AMS Sound Education Outreach Program
Bands & Ensembles
Bringing music students together to connect with peers, with professional artists, and with the community as a whole.
Our Sound Education outreach program consists of student bands, led by AMS teachers, soloists, and faculty members that perform for under-served and under-represented members of our community.
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 Salvage Station, The Orange Peel, LEAF, Downtown After Five, 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.
BOOKING
For more info, or to book one of our bands, email Executive Director Ryan Reardon: ryan@ashevillemusicschool.org
MEMBERS
Ensemble member payment and registration available online:
WHAT TO EXPECT AND HOW TO JOIN
- Bands/ensembles welcome intermediate-advanced skill levels and all instruments, 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.
- Ensemble membership requires dedicated participation. Students are expected to be in attendance for all rehearsals and performances.
- To audition, or for any questions, contact Executive Director Ryan Reardon at ryan@ashevillemusicschool.org, or call (828) 252-6244.
- Most ensembles welcome new members in the Fall semester.
- Students may be added to the waitlist at any time.
Inquire HERE about joining a band
CURRENT BANDS
MINØR, (A.K.A. AMS ROCK BAND) LED BY ALEC FEHL:
9th – 12th grade students (ages 14-18) playing classic and contemporary rock music.
Rehearses every Saturday, 10:00 am-12:00 pm, year-round
Quarterly tuition: January 1, April 1, July 1, & October 1.
NEON SAGES, LED BY MARY STEINBRECHER:
7th to 9th grade students (ages 12-16) 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.
REHEARSALS: Tuesdays, 7:15-8:15 PM
PAST SONG LIST:
All Apologies- Nirvana
Just a Girl- No Doubt
Revolution- The Beatles
Run Rudolph Run- Chuck Berry
Should I Stay or Should I Go- The Clash
Sunshine of Your Love- Cream
When I Come Around- Green Day
Wild Thing- The Troggs
LIMINAL SPACES, LED BY BRYCE ROBERTSON
High school students learning indie pop and rock songs.
REHEARSALS: Wednesdays, 5:30 – 6:30 PM. No summer rehearsals
DR. FUNKY SQUIRREL, LED BY RYAN KIJANKA
Eclectic mix of rock, funk, and bit of metal.
REHEARSALS: Mondays, 6:00 – 7:30 PM. No summer rehearsals
FIDDLE SQUAD, LED BY PAUL STROEBEL
Various ages and skill levels of string students playing fiddle tunes, mostly from the O’Connor Method books, in a group setting. Six months of playing experience is typically the minimum requirement, but exceptions can be made on a case by case basis.
Rehearses periodically, and during the week before a performance.
