Gulf Coast Homeschool Fine Arts (GCHFA) is a music education program that offers a variety of music classes for homeschool students on Florida's Gulf Coast. Our mission is to provide excellent music education and instruction for students to develop their talents and maximize their potential in order to bring glory to God and minister to others. We offer ensemble classes, such as choir, orchestra, wind ensemble, and jazz band, where students can learn to play in a group setting and perform in concerts for our community. In addition, we offer non-performing classes as well, such as theory and Music & Motion (you can learn about that here). Our experienced and highly qualified instructors work with students of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced musicians. We also host workshops, masterclasses, and summer camps to enhance our students' musical skills and knowledge. At GCHFA, we believe that music education is essential for a well-rounded education and personal growth. We strive to create a positive and inspiring learning environment where our students can develop their musical abilities and passion for music.

GCHFA meets every Monday during the school year. Specific program dates can be found at the following locations: GCHFA.org/Calendar and in our Program Guide

How to play an instrument or sing Ear training Performance abilities Discipline Time management Confidence Teamwork Problem solving Organizational skills Responsibility Communication Leadership skills Heightened learning abilities Attentiveness How to capitalize on their strengths and overcome their weaknesses That they are capable of accomplishing so much more than they could imagine And SO much more!

We currently meet at Faith Presbyterian Church in Sarasota, but this location is subject to change. Please verify the current meeting location on our website.

If you're a new family looking to enroll with GCHFA, follow these easy steps: Go to GCHFA.org and click on the "Enroll" tab located on the homepage. Click on the “Register” button to fill out the required information. Please ensure that you fill in all of the required details marked with an asterisk before clicking Submit. For information about signing up for classes, click here.

If you're a new family, follow the instructions below to update your child's information and enroll them in classes. Enroll in GCHFA. If you have not done that yet, learn how to do so here. Classes can only be chosen after enrollment completion. Choose your child's classes. Please ensure chosen class times do not conflict. Choose Family Enrollment Fee for however many students you're enrolling. Only choose Non-Volunteer Fee if you're not volunteering during our weekly classes. The Family Enrollment Fee will be charged upon enrollment. Go to Cart to pay. You can pay for the Family Enrollment Fee through the portal at this time, or our staff will charge your account once we receive confirmation of your enrollment. You can also pay partially or in full for your classes and other fees at this time; otherwise, the information you have on file will be charged on the first day of classes according to the Membership Type you choose (2-Pay Plan or Pay in Full).

If you're a returning family, follow the instructions below to update your child's information and enroll them in classes. Log in to your GCHFA Parent Portal and update your child's information under Account. Be sure to update their general information as well as their, school, medical, and additional info, and then click the "Save" button before exiting. You'll notice that their picture has been added. Check that your billing information is correct. Please include a credit card or bank account to make payments easier. We'll charge the enrollment fee once you register for classes. Click the "Save" button. Choose your child's classes. Choose Family Enrollment Fee for however many students you're enrolling. Only choose Non-Volunteer Fee if you're not volunteering during our weekly classes. The Family Enrollment Fee will be charged upon enrollment. Go to Cart to pay. You can pay for the Family Enrollment Fee through the portal at this time, or our staff will charge your account once we receive confirmation of your enrollment. You can also pay partially or in full for your classes and other fees at this time; otherwise, the information you have on file will be charged on the first day of classes according to the Membership Type you choose (2-Pay Plan or Pay in Full).

Cost varies from class to class! Click on the following category to view individual class costs (each fee listed is the annual price per class): Band Orchestra Choir Recorder Theory Music & Motion In addition to tuition, it is important to be aware of other associated costs. Learn about them here.

In addition to tuition (which can be found at GCHFA.org/classes), families should plan for the following costs: Enrollment Fee: A non-refundable Family Enrollment fee is charged annually per student. This fee covers all administrative and insurance expenses associated with enrollment. The earlier you enroll, the better the rate! Instrument Purchase or Rental: Instruments, whether rented or purchased, will likely be the largest expense. For online and local store options, click here. Accessories & Books: Additional materials needed for specific classes (e.g. a music stand, theory book, valve oil, etc.). While GCHFA strives to keep costs extremely low, it’s important to understand the investment required to participate fully.

At GCHFA, we have multiple payment plans available to you: One-time payment - due on the first day of classes Two-installments - 50% of the Class Fees are due by the first day of class. The remaining 50% of the class fees are due at the start of the 2nd semester. Monthly payment plan - an option specifically for those with financial hardship or other needs; tuition is due on the first Monday of every month from September through March. A Late Fee of $5 per month will be charged for Class Fees not paid by the scheduled due dates. In the event of a returned check for insufficient funds, a $35 returned check fee will be incurred and payment for all future balances will be paid by cash, credit card or money order.

