ENROLL NOW! SPRING 2019 ADULT/YOUTH VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS COURSES

The Hi-Desert Cultural Center is thrilled to open registration for its Arts|Tech Academy’s Spring 2019 Visual & Performing Arts Courses for adults and youth.  In order to keep class sizes small, applications will be accepted on a first come, first served basis, and class sizes will be limited.  Minimum class sizes also may be required and classes not meeting those minimums may be canceled on the first day of class with a full refund to those enrolled.

Most courses have specific age requirements (or advance permission by the instructor), so please read each description thoroughly when enrolling.

Some classes are held at our main Hi-Desert Cultural Center campus in Joshua Tree (61231 CA-62) and others are held at our NEW Yucca Valley Visual & Performing Arts Center (58325 CA-62)—so please take note of the specific location for each course you will be attending.

You may also call 760.366.3777 x3 if you have any questions, or you may stop by the Blak Box Theater Box Office any time between 1 – 5 pm weekdays.

WE ARE AN APPROVED VENDOR FOR BOTH VALIANT PREPARATORY ACADEMY AND SPRINGS CHARTER, but you MUST complete this registration and we will bill against the purchase order from your school. No cancelations once your spot is reserved through enrollment.

Registration ConfirmationScheduleCostsFinancial Assistance
Applications are accepted now and are recorded for priority.  If you are requesting financial aid, then a correct tuition payment can only be made after you receive a financial aid award.  We will respond to all financial aid requests within 1 business day!
Most classes start the week of January 28th and run for ten class sessions.  No classes will be held during the week of Easter/Spring Break.
All courses may be paid in full or in installments.  [Note: If financial aid or scholarships are awarded, the cost for each course will be less.]  Visual Arts course costs include all supplies.  Musical instruments are not included in the tuition costs for music courses (except that Piano/Keyboard students will be provided instruments for use in the classroom).  Violins, violas, cellos, saxophones, flutes, clarinets, French horns, trumpets, and trombones are available for highly-subsidized rental rates and may also be included as part of a financial aid package.

Tuition may be paid using credit card, debit card, PayPal, or automated bank withdrawals through the on-line payment portal or via cash or check at the Box Office, open weekdays from 1 – 5 pm.

Even though class costs are set substantially below the market value in order to be widely available, we do not want any child to be excluded due to a socioeconomic situation and do not desire any adult person to be excluded due to unavoidable financial situations.  We know that sometimes more assistance in a time of need means the difference between someone being able to participate and not, and therefore needs-based financial aid is available for class tuition (and instrument rental if applicable) for participants who qualify (subject to availability).  Financial Assistance is provided through the altruistic generosity of Hi-Desert Cultural Center donors and through Measure Y Funding from the Town of Yucca Valley for Yucca Valley residents.
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ADULT SPRING 2019 COURSES

Private lessons available upon request.

COUPLES BALLROOM DANCING FOR ADULTS

Thursdays, 6:30pm-8:30pm
MAR 7, 14, 21, 28
Location: Dance Arts Studio | Yucca Valley Arts Center | 58325 CA-62 | Yucca Valley
Instructors: Mariah Austin & Noah Kissack
Cost: $185 per couple/$95 for a single

Try a ballroom dance class this spring and experience the fun!  Instructor Noah Kissack is a two-time Dance Council National Pro-Am Champion!  With his wife, Mariah Austin (our ballet and musical theater jazz teacher), Noah offers this four-week series of ballroom classes teaching predominately West Coast Swing—the most popular social ballroom dance these days.  It’s great for beginners and experienced dancers alike.  Develop a skill you can enjoy for the rest of your life!  You can register as adult couples or singles.  

PIANO FOR ADULTS

Tuesdays, 6:00pm-7:00pm
MAR 5, 12, 19, 26
Location: North Studio | Palmer Performance Hall | 61231 CA-62 | Joshua Tree
Instructor: Nelms McKelvain
Cost: $75

Beginning music students are welcome to join this class that can also be a great review for those who have had some previous training in piano, another instrument or voice.  Instruction concentrates on learning the keyboard and how to practice and learning to read music.  Practice assignments are made every week so students only make progress if they have a piano or keyboard at home or access to a place to practice regularly.  Studying THEORY FOR ADULTS together with piano is ideal.  

MUSIC THEORY FOR ADULTS

Tuesdays, 7:00pm-8:00pm
MAR 5, 12, 19, 26
Location: North Studio | Palmer Performance Hall | 61231 CA-62 | Joshua Tree
Instructor: Nelms McKelvain
Cost: $75

For students of piano, other instruments and singers, this friendly introduction to music theory is offered for the adult learner.  We learn the lines and spaces, note values and time signatures, scales, chords and key signatures.  There is written classwork and homework—and some recorded ear-training exercises.  Studying PIANO FOR ADULTS with this theory class is ideal.   

