HASA Annual Workshop

Enrichment Classes

All students ages 5 and above, including those in the Pre-Twinkle program, will participate in their choice of an enrichment activity from 9:15-10:15. Parents will accompany students to their selected enrichment activity at 9:15. Parents are then invited to step-away and attend the Parent-Teacher talk titled "Creating a Self-Sustaining Musical Environment" from 9:30-10:05, before returning to your child's room, collecting their snack with them, and moving to the next class at 10:15.

When you enroll, you will be asked to indicate your child's first and second choice from the Enrichment Classes listed below. Enrichment choices are assigned on a first come-first serve basis. We try our best to accommodate students' first choices, but we cannot guarantee the availability of all classes. 

These classes will be taught by an expert teacher accompanied by a UMKC undergraduate student trained in student supervision policies at UMKC. However, parents may consider staying with their child in the Enrichment Class or taking your child with you to the Parent-Teacher talk, if you feel that is a better fit for your family. If you plan to bring your child(ren) with you to the Parent-Teacher talk, please bring a quiet activity for them to engage in during the talk. Enrichment classes are designed for students ages 5 and older. Students age four or younger should remain with their parents during the enrichment time and are welcome to attend the Parent-Teacher talk with their parent.

Enrichment Choices

Music Explorers- Orff-istrations!

Description: This class will utilize the Orff method, which combines music, movement, speech, and drama to mimic a child's natural play and teach musical concepts through exploration and improvisation. The class will utilize xylophones and rhythmic instruments that will be available for students at the class. 

Instructor: Chy Billings

Requirements to select this option:

• Any instrument. Students will NOT be using their primary instruments in this class. 
• Grades K-3 and Pre-K student who are at least 5 years old.

Theatrical Stage Experiences- An Introductory Theatre Class

Description: Develop stage presence and confidence in a fun, supportive environment! Through interactive activities and creative teamwork, students will build essential communication and collaboration skills, helping performers of all levels feel excited to be on stage.

Instructor: Kushi Beauchamp

Requirements to select this option:

Fiddling for Violins

Description: Dive into the rich and vibrant world of fiddling, exploring unique styles from various traditions and regions. This class introduces techniques and rhythms that set fiddling apart from classical violin playing, focusing on its expressive, lively, and improvisational character.

Instructor: Destiny A. Mermagen

Requirements to select this option:

Taylor Swift by Ear

Description: Learn a Taylor Swift song by ear! The song's vocals and guitar will be lead by Nichi Weibel, MT-BC, a board-certified music therapist with Operation Breakthrough and alumni of the UMKC Music Therapy program. Dr. Lani Hamilton will coach string students to learn the melody and accompaniment lines on their violin, viola, and cello by ear, while flute and piano students learn to drive the ensemble's percussion section with instruments that will be provided to them. After the ensemble experience, listen to Ms. Weibel talk about her job as a music therapist and how she uses music of all styles in her work with patients. 

Instructor: Nichi Weibel (Music therapist with Operation Breakthrough and UMKC Alum) with Dr. Lani Hamilton

Requirements to select this option:

• Any instrument. Violin, viola, and cello students will be playing their primary instruments, piano and flute students will be provided a percussion instrument during the class.
• Grades 4-8

Supervised Practice Time

Description: This will be in the style of an orchestra warm-up room; musicians will find their own stand in the backstage area of Grant Recital Hall and practice their individual part while others are practicing their own parts. A music stand will be available for each student, but be sure to bring some specific practice goals for your time and everything you need to practice. 

Instructor: The room will be monitored by a HASA Suzuki teacher and a UMKC undergraduate student, but students will be asked to guide their own practice.

Requirements to select this option:

• Violin, viola, cello, flute (NO piano)
• Grades 6-12

Quiet Time

Description: Bring homework, a book, or your device to enjoy some time to think or complete homework. The room will be monitored by a UMKC undergraduate student and a UMKC doctoral student in music education with prior experience as a public school teacher. During the first 15 minutes, as students are getting settled, students are welcome to ask questions about studying music as a college student or teaching music to others. After that time, everyone will be asked to keep the room quiet, similar to a study hall.

Instructor: The room will be monitored by Abbie Brown, Ph.D Candidate in Music Education and a UMKC undergraduate student studying music education.

Requirements to select this option:

Attend Parent Talk with Parent

Description: Enrichment classes happen during the parent talk. If your child is not ready to attend a class without you, please indicate that they will attend the parent talk with you. Please bring a quiet activity for them to engage in during the talk. You will be able to pick-up your child's snack as you exit the Parent-Teacher talk.

Requirements to select this option: