Church academy begins music classes

Mark Knabholz is looking for a joyful noise.

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He is the minister of Music and Congregational Life at Christ Church, Presbyterian, which is gearing up for the first term of its Christ Church Arts Academy.

"The reason, the thing that is driving it, is the sense that for centuries, really the church was the community hub for the arts of all sorts," Knabholz said.

"That role in the life of the community has pretty much been handed over to nonchurch entities."

The academy, an arm of the Evans church's music ministry, will begin offering private music lessons in piano, violin, viola, flute, trumpet, horn, trombone and voice beginning Monday.

Kindermusik, a music program designed for children age 18 months to 7 years old, also is being offered. The program involves a lot of rhythm instruments.

"It is specifically designed for (a) mom or caregiver to be involved," Knabholz said. "It is, hopefully, starting at the youngest age, to build kids that love music, to train them to love music and to understand it."

All lessons, except the Kindermusik, are open to budding musicians of all ages. The first term runs through May 10.

Private lessons cost $330 for a term of 15, 30-minute lessons and $495 for a term of 45-minute lessons.

Kindermusik classes -- offered in groups of newborns to 18 months, 18 months to 3 years, 3 years to 5 years, and 5 years to 7 years -- range from $210 to $295 per term.

Knabholz said the academy will continue into a summer flex term, which he hopes will include a wider variety of arts classes such as creative writing, charcoal drawing and writers' workshops.

A fall term is planned, and Knabholz said lessons will expand into other instruments according to demand and the availability of instructors.

"This is just our own local attempt to do something to contribute to the artistic elevation of our community," Knabholz said.

Registration runs through the end of January. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Classes are held at the church at 4201 Southern Pines Drive in Evans.

For a registration form or more information, call the church at (706) 210-9090, e-mail ArtsAcademy@christ churchpres.org or visit www.christchurchpres.org.