Brass & Woodwind, Tom Closser

(More information will be posted when it becomes available)

Dance, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Kim Cook (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. These 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.

Kids Jazz/Lyrical offers a combination of Jazz and Lyrical style dances. Lyrical is a fusion of ballet with jazz and includes contemporary dance techniques. Each class will be dedicated to working on technique as well as working on and adding on to a dance combination.

Dance, Tap, Adult Sunday Tappers, Jeanne Norton (1 hour classes)

Jeanne has been involved with the EPAC Kids’ Theater Workshop since its inception and has appeared in a wide variety of EPAC shows as a dancer. Sunday Adult Tap Class is an exercise/Tap dance class for those who are seeking a fun way to stay fit and enjoy tap dancing in an informal setting. The class will occasionally perform in EPAC productions or for local organizations.

Drums, Chris Adams (1/2 hour, 1 hour classes)

Private drum lessons focus on snare drum, drumset, technique, rhythm reading, drumset independence, NYSSMA, All-County, and college audition prep, stressing the importance of developing good habits in the areas of time, feel, and attitude. Chris is co-author with renowned session drummer, Gary Chester, of the internationally acclaimed drumset books, The New Breed and New Breed II, and has toured as a performer/clinician throughout The U.S., Southeast Asia, Europe, and Brazil. She has inspired numerous students through her work as a teaching artist in statewide schools, bringing the arts to grades Pre-K - 12. Drum classes are offered periodically to supplement private lessons with a focus on ensemble playing and performance. Chris’ passion for drumming is infectious, hoping to inspire the next generation to continue learning, playing, enjoying, and further teaching of the fine art of drumming.

Drums, Al Miele (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”.

Guitar, Chris Cannone

(More information will be posted here when they are available)

Guitar, Kevin Pike (1/2 hour classes)

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 and 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.

Guitar, Mike Whitney (1/2 hour classes)

Welcome back to Mike Whitney who will begin teaching guitar once again at the EPAC School for the Performing Arts! Mike teaches all styles of acoustic and electric guitar and will be teaching on Thursday evenings. Cost is $15 for private 1/2 hour lessons. Call EPAC at 607-785-8903 to arrange for scheduling

Improv Comedy, Russ (The BIG Guy) Swanger (classes vary)

Russ the Big Guy will lead the GROUP in EASY AND FUN warm-up exercises. Students will demonstrate basic techniques, explore and communicate ideas and feelings, utilize pantomime, role playing, create a character and environment, observe and express personal feelings, utilize body movements and facial expressions.

A great team building tool stressing trust and sharing. Students will learn the meaning of: "Yes and Build" and "Always Reply, Never Deny, Don't Ask Why."

Older students will benefit from a longer class or multiple days of hands on participation where various concepts will be practiced ,in depth, such as object work, character development, the group mind, and making bold choices.

Are YOU ready for a class or custom workshop for your group or organization?   Call Russ The BIG Guy at 607-725-5704 to discuss the posibilities.

Piano, Elaine Closser (1/2 hour classes)

Elaine 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.

Voice, Melisse Weber

Melisse Weber teaches private voice on Tuesday evenings. Call EPAC at 607-785-8903 to arrange for private voice classes.

Mezzo Soprano Melisse Weber's performance repertoire includes performances of the title role in CARMEN, Donna Elvira in DON GIOVANNI, Third Lady in DIE ZAUBERFLOTE, Mother in AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS, Baba in THE MEDIUM, and Dorabella in COSI FAN TUTTE. In the 2007-2008 season she made her debut with Syracuse Opera singing Alice in LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR followed by Mrs. Nolan in THE MEDIUM. Her upcoming performances include the role of Mrs. March in Syracuse Opera’s LITTLE WOMEN.

Ms. Weber is also the co-founder of "Musical Voyage", a program introducing children ages 4-7 to music and theater, Weber has worked to develop an in-depth and unique curriculum to nurture the child's early musical experience. For over six years, Ms. Weber participated as an Artist-In-Residence with Tri-Cities Opera's educational/outreach program, Opera-Go-Round (OGR). This program brings tailored musical theater and opera to children of all ages, and includes master classes, lectures, and children's performances of some of the most famous operatic and musical theater selections of the repertoire.

Ms. Weber earned her Bachelor’s Degree in performance from Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ and continued her studies at Binghamton University where she earned her MM in Opera in conjunction with the resident artist program at the Tri-Cities Opera, NY. Equally at home with Broadway and classical repertoire, Ms. Weber has also worked with several local rock bands, helping their singers learn a technique to better the vocal quality and longevity of voice, regardless of the type of music they prefer. She is excited to be part of the EPAC team this year!

Voice (Group), Jenny Gac (1 hour classes)

Jenny Gac will be starting a group voice class for children ages 7 to 12 years old on Saturday mornings from 11AM until noon. Cost is $15 for the group 1 hour class. Jenny also teaches private voice on Wed. evenings.

Soprano Jenny Gac has recently joined the EPAC family as a group and private vocal instructor. Her performance repertoire includes Susannah in The Marriage of Figaro, First Lady in The Magic Flute, Zerlina in Don Giovanni, Nora in The Sailor-Boy and the Falcon, Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, Jesus in Godspell, Golde in Fiddler on the Roof, Chava in Fiddler on the Roof, and Woman 2 in World Goes Round. Upcoming performances include the role of Narrator in Exodus.

She is a choral director and music teacher at Whitney Point and is Music Director for the Elmwood Franklin Summer OnStage program in Buffalo, NY, where she works with students on auditions, role-study, performance practices, musical/artistic interpretation, vocal technique and production, as well as preparing/rehearsing music for various musical theatre productions.

Ms. Gac earned her Dual-Bachelor's degree in Vocal Performance and Music Education from the Crane School of Music, State University of New York at Potsdam. She has studied at the Birmingham Conservatoire in England and performed and taught throughout England and Italy. Ms. Gac has a wide musical palate and enjoys performing and teaching musical theatre, rock, pop, classical, and jazz music. She is very excited to be part of the EPAC school for the Performing Arts.

Zumba Fitness Class (Group), Janna Holley (1 hour classes)

Party yourself into shape with Zumba Fitness. The Latin-inspired, easy-to-follow, calorie burning, dance fitness-party. Feel the music and let loose!  Join the party with licensed Zumba instructor Janna Holley at the Endicott Performing Arts Center starting May 17th, 2011 Tuesdays 6:00 - 7:00pm