For years, Summer Music School has taught students around Warren County everything from dance to musical theater to even abstract art.
This year the school is celebrating its 20th year with some new classes, new faculty and some new traditions.
The three-week long music school began on Monday and will run until June 26, director Ann Mead said Tuesday. Mead said the students were energetic and enthusiastic to begin their first day, which started, as every day will, with a "wake-up call" performance by instructors, interns or students.
"We're off to a great start this year," facilitator Betsy Griffin said. "We have a wonderful staff and wonderful children once again this year."
Among the new classes offered this year is Colors of Music, which Mead said is inclusive of many different art forms.
Mead said in the class, students are abstract dancing and painting along with music.
Also new is an ethnomusicology class in which students learn about the music of different cultures instead of the traditional Western music they are used to, Mead said.
"We thought we needed a different spin on music history," she said.
Mead said the class helps give the youngsters a global view of music.
Other new classes include yoga, computer-aided composition, theory and songwriting, choreography and Celtic harp.
Mead said the harp classes have been among some of the school's most popular. Students have consistently requested harp classes and the music school now offers three.
Another class often requested is an introduction to directing, which has a new instructor.
Mead said this is a good class for students who aren't that comfortable being on stage and are interested in what goes on "behind the scenes."
In the class, students learn about lighting, stage managing and other tasks of a director, Mead said.
On Friday, parents and family of music school students are coming to celebrate the annual Learn and Play day, where they will not only be observing but participating in their student's classes.
Mead said a faculty and intern recital is also planned for June 23, where they will also celebrate the 20th anniversary.
Students will also be performing at the Busker's Festival from 2:30 to 3:30 on Friday, June 26, which is their last day.
Mead said the music school is also collaborating with Penn State Behrend for a workshop for Warren County School District kids to be held in the late fall or early winter.
They have been discussing bringing in a jazz group, a wind quintet or a percussion ensemble.
She said she plans on having a decision before the end of Summer Music School.
Mead said she sees this as a way to reach past the three week limit of the music school and reinforce its purpose.
"The music school provides an opportunity to explore different musical options," she said.