YOUTH SPRING 2019 COURSES

Private lessons available upon request.

DANCE

HIP-HOP/CONTEMPORARY DANCE (Grades 4-12)

Mondays, 4:00pm-5:30pm 
JAN 28. FEB 4, 11, 18, 25; MAR 11, 18, 25; APR 1, 8
Location: Dance Arts Studio | Yucca Valley Arts Center | 58325 CA-62 | Yucca Valley
Instructor:  Jacqueline Wahhab
Cost: $195

Hip-Hop encompasses many different urban dance styles such as poppin’, locking and freestyle movement to give students the chance to develop their individual styles.  HDCC classes teach rhythm, coordination and musicality and discuss the art and aesthetics of the musical styles that made hip-hop music possible.  Contemporary class is designed to help young dancers gain confidence in new styles by focusing on technique and basic lyrical style choreography.  This is a great class for hip-hop, jazz, ballet, tap or other style dancers who are looking to break into contemporary dance.   No suggestive lyrics or movements will be included in the work.

BALLET (Grades 4-12)

Thursdays, 4:00 pm-5:00pm
MAR 14, 21, 28; APR 4, 11
Location: Dance Arts Studio | Yucca Valley Arts Center | 58325 CA-62 | Yucca Valley
Instructor: Mariah Austin
Cost: $85

As ballet is the standard for dance discipline, this class focuses on building a strong foundation through repetitive movement, ballet vocabulary and class discussion.  With focus on creativity, discipline and technical development, dancers learn basic ballet positions and technique, ballet performance choreographies and skills.  Ballet is offered in conjunction with Musical Theater Jazz and the two classes are best taken together.  This is a 5-week course. 

MUSICAL THEATER JAZZ (Grades 4-12)

Thursdays, 5:00pm-6:00pm
MAR 14, 21, 28; APR 4, 11
Location: Dance Arts Studio | Yucca Valley Arts Center | 58325 CA-62 | Yucca Valley
Instructor: Mariah Austin
Cost: $85

Dancers learn the basics of jazz technique, performance style, class structure and jazz dance skills (i.e. leaps and turns), as well as Broadway and Broadway-inspired choreography.  This work is sure to capture the heart of anyone interested in the performing arts.  Musical Theater Jazz is offered in conjunction with Ballet and the two classes should be taken together.  This is a 5-week course. 

THEATER

THEATER 4 KIDS! (Grades 1-3)

Tuesdays, 4:00pm-5:00pm
JAN 29: FEB 5, 12, 19, 26; MAR 12, 19
Location: Dance Arts Studio | Yucca Valley Arts Center | 58325 CA-62 | Yucca Valley
Instructor:  Bianca Stoker-Collins
Cost: $70                                                             

Theater 4 Kids! is a focused and fun introductory class for elementary school students who want to begin the study of the wonderful world of acting and the theater.

IMPROV FUN-DAMENTALS (Grades 7-12)

Tuesdays, 3:00pm-4:30pm
JAN 29; FEB 5, 12, 19, 26; MAR 12, 19, 26; Apr 2, 9
Location: Blak Box Theater | Palmer Performance Hall | 61231 CA-62 | Joshua Tree
Instructor:  Howard Shangraw
Cost: $  195                                                                                         

This fast-paced and exciting class introduces the student actor to various skills— through theater games—to create fantastic performances. Jump into some seriously hilarious improvisational work—learn to build exciting stories, create fascinating characters and present them in the most awe-inspiring way.  Students have fun, play hard, work together and find their voices while learning the rules and strategies for taking risks, playing for truth, and thinking on their feet.

MOVEMENT IMPROVEMENT (Grades 7-12)

Wednesdays, 5:30pm-6:30pm
JAN 30, FEB 6, 13, 20, 27; MAR 13, 20, 27; Apr 3, 10
Location: Blak Box Theater | Palmer Performance Hall | 61231 CA-62 | Joshua Tree
Instructor:  Haley Kooyman
Cost: $195

This course is designed to allow the magic of theater to come alive through body expression. Fun exercises will address story-telling through movement, providing students the skills for creating fully realized physical characters and theatrical scenarios.

