Programs and Services

To register for any of the following programs or special activities, you can download a registration form here. If you would like to view or print a calendar of programs and events scheduled for 2008, click here.

PROGRAMS, CLASSES & ENSEMBLES

Advanced Piano Repertoir & Piano Performance

Art and Photography Class
Classes in photography, drawing and painting, for all ages. After school hours and evening classes available. All ages means pre-school to seniors; private art lessons are also available.

Ballroom Dancing
Professional dancing in all styles and from all periods; taught by competition, award-winning instructors. Anything requested including swing, jazz, hiphop, line, waltz, foxtrot, Latin American styles and many more; private or class instruction available.

"Beyond Bingo"
For senior members of the community; classes, programs, workshop and performances available for the "creative aging" in partnership with Council on Aging and local retirement residences.

Class (Group) Instruction
Classes of three or more are available in piano, guitar, music theory and percussion. Fees are lower and this is good way to start lessons to be sure student is interested and willing to practice. Group lessons are especially good for adult beginners.

Curtain Up! Theatre at the Amelia Arts Academy
Under the stewardship of our newly appointed Artistic Director, Richard Wolf, plans are being made to present two full-scale productions a year of plays and musicals in our main stage auditorium, one in the fall and one in the spring. In addition to established plays, submission of new works will also be encouraged for development and possible production. Readings of these works by actors in front of small audiences will be given from time to time so that authors and directors might be given feed-back from audience members as the creative process continues. Our first full-scale production is being planned for the fall of 2007. Come join us for Curtain Up!

M&Ms
M&M means "music and movement" and that's what the pre-school children (2 - 5) enjoy as they begin to listen and learn about music. Excellent preparation for formal education and music education as well. It's also fun!

Music Theory
The theory of music is a class offered to serious music students of all ages. High school students can prepare for college and local musicians can learn more about their special interest in music or in the music profession.

New Horizons Band
"It's never too late" is the motto of the instrumental group; most players are 50 and over (but all ages are welcome) and have varying degrees of proficiency. Intermediate and Beginning band sessions are also available. Weekly rehearsals and social eventsmake this organization one of the most popular and gives the Academy a very high public profile.

Private Instruction
Half-hour classes each week (one hour available) in all instruments including: flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, trumpet, trombone, french horn, baritone, tuba, violin, cello, guitar, piano, organ, percussion (set), voice ... and harmonica!

Sculpting
Beginning with clay and progressing to other media, adults and children may register for sculpting class which is offered as a six-week course.

String Ensemble
String students need (and want) to play in an ensemble or group to learn more about orchestral participation. The String Ensemble is a performing group which performs for local organizations and meets weekly for rehearsals.

Special Arts
For the challenged individuals in our community, the Academy has a program offering music and art. Current partners participating in the funding are: ARC and HeadStart.

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES

Academy Ambassadors
Selected students and ensembles chosen to represent the Academy to the public; highly competitive honor within the Academy; performances year-round for community groups e.g. Rotary, Council on Aging, Newcomers Club, Amelia Island Plantation, and many more.

Academy Idol
(Dates & times TBA; Register to Audition: call 277-1225. Download the registration form here.) Yes, similar to the other 'idol' TV program you know so well! Because we are fortunate to have LORNA GREENWOOD (www.lornagreenwood.com) on our faculty, we can offer the training and coaching which leads to performers (any age) appearing on stages everywhere: the County Fair, TV programs, even Nashville! Yes, students enrolled in the 'Academy Idol' program will be eligible to win an opportunity to visit Nashville to make a recording in a professional studio and will be given original music and 'back-up' musicians. During the season, there will be 'Academy Idol' programs with judges to narrow the field and award the prize to the finalist as THE ACADEMY IDOL! There is a $15.00 entry fee.

Artist Series
National and international professional artists perform during each season. The Academy brings the arts to the community by presenting the best in musical performances.

Faculty Recitals
Many of the highly qualified instructors who teach at the Academy are also professsional performing artists. The Faculty Recitals demonstrate the depth of artistic ability which is a major influence in the music studios.

Florida Federation of Music Clubs
The Academy and its instructors are members of the Jacksonville Club, the Florida Federation and the Music Teachers National Association. Each February, select students will participate in the Jacksonville Festival. Receiving evaluation and awards from professional music juries give students goals and incentives to work hard to achieve excellence.

Per-form-a-Thon
In addition to the Fall Recital and the "Academy Awards" recital each spring, the holiday "Per-form-a-thon" is a spectacular performance opportunity for every student collecting pledges to benefit the Scholarship Fund. Top pledge-earners receive wonderful prizes and the venue for the holiday performance is the Ritz-Carlton of Amelia! See the Gingerbread House, hear and see well-dressed students play on the concert grand under a crystal chandelier in the magnificent salon!

Progressive Dinner
Begun in 1994, this "social event of the season" has been the biggest fund-raising event for the Academy. The three main areas of the community: Amelia Island Plantation, Summer Beach and Fernandina Beach (includes marsh, ocean and western part of county) rotate on a three-year basis and attendees gather at a central location for a social hour. Afterwards, dinner groups are sent to individual homes where hosts have donated entrees, deserts, and service (and sometimes entertainment). This is an elegant fund-raiser event to benefit the Academy.

Student Recitals
Instructors encourage all students to perform at one of the several recitals during the season. The Fall Recital, the Per-form-a-thon, the Music Federation and the spring recital. All students, regardless of age and/or ability, can participate and enjoy demonstrating their accomplishhments.

Summer Festival of the Arts
All private instruction is available throughout the summer as well as special "camps" in art, band, chorus, strings and dancing. Partnership camps available with PAL, library and other civic organizations.

Sunday Musicales
In private homes, professional artists appear during the season to assist the Academy in bringing chamber music and high quality performances to the community. For a small donation, attendees are treated to refreshments and a Sunday afternoon of music in the beautiful homes of the community. Performances have included duo-harpists, string quartets, jazz combo, pianists, vocalists and other high-profile soloists and ensembles.