|
Avalon Music Academy offers several types of group-music
situations.
- Pre-School Music Classes
- String Ensemble
- Guitar Ensemble
- Rock Band (Combo) Class
- Guitar Jam (for Adults)
There are some musicians who love to perform, but are only
comfortable playing in group situations. The ensembles provide
the perfect opportunity to gain experience playing in a group
setting while learning to follow a conductor.
Anyone is welcome to join the ensembles at any time; membership
is not limited to students enrolled in individual lessons,
although these classes will not replace private lessons for
those in need of instruction. Rehearsals are once a week,
recitals and performances will take place several times a
year.
THE FUN-FACTOR:
The animosity often incurred in professional and community
orchestras between first- and second-stand players, or principal
and section players will not be permitted in these ensembles.
One of the ways to eliminate this potential problem is to
give everyone the chance to play first-stand, to be
in front of the conductor, and also to play last-stand, at
the back of the section. This arrangement allows everyone
to learn that, although we are here to gain experience and
become better players, we are also here to HAVE FUN. The "have
fun" part is continually reiterated and ensured by the
conductor.
What to bring to the ensemble rehearsals:
- your instrument
- a 3-ring binder for sheet music
- a pencil
- your enthusiasm and good humour
This is for violin, viola and cello students in RCM Introductory
to Grade 3 who have little or no orchestral or ensemble experience.
It is a great opportunity to develop the skill of following
a conductor and playing with other musicians.
Classes are 60 minutes long.
Conductor: Stephen Parton
Cost: $60/month for Avalon students, ($70 for those not taking
lessons at Avalon)
When: The next class will begin in September, but look
out for our Summer
Camps
Top
As the guitar is not an orchestral instrument (except in
a concerto), classical guitarists rarely find opportunities
to play in ensembles. The Guitar Ensemble is for guitarists
from RCM Introductory Grade and up. It is not limited to classical
students, but each player must be fairly comfortable reading
standard notation.
As there are not a great many pieces of music written for
several guitars, Stephen Parton has arranged a repertoire
for guitar ensemble, many pieces of which have been played
by the Victoria Guitar Orchestra (BC). Stephen has also arranged
music for his "Musicbox Guitar Ensemble", which
he conducted on Vancouver Island. This group of classical
guitarists, ages 6 to 14, won first and second place respectively
in the Upper (Vancouver) Island Music Festival, and the Greater
Victoria Performing Arts Festival (guitar ensemble categories).
Parton led the Musicbox Guitar Ensemble through other performances
at churches and senior's centers around Nanaimo, and at the
International Festival for Young Audiences 2000. The kids
have experienced the joys of performing for adjudicators,
appreciative audiences, and supportive parents.
Classes are 60 minutes long.
Conductor: Stephen Parton
Cost: $60/month for Avalon students, ($70 for those not taking
lessons at Avalon)
When: The next class will begin in September, but look
out for our Summer
Camps.
Top
The rock band class is geared towards those students who
have become competent on their instruments and are ready to
form a band, but lack the experience necessary to integrate
with other young musicians. We will provide all the equipment,
including drums and a sound system. Enrollment is limited
to drums, bass guitar, guitars, keyboards, and vocals.
Age range: well, if you're old enough to drive yourself to
the class, you may feel out of place here. However, if you're
a fan of Ozzy, Green Day, Nickelback and stuff that makes
your parents flee, give us a call!
Instructor: Mark Daum, Steve Parton
When: Saturdays (class is 2 hours)
Location: Dundas, Ancaster
Cost: $60-$80/month
There is also a rock band class in our Summer
Camp.
Top
The Guitar Jam class was put together with the intent of
giving an opportunity to adults wishing to play songs with
other adults of a similar skill level; the class is geared
towards people who have little or no experience in music.
The program will be enjoyable and stress-free, but at the
same time promises to help the participants develop the skills
necessary to play competantly with other musicians. Occasional
ear training and music theory concepts will be addressed and
applied as necessary, but in a relevant (and fun) context.
The material will range from easy to challenging, and will
consist primarily of classic rock, folk and blues (Beatles,
Cat Stevens, Neil Young, Eric Clapton, Pink Floyd,
CCR, Barenaked Ladies, Blue Rodeo, Bob Dylan, Simon &
Garfunkel, The Who etc).
The instructor is a well-respected bass player, vocalist and
music arranger who spends much of his time telling the guitar
players in his band what to do!
Instructor: Steve Parton.
When: Saturdays (for one hour)
Location: Dundas
Cost: $50/month ($60 for those not taking lessons at Avalon)
Top
|
