Ensembles

Jazz ensembles work on building a jazz repertoire and then polishing a set of music to perform. Performances happen every couple months. These groups are for adults  with separate groups for students teens and tweens.

Beginners to jazz will work on the fundamentals: good time keeping/swing feel, appropriate scales for improv over blues and modal jazz. More advanced players will also work on improvisation techniques, how to build a solo, phrasing, and a lot more.

Play a wide variety of latin styles ranging from Brazilian sambas to Cuban mambos

Come let off steam after work and get expert coaching in one of our Dad-Rock groups. You will be placed in a group with others at your level. Classic rock is on the menu and players are encouraged to suggest songs they know and like. Now available also is the RockDads Creative Improvisation Ensemble playing songs by the Grateful Dead, Allman Brothers, and other classic jam bands. Moms are welcome!

Jazz and rock ensembles are offered for students from 11 to 13 yrs old 

These groups work on easier, more groove oriented tunes while still working on the fundamentals of jazz and harmony. Led by Peter Cicco, these group do a mix of instrumental and vocal tunes. 

Learn how to mix jazz with samba and other Brazilian styles including bossa nova, partido alto, etc

Ready to strengthen your skills singing with other vocalists and musicians, and even leading a band? Join this jazz vocal ensemble led by Panayota Haloulakou! You will focus on how to clearly communicate with the rhythm section, including the use of lead sheets, giving concrete instructions and communicating a vision. We invite singers who already have some experience singing jazz and preferably (but not exclusively) singers who can read and write music. Original arrangements are highly encouraged, as well as original compositions. With plenty of guidance and instruction, you will prepare to perform 2 songs for each seasonal performance!

Led by top blues artist Cheryl Arena, these groups focus on  blues classics by artists like Little Walter and Sonny Boy Williamson.

There are worlds of music out there inhabited by specialists. We’re going to sneak in the side door, run away with some of their best pieces and make them our own. Who says you have to exclusively play: jazz, folk, early music, Baroque, pop, or bluegrass… to be good at it? Variety, reinterpretation, fusion, fun music making… It’s genre bending so we’ll break all the rules, but have a great time. Most importantly, we will play music, a lot of music. 

Who can join?
Guitar, mandolin, bass, hand percussion, singers, wind players… all are welcome. Readers and non-readers. We're looking for musicians willing to experiment, create something new from something old. 

Jazz and rock ensembles are offered for teens.