Percussion Department
Percussion Department - Core Philosophy
The Conservatory’s Percussion Department offers the very best in percussion education, with instruction on snare drum, drum set, mallets, timpani and world percussion (Latin percussion, hand drums/steele drum) Monthly workshops/masterclasses (free to SSC students) are offered in an effort to establish a strong and versatile student population and bring awareness to communities we serve.
Percussion Department Chair - Ed Sorrentino
Ed Sorrentino received a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Berklee College of Music. In addition to being a percussion instructor and Summer Music Festival Program Director at South Shore Conservatory, Ed is a regular performer with New England Percussion Ensemble, a trio of percussionists recognized as one of the most in demand groups for cultural enrichment in the region. He was recently recognized for his innovative work with adults and children with disabilities. Ed is also well known as a topnotch freelance drummer, something that requires him to wear a variety of musical hats and provide solid percussion for many of the area’s jazz, rock, dixie and show bands. Ed is also a certified drum circle facilitator.
Instrument Instruction
Private Lessons
Most students start private lesson instruction in percussion in grade four. During each 17-week semester, each private lesson student receives an evaluation from the teacher to keep the student and the parent apprised of the student’s progress. Private and semi-private lessons are offered at 30 minute,
45 minute, and 60 minute lengths. Group instruction (three or more students) is
60 minutes in length.
Our lesson prices are based on two 17-week semesters. Students choosing to pay for a full year receive 34 lessons at the 32-week price.
| Private Lesson Rates: | ||
| 17 weeks | 34 weeks (if paid in full by 9/11/09) | |
| 30 minutes | $714 | $1344 |
| 45 minutes | $986 | $1856 |
| 60 minutes | $1258 | $2368 |
PLEASE NOTE: Paying tuitions online with PayPal does not register you for programs and lessons. Click here to submit an online registration request or contact our Registrar to complete the registration process.
Percussion Department - Class Offerings
Basic Musicianship
Vartan Aghababian, Edwina Li, Margaret Li
Basic Musicianship is offered to all private lesson students to supplement their music literacy. These one hour classes review and teach basic elements of music such as keys and key signatures, time signatures, rhythms in various meters, form and basic solfege. Offered at various times during the week to accommodate student’s varying schedules. 12 weeks
All classes are 60 minutes
Hingham: Monday: 5:30, (7:00-adult), Wednesday: 2:30, 3:00,
Thursday: 3:00, 4:00, 5:30, 6:00, (7:00-adult)
Duxbury: Monday: 6:30, 7:15, 5:15, 6:45, (7:45-adult)
Be sure to let the registrar know at which time and location you wish to register.
Duxbury Registrar
(781) 934-2731 x10
Hingham Registrar
(781) 749-7565 x12
Spring Semester - $50 (classes sarts the week of March 15)
| Hingham | Duxbury |
NEW! World Music Ensemble/Drum Circle
Ed Sorrentino
WME is a hands-on, rhythm-based ensemble appropriate for all age groups. This fun, effective means of communicating through drums and percussion instruments will strengthen your listening and rhythm skills. The first 15 minutes of class will focus on drumming techniques so that we can make music for a full hour! 12 weeks
Hingham: Thursday, 6 - 7 pm
$85/person or $160/family
| $85/person | $160/family |
Beginner/Intermediate Percussion Ensemble
Ted Sajdyk
12 weeks
$265
| Hingham: Thursday, 6:30 - 7:30 pm |
Intermediate-Advanced Percussion Ensemble
Ed Sorrentino
12 weeks
$265
| Duxbury: Wednesday, 7 - 8 pm |
Advanced Percussion Ensemble
Sponsored by Mary Ellen and Peter Lawrence
Ed Sorrentino
12 weeks
$265
| Hingham: Saturday, 8 - 9 am |
Mallet Ensemble
Ed Sorrentino
This ensemble is designed to help students with reading melodies on mallet instruments. Most percussion students start with rhythms only and this group will take them to the next level.
12 weeks
$265
| TBA, Contact Ed Sorrentino at 781-749-7565, ext. 21 |
Honors Percussion Ensemble
Ed Sorrentino
Advanced students in the Honors Percussion Ensemble are chosen by audition, and perform throughout the year at the Conservatory and in the community. All ensemble students participate in a chamber concert at the end of the semester. Honors Ensemble students receive a 50% discount off the regular ensemble rates. 24 weeks
$265
| Hingham: Tuesday, 7 - 8:30 pm |
Bay Youth Symphony (BaYS)
Music Director Jim Vinci
Managing Director Candace Kniffen
Artistic Director Steven Karidoyanes
BaYS is an auditioned*, sequential youth orchestra program designed to create an opportunity for dedicated and talented young musicians, living in communities throughout Southeastern Massachusetts, to perform symphonic music at a high level in a well organized orchestra program. In partnership with The Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra, the program offers ensembles at three levels: a string ensemble for younger students, an intermediate level full symphonic orchestra, and an advanced full symphonic orchestra. Artistic Director Steven Karidoyanes acts as artistic advisor and meets with the orchestras three times per year. Students are coached by SSC faculty members and area music educators. All rehearsals take place Wednesday Evenings at the Duxbury Performing Arts Center.
Dolce Strings (string ensemble) - Theresa Johnson, Conductor $325/year
Sinfonia (intermediate full orchestra) - Nicholas Tatarka, Conductor $375/year
Symphony (advanced full orchestra) - Jim Vinci, Conductor $450/year
*No audition is necessary for Dolce Strings. This performing ensemble is usually comprised of students in elementary school who have been studying their instrument for one or two years, and are ready for fundamental ensemble playing.
For more information or for an audition, please contact Managing Director Candace Kniffen at c.kniffen@sscmusic.org.
Visit the BaYS web page for complete audition and payment information.
Chamber Music
Chamber opportunities are available in strings, percussion, woodwind, brass, voice and mixed instruments with or without voice. Playing in a small group setting, with each participant focusing on his/her individual part, can greatly improve a student’s playing, and is a helpful supplement for any student in a school band or orchestra program. Placement auditions are required to ensure that students are placed with others at the same level of expertise. Students must audition by September 25, 2009 to be included in the fall semester ensemble program. For a placement audition please call Donald Zook at 781-934-2731, ext. 16 to schedule an audition time. Ensembles meet weekly for one hour. All ensemble students participate in a chamber concert at the end of the semester. 12 weeks
$265
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available for private lessons for children whose families can document financial need. Application forms are available in the office and as a downloadable Word Document and must be filled out and returned prior to the first week of the semester. All applications will be considered by the Scholarship Committee, which meets before each semester to grant assistance. Recipients of scholarship aid must reapply each semester.
South Shore Conservatory admits students of any race, color, nationality, and ethnic origin to all rights and privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.