genesee community school of music

This information was submitted by Becky LeFevre.

A new music school is in full swing in Batavia, located at the Homestead Event Center (formerly the site of Roxy's Music) in the Genesee Country Mall. The Genesee Community School of Music is the result of collaboration between Winnicki Music Studio, Rose Caccamise of Roxy's Music, and local parents.

The school began its first session of classes at the end of August, offering general music for elementary students, chorus, and small group instrument lessons. The first six-week session culminates with a performance at the Batavia Nursing Home on Sept. 27.

The Genesee Community School of Music began primarily as a resource for homeschooled students and grew out of a need for quality and affordable music education. Budget cuts that effect public education have filtered down to the homeschooling community. Music opportunities -- such as instrument lessons -- that used to be available through public schools to students being educated at home have been largely eliminated.

Classes at the GCSM are lively and upbeat. Younger students learn about melody, pitch and rhythm through creative songs and games. Older students develop advanced skills through instrument lessons or in chorus, where they sing in parts and learn vocal technique and conducting.

The Genesee Community School of Music puts a huge emphasis on community.

"Every six weeks, the kids will perform in the community -- at the nursing home, the VA, etcetera, says Jodi Coburn, who has three students attending the music school. "We want them to not only learn about music and experience performing in front of a crowd, but to learn about the way music brings people together and to use music as a vehicle to interact with individuals that we wouldn't meet under everyday circumstances."

Just a month after it opened its doors, the GCSM is experiencing success.

"When you start up something like this, the concern is always (whether) you're going to be able to afford to keep the program running," said Becky LeFevre, whose kindergartener participates in the general music class. "We started this school through word of mouth, and just hoped and prayed that we'd end up with enough students to keep it running and to pay the instructors.

"So far, we've been blessed. This program is phenomenal, and I think people are realizing that and word is beginning to spread.

Word is spreading, not just about the GSCM, but about homeschooling in general. In recent years, the number of families who have chosen to educate their children at home is increasing. Yet the GSCM's long-term goal isn't just to serve the homeschooling community. As budget cuts continue to force music and the arts out of public schools, the GCSM hopes to fill the void.

In the future, they hope to begin a strings program, something many local schools are unable to offer. They also plan to schedule additional classes at times that will be convenient for students who attend traditional schools.

Teacher Diana Winnicki adds "Cooperative music education like this, that is valued in the community, ensures the continuation of the arts regardless of the economic condition of our state.

The second session of classes begins on Oct. 4, followed by a special five-week Christmas session with an emphasis on holiday music from around the world and the formation of a children's bell choir.

For questions about the GSCM, or if you are interested in teaching a course or registering for classes, contact Jodi at 813-4658 or GeneseeCSM-owner@yahoogroups.com.