The Wood River YMCA is more than just a gym. It offers lectures and classes, and also has facilities such as a media center that houses a recording studio and editing suite, which many members know little about.
"At the moment, movies can be made in iMovie, but we will have Final Cut Pro," said instructor Tom Nash. "The summer camp for Hemingway Elementary used the facility this summer, and the kids had a lot of fun and really knew what they were doing."
Nash wears many hats, from filmmaking to teaching the Y's Mommy and Me music program, teaching music to pre-schoolers and teaching elementary school drama at The Community School.
"I am always looking for a space to do programs," Nash said. "If anyone wants to come, it is an open-door facility with some supervision and low costs."
There are ten Apple computer stations and a state-of-the-art recording studio for digital recording on the top floor. The recording studio is equipped with piano and drums.
The facility offers the opportunity to make movies, compose music, create photo projects and design DVDs. In addition, individual or group classes are available with professional instruction. The studio and computer lab is for all ages.
The Y is considering offering programs such as Home Video Collaboration, Make Your Own Movie, Digital Recording Class and iPhoto and Albums in the new year to introduce members and non-members to the facility. In addition, the Y wants to offer computer classes for Web site construction, blogging and Microsoft Office Programs.
"I have had a group of clients do voiceovers and lots of music things," said recording studio manager Jason Vontver. "People can come in and record their stories or just mess around."
For details on costs and use of the studio and the computer lab, contact Tom Nash at 720-8216 or e-mail skydrum@cox.net or Jason Vontver for the recording studio at 726-8375.
Jason Vontver, on electric guitar, and Tom Nash, on drums, rock out in the Y’s recording studio in Ketchum. Photo by Sabina Dana Plasse
