Music
African Drum For Fun Session 2 (Tuesday, 1:30-2:30)
Leader: Sue & Ron Smith
Capacity: 20
Location: Masonic Hall
Prerequisite for this activity is to have taken African Drum for Fun Session 2 (Jan – May ) or any new participants must have drumming experience. Our group will build on previously learned skills and add more rhythms to their repertoire. And the laughing continues! The priority is set to Priority 4 so applicants do not need to make a decision.
Drumming – West African Intermediate
(Tuesday, 12:00-1:00)
Start Date March 10th
Leader: Heather Lance
Capacity: 25
Location: Masonic Hall
Using the djembe, we will learn different tones this beautiful instrument can produce. There are many rhythms from West Africa that we will learn along with some wonderful rhythmic patterns. These rhythms will be played in unison as well as layering complementary rhythmic patterns to produce an amazing West African song. The rhythms learned will be from countries such as: Guinea, Ghana, Senegal and Nigeria. Participants must have some experience with drumming. I come with 20 years experience with West African drumming and have worked with both adults and teens (grades 7-12 – “big baNG”). I love to drum and hope to share my passion for drumming with you. Drums will not be provided. Please come with a djembe or let me know if you may need to borrow one (I do have a few, but not many). This activity has been set to Priority 4 to accept all applicants with previous drumming experience
Drumming Circle (Monday, 2:45-4:15)
Leader: Fred Bowen/Mary Beckstead
Capacity: 35
Location: SA North
For persons wishing to learn basic djembe drum skills, or expand on existing skills, this drum circle activity is right for you. This drumming class runs like a drum circle with explanation and input from the leader and the participants. Participants are introduced to and learn an eclectic spectrum of drum beats. Participants are encouraged to purchase their own drum but if you are just wishing to explore what drum circle is all about, you may borrow one provided by the instructor(s) until you find your rhythm. This type of activity is suitable to helping individuals who may be experiencing challenges due to a mild stroke or other related illnesses caused by the aging process. Drum circle may be referred to as a type of (Unofficial Drum Therapy). This activity is set to a Priority 4 to accept all applicants.
Guitar – Beginner Plus (Tuesday, 1:00-2:00; 2:30-3:30)
Leader: Paul Bullock
Capacity: 10; 10
Location: WSUC Heritage Hall
This workshop is for those who are already able to play a small number of chords. The objective is to have fun and improve your ability to perform songs. A variety of strumming techniques will also be shown. Each week a new song will be introduced and the previous week’s song will be practiced. The hope is that if one song that is appealing, you will practice it often and the effort will not be a chore. Music stands are available in the room but if you have your own please bring it. A capo and guitar tuner will also be needed. During the semester, if needed, you’ll be shown how to change a set of strings. It is suggested that each guitar has a strap. Applicants will be chosen who have the prerequisite skills and rate this activity with a high priority.
Guitar – Acoustic Intermediate (Wednesday, 1:30-3:30)
Leader: Polly Beach
Capacity: 15
Location: WSUC Heritage Hall
This activity will enable intermediate level guitar players to improve their playing skills. It is based on players sharing their knowledge and skills, to develop and polish songs. With input from your peers, the group aims to include workshop topics such as: intros and outros to songs, tempo and strumming patterns, down strokes and upstrokes, choosing the right key for your voice, finding the start note, chord shapes and chord changing using ‘anchor’ fingers, bass runs, and simple finger picking. Group members are encouraged to present information on music related topics e.g. bar chords, the chromatic scale and transposing. They are also encouraged to bring 1-3 songs they are working on each week. We use a shared Google Drive folder to upload pdfs of our chosen songs for members to follow. We often repeat songs from week to week. Only applicants who can play at an intermediate level will be considered. This activity is ideal for intermediate level guitar players. Rating the activity with a high priority will show your commitment
Music Jam (Wednesday, 1:30-4:00)
Leader: Allan Brown
Capacity: 20
Location: Masonic Hall
This activity is for anyone who enjoys getting together to play and sing for the love of music. Each participant brings whatever instrument they play as well as any music (electronic or paper) they may have. Each member takes their turn choosing a song to play and everyone joins in to create a jam. We also welcome anyone without specific songs but just wanting to play along. All genres of music are welcome. We enjoy the talents of all whether on keyboard, string, percussion or wind instruments or simply your voice. This way everyone gets involved. We always welcome new members and participants that wish to float in and out during our time together to suit their schedule. This activity will be set to a Priority 4 to accept all you apply.
Intermediate Music Jam (Monday, 1:00-2:30)
Leader: David Lee
Capacity: 20
Location: WSUC Heritage Hall
The activity has a goal of having musicians listen to each other and respect a common version of the song. This includes an agreed-upon rhythm, tempo, timing, key, melody, chord changes and harmonies in line with the chords used. It is more a workshop format with the involved musicians listening to a version of the song on YouTube or some other video service. Members will bring a song to the group for consideration, and the group will work on the song making it performance ready. This may require some musicians to change instruments or add other instruments and experiment and stretch their skills and abilities.
Ukulele Strumalong
Leader: Polly Beach & Loretta Corbeil Jan 30 – Mar 06, then take a break resuming Mar 27 to April 24 – 11 weeks.
Capacity: 30
Location: SA-S
Lead by Polly Beach , ukulele enthusiasts of all levels (from brand newbies to seasoned performers) are warmly welcome to enjoy a fun Friday morning of strumming to a wide variety of music genres. We play Rock ‘n Roll, Pop, Folk and more. Knowing the C F and G cord will be handy however not critical. We are all here to learn, improve and have an enjoyable session.
Ideally you will bring a ukulele and a music stand . To be as inclusive as possible song sheets will be provided in a variety of methods to suite the individual learner.
We look forward to seeing new and returning members join us on our musical journey
Ukulele Marmalade (Tuesday, 9:30-11:00)
Leader: Larry Stafford
Capacity: 15
Location: WSUC Heritage Hall
This is an ideal activity for intermediate ukulele players who are comfortable changing chords smoothly and enjoy singing as they play. Members are encouraged to bring a song or two each week to work on with the group. We will repeat songs often to improve our skills and enhance them. Using peer to peer support, we will learn new chords, strumming patterns and even new styles of music. We will share pdfs of songs using a shared Google Drive folder so members can either print off copies or use a tablet or iPad to read music on. Come for the strum and stay for the fun! Selection of participants will be those who meet the prerequisite and by a higher priority level for this activity.
