FINDING THE VOICE INSIDE; SINGING LESSONS PROVIDE A FOUNDATION FOR FUN.

Byline: Angela Randazzo Daily News Staff Writer

Holding a fake rose in one hand, Bonnie Berlin stood in a classroom at the Goebel Senior Center singing an aria from ``Carmen.''

The high notes were a little off and the French shaky, but that was to be expected. The Thousand Oaks resident was just getting over the flu and she had never sung in French before.

And besides, it was all in fun.

``Singing is something I always wanted to do. It's also a nice mom's night out,'' said Berlin, who has an 8-year-old daughter.

Berlin is a member of Vocal Music Fundamentals, a workshop started by music coach Suzanne Valentino. The classes meet once a week for 10 sessions and have become a popular addition to the senior center's activities.

Students don't have to be seniors to join; the singers range in age from 19 to over 60. Valentino welcomes beginners as well as seasoned singers. Most of Valentino's students don't have any musical background, but they all share a love of music.

``It's fun to work with people who want to learn,'' Valentino said.

Valentino graduated from the California State University, Northridge, with a degree in music, and went on to a diverse career of musical theater, opera and solo concerts. The former Thousand Oaks resident, who now lives in Chatsworth, started the workshop at the Goebel center in 1996.

``These are people who were afraid to open their mouths,'' Valentino said. ``It's satisfying to see how they have grown and developed.''

Students join the class for different reasons. Berlin, who has been in class sessions spanning a year and a half, wants to gain confidence so that she can audition for small theater companies.

``I don't even have to pass the audition. I just want to give it a shot,'' she said.

Patients of Dr. Martin Bernstone might be surprised to hear him humming ``Hey There You With the Stars in Your Eyes'' from ``The Pajama Game,'' a song he is learning. The Van Nuys resident joined the class after a chance meeting with Valentino.

``This is my first instruction in singing,'' Bernstone said. ``It's a blast.''

Real estate agent Valerie Prieto has been with the group about 18 months. The Thousand Oaks resident only discovered she could sing when members of her church congregation commented on her lovely soprano voice.

``I only discovered I could sing three years ago when people encouraged me to join the church choir,'' Prieto said.

Taking the class has given her confidence. She joined the church choir and is now a soloist.

The classes are divided into two levels. Level one gives beginners a working knowledge of musical theory. Level two is for beginners who have improved their skills as well as more accomplished singers. Whatever the level, the goal is the same.

Each session culminates in a recital, which also offers the community an afternoon of free entertainment. This session's recital, Goebel Goes to Broadway, will be held at 2 p.m. on Aug. 30 at the Goebel Senior Center, 1385 Janss Road in Thousand Oaks. Refreshments will be served.

For class information call the Goebel Senior Center [phone].

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PHOTO (Color) Students in Suzanne Valentino's singing class at the Goebel Senior Center in Thousand Oaks rehearse for their recital, ``Goebel Goes to Broadway.''

Gene Blevins/Special to the Daily News