Zion UCC, 2nd and Iron Streets in Lehighton will be hosting its fourth annual summer Music Academy on Sunday, August 4, through Thursday August 8 from 6:30 - 8 p.m.

This free program is offered to any school aged child grades K-12 and to younger children accompanied by a parent.The program offers multiple choices for the participants. They can participate in one or all of the offered stations.There will be a station where musical crafts are designed. This is a favorite for many of the younger participants. There will also be choral opportunities for those who enjoy singing.The academy also features a junior band with participants from grade 3-8 who already play a musical instrument and will feature a senior band with students from grades 9 to 12 and returning college students.There will be a recorder class to those students who are interested in learning how to play this fun instrument.Several music educators and college aged music education majors will be on hand to assist the students as well as many dedicated volunteers who enjoy helping youngsters have a better appreciation and understanding of organized music.A short presentation will be given at 7 p.m. on Thursday, where the participants will demonstrate the music and crafts they have worked on during the week. The public is invited to attend this event which is held in the sanctuary of Zion UCC.For more information on this event, contact Brad Cressley, director of music at Zion UCC at 610-392-1810 or at

ccmusic@ptd.net.This year's assistant coordinator is Maria Donati, a senior at Jim Thorpe Area High school who is aiding with the academy as part of her senior project.