Young Artist Program at TAMIU Begins Sept. 6

Texas A&M International University's Department of Fine and Performing Arts will help Laredo children explore guitar, piano, voice or music discovery through the Young Artists Program.

Classes will meet once a week for an hour, beginning Monday, September 6 through Friday, December 4.

The schedule is as follows:

Music Discovery (kindergarten) - Mondays at 5 p.m.

Piano (six through nine year olds) - Mondays at 5 p.m.

Piano (10 through 14 year olds) - Mondays at 6 p.m.

Piano (six through nine year olds) - Tuesdays at 5 p.m.

Guitar (six through nine year olds) - Mondays at 6 p.m.

Guitar (10 through 14 year olds) - Mondays at 6 p.m.

Dr.Gilberto Soto, associate professor, coordinator of the Children Music Community Program and chair of the department, said other sections will be open according to the needs, level of the students and areas.

However, the number of classes is limited, and the cap for each class is 10 children. He said the cost is $45 per month, with a $20 non-refundable registration fee.

Dr. Soto explained the program was designed to enhance the lives of area children.

"We strongly believe in the importance of fine arts (aesthetic) education and the impact on the student's overall well-being, and we are pleased to provide this outreach fine arts program to children," said Soto, "At the same time our future educators, students who are juniors and seniors, have the opportunity to experience the teaching atmosphere before graduation, which is very important in their future careers."

He said the program has been in existence for the past three years, as a continuation of a music summer camp offered during the last two summers. This past summer, more than 75 children participated in the fine arts music camp.

For more information, please contact Dr. Soto at 326.2649, e-mail gsoto@tamiu.edu or visit office in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts, room 217C.

University office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.