· Catamount Arts
Registration is open for Catamount Arts’ EPIC Music program, an afterschool strings (violin, viola, cello, bass) program modeled on the global El Sistema movement of youth development and social change through music education. The 2026-7 EPIC Music faculty includes Jason Bergman, Artistic Director; Roy MacNeil; Krista Licata; and Ireland Austin.
The program meets four afternoons a week (Monday through Thursday), beginning on Monday, September 14 and runs through the end of May, with a summer camp for a week in June. Students are encouraged to participate four days a week, but must be able to commit to at least two days each week for the full year.
Daily activities include large and small group instruction, learning to play music by ear and by sight reading. Mondays and Wednesdays are at St. Johnsbury School, while Tuesdays and Thursdays are at Union Baptist Church on Route 5 in Waterford.
All EPIC Music students are welcome to participate in special activities that take place throughout the year. These may include informal performances for families and friends; trips to see the Vermont Philharmonic Orchestra; gatherings with students in other string programs; performances with the Northeast Kingdom Community Orchestra; opportunities to perform at local festivals and farmers’ markets; and more.
For more information on EPIC Music, visit catamountarts.org/education/epic-music or call 802-748-2600, extension 109. The deadline for registration is Tuesday, September 8, 2026. Scholarships are available; please call the Catamount Arts education department at 802-748-2600, extension 109, for more information.