera, Pittsburgh Symphony, American Symphony Orchestra, and Minnesota Symphony. He is an Adjunct Lecturer in Voice at Binghamton University, and is on the faculty of the Berkshire Choral Festival. Tim has been the music director for several performances at EPAC, and is the music director at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Endicott. 

 (1/2 hour classes) -Joe has been involved in all aspects of theater for many years and recently returned to the area from NYC where he graduated from  City College of New York with a B.A. degree in theater.  Acting lessons will focus on an individualized approach to establishing a strong foundation in acting techniques including improvisation, scene study, monologue preparation, voice and body training as well as auditioning skills.  Lessons center around the development of these techniques through a combination of writing and exploring your own plays, and experiencing them through workshop and performance. All ages can experience the joy of  creative expression.  

(1 hour Class) - Heriska Suthapa has been part of the Binghamton University Ballroom Dance Team, competing and specializing in the American Rhythm and International Latin Styles of dance. His classes will teach approximately 15 different ballroom styles including Salsa, Cha Cha Cha, Tango, East Coast Swing, Waltz, and many others. Proper technique will be taught for each dance along with the proper way to lead and to follow each dance. Although the dances are “couples” dances, participants will not need partners or previous
experience to join and enjoy the classes.

Elaine Closser- Piano

(1/2 hour classes)   - has recently joined the EPAC staff as instructor of piano.  She received a B.A. of Music degree in Piano Performance from Seton Hill College and a Master of Music degree from Ithaca College.  Mrs. Closser brings many years of experience in teaching piano to students of all ages.  In addition, she has over 30 years teaching experience  in the Maine Endwell School District where she teaches General Music, Chorus, and Select Chorus at the Middle School.  Mrs. Closser has directed numerous district plays and musicals and has been included in 4 editions of Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers. 

Chris Nickerson-
Adult Acting Workshop-
begins March 1st at 7 PM

(6 months-2hour classes) -Chris is a graduate of Binghamton University and has studied with The Acting Studio in New York City. He has performed in over 70 plays and musicals and has worked in commercials and film.  Chris has received an "Outstanding Artist" Award from the Kennedy Center and has won a number of "Best Actor" awards from Arizona Theater including a nomination for a "Zoni" (State Theater Awards of Arizona).  He also appeared in the film "Inte-state 60" with James Margden, Chris Cooper, and Gary Oldman