String Band Ensemble
Course Description:
Level: 2 – 4 (see Playing Experience Level descriptions at the bottom of the page)
Learn the ins and outs of playing in an acoustic band setting, and how that applies to your instrument!
We’ll focus on different instruments’ roles, do some listening, practice some dynamics, arranging, eye contact, signalling, and have fun playing through a whole bunch of songs and tunes together!
I’ll be approaching this from folk/bluegrass ideals but general musicianship applies to all styles and instruments so anything and everything are welcome!
NOTE: This class is open to amplified acoustic basses. You will need to supply your own small portable bass amp. Please see our Amplifier Policy for further information.
Jarred Albright
Jarred Albright has played the violin since he was seven years old and music has been his focus ever since. He started off playing classical music but switched to the fiddle style learning Celtic, folk, old-tyme, and bluegrass before entering post-secondary to pursue jazz performance there. Since then he has endeavoured to teach himself to sing and play mandolin, guitar, and banjo. Music has taken him around the world including the United States, South Korea, Scotland, England, and Ireland. These days Jarred keeps himself busy performing with many diverse local acts around Alberta, as well as writing, recording, producing, filming, and of course sharing his love of music with his students.
Website: Jarred Albright
Playing Experience Levels
These guidelines aim to ensure that all camp participants have an enjoyable experience. They represent what your playing capability should be before you take the class (prerequisites).
Classes are generally designed to pace themselves to match the participants' abilities. Level 1 classes aim to proceed at the pace of the slower students in the class. Level 2 and 3 classes aim to move at the pace of the majority of students in the class. Level 4 classes are designed to push the capabilities of all students and will target the pace of the more capable students Class descriptions that show a range (Levels 2-3) means the material presented is broadly applicable across that range.
LEVEL 1: You are new or relatively new to your instrument. You may be able to play basic chords or scales slowly. You want to learn the basics of the instrument. You have very little experience playing with others.
LEVEL 2: You are competent with basic chords and/or basic scales. You can keep rhythm and/or play basic melodies and/or sing and play at the same time if the song is familiar. You generally need the chords or melody to be written out in order to play along. You have some experience playing with others.
LEVEL 3: You are reasonably comfortable with most chords, basic major and minor scales, and can play at an appropriate tempo for songs. You are aware of time signatures, song keys, and know that there are chords called 6th, 7th, 11th, etc even if you can’t play them all. You are comfortable maintaining good rhythm and are willing to taking breaks while jamming with others, even if the breaks don't always turn out the way you planned. You may be hoping to take your playing up to the next level of performing with a group or band (beyond jamming) and you want to further improve your technique and speed.
LEVEL 4: You are skilled on your instrument and have a good understanding of musical concepts including scales, arrangements, harmonies and some improvisation. You play lead and back-up with a steady rhythm and can play skillfully with others. You know there is life further up the neck on your instrument and have some capability in that world. You have performing experience, can hold a tune, and can harmonize.