Volunteers Needed

Want to learn to play the piano or refresh your memory on how to play? Well now you can -- for free!

The Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival is looking for volunteers to assist with the Festival's affordable, after-school piano classes. The lessons are taught to groups of 5 children in 30-45 minute intervals. During the program, students are taught listening skills, finger coordination, the topography of the keyboard and the musical staff. At the end of the program students are able to play simple melodies and perform in a group using simple notation.

"I love volunteering in the Bravo program and seeing the local children benefit from the Festival's efforts," said Amy Cochran, volunteer for the piano program. "It is so rewarding to see the kids' faces light up when they master a piano technique. Volunteering for the piano classes makes me feel like I am really making a difference."

Classes are held one day per week from October through April at Red Sandstone Elementary, Homestake Peak, WECMRD Field House, Edwards Elementary, Vail Christian High School, Gypsum Town Council Chambers and the Town of Eagle Arts and Crafts Center across from Brush Creek Elementary. In addition, a program in Lake County at West Park is in need of volunteers.

Lessons are only $2 per class and are available to any child interested in learning to play the piano. The program is a mix of first-time students and returning students, said Liz Campbell, Bravo's Music Matters Education Programs Director.

"Volunteer a little or a lot," said Campbell. "Every volunteer hour helps!"

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For more information or to volunteer, please contact Liz Campbell at 970-827-4302