BEGINNING ACTING (Grades 4-6)

Tuesdays, 4:30pm-5:30pm
JAN 29; FEB 5, 12, 19, 26; MAR 12, 19, 26; Apr 2, 9
Location: Blak Box Theater | Palmer Performance Hall | 61231 CA-62 | Joshua Tree
Instructor:  Howard Shangraw
Cost: $140

Through theater games, exercises and texts, students learn the craft of acting and improve the skills they need to become actors.  This course focuses on developing the fundamental process used in rehearsing and performing modern realistic plays.  Actors explore ensemble, scene and monologue work and improvisation to acquire the techniques needed to live truthfully on the stage.

ACADEMY PLAYERS (Grades 4-12)

Wednesdays, 4:00pm-5:30pm
JAN 30, FEB 6, 13, 20, 27; MAR 13, 20, 27; Apr 3, 10
Location: Blak Box Theater | Palmer Performance Hall | 61231 CA-62 | Joshua Tree
Instructor: Howard Shangraw
Cost: $195

The Academy Players is a performance-based class culminating in a workshop production of a theater piece. The acting troupe will participate in the theatrical process from audition to casting, staging to rehearsal and ending with a performance.  This class is for youth grades 4-12 who are now or have been enrolled in other Hi-Desert ARTS|TECH Academy theater classes.   Admission to the Players is entirely at the discretion of the director/teacher.  A musical director, vocal coach, choreographer and costumer may be involved in the rehearsal process for this show.

VISUAL ARTS

ART 4 KIDS! (Grades 1-3)

Tuesdays, 4:00-5:00pm
JAN 28; FEB 4, 11, 18, 25; MAR 11, 18
Location: Visual Arts Studio | Yucca Valley Arts Center | 58325 CA-62 | Yucca Valley
Instructor: Selina Phanara
Cost: $70

Art 4 Kids! is a focused and fun seven week introductory class for elementary school students who want to begin the study of the wonderful world of art and art-making.

WATERCOLOR WORLD (Grades 7-12)

Tuesdays, 2:30pm-4:00pm
JAN 29; Feb 5, 12, 19, 26; MAR 12, 19, 26; APR 2, 9
Location: Visual Arts Studio | Yucca Valley Arts Center | 58325 CA-62 | Yucca Valley
Instructor: Esther Shaw
Cost: $195

This watercolor course is designed to take students through the process of watercolor using the fundamentals of color theory and composition with special techniques and tips.   The exercises and demonstrations are planned to develop skills, to encourage experimentation and to give students confidence as painters.  Explore the illusion of space through the use of atmospheric perspective, placement and sizing and also learn to create realism with light and shadows.  Beginning and experienced students are welcome.

MIXED MEDIA TEXTURES & TECHNIQUES (Grades 4-6)

Tuesdays, 4:30pm-6:00pm
JAN 29; Feb 5, 12, 19, 26; MAR 12, 19, 26; APR 2, 9
Location: Visual Arts Studio | Yucca Valley Arts Center | 58325 CA-62 | Yucca Valley
Instructor: Lisa Dean
Cost: $195

Students learn during a fabulous semester of creativity as they take many new steps into mixed media exploration—creating self portraits, balsa wood design, dimensional paper collage and a beautiful Asian art piece.  This is a creative approach for any skill or study level.

THE AMERICAN COMIC BOOK (Grades 7-12)

Wednesdays, 3:00pm-5:00pm
JAN 30, Feb 6, 13, 20, 27; MAR 13, 20, 27; APR 3, 10
Location: Visual Arts Studio | Yucca Valley Arts Center | 58325 CA-62 | Yucca Valley
Instructor: Jered B. Palmer
Cost: $195

Need help drawing a better super-hero?  Enroll in this comprehensive course on American comic book style that emphasizes western illustration from Superheroes to Looney Tunes.  Students begin with the nuts and bolts of comic book art by drawing realistically proportioned human figures in action.  In doing so everyone is working with the basics of line, penciling, shading and perspective as they practice their skills.

CERAMICS FOR SMALL HANDS (Grades 4-6)

Thursdays, 4:00pm-6:00pm
JAN 31; Feb 7, 14, 21, 28; MAR 14, 21, 28; APR 4, 11
Location: Visual Arts Studio | Yucca Valley Arts Center | 58325 CA-62 | Yucca Valley
Instructor:  Selina Phanara
Cost: $195

Clay is a tactile, soothing medium than many kids have never experienced. Its physical, forgiving nature lets them enjoy creating without restrictions.  In this class for our younger students, priorities include learning the basics of hand-building—coiling, pinching, building with slabs and sculpting.  With a wide variety of child-friendly glazes and special effects our imaginations will expand and surprises are always discovered!

