Buffalo Rising Online

Jul 5th, 5:25am By Eli George

Community Music School of Buffalo (CMS) has been around since 1924 they are always trying to offer new and exciting programs. Last year they had 1,201 student from ages 6 to 86 and beyond (as their tagline declares) and they entertained almost 2,500 in 48 performances. This summer CMS will try and reach more students as they introduce three new classes to their curriculum.

One of the classes will be taught by David Cloyd who recently moved to Buffalo from NYC. Linda Mabry, Executive Director of CMS says, “He actually was referred to us by Marti Gorman of Buffalo Homecoming. His class is completely directed to song writing.” His class is called “Music & Lyrics” and students will be discussing and analyzing their favorite songs.

There is a prerequisite – students need to know how to play some type of musical instrument and be able to bring the instrument to class (unless it is the piano). The instruments will be used to help the students as they write their songs, figuring out techniques of musical structure with lyrical content. The class meets at 415 Elmwood, the CMS Main Office, on Tuesdays from 7 till 8:30 PM starting July 8 until August 26.

Another class is for children ages 4 to 7. The class, “Triple Threat,” will give the youngsters a chance to be involved in music, art, and movement activities. Chris Boyd, the Chair of the CMS Childhood Music Department will be the music instructor, Clare Poth of the Bryant Street Studio will be the art instructor, and Mike Yanoski, a CMS West African Drummer will lead the movement activities. “They’ll be listening, moving, and singing to a variety of music,” says Mabry. The class runs for six weeks from July 11 until August 15 from 9:30 AM till 11 AM.

The last new class being offered is called “So Many Notes…How to Keep Time” and is for teens and adults. Maria Goodrich, Co-Chair of the CMS Voice Department will teach those interested about the basics of reading music. “We’re not setting the time the class will meet,” says Mabry. That’s because CMS wants to find out who will be in the class first and try to work with their schedules. If a lot of adults who work 9-5 jobs are in the class, then the class will most likely meet after 5 PM.

If those three new classes weren’t good enough, CMS does have some other classes available. “Music And Me” has two incarnations this summer. One for children 6 months to 3 years old who will be in the “My Grown Up And Me” portion and one for children 3 to 6 years old who will be in the “On My Own” section. The former will require an adult to be present and the latter will be just the children on their own. A picture of the class is included with this post. CMS will also offer vocal and instrumental lessons as well as a music fundamentals class.

If you want to learn more about CMS and the classes they offer, visit their website here. You can also e-mail them cms.info@verizon.net or call 884-4887.