Art programs planned by town recreation department

Programs for preschoolers through adults are set West Milford - A number of music and art programs will be sponsored by community services and recreation this winter. “Clay Works for Little Hands” is for students in grades kindergarten through 2. The class will give the children a hands-on experience designing, creating, decorating and coloring their own handmade pieces. The program will be held in Hillcrest Community Center and on Monday, Jan. 19. The class will meet from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The cost is $10 per class (plus a $7.50 material fee payable to the instructor on the day of class). Non-residents add $10 to the fee. A violin ensemble class will be held in the winter and spring. Students must be taking private or group lessons in order to join The class provides an opportunity for students to learn to play in a group and to develop ensemble techniques. The class will consist of rehearsal with the purpose of public performances. Rehearsals will be held every other week for 75 minutes. The instructor has played violin for more than 27 years, has taught private lessons and has performed as a first violinist. Classes will begin on Thursday, Jan. 15 and will continue on every other Thursday through April 9, from 4:15 to 5:30 p.m. The cost is $115 per student. Pre-registration is required. Violin lessons will also be offered this winter for beginning and intermediate students. In beginning violin the student will learn the proper violin position, how to use a bow, the violin strings, and basic fingerings. The course will also cover how to read music notes. At the end of the course the student should be able to pluck or bow a few simple songs, as well as have a greater appreciation of the beauty of the violin. The instructor has played violin for more than 25 years, has taught private lessons and has performed as a first violinist. Classes are being offered in an 8- week session, on Wednesdays, beginning Jan. 14 and continuing through March 4. The program is designed for children in grades one through six. Two different classes are being offered: Classes for Level 1 students will meet from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. and classes for Level 2 students will be from 5:15 to 6 p.m. The cost is $110 per student. Limited free violin rentals are available from the instructor for the eight-week course. In addition, a violin can be rented or purchased at local music stores. The instructor will be available prior to the class to determine the violin size required for each student. Acting program is scheduled An acting program for children 8 through 12 years is being directed by Erika Crocco, who has extensive experience in children’s drama and theater. The program is designed to help the participant “grow” as a performer as well as an individual. It will introduce participants to “the theater” by teaching them through storytelling and games how to develop a character for performing. It will help the child learn the basics of the theater, to develop a character, make the character grow, and even touch upon basic projection exercises which will help the child in all areas of life. The program is eight weeks and is offered on Mondays, beginning Jan. 12 and continuing through March 16 (No classes on Jan. 19 and Feb. 16). It meets from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. The cost of the program is $110 per child, $10 additional for non-residents. A music program for toddlers and preschoolers is also taught by Erika Crocco and is designed for children ages newborn to age 5 with parent/caregiver participation. The eight week session will be held on Wednesdays from Jan. 14 through March 4. Two different times are being offered: from 9:45 to 10:30 a.m. and from 10:45 to 11:30 a.m. at Hillcrest Community Center. The cost for the first child in a family is $90. The second sibling cost is $80 and siblings under one year of age are free. After school ceramics classes will be offered with a choice of two days per month. Classes are designed for students in first through sixth grades. Enrollment is limited and will be on a first come first served basis. Classes are offered on the following days: Wednesdays, Jan. 14 and 21, Wednesdays, Feb. 18 and 25, and Wednesdays, March 18 and 25. The classes are in Hillcrest Community Center from 4:30 to 6 p.m. and the cost is $15per class, which includes materials. Non-residents please add $10 additional. Adults ceramics classes are offered this winter in three sessions. The January session will meet on Wednesdays, Jan. 7, 14, 21 and 28. The February session will meet on Wednesdays, Feb. 4, 11, 18 and 25 and the March session will meet on Wednesdays, March 4, 11, 18 and 25. The cost for each 4-week session is $45. Non-residents add $10. The fee for materials is extra and will be determined by the project chosen. The material fee is paid directly to the instructor. The classes are held in Hillcrest Community Center from 7 to 9 p.m. The instructor is Maureen Mullin. For all of the classes, registration forms are available at the Recreation Department and also online at www.westmilford.org <http://www.westmilford.org> and then follow the prompts for forms and document. Pre-registration is required. For additional information, call 973-728-2860.