Our mission is to provide the highest quality music education to homeschoolers at an unbeatable price. We are able to do this thanks to the generosity of our annual donors who believe in our mission and partner with us to give the gift of music to homeschooled families. Without them, each class would cost about 3x the listed price!

The enrollment fee covers cost of shirts, insurance, facility costs, administration fees, and more. It also holds a student's spot in GCHFA!

All payments to GCHFA are nonrefundable. We believe that music education is as valuable and important as academic subjects and sports programs. Thus, we hope that you will give this program the serious commitment it deserves. We understand that there may be special circumstances that could prevent your students from participating and will make a few exceptions to this policy: Serious illness in the immediate family Death or unemployment of a parent However, please note that we cannot make exceptions for students who choose to leave, re-enroll in school, refuse to comply with the agreed upon policies and are therefore dismissed from the program, etc.

At GCHFA, we understand the importance of consistent participation and dedication to the rehearsal process for a successful performance. Therefore, students who miss the two rehearsals leading up to a performance may become ineligible to participate. However, we recognize that extenuating circumstances may arise, and any exceptions for those who miss these rehearsals will be at the discretion of the instructor. Our goal is to maintain a high standard of performance and create an environment that fosters commitment and growth for all our students.

It takes many hands to make an organization like GCHFA run smoothly. Due to the number of students involved, we need every family to be involved in the operation of GCHFA. Approximately 1-1½ hours each week is needed per family to help things run in an efficient manner, along with help for concerts and instrument fittings. There are many jobs to do that will be posted on SignUp.com such as classroom helpers or monitors, set up and clean up duties, concessions coordinator, fundraising, etc. If you feel that you are too busy to volunteer, you just need some “me” time, or your child is old enough to drive themselves, you can opt-out of volunteering by adding our $200 "Non-volunteer" fee to your tuition.

No, GCHFA is not a drop-off program. Parents must always be aware of their children's whereabouts; even some classes for younger students require parents/guardians to be present in the classroom. However, students old enough to take care of themselves (e.g., students who can drive themselves) may be left with parental and GCHFA’s consent.

Yes, GCHFA relies on family involvement to operate smoothly. We ask every family to take on a regular volunteer role throughout the school year. Many roles can be filled during class time, such as: Classroom Attendant: Assists in keeping classes running smoothly, taking attendance. Setup or Cleanup Crew: Helps prepare or reset spaces before or after classes. Playground Attendant: Oversees students playing on the playground. And many more! For those with limited availability on campus, there are flexible roles like: Photographer: Works on scheduled days, covers concerts, and edits photos outside of class times. Volunteer Coordinator: Ensures volunteer roles are filled and communicates with families. Social Coordinator: Plans fun activities outside of GCHFA to help families connect. And many more!

Private lessons are not required to participate in GCHFA, but many of our instructors offer them. Families interested in private lessons can arrange them directly with the instructors.

You can support GCHFA's mission to provide music education to homeschoolers by making a donation through our website. Click on the link "Donate" on our homepage, and you will be directed to a secure donation page where you can choose to make a one-time donation or set up a recurring donation. Your generosity will help us continue offering music lessons, instruments, and educational programs to children in need, making a meaningful and lasting impact in their lives. Thank you for considering to support GCHFA's mission through your donation. You may also click this link to take you directly to our donation site: https://givebutter.com/gchfa

Choosing the right music class for your child can be a daunting task, but there are a few things to consider that can help you make an informed decision. First, think about your child's age and skill level. If your child is just starting out, a beginner's class with students of a similar age may be the best option. If your child has some experience, a more advanced class may be appropriate. Next, consider the type of music your child is interested in. If your child has a specific genre or instrument in mind, look for classes that cater to those interests. Finally, take into account practical considerations such as location and schedule. Look for classes that are conveniently located and fit within your family's schedule. It's also a good idea to read reviews or ask for recommendations from other parents or music teachers.

At this time, GCHFA does not offer a piano class. Those who have had previous experience on piano may audition for Jazz Lab or our top jazz band, Fusion.

At this time, GCHFA does not offer a guitar class. Those who have had previous experience on guitar may audition for Jazz Lab or our top jazz band, Fusion.

GCHFA hosts various Open House throughout the course of the school year! Those who are interested in classes may attend by signing up for free on our website, at GCHFA.org. Besides that, all students participating in classes must be enrolled ahead of time.

The schedule for classes at GCHFA is currently under development due to our recent move to our new location. We are working diligently to ensure that the schedule will be as conducive as possible for families, instructors, and space. We understand the importance of having this information as you are making plans for the upcoming school year, and we assure you that the schedule will be released soon. Thank you for your understanding and patience as we work to provide you with the best possible class offerings at GCHFA.

