Ensembles & Multi-instrument Classes
Ensembles provide the opportunity to play with others in a band setting on a regular basis. . . just what you need to become a better musician. Dust off your instrument and come out and play. This is a great way to meet other musicians with similar interests.
 
Ensemble I

Instructor: Colleen Heine
For all stringed instruments and singers.
Prerequisite: Ability to change between first position major chords and play simple melodies on your instrument.

If you play an instrument, but have not had much experience playing with a group, this class is for you. Learn your instrument’s role in a group and improve your rhythm and lead playing. This class will cover a variety of old-time tunes, bluegrass songs, and more.

 
Old-Time Ensemble

Instructor: Jim Nelson
For intermediate/advanced players of fiddle, guitar, banjo, bass, mandolin, and singers.
Prerequisite:
Ensemble I or previous experience playing in a group setting. Able to keep time, "hear" chord changes, change chords smoothly, play simple melodies by ear.
Learn the amazing variety of dance tunes and songs from the Appalachians to the Ozarks that set the foundation for American music. Each week we'll work on tunes together and arrive at the groove that is stringband music. Join the hoedown . . .

 
Bluegrass Ensemble
Instructor: Dave Mueller
For banjo, guitar, mandolin, Dobro, fiddle, bass, and singers.
Prerequisite: Ensemble I or previous experience playing in a group setting. Able to keep time, "hear" chord changes, change chords smoothly, play simple melodies by ear.

Have fun learning how to arrange and play bluegrass music with others. If you have been studying privately, this is a great class to take. Work on your back-up and lead playing as the group develops its dynamic. Before long, you’ll be able to join any bluegrass jam session even if you don’t know the song.

 

Blues Ensemble
 

Instructor: David Kohlhagen
Open to players of all acoustic stringed instruments (including guitar, steel-body guitar/Dobro, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, and string bass), harmonicas, and singers.
Prerequisite: Ensemble I or previous experience playing in a group setting. Able to keep time and change chords smoothly.

The purpose of this class is to kick out the jams in a variety of blues idioms, have a great time doing it, polish up and improve your lead and back up playing, and learn how to arrange vocal and instrumental performances. You will get valuable group playing experience that you can use to join any blues combo. We will draw on the great country blues traditions, including Mississippi, Texas, Chicago, ragtime, jug band, and blues-based gospel.

 
Monday Night JamClass
Instructor: Roy Farwell
Open to players of all acoustic stringed instruments, harmonicas, and singers.
Buy a booklet of tickets to use whenever you are able to attend the class. $10 each 90 minute session. Tickets sold in books of six ($60).
Each week you bring in a couple folk, bluegrass and country vocal tunes you'd like to do, along with copies of the tunes to hand out in class. We'll work on the vocals and instrumental parts to each tune to make it sound its best. So really is both a jam.....and a class. Meet new friends. Take home a bunch of new tunes each week. Polish your singing and playing.Since the tickets are valid any time, there's no need to worry about missing classes. If possible/applicable, please bring your own music stand and capo.