Category: Kids Programming

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Bemidji Sings! Call for Vocalists

Headwaters Music & Arts invites amateur singers to take part in Bemidji Sings!, an annual vocal competition celebrating the musical talents of youth and adults who live, work or attend school in Bemidji.

Amateur singers 13+ who are interested in taking part must register to audition by 5 pm Monday, June 6. Auditions are scheduled for noon-6 pm Saturday, June 11 and and 10 am-2 pm Sunday, June 12, 2022. They will be in person, with the option to meet with judges via Zoom and will take less than one hour.

Bemidji Sings! is separated into two age divisions: 13-20 and 21 and over and up to 7 singers from each age division will be chosen to perform at the July 15 Bemidji Sings! Vocal Competition.

Singers will be chosen based on their audition performance where they will be asked to sing one song. Auditioning vocalists will be evaluated based on their vocal skills, presentation skills, audience response, and judge's overall impression. Only individual contestants are eligible – no multiple singers or additional instruments may be used.

Those that do move on to the July 15 Bemidji Sings! Vocal Competition will compete for cash prizes and the chance to compete at the Minnesota Sings Vocal Competition in October. The top two finalists in each age category will represent Bemidji at the statewide Minnesota Sings Vocal Competition October 1-2 in New Ulm, MN.

Bemidji Sings! is sponsored by Headwaters Music & Arts with support from Supple Studios.

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Announcing Block 2 of Headwaters Jam Band

Headwaters Music and Arts is in the midst of it’s first block of Jam Band. The 8 week program, which is dedicated to exploring instrumental improvisation and composition in a group setting, started at the beginning of April with a group of talented and aspiring teen musicians. The group meets weekly on Thursday evenings, 5-7 pm, at Headwaters Music and Arts (519 MN Ave NW, Bemidji) and is for all instruments and genres – a fact the teens, who come from varying musical backgrounds, have been learning as they work together to create their own music in a format that they all enjoy. As the teens have been digging in and exploring beyond the basics of music theory they have found new skills and techniques while learning to play in a group and as a band. Each participant has been challenged to add their own parts to the mix, coming up with their own rhythm and melody lines on their preferred instrument. Block 1 of Jam Band ends at the end of May, but Headwaters is already taking registrations for Block 2 which runs June 3 through July 22. There will be a total of 4 Blocks of Jam Band this year so if you know a teen who is interested but can’t make it to Block 2 they have opportunities at Block 3 (August 5 – September 23) or Block 4 (October 7 – December 2).

Headwaters Jam Band is for teen musicians ages 13-18 with prior experience with their instrument. The group is led by Cassidy Jay, a professional musician, composer and audio engineer with 20 years of experience playing in bands and writing songs. Cassidy teaches the group how to use their senses and intuition to identify and apply patterns, rhythm, scales and phrasing to compose and improvise. Participants learn how to play in a group setting with a band and how to fit into the mix as an individual with their instrument.

Participants gather weekly to jam out and explore important aspects of song structure, song dynamics, song phrasing, band organization and the social dynamics of playing in a group. This, all while practicing how to be in the moment

when playing, and using the powers of intuition and personal expression. Headwaters Jam Band offers an open atmosphere and creative environment where musicians can collaborate, make new friends, grow together and forge a greater personal understanding of the musical world.

Cassidy has been a member of various bands as a multi instrumentalist, vocalist and songwriter. Through that and his solo work he has delved deep into the study and practice of creating and playing music with an emphasis on song composition, as well as the art of improvisation and using intuition as a guiding force for articulating musical expression. Of his work Cassidy says, “My goal as a musician is to distill everything I have learned from my experiences into writing and playing, in a pursuit to be a conduit for creativity and explore uncharted territory in the music realm.”

Participants are required to provide their own instruments and amps (if applicable) with the exception of the drum kit. The cost to attend is $75/ 8 week block. Advance registration is required – limited spots available. Register here.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota, through a grant from the Region 2 Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

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Virtual Art with Diamond: Paper Patterns

This weeks video teaches a simple but fun technique for making lovely decorations. This video gives a few examples and ideas how to draw a shape and create a pattern to make a garland. The project can be adapted for creating stencils, paper puppets card decals, etc. I was inspired to make the paper garland in the video from seeing all the hearts hanging in everyone’s windows. I love making making paper snowflakes and other paper cutouts and I figured what a lovely addition to the colorful window displays folks are making for themselves/ neighbors/ strangers.

