CLARKS SUMMIT — Children and adults of all ages were able to see, touch, hear and play a variety of musical instruments Saturday , March 18 at The Gathering Place. The Instrument Petting Zoo, organized by professional bassist and arts education advocate Colleen Ruddy, served as a prequel to a lineup of upcoming music classes in the nonprofit community classroom’s spring schedule.

Registration is currently open for the following. For more information or to register for classes, visit gatheringplacecs.org. Information can also be obtained by calling 570-563-2402.

#131 Ukulele Class Two (for people with some experience)

Instructor Steve Kurilla will help students learn to play the ukulele in an entertaining, stress-free setting. This class will cover right and left hand technique, melody reading, chord reading and more, as well as explore the history of the instrument and some notable ukulele performers. It is a continuation of The Gathering Place’s fall ukulele class and includes songs suitable for beginner through intermediate players.

When: 7 to 7:45 p.m., Mondays, April 3, 10, 17 and 24

Cost: $40

Registration deadline: March 27.

#132 Introduction to String Instruments

This class provides an opportunity to learn about the cello, violin, upright bass or electric bass. Taught by Ruddy, it will cover technical approaches, note reading and tone production, as well as the history of the instruments.

When: 7 to 8 p.m., Wednesdays, April 12, 19 and 26 and May 3

Cost: $50

Registration deadline: by April 4

#133 Chamber Music for Experienced Players

In this class, Ruddy will organize musicians into chamber music groups, each group receiving a weekly coaching session on a piece of music appropriate for its level. All instruments are welcome.

When: 7 p.m., Wednesdays, May 10, 17 and 31

Cost: $30

Registration deadline: May 3

#134 All about Opera

Jennifer Cowgill, of Marywood University will share with attendees her expertise, helping them gain an understanding and enjoyment of opera.

When: Noon, Wednesdays, May 24 and 31

Cost: $20

Registration deadline: May 17

Violet Grases, 3, of Scranton tries out a violin during the Instrument Petting Zoo, held Saturday, March 18 at The Gathering Place in Clarks Summit.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_ABJ-Petting-Zoo-1.jpg.optimal.jpgViolet Grases, 3, of Scranton tries out a violin during the Instrument Petting Zoo, held Saturday, March 18 at The Gathering Place in Clarks Summit. Elizabeth Baumeister photos | Abington Journal

Maryn McArdle, 7, of Clarks Summit, plays a song on a mountain dulcimer with a little help from Ed Cole, of Clarks Summit, during the Instrument Petting Zoo on Saturday, March 18 at The Gathering Place.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_ABJ-Petting-Zoo-2.jpg.optimal.jpgMaryn McArdle, 7, of Clarks Summit, plays a song on a mountain dulcimer with a little help from Ed Cole, of Clarks Summit, during the Instrument Petting Zoo on Saturday, March 18 at The Gathering Place. Elizabeth Baumeister photos | Abington Journal

Mazzie Musgrave, 12, of Old Forge, learns to play a song on a mountain dulcimer during The Gathering Place’s Instrument Petting zoo on Saturday afternoon in Clarks Summit.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_ABJ-Petting-Zoo-3.jpg.optimal.jpgMazzie Musgrave, 12, of Old Forge, learns to play a song on a mountain dulcimer during The Gathering Place’s Instrument Petting zoo on Saturday afternoon in Clarks Summit. Elizabeth Baumeister photos | Abington Journal

Paige Holgate, 11, of South Abington Township tries out a bass guitar during the Instrument Petting Zoo, held Saturday, March 18 at The Gathering Place.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_ABJ-Petting-Zoo-4.jpg.optimal.jpgPaige Holgate, 11, of South Abington Township tries out a bass guitar during the Instrument Petting Zoo, held Saturday, March 18 at The Gathering Place. Elizabeth Baumeister photos | Abington Journal
The Gathering Place hosts Instrument Petting Zoo, offers spring music classes

Compiled by Elizabeth Baumeister

ebaumeister@timesleader.com

Reach Elizabeth Baumeister at 570-704-3943 or on Twitter @AbingtonJournal.