Audubon Arts

Audubon Arts (June 25 – August 3) 

This summer program for children and teens has been an NMS favorite for more than 30 years! Using creative dramatics as a cornerstone, participants are grouped by age into seven different color groups and enjoy a wide range of activities designed to encourage self-expression and creativity.

“This program seems to have liberated my daughter’s creative energy like no music or art education in school ever has.”– Dirk B.

Color Groups

Children participate in age-based groups with assigned counselors who travel with the children throughout the day. Our youngest group is tailored to meet the needs of children who have completed one year of preschool. Their day includes music, drama, art and dance as well as extended outdoor recreation, free play, rest and entertainment during our lunchtime concerts.  Our Theatre Group is for teens with a specific interest in musical theatre. They receive instruction in singing, movement, art and acting and assist with the construction of the sets and costumes.

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Artistic Productions

Each session of Audubon Arts culminates with vibrant in-house performances, recitals, gallery showings and, for the six-week theatre group, a full-length musical theatre production! This year our theatre production will be "Legally Blonde."

Intensive Choices

In addition to daily drama, movement, singing, visual arts, yoga, improvisation, lunch and recreation, children in Blue Group through Theatre Group participate each morning in their choice of one of the following special activities (“intensives”) led by Audubon Arts staff and NMS faculty.

Beginning Piano or Guitar (Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange)
Students study in small groups. Intended for those with little or no prior instruction.

Instrument Sampler (Blue, Green, Yellow)
A simple group introduction to six instruments, one a week, from all instrument families.

Crafts Sampler (Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange)
Includes activities such as printmaking, painting, papier maché and more.

Vocal Ensemble I (Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange)
Vocal Ensemble II (Red, Theatre)
A broad repertoire outside of the show for those who can’t get enough singing!

Dance Ensemble (Yellow, Orange, Red, Theatre)
Improvisational movement and study of modern dance and tap techniques for those with prior dance study.

Intermediate Piano (Yellow, Orange, Red, Theatre)
Open to students at a more advanced level who are working to improve their skills. Requires two or more years of private study.

Fine Arts Intensive (Red, Theatre)
Classes for guided personal exploration of two- and three-dimensional media.

Creative Writing (Red, Theatre)
Learn how to structure writing that will engage an audience. Work with fellow intensive participants to write and produce original works.

Daily Dose of Fun!

Parents are welcome to join daily lunchtime concerts held in the Park of the Arts, right behind NMS. Concerts are “open mic” and feature Audubon Arts participants, staff and special guests. All are welcome to share a talent! Midweek, everyone looks forward to Wacky Wednesdays, when participants and staff  come to NMS in madcap outfits and off-the-wall-attire. The event has become so popular it even spread next door to Koffee? and was featured in The New Haven Register’s Living Section!

Your child’s summer experience at NMS will include songs, smiles, hugs, cheers and much laughter!

Schedule & Fees

Hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.*
All participants bring bagged lunches
Regular drop-off 8:45 - 9 a.m.*
No program Wednesday, July 4
*Extended-care options available before and after regular program hours (see below).

Color Groups – Purple, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Red
Full 6-week session (June 25 – August 3) …..… $1975
Session 1 (3 weeks: June 25 – July 13) …………. $1130
Session 2 (3 weeks: July 16 – August 3) ……….. $1210
NOTE: Session 2 and Full rates include an all-day field trip to Lighthouse Point Beach

Theatre Group - Black
6-week session only (June 25 – August 3) …….. $2395

All ages
Early drop-off: 8:15 – 8:45 a.m. ………………………. $5 per day
Extended day: 4:00 – 5:30 pm ………………………… $20 per day
Note: Extended day includes snack, drink and supervised activities

Family Discount
We offer 10 percent off tuition for each additional family member enrolled. Discount applies to the least expensive tuition(s).

Financial Aid
Charitable contributions allow us to offer limited financial aid to those who demonstrate a need. The amount of aid awarded is based on household income, family size and financial obligations, and is limited by the availability of NMS resources. Financial aid does not pay for lessons/classes in full. Applications are kept confidential and must be updated yearly. A financial aid deposit of $150 is required. Reduced tuition deposits will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Download the Audubon Arts financial aid form.

For more information about financial aid, contact Tanya Louis at 203-624-5189 x 20 or tlouis@neighborhoodmusicschool.org.

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CIT Program

The Counselor in Training (CIT) Program gives participants the opportunity to work with young children, alongside counselors and specialists. Participants develop responsibility and leadership skills while broadening their interpersonal communications, performing arts knowledge and general work experience. This program is available for participants aged 17 who are ready to take on the leadership role of helping younger children enjoy all Audubon Arts activities. CITs must apply and interview before acceptance into the program. CITs will shadow and assist experienced counselors and senior staff, learning through observation and hands-on participation and will move through the day with various groups of children. CITs will assist in all specialties: drama, art, music, dance, improvisation and other recreational activities.

Applicants must demonstrate the following qualities:

  • Respect for children as individuals and the desire to work with them
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Highly organized, prompt and reliable
  • Experience in music, art, dance or theatre
  • High energy, enthusiasm and ability to work as part of a team

Weekly meetings with the Audubon Arts director will allow for discussion of observations, experiences and ideas in order to strengthen leadership qualities and prepare CIT participants for further work in the arts or with children.

Weekly focus topics may include:

  • Group management skills
  • Technical operations (audio/visual set up and equipment)
  • Stage management (show production)
  • Activity planning and implementation
  • First aid and medical procedures
  • Conflict resolution

Upon successful completion of the CIT program, participants will receive a certificate of completion and a written evaluation. Successful CITs will have first consideration before other applicants for employment the following summer.
Cost: $500 for full 6-week session.

