HAYS, Kan. -- Registration is now open for the spring season of Fort Hays State University's Western Kansas String Academy. The season begins Saturday, Jan. 16, in Malloy Hall on the FHSU campus.

The 13-week Saturday morning academy consists of group instrument classes for violin, viola, cello, piano and guitar. Also offered is a guitar ensemble; private lessons for guitar, piano and strings; pre-school music classes; music appreciation classes; community performances; solo opportunities; tours and socials.

Students as young as kindergarten are able to learn violin, viola or cello in the academy's pre-orchestra classes. Students in the second grade or above are able to join the beginning group guitar class and piano lessons are available to children ages 6 to 9.

Those students who are already experienced have the opportunity to participate in several ensembles including string orchestra, fiddling group, rock band and Celtic ensemble.

Pre-schoolers are offered three different music exploration classes; sky songs, rhythm training and garage band. The classes provide opportunities for singing, dancing, clapping and exploring beginning musical concepts. These classes will meet on Saturday mornings for 6-8 weeks.

Instructors for WKSA are a combination of FHSU music faculty, FHSU music majors, certified music educators and community musicians who are under the guidance of FHSU music faculty.

For more information on WKSA, contact Cathy Drabkin, WKSA director, at (785) 628-5365 or e-mail at cadrabkin@fhsu.edu. Limited financial assistance for qualified families is available. Registration is requested by Jan. 10.