Older Adult Performing Arts Program's Melodies and Memories to Begin 9/24

"Melodies & Memories" is calling all seniors ages 65 and up! Ever dream of being a performer? Love meeting new friends? The WHBPAC's Arts Education Program, in collaboration with the Town of Southampton Senior Services, is planning something new and exciting for its fall session of "Melodies & Memories" - a nationally recognized, original performing arts program designed to foster the continuous development of skills and knowledge throughout the lives of older adults. Beginning September 24, participants will meet on the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center stage every Tuesday and Thursday to learn performing arts skills in a fun and nurturing environment. Taught by professional teaching artists, they'll work towards a culminating public performance on Sunday, November 17. The fee for the eight week program is $80. This program was funded by MetLife Foundation and administered by the National Guild for Community Arts Education.

The "Melodies & Memories" Program has steadily developed over the past four years, with each session building upon the last. Because of the Program's tremendous growth, participants will be split into two sections - one for beginners and one for veterans of the program - so all are welcome!

Seniors joining us for the first time will sing familiar beloved songs while learning the basics of singing and breath control. Seniors will also share stories and learn how to turn them into monologues.

Veterans of the program will begin working with more complex songs, focusing on analysis and interpretation. Some participants will even be given solo parts! Seniors will also develop and perform original scenes.

The Program's talented teaching artists bring both their talents and their strengths as educators to stimulate imaginations and creativity - all while taking advantage of the WHBPAC's world-class theatre. Singer, Actress and Teaching Artist Valerie Di Lorenzo has taught at various schools and organizations throughout the country including: Lincoln Center, NYU, TADA!, and Inside Broadway. But no matter what, people seem to be most interested in the fact that Valerie has been singing the National Anthem for the New York Mets for over 15 seasons.

Teaching Artist Pat Feiler is a retired head of music at Southold Schools who has served as Musical Director for "Melodies and Memories" since the program's first year. Her expertise is in teaching people to read music. She served as musical director for countless musical productions on the North Fork.

Accompanist Dr. Peter Pece holds a Ph.D. in Neuromusicology and is a professor at Stony Brook University, teaching courses on Music and the Brain. He is also a musical historian, and can easily retrieve and play the melodies that our seniors request. He has arranged and performed musical revues for former President Bush and former Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher and has served as arranger and accompanist for "Melodies and Memories "since its inception.

Theatrical Director Julienne Penza has an M.F.A. in Performance and Society, giving her a wealth of knowledge and expertise in community building through performance across all ages. She has served as Theatrical Director for "Melodies and Memories" since 2010. Julienne has been very active in the creative aging movement at the National level;, speaking about WHBPAC"s program at the 2012 at the National Guild for Community Arts Education Conference.

"We're so proud to be in the fourth year of Melodies and Memories. Each year we find that our brand of sequential, skill-based learning has tangible positive effects on our seniors' physical and mental well-beings, gives them a major confidence boost and is a tremendous amount of fun for everyone involved," says Julienne Penza, Managing Director of Arts Education and Melodies & Memories Teaching Artist.

"Melodies & Memories" is a life-long learning program that seeks to link the basic human need for creative expression with an improved quality of life for older adults. In addition to the mastery of various performing arts skills, the program emphasizes the importance of social engagement - which has been proven to increase self-esteem, reinforce personal and collective identity, and assuage anxiety about getting older. Men and women who wish to participate, or know of someone who would like to, should contact Julienne Penza to pre-register at 631-288-2350 (extension 114), or email JulienneP@whbpac.org.

Purchase Tickets 3 Ways:

On-Line: www.whbpac.org

Call Box Office: 631-288-1500

Visit: 76 Main Street, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978

(Wednesday - Sunday, Noon - 6pm and later on show nights.)

To request interviews, contact Jodi Giambrone, JodiG@whbpac.org.

Long Island Awards - Live Stats

Best Musical - Top 3

1. INTO THE WOODS (Post Theatre Company)

8.5% of votes

2. FOOTLOOSE (John W. Engeman Theater)

7.8% of votes

3. HAIRSPRAY (Five Towns College Performing Arts Center)

7.4% of votes

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