ASHLAND, Ky. —Aspire! Conservatory opens for its inaugural fall semester at First United Methodist Church in Ashland on Aug. 17 with an open house set for 2:30-5 p.m. on Sunday.

The conservatory will provide a wide range of instruction in the performing and visual arts for both young people and adults.

“This is a visionary program that will be good for both the Tri-State and our church,” said DeNeil Hartley, director of Aspire! Conservatory.

Aspire! Conservatory will offer group and individual music classes through its school of music and will give young people the opportunity to participate in music ensembles ranging from choirs to a wind symphony.

“These ensembles will give talented youngsters the opportunity to meet others from around the Tri-State with similar interests and talent levels while learning and performing together on a weekly basis,” said Hartley.

Hartley believes that the programs will improve students’ skills and will enhance their performance in school-related music activities.

Through the school of art, students can take weekly classes including drawing, painting, collage and sculpture for children and adults.

For adults looking to brush up on his or her dancing skills or to learn how to dance, the conservatory will offer classes geared toward students of all skill levels. Classes in ballroom and social dance as well as couples dance lessons will be offered.

“Aspire’s School of Dance will be strictly recreational,” said Hartley. “No dance experience is necessary or to enjoy or be successful in either of these classes.”

The conservatory’s FAITHworks Theatre Troupe will teach theatrical performance.

“The neat thing about this class is that in addition to building confidence and character within each student, the nature of the literature for FAITHworks will be Bible-based,” said Hartley. “It’s truly the only thing like it in the Tri-State.”

Students interested in learning more about the conservatory are invited to attend the open house and tour the conservatory facilities.