Pandemic Programming
Spring 2021
GMYS is offering online classes in three topics this spring. This can't replace making music together in person, but it WILL allow us to keep improving our musical skills until it's safe to gather again.
AND it was lots of fun in the fall.
We are also holding a 1-session Body Percussion Workshop in March!
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GMYS classes will be led by our Artistic Director, Bob Blais,
and will meet using Zoom for six Saturdays February 13 - March 27 (no class Feb. 27).
Registration is now complete
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The Body Percussion Workshop will be led by Moira Smiley, a Vermont based, world renowned composer & musician. The workshop will meet on Zoom on Sunday, March 14, 2:00-3:00pm EST.
Registration and payment deadline: 5pm Thursday, March 11
Details and registration information below.
Descriptions for classes with Bob
Rhythm Studies**: The funny symbols that make up music are very tricky! We will talk about how to count better, with increasingly challenging rhythm problems to take apart and solve. You will be a much better counter at the end of this class.
Conducting: Have you ever wondered what conductors do, and how they do it? We will discuss this, you'll learn to conduct different beat patterns, how to cue, and cut off. And, Bob will answer any questions you have!
Practice Techniques**: This will be a participatory class. We will play for each other, and discuss how we practice, what practice is, and the challenges of good practice. This will make you a better musician!
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**There are two levels for the rhythm studies and practice techniques classes. Bob will assign students to a class level based on past GMYS experience. For students who have not played with GMYS (or haven’t played with us recently), please contact Bob (bob@gmys-vt.org) in advance so he can determine the best placement. He may ask for a short video of you playing your instrument.
Schedule & Tuition for classes with Bob
All prices are for the 6-week course.
Exact class times are tentative and may be adjusted to meet registration needs.
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Most classes are only 30 minutes long because we know many of you
are already spending lots of time doing online learning during the week.
9 – 9:30 Rhythm Studies (novice / intermediate) $ 60.00
9:30 – 10 Rhythm Studies (intermediate / advanced) $ 60.00
10 – 10:30 Conducting $ 60.00
10:30 – 11 Practice techniques (novice / intermediate) $ 60.00
11 – 12 Practice techniques (intermediate / advanced) $120.00
Because of the pandemic, we have extremely limited funds for Tuition Assistance at this time. If paying full tuition would present a barrier to participation for your student, please email our Executive Director, Leah Wilhjelm, (leah@gmys-vt.org ) .
Registration and payment deadline: 5pm Wednesday, February 10
Payments will be made online – link provided when registration is complete.
Body Percussion Workshop
with
Moira Smiley
Sunday, March 14
2:00 - 3:00pm EST on Zoom
Workshop Description
Moira will show us how much fun and artistic it is to make music with the two oldest instruments in the world: our voices and the rhythm of feet and hands! Students will spend the hour learning how to embody rhythm and create movement based on the fundamentals of body percussion. Moira is unfailingly gentle and playful when teaching movement, so ‘non-movers’ and those just learning about rhythm are encouraged and welcome to come. You'll explore fresh, physical ways into music while at the same time hopefully strengthening your confidence in music!
Registration & Tuition
Open to musicians ages 10-18
Tuition is $25 per student.
Zoom link will be emailed to registered students by March 12.
Because of the pandemic, we have extremely limited funds for Tuition Assistance at this time. If paying full tuition would present a barrier to participation for your student, please email our Executive Director, Leah Wilhjelm, (leah@gmys-vt.org ) .
We had a great time with Moira! Sorry we missed you.