Group singing class is focused on the basics of classical singing technique.  You'll learn exercises to improve your breath control as well as your vocal strength, range and clarity.  You'll also have a chance to apply your new technique to the repertoire of your choice.  

Please bring two printed copies of the sheet music for a song of your choice to work on over the course of the month. Students of all levels are welcome.

Singing teacher and classical singer Abigail Dyer was born in West Orange, New Jersey. With a private voice studio in St Augustine Beach and over 20 years' experience teaching opera professionals and amateur singers alike, Abby specializes in developing healthy vocal technique in the service of expressive singing.

Abby is a graduate of Vassar College (BA) and Columbia University (MA, M.Phil., Ph.D.), and the Mannes College Wagner Theater Program.

Class sessions will be held Tuesdays, April 7, 14, 21, 28 from 10:15 to 11:15 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Qigong is the art of cultivating our vital energy or life force using gentle movements coordinated with breathing. It promotes health and vitality. Tai Chi is the epitome of qigong. It is a healing art, a moving meditation, and a slow graceful dance. It relaxes the body and focuses the mind. It improves balance and posture. We'll learn a variety of standing qigong methods as well as the famous Cheng Man-Ching (Yang style) Tai Chi form. Please wear loose comfortable clothing and, if possible, flat-bottomed shoes.

Scott Farber, Ph.D., has been practicing and teaching Tai Chi & Qigong for over forty years. He has studied the form, push hands and sword.  As an apprentice in the international School of Tai Chi Chuan, he completed fifteen years of intensive teacher training.  A former college professor, he now serves as a health and wellness consultant, teaching yoga, tai chi and meditation.

Class sessions will be held on Tuesdays, April 7, 14, 21, 28 from 10:30 to 11:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine)

For ages 18 and up.

Intermediate Spanish class will focus on building upon existing  vocabulary and grammar knowledge to improve communication skills and fluency. This will include expanding vocabulary, refining grammar and practicing sentence variety and fluency.

Don’t forget your notebook (cuaderno) and pen/pencil (bolígrafo /lápiz). 

María Teresa Martínez is a native Spanish speaker, born in Havana, Cuba. Her family ancestry is from Spain. She came to the United States in 1968 and learned English as a high school student in Dover, Delaware. She has taught from early childhood to college level Spanish.  She also served as a medical and judicial interpreter for many years as the owner of a  translation and interpretation business. Since retiring to San Augustine she has enjoyed teaching Spanish classes at the River House/COA. Her courses provide an interesting mix of learning the Spanish language while enjoying tidbits about the colonial history of our city Saint Augustine and Spain. 

Class sessions will be held on Tuesdays, April 7, 14, 21, 28 from 11:45 to 1:15 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084).

For ages 18 and up.

Join Gina Marie for a lively and inspiring Zambra Mora class that blends the passion of Spanish fusion dance with expressive movement techniques. In this series of beginner friendly classes you’ll explore:  

• Dynamic dance combinations rooted in Spanish and fusion styles  
• Skirt work that adds flair and drama to your performance  
• Silk fan techniques to enhance your dance through graceful props  
• Creative expression that celebrates rhythm, artistry, and individuality

With years of teaching and performance experience, Gina brings her expertise, warmth, and energy to every class. Whether you’re new to Zambra Mora or looking to expand your repertoire, this class offers a fun, supportive environment to grow your skills and enjoy the beauty of dance.  

Dance shoes or barefoot in the studio.

Wear a full skirt if you have one. Gina will have a few loaners as well as practice fans.

Class sessions will be on Tuesdays, April 7, 14, 21, 28 from 11:45 to 12:45 at River House (179 Marine St. in St. Augustine)

For ages 18 and up.

Have fun and kick up your heels!

This fun line dance class will teach you popular line dances to various genres of music.

Beginners welcome. 

Dance has been an integral part of Ann's life. She has participated in line dance classes for many years and has provided private instruction to friends. Additionally, she has taught dances in the classes of other instructors.

Class sessions will be held on Tuesdays, April 7, 14, 21, 28 from 1 to 2 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Since everything has a vibrational frequency, including ourselves, it makes sense that sound frequencies impact how we feel. That’s why particular songs and types of music often bring about specific types of emotions. Vibrational sound healing therapy (sound bath) can retune your body, mind and spirit, while encouraging relaxation, healing and wellness. These sessions use therapeutic crystal and Tibetan singing bowls, "wind gong", and  tuning forks and other sound vibration tools. The combination of tones and vibrations that produce a state of tranquility and act as a massage for the nervous system create a state of vibrational balance and harmony.

Participants are encouraged to be in a resting position. Best if on the floor with a yoga mat or a portable reclining chair but sitting up also works. Many enjoy having a light sheet or blanket to place over them.

Simply rest with eyes closed and listen as the practitioner plays a variety of instruments and you “bathe” in the soothing sounds and vibrations. Sound frequencies slow down the brain waves to a deeply restorative state which activates the body’s system of self-healing. Crystal bowls are tuned to chakras as well as the tuning forks. The gong, harp, bowls and tuning forks helps release tension in the body and stimulates the glandular and nervous system. Vocal chanting sometimes is added which further releases stagnant energy of the organs and as in singing lifts our spirit. As in humming and sound frequency, nitric oxide is release and enhances our cellular state within.

Sharon has been on her journey since 2000, trained in Woodstock, NY with Master trainers of Sound and Frequency. She is a Qigong Practitioner, Senior Trainer of IIQTC Tai Chi Easy Leader, certified in various Tai Chi Health forms, Master Reiki and energy healer, and completed studies in MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction)

Class sessions will be held on Tuesdays, April 7, 14, 21, 28 from 2:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Learn to play the traditional French game of Pétanque. You will find the outdoor game of pétanque (pronounced pétonk) being played in almost every town and village in southern France. All it takes to play the game is a set of two or more metal boules (balls), each ball weighing about 1.5 pounds; a small colorful target ball made of wood (called a cochonnet); and a players’ ring approximately 28 inches in diameter. The game is usually played on an outdoor gravel, sandy or grass surface. 

There are dozens of pétanque clubs throughout the United States. In the United States, the sport is governed by the Pétanque Federation of America. State and regional tournaments take place on a regular basis throughout the U.S. The sport is very popular with retired folks who sometimes play it well into their eighties. It is a wonderful activity for stimulating the physical and mental processing skills of people of all ages. The game is very easy to learn, but it takes practice and patience to become a skilled player.

The Pétanque classes will take place on a patch of gravel and grass behind the car park on the South West side of the COA building at 180 Marine St., but registration for the class is at River House (179 Marine St.)

Participants can wear any outdoor clothing, along with any outdoor shoes, but NOT sandals, flip-flops or shoes with exposed toes. You are encouraged to bring water, wear a hat with a brim or peak and use sunscreen. Also, bring a folding chair if you want a place to sit.

Class sessions will be on Wednesdays, April 8, 15, 22, 29 from 1:30 to 2:30 (no class session on April 1) at River House (179 Marine St. in St. Augustine)

For ages 18 and up.

Discover a yoga practice that has therapeutic benefits for seniors who may not be able to stand for long periods of time or may be uncomfortable seated on the floor.

Class sessions will be held on Thursdays, April 9, 16, 23, 30 (no class session on April 2) from 9:00 - 10:00 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.