Classes resume this fall for the Born to Sing program at the Oxford Community Arts Center. Classes go from 5 to 6 p.m. starting Monday, Sept. 24 and run for 10 weeks.

Dana Lentini began the voice class two years ago for kids ages 8-13 to help bring more performing arts class offerings to the Oxford. Lentini is on the voice faculty at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music Preparatory Department and maintains a private voice studio at her home in Oxford.

The voice class is a unique opportunity for kids to explore singing by choosing songs to share in a small group setting. The class is different from singing in a choir in that it allows the singer a chance to discover their own unique style and learn healthy vocal and performance techniques in the process.

“Everyone in the class is very supportive of one another,” Lentini said. “There are many benefits to singing in a class like this, as kids learn to not only express themselves through performing, but they also learn about text analysis, basic musical terminology, and the physical attributes of singing like breath control.”

Lentini said she believes that one of the great benefits of solo singing is that kids gain a mastery of self-discovery, as well as the ability to handle nerves.

“It is not intended to prepare the kids to be the next American Idol star, but yet to teach valuable life lessons through the art of singing,” she said. “Even if one kid feels more confident when standing up in class to present a report or understand poetry on a different level then we see how this art form has made an impact.”

For more information contact the OCAC directly for registration information.