You will need:

• Paper
• Scissors
• Pencil or other drawing implement
• Possibly something to color with
• Possibly shapes to trace

Mothers day is this Sunday. I always made my own gifts during holidays, often using art class or other school projects to create the gifts. I know that it is probably harder for some kids to create those handmade gifts for the matrons in their life since they are not at school. Since this project only requires paper and scissors it is accessible and gives kids an opportunity to use their imagination to decorate their home environments for themselves and their family. Any paper can be used for this project and after the decorations come down they can be cut up for scrapbooks/ card/ mobiles/ fridge magnets/ etc.

Even though this week’s video is simple and aimed at a bit younger audience it is still for all ages. Cutting paper is pretty relaxing and turns out some awesome results. You can make the garlands as complex as you would like. In reality, paper cutting is actually a fine art form. Try Googling “paper cutouts as fine art” and look at all the phenomenal pieces 🙂 For now though I just encourage you to share your paper garlands with the world via your windows and then please send photos! If you you feel comfortable please share your creation in the comments or email to diamond.knispel@headwatersmusicandarts.org. Happy Mothers Day!

Diamond Knispel
Art Teacher | Marketing & Arts Program Coordinator
Headwaters Music & Arts

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Preschool Offerings Spring 2020

Headwaters Music & Arts is proud to announce their latest in preschool programming. Set for Spring 2020 Mini Musician and Lil Artist are both 8 session programs that will introduce pre-k children and their guardians to the very basics of music and art through fun, hands on, activities. The cost to attend is $100 per child ($90 for Headwaters members)

Mini Musician
Mini Musician, an 8 session program led by experienced general music teacher Leisa Bragg, will be packed with singing, movement and dance. Held 4:45 – 5:30 pm on Monday, kids and adults will explore the building blocks of music together through play and experimentation.

Leisa Bragg is an instructor of piano, voice and clarinet at Headwaters Music & Arts with over 20 years experience in Colorado as a public school band, choir and general music teacher, theater and church music director, and private lesson instructor. Leisa brings her core belief that "music is a vital part of everyone's existence, no matter what the age" and looks forward to sharing her knowledge and passion for music with Bemidji area children and adults.

8 sessions held 4:45 – 5:30pm on Mondays, Feb. 3rd – March 23rd

Lil Artist
Lil Artist is an 8 session art program held on Tuesdays from 3:15 – 4:00. The program. Led by Diamond Knispel, will be filled with fun and messy art projects that will introduce pre-k children to basic art concepts such as color and texture while exploring age-appropriate media.

Diamond Knispel is a local artists and art instructor with 8 years of experience teaching art to various ages and abilities through tutoring and group classes. Diamond believes creating and learning about art is as much about the process as it is the outcome, and she brings this belief into her teaching, putting an emphasis on fun and exploration.

Tuesdays, 2:45-3:30pm | 8 Sessions, Feb. 4th – March 24th

Both programs take place at Headwaters (519 Minnesota Ave NW, Bemidji). Advance registration is required as there are Limited number of spots available. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The cost to attend is $100 per child ($90 for Headwaters members).

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Carrie Dlutkowski Visits Bemidji

Headwaters Music & Arts hosts Michigan fiddler and step dancer Carrie Dlutkowski for a concert and a series of workshops providing an overview of the history, style and repertoire of one of three styles of fiddle music: Scottish, French-Canadian, and Metis. With one workshop for ages 5-11, the rest of the workshops are for beginner to advanced fiddle players ages 12 to adult. Participants can choose to attend one workshop or all four sessions. Participants will gain an appreciation of the rich cultural histories behind these musical styles and begin building a repertoire of tunes while exploring the stylistic nuances that make different kinds of fiddle music unique. Sunday's Step Dance workshop is open to all; it complements the fiddle workshops but does not require fiddle playing experience.

Thursday, October 24th
• 6-7 pm – Fiddlin’ Around is a free opportunity for students age 5-11 with any level of playing experience. On Thursday October 24th, 6-7pm, students can bring their violin or fiddle and join fiddler and step dancer Carrie Dlutkowski as the group explores tunes that are adaptable and creative. Students will be able to take the tunes with them as they can be played alone or in a group, by people of any level of experience, and are meant to be crafted by the musicians themselves. Students will develop the confidence to take the tunes home and “play with” them! Students should be accompanied by a guardian. Adults are encouraged to bring a device for recordings which will be useful in future practice.

