SARASOTA COUNTY (WSNN) – Performing art classes are sure to be a little different in Suncoast schools this year. Some are going online. But, not all of them.
“The pandemic has really changed our entire business, for the positive,” Music Compound owner and president, Jenny Townsend, said. “I would say that we have been able to adapt fairly quickly and we’re welcoming all the changes.”
Changes from online to in-person. They’ve offered music for years, but Music Compound is adding a new element: The Homeschool Hub.
“We’re adding a new component of bringing in art, dance, drama and musical theater because a lot of those students that are typically going to have those classes aren’t going to have access to that,” Townsend said.
It has two parts, Florida virtual school in the morning and the art enrichment section in the afternoon.
One of the new programs includes Music Compound’s very first show choir with Julie Rohr. Townsend considers her a legend and force of nature;
“It’s really exciting for me, I feel like I’m starting a new career at my age, which is kind of fun to do,” Rohr said. “But, I always like a challenge. And I always look forward to doing something that I love. And I absolutely love doing show choir.”
Offering musical theater classes for elementary students, and show choirs classes for middle/high school students, and even adults.
“So I could have children from five-years-old up to 60, which is really fun,” Rohr said.
Safety first. They’re following CDC protocols and wiping all instruments down between usage. Their big location gives them an advantage.
I”t’s going to be in our 3000 square foot warehouse as well,” Townsend said. “So ample distance, safety and masks required for that program.”
Eight-year-old, Liana Lambright, has been going to Music Compound for three years exploring different instruments, but recently found her love for drama and singing through these new programs.
“I love musical theater, because it’s like singing, acting, and it’s all combined,” Liana said.
“She’s definitley tried piano, ukulele, and guitar,” her mom, Sheena, said. “And that’s something that music compound has been able to let her do, is that she’s able to try all these different classes. But, what I think she’s finding is that she really does like vocal and possibly drama.”
No auditions are required. Classes start next week, and registration will remain open for several weeks.
