Community Center offering new music program for youth

The Sonoma Community Center is offering a new music program for kids and teens. The Sonoma Alternative Symphony 4 Youth (SASY) provides a creative outlet for young musicians who are interested in something a little more broad than what a traditional classical symphony might offer, center officials said in a press release.

SASY focuses on modern classical, pop and alternative music, and invites participants to co-develop their own compositions as a group.

SASY is an eight-week program that will kick off on Monday, Oct. 3, and will meet weekly on Monday evenings from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Sonoma Community Center, 276 E. Napa St. The program will be led by A. “Butterfly” Fiddle-Hooper, an internationally seasoned violinist, electric violinist, cellist, composer, videographer, producer and instructor. Their 27 years of professional repertoire includes a well-rounded blend of classical, soul, jazz, hip hop, reggae, rock and roll, Celtic, Middle Eastern, Indian classical, and alternative trance styles. They have taught nationally and internationally in Europe, India, Japan and the U.S., and have performed professionally in 19 countries. Fiddle-Hooper now leads SASY here in Sonoma, and is also available for private violin and cello lessons at the Community Center.

SASY is open to musicians ages 18 and under who have a few years of experience under their belt. Participation will start with a short audition on Monday Sept. 12 or 26, from 4 to 6 p.m. Applicants can sign up for a 10-minute time slot on the Community Center’s website, and should prepare three different scales spanning two octaves and one short song. They will also be asked to demonstrate some sight reading at the audition.

For those over 18 and interested in something like SASY, reach out to SCC officials. With enough stated interest, the Community Center may launch an alternative symphony experience for adults.

For more information about SASY or about violin and cello lessons at the Community Center, call 707-938-4626 or email sasysoco@gmail.com.