Friday, October 25
• 6-9 pm Scottish Fiddle Music $25

Saturday, October 26
• 9 am-noon French-Canadian Fiddle Music $25

• 1-4 pm Métis Fiddle Music $25

• 7-9 pm – Carrie Dlutkowski in concert. Carrie will be joined by Minnesota performers Brian Miller and Norah Rendell, musicians and singers with strong backgrounds in Canadian music. Free will donation.

Sunday, October 27
• 1-3 pm Introduction to Ottawa Valley Step Dancing, Students will develop an understanding of the basics of Ottawa Valley step dancing, and of the history that influenced its evolution as a dance form. No fiddle playing experience required. $10 fee

As a classical musician, Dlutkowski has performed in various solo, symphony orchestra and opera orchestra, music theater, and chamber ensemble settings. An accomplished folk musician, she has played in concerts, festivals, interpretive programs, for dances, and on the air. Dlutkowski is also a National Park Interpretive Ranger at Grand Portage National Monument, managing one of the park’s main interpretive locations, the re-created Ojibwe Village.

Carrie Dlutkowski's enthusiasm for the fiddle music of Canada led her to explore its history, with a focus on the development of Scottish, French-Canadian and Métis (Native/French/Scottish) fiddle styles in the 18th century. Each of these cultural groups claims a strong musical tradition. Carrie offers musical and historical presentations, workshops and performances that take listeners on an exploration of how these styles of music blended and developed through cross-cultural interaction. Dlutkowski is a step dancer in the Ottawa Valley style. As a classical musician, Carrie Dlutkowski has performed in various solo, symphony orchestra and opera orchestra, music theater, and chamber ensemble settings. As a folk musician, she has played in concerts, festivals, interpretive programs, for dances, and on the air.

Brian Miller fell in love with Irish traditional music 25 years ago in the crowd at the Winnipeg Folk Festival, moved from his northern Minnesota hometown of Bemidji to St. Paul and has since become one of the most sought-after musicians in North America’s Irish music scene. Brian has toured widely throughout the US and Canada with bands including Bua and The Lost Forty.

Norah Rendell is a singer, flute player and whistle player that specializes in the traditional folk songs and dance music of Ireland and Canada. For the past 15 years, she has toured internationally with several ensembles including seven years as lead singer and flute player for the award-winning group, The Outside Track. She has also performed with the Two Tap Trio (St. Paul), the Máirtín de Cógáin Project, the Canadian folk string quartet called the Fretless and Paddy O’Brien’s Doon Ceili band in Minnesota. In the past five years years, Norah has built a reputation for herself as a solo artist.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota, through a grant from the Region 2 Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

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Headwaters prepares for school year with after school Art Clubs

Grades K - 2nd | Young Artist Club

This year-long club is an introduction to formal art instruction for children in kindergarten – 2nd grade. Participants will explore basic art concepts through crafty art projects using various art forms. The group will get a feel for how to do art with a large group in an art room setting. Small snack and art supplies provided. Held Tuesdays, 4-5 pm, October 1st – May 5th. Space is limited to the first 12 participants.

Register Now

Grades 3rd - 6th | Headwaters Art Club

Explore art in the Headwaters Art Studio. Enjoy fun and supportive environment while gaining mad art skills. Participants will learn from guest artists, explore local art on field trips, and prepare art exhibits. Our goal is to provide an informal, safe and supportive atmosphere while offering high quality art instruction and mentorship Early arrival supervised open studio time 3:30 -3:55 available for additional fee. Snack and art supplies provided. Held Thursdays, 4-5:30 pm, September 19th – May 7th. Space is limited to first 15 participants.

Register Now

Grades 7th - 12th | Teen Art Club

Join us for the launch of our year-long after school art club for teens! Teen Art Club is an opportunity for participants, grades 7-12 to explore art in a fun and supportive studio setting. Participants will start with the basics and create work at their own pace, exploring concepts and skills through different projects. The group will work with watercolor, acrylic, clay, drawing, and more. Participants will prepare exhibits, meet local artists and learn from guest instructors. This fun and informal setting is perfect for students looking for mentorship to grow as an artist. Snack and art supplies provided. Held Tuesdays, 6-7:30 pm, October 1st – May 5th. Space is limited to first 15 participants.

Register Now

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Musical Theater Camp coming up July 22-26

Alien space travel. Singing. Dancing. Silliness and humor. Headwaters Music & Arts week-long Musical Theater Camp prepares participants to take part in community theater or school productions while giving participants an opportunity to have fun and be creative with friends. This year Kari Ekhoff directs The Quantianius Connection, where aliens travel through space and time to discover the secret of the performance talents of Purple Floyd.

