The Creative Arts Department at the West Suburban YMCA fosters joy and creativity through holistic artistic instruction within a brave space, where all levels and ages are welcome to explore without fear of making mistakes.

This fall, the Y’s Creative Arts Department has several new and exciting programs that span a range of ages and artistic subjects. All programs, with the exception of Mini Musicals: Annie Jr., meet once per week for seven weeks during the Y’s Early Fall Session, September 3rd – October 20th.

Mini Musicals: Annie Jr., Ages 9-14 – The Y is excited to make its theatrical debut this fall presenting Annie Jr. This is a high energy, highly creative and imaginative program. No audition is necessary, but all participants must attend the first practice on September 4th, 3:30 – 5:00 pm. The final showcase performance will be October 27th. Rehearsals are Mondays and Thursdays, 3:30 – 5:30pm.

Toddler Tunes, Ages 6 mo.-3 years – Parents and caregivers will bond with their child while singing, dancing, and playing instruments, allowing for plenty of imagination and exploration through songs, games, and stories. Wednesdays, 11:15 – 11:45am.

Intro to Art and Design, Ages 4-8 – Kids will explore new mediums for expression as they inquire, design, build, and connect in this creative makerspace! Projects vary by session, but examples include birdhouses, mosaics, community murals, and neighborhood maps. This class focuses on self-expression, collaboration and project-based learning. Thursdays, 4:00 – 4:45 pm.

How To: Podcasting, Ages 10-15, Calling all storytellers! In this 7-week course, students will dive into interviewing skills, speaking techniques, and narrative process to craft a cohesive and compelling spoken story. Students will be introduced to the Y’s recording studio, where they will learn to use audio and recording equipment and basic editing concepts to bring their story to life. Fridays, 4:00 – 5:00 pm.

West Suburban Singers, Ages 16+ – Introducing the West Suburban Singers, a non-auditioned community chorus for adults at the YMCA! Come celebrate the joys of singing. Through weekly rehearsals, local performances, and diverse repertoire, we aim to strengthen and serve our community through song. All are welcome! Mondays, 7:00 – 8:30 pm.

Guitar Group Class, Ages 6-11. Group lessons are a great way to start a new instrument. Learn to play guitar with a fun learning group, starting with correct technique and postures. Students will also learn to read a tab sheet and have fun with collaborative games. Tuesdays, Ages 6-8, 4:00 – 4:45 pm, Ages 9-11, 4:45 – 5:30 pm.

Piano Group Class, Ages 6-11, Learn the basics of piano and make new friends along the way in our group piano class. Students have fun with collaborative music theory and skill games while learning technique, posture, and how to read a music staff. Wednesdays, Ages 6-8, 4:00 – 4:45 pm; Ages 9-11, 4:45 – 5:30pm.

Rock Band, Ages 8+, The Y also continues to offer its long-standing Rock Band program for ages 13+ and a new Junior Rock Band class for younger musicians ages 8-12. In these classes, the groups meet once per week to collaborate as a band, rehearse, and eventually perform for the community. Schedule varies depending on student/group availability.

Registration for the Early Fall Session is open now. Sign up by calling the Y’s Welcome Center at 617-244-6050 ext. 0, or using the online registration platform. For more information about these programs, contact Sunny McGovern, Creative Arts Director, at sunnym@wsymca.org.

The West Suburban YMCA is conveniently located at 276 Church Street in Newton Corner, off Exit 17 on the Mass Pike and accessible by several MBTA buses including the 52 and 57 line.