Submitted photo

Youth gathered in the sanctuary of Cornerstone UMC during the 39th Annual Dorothy Knost Workshop.

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Portia Williams

PDT Staff Writer

The 40th Annual Dorothy Knost Children’s Summer Workshop is set to take place June 17-21 at Cornerstone United Methodist Church. The workshops are free and open to children grades one through eight.

Becky Climer serves as a co-director for the Dorothy Knost Workshop and has been a part of the workshop since its inception.

“I serve as the co-director for the workshop with Amy Howard. I have been involved with the Dorothy Knost Children’s Summer Music Workshop since its beginning. Mrs. Knost asked me to teach a class during the workshop in 1974,” Climer said.

According to Climer, Knost stepped away from the administration of the workshop and a committee was formed to continue Knost’s legacy.

“I am honored to remain part of this wonderful opportunity for a varied musical experience for our area children,” Climer said.

Judy Riley, a 38-year member of the planning committee for the workshop, said this year’s workshop is very special because it is the 40th year.

“This will be the 40th year that the Dorothy Knost Children’s Summer Workshop will be offered to children in our community. We are excited and are planning activities to celebrate,” Riley said.

Riley said Knost’s vision embodied cultural awareness for the youth in the local area.

“She had such a vision for the children of our area and she knew that there was a lack of cultural activities available to them. It is unbelievable that the workshop has carried on many years after her death. It is exciting to see how children respond to music and it can enrich their lives,” Riley said.

According to Riley, all teachers and volunteers involved give freely of their time and talents each summer. A variety of classes are offered and each participant can choose two classes to experience.

A composer will be studied during the week and instruments are provided.

Daily concerts are a part of the program and are open to the community. There will be a culminating program on the Friday evening of the workshop at Cornerstone. Registration and participation in the workshop is free.

The dates for the workshop will be June 17-21. Registration will be open until June 7, 2013, but choice of classes is based on the availability and the order in which children register. Registrations are available by calling the church office, 740-353-2548, or online at www.cumc-portsmouth.org.

“We have continued to grow this program and have developed a strong, caring staff of individuals who share our commitment of the importance of music in our children, our community and our society,” Climer said.

Portia Williams may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 286 or portiawilliams@civitasmedia.com. For breaking news, follow Portia on Twitter @ PortiaWillPDT.