MUSIC

MUSIC 4 KIDS! (Grades 1-3)

Tuesdays, 5:00pm-6:00pm
JAN 29: FEB 5, 12, 19, 26; MAR 12, 19
Location: Dance Arts Studio | Yucca Valley Arts Center | 58325 CA-62 | Yucca Valley
Instructor: Bianca Stoker-Collins
Cost: $70

Music 4 Kids! is a focused and fun introductory class for beginning elementary school students who want to begin the study of the wonderful world of music and music-making.

VIOLIN—INTERMEDIATE (Grades 4-12)

Wednesdays, 3:00pm-4:00pm
JAN 30, FEB 6, 13, 20, 27; MAR 13, 20, 27; APR 3, 10
Location: South Studio | Palmer Performance Hall | 61231 CA-62 | Joshua Tree
Instructor: TBA
Cost: $140

These group classes are for students of violin who have studied previously and who desire to further their technical skills and knowledge of their instrument.  Violins are available for study.  Course placement is at the discretion of the instructor and course offerings are dependent upon enrollment.  Regular practice outside of class is required for success in these courses.

VIOLIN—BEGINNING (Grades 4-12)

Wednesdays, 4:00pm-5:00pm
JAN 30, FEB 6, 13, 20, 27; MAR 13, 20, 27; APR 3, 10
Location: South Studio | Palmer Performance Hall | 61231 CA-62 | Joshua Tree
Instructor: TBA
Cost: $140

These group classes are for students of violin who wish to learn a basic history of their instrument, proper positioning and posture, a well-rounded technique, good intonation and other requirements for skillful playing.  The beginning course is appropriate for students who have had no prior instruction and the intermediate course is designed for those who have studied previously.  Violins are available for study.  Course placement is at the discretion of the instructor and course offerings are dependent upon enrollment.  Regular practice outside of class is required for success in these courses.

BRASS CLASS (Grades 4-12)

Thursdays, 4:00pm-5:00pm
JAN 31; FEB 7, 14, 21, 28; MAR 14, 21, 28; APR 4, 11
Location: Blak Box Theater | Palmer Performance Hall | 61231 CA-62 | Joshua Tree
Instructor: Steve Caron
Cost: $140

Brass class offers instruction to students who have never studied an orchestral brass instrument and those who have studied previously.  Class members study breath support, embouchure, intonation and other tools of orchestral brass playing in a class setting and apply them to introductory and more advanced repertoire.  Rental instruments available for study include, but may not be limited to B-flat trumpet, French horn, trombone and tuba.  Class placement is at the discretion of the instructor and class offerings are dependent upon enrollment.  Regular practice outside of class is required for success in this course.

WOODWIND CLASS (Grades 4-12)

Thursdays 4:00pm-5:00pm
JAN 31; FEB 7, 14, 21, 28; MAR 14, 21, 28; APR 4, 11
Location: North Studio | Palmer Performance Hall | 61231 CA-62 | Joshua Tree
Instructor: Dale Colgrove
Cost: $140

Woodwind Class offers instruction to students who have never studied an orchestral woodwind instrument and those who have studied previously.  Class members study breath support, embouchure, intonation and other tools of orchestral woodwind playing in a class setting and apply them to introductory and more advanced repertoire.  Rental instruments available for study include, but may not be limited to: flute, B-flat clarinet, alto and tenor saxophone.  Class placement is at the discretion of the instructor and class offerings are based upon enrollment.  Regular practice outside of class is required for success in these classes.

SCIENCE OF SOUND - MAKING YOUR OWN INSTRUMENTS! (Grades 4-12)

Thursdays, 5:00pm-6:00pm
JAN 31; FEB 7, 14, 21, 28; MAR 14, 21, 28; APR 4, 11
Location: North Studio | Palmer Performance Hall | 61231 CA-62 | Joshua Tree
Instructor: Dale Colgrove
Cost: $140

Centuries of music history come alive when Mr. Colgrove introduces the class to his collection of rare and exotic musical instruments from around the world.  During the semester students make their own original instruments from common household items and learn the physics of sound production while learning about American broadcasting history and the basic elements of music.  The class culminates in a recording session employing their hand-made instruments.

COMPOSITION AND THEORY (Grades 7-12)

Tuesdays, 3:00pm-4:00pm
Jan 29; Feb 5, 12, 19, 26; Mar 12, 19, 26; Apr 2, 9
Location: South Studio | Palmer Performance Hall | 61231 CA-62 | Joshua Tree
Instructor: Steve Caron
Cost: $140

Learning music theory can be fun!  In this music composition and theory course you gain a solid understanding of music fundamentals while building your own musical language.  Students receive a detailed look at the major and minor keys, as well as tools to help them comprehend scales and chords to use in their own music. An understanding of basic music theory will support you in all of your musical endeavors, someday making the application of advanced topics much easier.

