Cool Video

Check out this video about the "Amen Break", a four-bar drum break from a 1969 recording that became a staple in rap, jungle, and drum and bass music.

Amen Break

Studio Orchestra This Week

This week we will be trying more songs and picking one to record! Recording will hopefully begin next week in all classes.

Tuesday/Thursday class is ready: we are recording Beck's "Where it's At". Should be fun, and there's lots of parts-- something for everyone. We will begin tracking either Tuesday or Thursday, not sure yet.

Other classes, please come ready to work this week. Let's pick a song and get it in shape.

International Songwriting Competition

You may want to check this out. Cash prizes, famous judges.

International Songwriting Competition

Studio Orchestra Week 3

So far we have jammed a bit and played some blues. This week we will be playing some Reggae music. If you want to get in the mood, listen to some Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Peter Tosh, Toots and the Maytals, etc.

Even if this is not your favorite type of music, please show up and give it a try! One of the goals in this class is to broaden your understanding and ability to play different styles.

Studio Orchestra Week 2

Here are some pics from the first week.

Studio Orchestra Week 1

This week in Studio Orchestra we will be jamming a bit to get to know each other musically. You will fill out a survey to help me know what types of music you like. And we'll talk about where we will be heading this semester.

Please go to my Learning Web page and take a look at the syllabus. I will pass it out in class, but you could print it out now if you like. Throughout the semester I will upload handouts and assignments so you can access them if you miss class or lose your copy. Please bookmark this blog and the Learning Web Page.

What to Bring:

Guitarists, please bring picks and instrument cables. Drummers, please bring sticks. If you play an instrument (guitar, bass, keys or anything else) you may bring it to class. HCC has a keyboard, drums, and PA system we can use. I will bring a guitar and amp and a bass. I also have some percussion instruments.

One more thing: You should probably bring some earplugs. Seriously. It will get loud.

Welcome to Studio Orchestra!

Welcome to Studio Orchestra! This will be my new blog exclusively for my HCC Studio Orchestra class. Please bookmark this page and check in at least once a week. I will post general information about the class, weekly schedules, links to videos of songs we will be playing, and anything else that may be interesting and informative.

NOTE: Studio Orchestra is a Second-Start class, which begins on the 5th week of the regular semester. We will begin this semester the week of September 19th, 2009.

I am looking forward to a GREAT semester! See you in class.

Aric Nitzberg