Your child is eligible for the following classes (click on any to view): 0 - 4: Music & Motion 5 - 8: Primary Choir

Your child is eligible for the following classes (click on any to view): 5 - 8: Elementary Choir 6 - 8: Recorder Karate 7 - 9: Applied Violin & Viola 7+: Applied Cello & Bass

Your child may be eligible for the following classes (click on any to view): Concert Band 10+: Beginning Band 11+: Intermediate Band (Requires at least 1 year of Beginning Band or an audition) 11+: Advanced Band (Admittance by audition only) Jazz Band 11+: Jazz Lab (Requires at least 1 year of Beginning Band or an audition) 11+: Fusion (Admittance by audition only) Orchestra 10+: Applied Violin & Viola 10+: Applied Cello 10+: Applied Bass 8+: Beginning Orchestra (Requires at least 1 year of Applied Strings or an audition) 9+: Intermediate Orchestra (Admittance by audition only) 11+: Advanced Orchestra (Admittance by audition only) Other 10 - 13: Girls Choir (Vocal assessment required) 10 - 13: Boys Choir (Vocal assessment required) 11+: Mixed Choir (Vocal assessment required) 7 - 10: WindStars 10+: Music Theory I (Included with Applied String or Beginning Band classes) 10+: Music Theory II (Included with Applied String or Beginning Band classes)

Your child may be eligible for the following classes (click on any to view): Concert Band 10+: Beginning Band 11+: Intermediate Band (Requires at least 1 year of Beginning Band or an audition) 11+: Advanced Band (Admittance by audition only) Jazz Band 11+: Jazz Lab (Requires at least 1 year of Beginning Band or an audition) 11+: Fusion (Admittance by audition only) Orchestra 10+: Applied Violin & Viola 7+: Applied Cello 7+: Applied Bass 8+: Beginning Orchestra (Requires at least 1 year of Applied Strings or an audition) 9+: Intermediate Orchestra (Admittance by audition only) 11+: Advanced Orchestra (Admittance by audition only) Other 11+: Mixed Choir (Vocal assessment required) 10+: Music Theory I (Included with Applied String or Beginning Band classes) 10+: Music Theory II (Included with Applied String or Beginning Band classes)

Depending on the age range, your child is eligible for the following classes (click on any to view): Ages 0 - 5 0 - 5: Music & Motion Ages 6 - 10 6 - 9: Elementary Choir 10 - 13: Junior Choir 7 - 10: Recorder Karate 7 - 10: Nuvo Instruments (pre-band) 7 - 9: Applied Violin & Viola 7+: Applied Cello & Bass 10+: Beginning Band 9+: Music Theory I (Included with Applied String or Beginning Band classes) Ages 11+ 10 - 13: Junior Choir 14+: Senior Choir 10+: Beginning Band 10+: Applied Violin & Viola 7+: Applied Cello & Bass 9+: Music Theory I (Included with Applied String or Beginning Band classes)

There are 3 main avenues of receiving money that can be applied to your tuition to cover up to the full cost: Step Up - Personalized Education Program (PEP) Step Up - Scholarships for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA) RaiseRight - Free and easy rebate program Learn more about them here: https://www.gchfa.org/scholarships We also provide the GCHFA Vera & Imre Hecht Foundation Music Scholarship to students who are looking to pursue music as a major or minor at the collegiate level.

The GCHFA Vera & Imre Hecht Music Scholarship is a scholarship program offered through Gulf Coast Homeschool Fine Arts (GCHFA) and generously funded by the Vera and Imre Hecht Foundation. This scholarship program is offered to graduating high school seniors who will attend a college or university in the fall of the same year and pursue a music major or minor. The purpose of this scholarship is to provide financial assistance for student-musicians to receive a college education in music which can be applied to teaching and performing music in Florida’s Gulf Coast communities and beyond. Learn more and apply here: https://www.gchfa.org/scholarships#hecht-scholarship

Please contact Cathy at catherinecallari@outlook.com.

GCHFA provides detailed invoices and resources to help families submit for reimbursement through their Step Up for Students (SUFS) scholarships. Learn more in the PEP / SUFS section of our FAQ page.

All students at GCHFA are required to participate in 2 yearly performances - the GCHFA Winter Concert and the GCHFA Spring Concert. Additional opportunities may arise for specific ensembles, and Fusion, our showcase jazz band, typically performs about once a month. These performances provide students with valuable stage experience, the chance to showcase their skills, and the opportunity to share their love for music with friends, family, and the community. GCHFA believes that these performance opportunities are a crucial part of the learning process and help students develop confidence and a sense of accomplishment in their musical journey.

For GCHFA Concerts, students are required to wear all black, with unique specifications for ladies and gentlemen: Ladies: - Black blouse (long or 3/4 length sleeves) - Black skirt (must cover knees or lower) - Black tights (if skirt does not cover ankles) or black socks - Black, closed-toed shoes Gentlemen: - Black, button-down, long-sleeved shirt - Black tie (or holiday colored for Winter Concert) - Black pants - Black socks (or holiday colored for Winter Concert) - Black shoes Fusion has altered concert attire and must adhere to the standards given by the director.