This December we celebrated faculty member Irene Chagall, who taught her final Music for Children classes this Fall Quarter to enjoy her well-earned retirement.

CMC is launching new programs and classes this fall including the Youth Strings Program developed by Erik Andersen, Strings Department Chair, and Katie Wreede, Young Musicians Program/Chamber Music Coordinator. The Youth Strings Program utilizes a year-long, small group format giving kids the opportunity to play and learn with others in a supportive and social environment. The beginning strings classes are designed for ages 6–7 and focus on the fundamentals of playing and caring for a string instrument. Students in the program get a starter kit with practice materials and instrument accessories and parents receive coaching from faculty on supporting music instruction at home. The beginning classes are progressive, graduating students into ensembles which will be added in 2024. The program also has the potential of being a feeder into the tuition-free Young Musicians Program, Chamber Music Camps, and Chamber Music Ensembles.