January 17, 2023 – Millikin Community Arts Academy (MCAA) has opened enrollment for spring programming. MCAA offers private lessons for ages 6 through adult in voice, bass, bassoon, cello, clarinet, flute, guitar, horn, piano, saxophone, trombone, trumpet, tuba, ukulele, violin, viola, and percussion instruments, as well as K through adult group instruction through the Millikin Community Cello Choir, Millikin Community Percussion Ensemble, Millikin Community Jazz Ensemble, Millikin Group Piano Class and for singing, the Millikin Community Choir. There is also Music and Movement for infants through 4 years old, Rock University, Mat Pilates, Linoleum Printshop, and Community Arts with Technology.
MCAA Director, Marie Jagger-Taylor, who came into this role after a storied career as the Cultural Arts Manager for the Decatur Parks District, is thrilled to bring such quality instruction to the Decatur community. She says, “It’s been a delight to nurture and grow the Millikin Community Arts Academy. Decatur is a vibrant city full of ingenious young people and adults and it’s a privilege to offer programming that can help these burgeoning artists develop their talents even further.”
Instructors include School of Music faculty members, MCAA Instructor faculty and upper-level Millikin student instructors. Private lessons allow students to choose either 30-, 45- or 60-minute lessons. Lessons are offered monthly, as well as on a semester basis in the fall, spring and summer. Students have the opportunity to perform in recitals held in Kaeuper Recital Hall at Millikin.
Interested participants can enroll at millikin.edu/mcaa.
More about individual programming — including requirements and fees — is offered below.
Millikin Community Cello Choir
January 24 – April 11, Tuesdays from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
No rehearsals held March 21 or 28.
All ages welcome with a minimum of one year’s playing experience • Fee: $165.
This group provides cellists the opportunity to play together, develop ensemble skills and advance their individual playing levels in a fun and relaxed environment.
Millikin Community Percussion Ensemble
February 5 – April 23, Sundays from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
No class held March 19 or April 9.
Ages 10 and older are welcome with a minimum of one year’s playing experience • Fee: $165.
The Millikin Community Percussion Ensemble (MCPE), is an ensemble open to all percussionists grade five and up, who are interested in a group musical experience. This 10-week course welcomes percussionists of all performance levels with at least one year of playing experience. MCPE will rehearse and perform pieces written and arranged for percussionist ensembles in a variety of styles. Session culminates in a concert held on April 23 at 5:00 p.m.
Millikin Community Group Piano Classes
February 7 – April 25, Tuesdays from 7:15 – 8:30 p.m.
No class held March 21 or April 11.
Ages 16 and older welcome • Fee: $165.
This is a wonderful opportunity for beginning piano students seeking to develop music reading and piano skills while advancing their individual playing levels in a fun and relaxed environment.
Millikin Community Jazz Ensemble
Placement Audition: Tuesday, February 7. Register for audition slot.
February 7–April 18, Tuesdays from 6:45–7:45 p.m.
No class held March 14, 2023
High school and older welcome with a minimum of one year’s playing experience • Fee: $165.
The Millikin Community Jazz Ensemble members will have the opportunity to rehearse and perform with other musicians as they develop their improvisational skills and perform music from the great American Songbook.
Mat Pilates
February 5 – April 23, Sundays 4:00 – 4:50 p.m.
No class held March 19 or April 9.
Ages 10 and older welcome. Limit 20 • Fee: $60.
Mat Pilates is suited for all fitness levels and focuses on building a strong, balanced body while increasing flexibility. As you progress in your practice you will notice improvements in breathing, focus and stress management.
Millikin Community Choir Spring Program
January 17 – April 25, Tuesdays 4:15 – 5:15 p.m.
No rehearsal held March 21.
Ages 5–18 welcome • Fee: $100.
These regional choirs are fun and educational, as the program is dedicated to bringing the joy of singing and the lasting development of musical knowledge and skill to all participants. The choirs are directed by master choral teachers with advanced music degrees and prepare singers for a variety of performances. The program ends with performances for family and friends!
Shirt orders will be taken for $15 at the beginning of the program for new members of the choir.
Decatur Youth Symphony Orchestra
Placement Auditions: Tuesday, January 17, January 23 – May 29, Mondays 5:15 – 6:45 p.m.
Middle school and high school students welcome • Fee: $52.
The DYSO is a comprehensive musical training program for middle and high school instrumental students who play orchestral instruments and are focused on building musical excellence at all stages of musical development.
Program includes performance opportunities including:
– Thursday, March 2 at 10:00 a.m. – PASS concert with MDSO (Kirkland Fine Arts Center Main Stage)
– Sunday, April 16 at 2:00 p.m. – Spring Concert (Kirkland Fine Arts Center Main Stage)
– Friday, June 2 – Sunday, June 4 – Heart of Illinois Youth Symphony Festival (Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL.)
Rock University
January 14 – March 25, Saturdays 9:00 – 11:30 a.m. No class held March 18.
Middle school and high school students welcome • Fee: $250.
Designed for the middle and high school students who play the guitar, bass, drums, keyboards and/or sing and who want performance opportunities with a band. Players should have experience on their chosen instrument. The program includes creating Millitrax studio recordings and performance opportunities in local venues, as well as playing for the First Gig Fundraiser.
Music and Movement
February 4 – March 11, Saturdays 9:00 – 9:40 a.m. (infant–24 months) 9:50 – 10:30 a.m. (24 months–4 years)
Infant to four years welcome.
Space limited • Fee: $40 per session.
Music and Movement classes consist of playful and enjoyable traditional folksongs and rhymes that are easily learned by caretakers and children and can be shared at home. Each six week session is limited to eight students per session to encourage participation and ensure a comfortable atmosphere.
Linoleum Printmaking Workshop
February 25 – 26, Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
High school juniors and older are welcome • Fee: $125 (includes supplies but not lunch.)
Students will learn the basic skills of linoleum printmaking, including how to transfer an image onto the linoleum plate, safely carve out their image then ink and print their images onto paper in a series. Students will leave the course with at least one series of prints. On the final day, students will have the opportunity to show their work.
Communicate with Arts Technology
April 22, Saturday 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Grades 3 – 12 are welcome. Limit 18 • Fee: $25.
Use your creativity and computer technology to create a visual that will call attention to a problem in the world. Learn about techniques in visual communication, design, and the computer professional design software, Adobe Illustrator. No previous experience in the software or on a Macintosh computer required.
Interested participants can enroll at millikin.edu/mcaa.
About the Millikin Community Arts Academy
The mission of the Millikin Community Arts Academy (MCAA), formerly known as the Preparatory Department, is to foster an appreciation of and participation in the arts while instilling a lifelong love and enjoyment of them. MCAA seeks to provide learning and performance opportunities for students of all ages in music, theatre, dance and art; enhance students’ knowledge and performance expertise; and cultivate a companionable link between university and community. Visit millikin.edu/mcaa to learn more.
