CAMDEN — Midcoast Community Chorus (MCC) is now offering classes in music literacy and voice to the general public. The new semester will begin Tuesday, March 10 at the Congregational Church in Camden.

Three six-week courses are being offered: Music Literacy I from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Voice from 6:30 p.m.- 7 :30 p.m., and Music Literacy II from 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Each class is $45 for the semester. Individuals registering for both a music literacy class and a voice class will receive a discount ($80 total fee).

Under the guidance of Steve Weston, director of the MCC Children's Chorus MC³! and MCC staff music educator, the Music Literacy I course will provide the tools to better understand and enjoy choral singing. 

Whether new to singing in a choral group, or wanting to learn more about how to decipher a choral score, this course will provide instruction in such musical concepts as staff, pitch, key signatures, as well as guidance in the basics of reading the music and the skills to sing it.

Music Literacy II will build upon the instruction provided in Music Literacy I and is appropriate for those looking to refresh or enhance their choral reading skills. Through the implementation of notation, drill, quizzing and practice, each student will be able to identify and understand the uses and concepts of music as a language.

The group voice class offers education and exercises to improve vocal techniques needed to oster and improve choral singing with emphases on breathing, support, posture, relaxation, vowel sets and resonance. There will be weekly exercises for practice at home between classes.

All voices are welcome in the wonderful pursuit of finding an easier and freer voice.

Weston graduated from the University of Maine with a BA in music education, and a Masters of Music in Choral Conducting from New Mexico State University, and has been the conductor of several choruses, for children, youth, and adults.

In 2014, Weston joined MCC staff in late 2014 as the organization sought to expand its music education offerings and further develop the children’s and youth choral programs.

For more information, contact MCC at info@mccsings.org, call 207 975 0582, or visit the MCC website, www.mccsings.org.