AMS Sound Education Outreach Bands & Ensembles
Bringing music students together to connect with peers, with professional artists, and with the community as a whole.
Ensemble member payment and registration available online:
For students looking to take their music skills to the next level, AMS Sound Education Outreach bands provide young musicians the opportunity to learn, rehearse, and perform as a band.
Ensemble directors work with students to create a unique set of songs each semester that best suits their interests, skills, and goals. Students entering the program should have some experience on their instrument, and be able to read sheet music, tab, and/or chord charts. Previous experience playing in a band is welcome, but not required.
AMS bands have graced the stages of The Orange Peel, LEAF, Downtown After Five, Barnaroo, and Isis Music Hall. Students will also participate in a community outreach concert, using music to bring joy to those in need. Sites include hospitals, assisted living centers, and veterans’ shelters. Through this experience, students learn the valuable lesson of giving back, and also earn volunteer hours for school.
For more info, or to book one of our bands, email Program Director Kylie Irvin: programs@ashevillemusicschool.org
FIDDLE SQUAD, LED BY PAUL STROEBEL & HOLLEY ROSS
Various ages of string students playing fiddle tunes in a group setting
Rehearses periodically, and during the week before a performance.
MASQUE, LED BY MAR PEREZ-ALBELA:
Middle school students learning classic and contemporary rock music.
Rehearses every Monday, 7:00-8:00 pm. No summer rehearsals
MINØR, (A.K.A. AMS ROCK BAND) LED BY ALEC FEHL:
9th – 12th grade students playing classic and contemporary rock music.
Rehearses every Saturday, 10:00 am-12:00 pm, year-round
Tuition is due January 1, April 1, July 1, & October 1.
Led by guitarist and AMS teacher Alec Fehl, AMS rock band Minør features students ages 14-18. Exposure to different styles of rock music is the group’s main focus, which they incorporate into their set. Students perform modern blues, jazz pop, adult contemporary, heavy soul, and new renditions of classic rock songs.
POCKET CHANGE, LED BY ANDY JOHN:
6th to 10th grade students playing classic and contemporary rock music. Tuition is due January 1, September 1.
Rehearses every Thursday, 6:45-8:15 pm. No summer rehearsals
RADIOACTIVE COWS, LED BY KYLIE IRVIN:
4th to 7th grade students (ages 9-12) that enjoy playing classic rock and alternative covers from bands such as Nirvana, The Clash, and The Beatles. Students will learn about how to collaborate in a band, develop their part on their individual instrument, stage presence, basic chords, and how to navigate the form of a song.
THIRD TO LAST, LED BY GABRIELLE TEE:
8th – 12th grade students, performing music across a wide range of decades and genres. Tuition is due January 1, September 1.
Rehearses every other Saturday, 1:30-3:30 pm. No summer rehearsals.
WHAT TO EXPECT AND HOW TO JOIN
- Ensembles welcome all instruments and skill levels, including acoustic and electric guitar, ukulele, bass, piano/keyboards, percussion/drums, vocals, wind, brass, and string instruments.
- Private lessons are recommended, but not required, to prepare for auditions, rehearsals, and performances. AMS can recommend a great teacher for your instrument and learning style.
- Ensemble membership requires dedicated participation. Students are expected to be in attendance for all rehearsals and performances.
- To audition, or for any questions, contact Program Director Kylie Irvin, at programs@ashevillemusicschool.org or call (828) 252-6244. Most ensembles welcome new members throughout the year.
