Studio Orchestra Week 2

Hardly feels like week 2! Due to President's Day last week, the Monday night class meets for the first time this week.

We will be playing some blues in class this week. We'll start with a cover song, then if any of you write some blues lyrics, we'll make an original. Hopefully you are listening to some blues music, trying out the 12 bar form, learning the blues scale on your instrument and making up some licks.

Bring your Listening Assignment to class, we'll listen to a couple of songs at the beginning of each class.

Studio Orchestra Spring 2010

Welcome to Studio Orchestra! I hope you are ready for a fun semester. We will be playing music and listening to some of your favorite music every class. Please bookmark this page and check here every week. I will be posting some information about the class each week, along with some links you may find interesting.

What to bring:

Guitarists, bassists, keyboard players: bring your instruments, cables, picks. HCC has amps and I'll bring one or 2 of mine.

Drummers: Bring sticks! HCC has drums and cymbals, but not the best.

Singers and rappers: Bring your voice! We have PA system and mics.

Everyone else: Bring yourself! We'll find something for you to do.

You will also need a pen and a folder or binder to keep handouts and take notes. Good news: no textbook to buy!

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.