Calling Somerville youth! Are you a young resident who is interested in pursuing musical education? Do you have a talent you’d like to share with your peers? Are you outgoing and energetic? We have the perfect programs for you!

Somerville Youth Arts Coordinator, Jimmy Del Ponte, announces a new program for Somerville youth, and the return of the popular Somerville Rocks! talent show for 2014.

Somerville Rocks!

Somerville Rocks! is more than just a community-wide youth talent show for Somerville youth ages 12 and older. It’s an opportunity for youth performers to polish their act with twice-weekly rehearsals with performer and musician Jimmy Del Ponte. Whether you’re in a band, a solo singer, a comedian, or you have any other talent you want to showcase to your peers, this program is for you! Auditions will be held on Thursday, October 9, at 6 p.m. in the City Cable studio, located the far-right of the shared City Hall and SHS parking lot, beneath the library (look for the City Cable sign). The show will be held on November 7 in the awesome new auditorium at the East Somerville Community School. Rehearsal sessions begin in mid-Oct. Participation is free.

Songwriting for Beginners

The newest in the city’s programs for youth, Songwriting for Beginners will teach students the basics of song structure, and the use of melody, lyrics, and rhythm. This is a FREE class that meets in the afternoon twice weekly from October 20 through November 26, from 3 to 4 p.m. The class is open to the first five applicants. To enroll, contact Jimmy Del Ponte at JDelponte@somervillema.gov, or call 617-625-6600 ext. 2616.

For more information about these or other youth arts programs, contact Jimmy Del Ponte at 617-625-6600 ext. 2616 or JDelponte@somervillema.gov.

 — City of Somerville