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“Free-flowing creativity, performance, humor, discipline, esprit de corps, friends, fun, great mentors… What else could you really ask for?”– Parent

How to Register

Online Registration
Please note you will need a customer account to complete your registration. If you enrolled at NMS any time in the last 12 months, your account has already been set up and you should have been sent your personal login and password information. If you have questions, please contact registration@neighborhoodmusicschool.org.

If you are new to NMS, you will need to set up a new customer account. Please refer to the instructions for help. The instructions also explain shortcuts for enrolling more than one student at a time. Read answers to other frequently asked questions about the online registration system.

To start: Select a color group…

If you have any questions about color group placement, please contact Anne Tubis at 203-624-5189 x 26.

FAQs

Click on the questions below for answers to questions you may have about Audubon Arts. Note: There are separate FAQs for the online registration process (see link above in How to Register).

When is the tuition due?

A: Full tuition is due by June 15. If tuition is not paid by that time, you may lose your place.

You're full!  How do I get on that Waiting List?

A:  If the group/session you want is full, you may be placed on the Waiting List. There is no charge for joining the Waiting List and we will call you or email if a place opens up.

Do you offer financial aid or scholarships?

A: Yes. NMS gives out more than $200,000 each year in need-based scholarships and tuition support. For more information about financial aid, contact Tanya Louis at 203-624-5189 x 20.

Can I use extended AM or PM on a drop in basis?

A: Yes. It is intended to be flexible. If you know in advance, please do indicate your needs on the registration form but if your needs change, just let the counselors know.

What is the teacher : child ratio?

A: We have two counselors with each color group, and at least one specialist in each activity. For our two youngest groups, the adult:child ratio is around 1:4. For all other groups it is 1:5.

What is the daily schedule?

A: We begin each day together in the Recital Hall for one of our morning songs. Then, Blue through Theatre group participants proceed to their morning Intensive classes, while Purple group begins work in drama and music in their dedicated classroom.  We gather again for morning snack, then each color group has its own daily schedule.  Each group has instruction in music, drama, dance and art. At 4:00, we gather again in the Recital Hall for our afternoon song before dismissal. Our days are adjusted during Week 3 and 6 due to the full schedule of performances! (More information on daily and performance schedules will be posted later this Summer).

Will my 7-year old be in the same group as her 9-year old friend?

A:  Children are grouped by age and grade so a 7 and a 9 year old will tend not to be in the same group. However, there are activities where we combine groups or participate collectively (e.g., lunchtime concerts and recreation) where students of many ages will have opportunity to interact. And, if you have any questions about color group placement, you should speak with Anne Tubis, Program Director.

My child has allergies.  What is your snack / lunch policy?

A: We cannot guarantee an allergy-free environment, but we do strive to maintain a safe and healthy environment for our participants. Each family is required to submit a Medical Form which includes space to list allergies and any other health conditions we should be aware of. If you would like to discuss any concerns with us, please contact Anne Tubis before the start of the session.
We ask participants to wash hands thoroughly after eating and throughout the day.
We ask participants to refrain from sharing food.
Snacks: We provide morning snacks for all participants, usually fruit or vegetables - including our traditional chocolate chip cookies once a week. An afternoon snack is provided for those who use the Extended Day option.
Lunch: Participants bring their own lunches from home. We store lunches in unrefrigerated bins, so please use a cold pack to keep food fresh.

What should my child bring to Audubon Arts each day?

A: Participants should bring the following:
  • Refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day
  • A nutritious lunch that does not require heating or refrigerating
  • Weather-appropriate clothing (children spend time outdoors daily and should dress accordingly)
  • Tap shoes (dance intensive participants only)
  • Instruments (music improv intensive participants only)
Please note: Children in Purple through Red groups should bring in one Adult LARGE white t-shirt for costume construction on the first day of the program (two if the child is attending both classes).

When do they need to wear the program t-shirt?

A: Your child should wear the t-shirt on the first day of each session, on our field trip / picture day, and on the last day of Audubon Arts. We move a lot, both indoors and out, so comfortable clothing and sneakers are recommended.

The kids learn so many great songs, how can I get the lyrics to these songs?

A: The best way to learn the words to our morning and afternoon songs is to sing them with us!  Parents are always welcome for morning and afternoon songs (and daily during lunchtime concerts!). We hope to compile an Audubon Arts songbook, either on paper or CD, but that is still in the works. In the meantime, if you have a particular favorite, let us know and we'll give you the details. If you would like the lyrics for your child's group performance, just ask their counselors for a copy.

When will you confirm that we have a place at Audubon Arts?

A: When you enroll, you will be able to see if the session and group is available. If the class is full, you may enroll on the waiting list and we will contact you if a space opens up. Confirmation packets will be sent via email and should be returned within two weeks of receipt.

What is included in the tuition?

A: In addition to a fun-filled day of music, drama, dance and art instruction, tuition includes the following: morning snack, an Audubon Arts t-shirt and a trial lesson voucher for the participant or a family member. Theatre Group participants also receive one pair of tickets to their show, a Theatre Group t-shirt and a DVD.

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Faculty & Staff

Anne Tubis, Program Director
Tracey Albert, Head of the NMS Dance Program
Stephen Dest, Theatre Director
Erica Sapp, Preschool Teacher and Program Staff

Hiring

We are always looking for creative and energetic people who love children and the arts to join our Audubon Arts staff! Please contact Anne Tubis in January or February for information regarding available positions for next summer.

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“I loved it so much, I can’t wait to do it again next year!”
– Sarah, Orange Group participant, age 11