Student Bands & Ensembles - Asheville Music School

AMS Sound Education Outreach 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. 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 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.

CURRENTLY ACTIVE

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.

AMS rock band Minør is an advanced group for middle/high schoolers. Started in 2014 and mentored by local musician/educator Alec Fehl, the band has performed at notable venues and shows including Downtown After 5, Isis Music Hall, Salvage Station, LEAF and LEAF Downtown, and Barnaroo. Minør performs all genres/decades of rock and takes pride in a diverse repertoire. Nothing is off-limits, but everything is performed with a rock edge. The band has performed songs by Amy Winehouse, Rage Against the Machine, Stevie Wonder, Ghost, KC and the Sunshine Band, Iron Maiden, Anderson Paak, Henry Mancini, Ray Charles, King’s X, The Ramones, Rush, and everything in between.

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: Wednesdays, 7:15-8:15 PM
PAST SONG LIST:
All Apologies- Nirvana
Feliz Navidad- José Feliciano
Happy Xmas (War is Over)- John Lennon
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

DOLLARS ON ICE, LED BY ANDY JOHN

These teenagers are playing hard rock, ska, and even a little country. With a trombonist in the group, they have been able to expand their dimensions to include songs with horns.

REHEARSALS: Thursdays, 6:00 – 7:30 PM. No summer rehearsals
SONG LIST:
Folsom Prison Blues
Ghost Town
Sick Love
Seven Nation Army
Barracuda

LIMINAL SPACES, LED BY BRYCE ROBERTSON

High school students learning indie pop and rock songs.

REHEARSALS: Fridays, 5:00 – 6:00 PM. No summer rehearsals

DR. FUNKY SQUIRREL, LED BY RYAN KIJANKA

Eclectic mix of rock, funk, and bit of metal.

REHEARSALS: Mondays, 7:00 – 8:30 PM. No summer rehearsals

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.

Bands