WVU Community Music Program opens registration for spring semester, launches several ensembles

Music lovers of all ages and skill levels can now register for the West Virginia University (WVU) Spring 2025 Community Music Program.

Each semester, the WVU School of Music invites community members to learn new instruments, connect with other musicians and improve their skills.

“I believe that community engagement is vital to the mission of any higher education institution,” said Andrew Simonette, Interim Coordinator and Professional Instructor for the WVU Community Music Program. “I am a firm believer that our doors should be open to all because there is a wealth of knowledge within our college that should be shared. Everyone deserves the opportunity to seek education at any point in their life.”

This year’s programs include the Children’s Choir, Youth Strings, Piano for Tiny Musicians, Piano for Fun for Adults, Jazz Style and Improvisation as well as several ensembles and private lessons.

The WVU School of Music is launching new ensembles this semester, including the Community Steel Drum Band, Community African Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, String Chamber Music Ensemble and Community Percussion Ensemble.

“These new ensembles, except for the Community Steel Drum Band, are all taught by graduate students in the School of Music,” Simonette said. “Each one of them is incredibly talented and knowledgeable in their areas.”

The Morgantown Community Band, a wind band ensemble, is also launching this semester.

“I am very excited to be launching our new Community Band,” Simonette said. “I think that this ensemble will be a fantastic counterpart to our long-standing Morgantown Community Orchestra. My hope is that the new ensemble broadens the Community Music Program’s reach in our community to those who played in a wind band while in high school or college or who never got the chance. It can also be an additional outlet for current middle and high school students in the community.”

Most programs begin the first week of February and prices vary by program. To learn more about the Community Music Program and register, visit go.wvu.edu/cmp.