Participants, ages 8- 15, will spend the week exploring the entire process of musical theater, from character development and set construction to costuming and working off-script for a final public performance. This Musical Theater Camp provides a gentle, inclusive and successful environment for children from most basic to advanced levels to shine. The camp runs from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, July 22-26 with breaks built in for lunch, board games, art activities, and team building challenges.

Supplies are provided but participants should plan to bring a bagged lunch each day.

9-3pm | Ages 8-15 | $150 | Min 12 Max 22 | Register now.

This activity is made possible, in part, by a grant from the Bemidji Area Arts Endowment, a component fund of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation.
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Call for Vocalists – Bemidji Sings!

Headwaters Music & Arts invites amateur singers who live, work or attend school in Bemidji to take part in Bemidji Sings! to determine who will represent Bemidji at the Minnesota Sings State Finals in September. Amateur singers interested in taking part will need to register by May 30th.

Auditions will take place noon-7 pm Sunday, June 2nd, 9-noon and 3-6 pm Monday, June 3rd at Headwaters Music & Arts. Participants will sing one song during the preliminary auditions. Up to 7 singers from each age division will be chosen to perform at the August 1st Bemidji Sings! show.

Winners of the preliminary auditions will perform for cash and prizes during the Bemidji Sings! Vocal Competition at 7 pm Thursday, August 1st, 2019 at Bemidji State University. The first place winner from each age division will move on to Minnesota Sings Statewide Finals, Saturday-Sunday Sept. 28th – 29th, in Woodbury.

Singers will be judged based on their vocal skills, presentation skills, audience response, and judge's overall impression.

Read more and register here.

Sponsored by Headwaters Music & Arts with support from Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce and Supple Studios. Special thanks to David Eichholz of Deuces Wild.

This activity is funded in part, by an appropriation from the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the State’s General Fund.

This activity is make possible, in part, by a grant from the Bemidji Area Arts Endowment, a component fund of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation.

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Give the gift of creativity with Headwaters art clubs!

Art elements and principles, techniques and critique are just some of the focus of Headwaters art clubs. With offerings for K-6th grade the clubs also put a focus on fun and listening to what participants want to focus on. The art clubs, which take place after school, are split up by age with the K-2nd grade meeting on Tuesday and 3rd-6th meeting on Thursday. Both art clubs have spent the fall discussing the 7 elements of art and practicing technique in different media such as paint, clay, paper, fiber, basic drawing and more.

Young Artist Club for k-2nd grade is held 3:15-4:15 Tuesday evenings. The group has openings for their spring session when they plan to continue their exploration and growth with some of the same media. Instructor, Beth Andrews, says that “My favorite thing about art is using science and nature. This spring we are going to explore more of those things.” The group will continue to grow relationships and techniques this spring, introducing guest presenters to share their knowledge with the participants.

Headwaters Art Club for 3rd-6th grade is going on it’s fourth season this spring. The group, which has grown and shifted over time, has a mix of newcomers and participants that have attended every season, and still has room for more! The club has evolved since the first season, introducing field trips and teen mentors to the program. Headwaters Art Club has always put a focus on bringing in guest instructors and they will continue to do so come spring. Instructor, Diamond Knispel leads the group. Speaking to the diversity of experiences offered in this after-school program she says, “Younger students are often just looking for the right spark to ignite their interest in art. As they move towards high school and more art opportunities we hope to offer some quality experiences to do just that. Plus it is never to early to start learning technique. With an understanding of basic skills kids can create the coolest art.”

The goal of Headwaters art clubs is to provide an informal, safe and supportive atmosphere while offering high quality art instruction and mentor-ship.

More details and online registration can be found by calling 218.444.5606 or on Headwaters website. Those who register before Dec. 25th will receive a holiday discount!


Young Artist Club:

$250 Spring Session ($240 if registered before Dec. 25th!) | Jan. 8th – May 7th, 3:15 – 4:15pm
Space is limited to first 15 participants. Art supplies provided.

Headwaters Art Club:
$275 Spring Session ($260 if registered before Dec. 25th) | January 10th – May 9th, 4 – 5:30pm (no session March 7th)
Early arrival supervised open studio time 3:30 -3:55 available for additional fee. Space is limited to first 20 participants. Snack and art supplies provided.