Coming up: Music for Syria benefit, and Hands on Harps

We are diving right in to January, and will have lots of activities this winter to keep you busy (no need for cabin fever!) Want more updates? Like and follow us on Facebook!

_MG_8538Music for Syria: A Benefit for Refugees
Tuesday, January 12th, 7:30pm
Union Church, 133 Old Church Rd, Claremont, NH
Admission by donation

Local Musicians and students come together for this benefit concert for Syrian Refugees in the US and in Turkey. Omar Salem from the Karam Foundation will join us to talk about the work they do, and what is happening currently. Music from Mozart to excepts from our friend, Syrian composer, Kinan Azmeh‘s Concerto for Flute and Orchestra (piano reduction by Hugh Keelan). Musicians from Claremont and Brattleboro will come together, including Angela Biggs (voice), Hugh Keelan (piano), Jenna Rae (voice), and Melissa Richmond (flute).

All funds raised at this event will be split between the Karam Foundation (working with refugees in Turkey at the Syrian border), and Catholic Charities resettlement services for Onondaga County NY.

More about the Karam Foundation: karamfoundation.org

More about Catholic Charities resettlement: http://www.ccoc.us/services/refugee-services/refugee-resettlement

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Harper Angela Biggs teaches the beginner harp workshop.

Harper Angela Biggs teaches the beginner harp workshop.

Hands on Harps
Thursday, January 28th, 6:30pm
Union Church Hall, 133 Old Church Rd, Claremont, NH

Have you always wanted to play the harp, but don’t know where to start? Good news: Claremont’s popular Hands on Harps workshop is back! Join the West Claremont Center for Music and the Arts at Union Church hall to learn how to navigate a harp, some harp-y techniques, and play a simple tune.

No music experience necessary. Harps are provided; fee is by donation (suggested $10); class size is limited, and this workshop fills fast. Register by January 26th: contact Angela at 603-558-8174 or [email protected]. Brought to you by the Opus Arts Project through the West Claremont Center for Music and the Arts.

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Hopstop event in Claremont, New Hampshire on Saturday, November 22, 2014.  Copyright 2014 by Rob Strong

Hopstop event in Claremont, New Hampshire. Copyright 2014 by Rob Strong

Claremont HopStop: Gerry Grimo and the East Bay Jazz Ensemble (with Swing Dancers!)
Saturday, February 6, 3pm
CSB Community Center
Free

The tremendously popular HopStop FREE Family Shows return from winter break!

Big Band Swing: Get “In the Mood” and ready to “Jump, Jive and Wail” with local jazz musicians and swing dancers. While the music swings, dancers demonstrate their moves. Audience members get an introduction to the sounds and steps so they can keep swinging after the show.

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Save the Date:

_MG_0006January 31st, 3pm – Winter recital I: Music for Soprano and Flute
Music performed by Angela Biggs, Soprano, and Melissa Richmond, flute
Admission by donation

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Welcome Elected Officials!

We would like to welcome elected officials from our geographical region to our mailing list. Though most of our programs take place in Claremont, and occasionally Charlestown, about 50% of our participants come from outside Claremont and in particular: Newport, Cornish, Windsor, Charlestown, Plainfield, Grantham, and Springfield to name a few. Several of our programs are funded by state and regional grants, including the NH State Council on the Arts and the New England Foundation for the Arts, making our newsletter a great way for you to become familiar with our programs! If you would rather not receive emails, you may unsubscribe through the link at the bottom of your email.

Season of Thanks: Happy Holidays!

WCCMA is passionate about celebrating a variety of cultures and traditions. This year we were able to bring back favorite and new programs to help the community get in the holiday spirit. As you celebrate this season, all of us here at WCCMA are wishing you Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year.

a few students and faculty from the West Claremont Center for Music and the Arts walked around downtown Claremont spreading holiday cheer through music and carols. They visited Pathway's participants during their lunch at Trinity Church, the Post Office, Revolution Cantina, outside Violet's Bookstore, and Stone Arch Bakery. Students included Riley McFarland, Mariauna King, and Hayley Valdivia. Faculty included Angela Biggs, Chris Cheon, and Melissa Richmond

a few students and faculty from the West Claremont Center for Music and the Arts walked around downtown Claremont spreading holiday cheer through music and carols. They visited Pathway’s participants during their lunch at Trinity Church, the Post Office, Revolution Cantina, outside Violet’s Bookstore, and Stone Arch Bakery. Students included Riley McFarland, Mariauna King, and Hayley Valdivia. Faculty included Angela Biggs, Chris Cheon, and Melissa Richmond

Video not showing up? Click here to view the Carol of the Bells by WCCMA students’ flute ensemble!

Members of the Drawing Club decorated Gingerbread Houses made by Union Church. The Houses were on display at WCCMA's Baking Competition, Stone Arch Bakery, and will be at the Claremont First Night Celebration at the CSB Community Center.

Members of the Drawing Club decorated Gingerbread Houses made by Union Church. The Houses were on display at WCCMA’s Baking Competition, Stone Arch Bakery, and will be at the Claremont First Night Celebration at the CSB Community Center.

We’d like to thank all of you for your time, love, and support this year, and in years to come. If you would like to make a donation to help support our work, you may click HERE.

Last day for cookies at the Holiday Bazaar!

We have a record 9 entries in the this year’s cookie competition and we need you to help us crown the winner! Join us today by 1:30 (the Bazaar and Cookie Sale continues until 2pm) to sample cookies and vote for your favorite.

Check out more photos from the cookie table here: https://www.facebook.com/268290589873930/photos/pcb.910423298993986/910422065660776/?type=3&theater

and of the entire bazaar here: https://www.facebook.com/UnionEpiscopalChurch/photos/pcb.1694254057475959/1028622357188612/?type=3&theater