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.
Headwaters Music & Arts hosts Summer Strummers, a weekly drop-in ukulele jam session for adult ukulele players of all skill levels. Each session takes place at Headwaters Music & Arts Performance Hall, 519 Minnesota Ave NW, Bemidji, at 12:30 each Tuesday beginning June 1 and continuing through August 31. Come at noon to get help with tuning, strumming and getting started on a few chords. Don't have your own ukulele yet? Headwaters has instruments for sale, and Bemidji Public Library has ukuleles available for check-out!