PERCUSSION—DRUM SET (Grades 4-12)

Wednesdays, 4:00pm-5:00pm
JAN 30, FEB 6, 13, 20, 27; MAR 13, 20, 27; APR 3, 10
Location: Dance Arts Studio | Yucca Valley Arts Center | 58325 CA-62 | Yucca Valley
Instructor: Greg Gordon
Cost: $140

This class offers an introduction to and continuation of the study of drum set performance.  Students study the fundamentals of drumming technique and music reading and learn various styles of music and jazz improvisation to produce music that draws from all styles.  Drum sets are available for study.  Students may enroll for either of the one-hour percussion classes or register for a two-hour combination of both, which is recommended.  Class placement is at the discretion of the instructor and class offerings are based upon enrollment.

PERCUSSION—ENSEMBLE (Grades 4-12)

Wednesdays, 5:00pm-6:00pm
JAN 30, FEB 6, 13, 20, 27; MAR 13, 20, 27; APR 3, 10
Location: Dance Arts Studio | Yucca Valley Arts Center | 58325 CA-62 | Yucca Valley
Instructor: Greg Gordon
Cost: $140

This class offers an introduction to and continuation of the study of percussion performance.  Students study the fundamentals of drumming technique and music reading and learn various styles of music and jazz improvisation to produce music that draws from all styles.  Orchestral percussion instruments, drum sets, and many tuned and hand percussion instruments are available for study.  Students may enroll for either of the one-hour percussion classes or register for a two-hour combination of both, which is recommended.  Class placement is at the discretion of the instructor and class offerings are based upon enrollment.

PIANO—INTERMEDIATE (Grades 4-12)

Tuesdays 3:00pm-4:00pm
JAN 29; FEB 5, 12, 19, 26; MAR 12, 19, 26; APR 2, 9
Location: North Studio | Palmer Performance Hall | 61231 CA-62 | Joshua Tree
Instructor: Nelms McKelvain
Cost: $140

This series of group classes offers instruction to students who have had previous training.  Students will review note reading, music theory, piano technique, and will expand their knowledge and develop proficiency.  Course placement is at the discretion of the instructor and course offerings are based upon enrollment.  Students enrolled in any level of instruction must have a piano or keyboard at home or access to a place to practice regularly.

PIANO—BEGINNING (Grades 4-12)

Tuesdays 4:00pm-5:00pm
JAN 29; FEB 5, 12, 19, 26; MAR 12, 19, 26; APR 2, 9
Location: North Studio | Palmer Performance Hall | 61231 CA-62 | Joshua Tree
Instructor: Nelms McKelvain
Cost: $140

This series of group classes offers instruction to students who have never studied piano.  Students taking this course for the first time concentrate on reading music and learning the keyboard, hand position, posture, basic theory and their first pieces of piano music.  Course placement is at the discretion of the instructor and course offerings are based upon enrollment.  Students enrolled in any level of instruction must have a piano or keyboard at home or access to a place to practice regularly.

GUITAR CLASS (Grades 4-12)

Two Separate Classes: Mondays, 3:00pm-4:00pm & 4:00pm-5:00pm
JAN 28; FEB 4, 11, 18, 25; MAR 11, 18, 25; APR 1, 8;
Location: North Studio | Palmer Performance Hall | 61231 CA-62 | Joshua Tree
Instructor:  Dale Colgrove
Cost: $140

Guitar class covers the basics of the instrument and the study of essential music fundamentals.  Students learn how to read music notation and chord symbols and gain an understanding of different musical genres including blues, jazz, rock and pop music.  Regular practice outside of class is required for success in this class.

MUSICAL THEATER VOICE (Grades 7-12)

Thursdays 3:00pm-4:00pm
JAN 31; FEB 7, 14, 21, 28; MAR 14, 21, 28; APR 4, 11
Location: North Studio | Palmer Performance Hall | 61231 CA-62 | Joshua Tree
Instructors: Analisa Pilecki & Nelms McKelvain
Cost: $195

This class is designed to improve singing by studying the fundamentals of healthy vocal production—including proper posture and breathing, support, tone placement, diction and care of the voice.  Appropriate song repertoire is chosen by the instructors and practice outside of class is required for success.  Additionally, each week students are exposed theory and ear-training and to the synopsis of a Broadway musical.

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GREAT NEWS FOR SEASON PACKAGE TICKET HOLDERS! Should your schedule change and you find yourself needing to attend a performance on a different date — if you give the Box Office at least 48 hours notice prior to your ticketed performance, management will attempt to exchange your ticket for a different performance of the same show!

 

 

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