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 Jam Band is an 8 week program dedicated to exploring instrumental improv and composition in a group setting. Block 3 is coming up Aug. 5 – Sept. 23

This program is for participants aged 13-18 with prior experience with their instrument. The group meets on Thursdays in the Headwaters East Studio (519 Minnesota Ave NW, Bemidji). The group jams from 5-7pm each evening. Participants are encouraged to show up at 4:30 for setup. Participants are required to provide their own instruments and amps (if applicable) with the exception of the drum kit. The program is not genre specific. Each block the different groups will work together to create their own unique sound – all musical aspirations are welcome. Advance registration required. The group will be limited in size and participants will be required to follow Headwaters COVID-19 protocols.Block 4: Oct. 7 – Dec. 2 (no session Thanksgiving Nov 25)

Registration:

Advance registration is required – limited spots available. Once registered participants will be contacted by the instructor to evaluate skill level, speak about instrument logistics, and discuss availability.

Cost:

$75/ 8 week session (scholarships available)

Headwaters Music Program Policies

Those who attend and Headwaters Music program must read, sign, and abide by the Headwaters Music Program Policies. If you have questions or concerns about any aspect of Headwaters Jam Band or Headwaters Music & Arts, please contact the Arts Program Coordinator or Headwaters Executive Director at 218.444.5606.

More Info

Headwaters Jam Band is an 8 week program dedicated to exploring instrumental improv and composition in a group setting. With 4 upcoming blocks, the first one kicks off April 1– May 27 and is for participants aged 13-18 with prior experience with their instrument. The group will be lead by Cassidy Jay, a professional musician, composer and audio engineer with 20 years of experience playing in bands and writing songs. Cassidy will teach the group how to use their senses and intuition to identify and apply patterns, rhythm, scales and phrasing to compose and improvise. Participants will 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 will 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.”

The group meets on Thursdays in the Headwaters East Studio (519 Minnesota Ave NW, Bemidji). The program offers four 8 weeks blocks throughout the year: April 1– May 27, June 3 – July 22, Aug. 5 – Sept. 23, and Oct. 7 – Dec. 2. The group jams from 5-7 each evening. Participants are encouraged to arrive at 4:30 for setup. Participants are required to provide their own instruments and amps (if applicable) with the exception of the drum kit. The program is not genre specific. Each block the different groups will work together to create their own unique sound – all musical aspirations are welcome. The cost to attend is $75/ 8 week block. Advance registration is required – limited spots available.

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.