Ensembles

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For students looking to take their music skills to the next level, AMS Outreach Ensembles 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. Our directors walk students through first steps of playing a few chords together, through putting on a full concert.

AMS ensembles 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 in our community. Sites include hospitals, assisted living centers, and homeless shelters. Through this experience, students learn the valuable lesson of giving back, and also earn volunteer hours for school!

To book one of our bands, email Program Director Mandy Guilfoyle: programs@ashevillemusicschool.org

NEW FOR 2019:

AMS String Orchestra, led by Jason McCoy:

4th-9th grade students playing string orchestra classical music at a grade 2 level.
Rehearses every Friday (starting Feb. 1) from 6:30-7:30.

Led by violist and music educator Jason McCoy, the AMS String Orchestra will play music from the classical repertoire at a grade 2 level. Violinists, violists, cellists, and bassists will play music from the classics like Bach and Mozart, all the way to modern and pop music in a string orchestra setting, and will be conducted by Jason McCoy. Students must be able to read music to join the string orchestra. Orchestral experience is a valuable, fun, and important part of every string player’s life. The AMS String Orchestra is part of Asheville Music School’s Sound Education Outreach program, which brings music to communities in need.

NEW FOR 2019:

Appalachian String Band, led by Jason McCoy:

6th-12th grade students playing Appalachian folk music.
Rehearses every Friday (starting Feb. 1) from 7:30-8:30.

Violist, banjo player, and folk musician Jason McCoy leads the Appalachian String Band. Students will play music from the Appalachian tradition, as well as old-time, Cajun, dances, and other styles of folk music. The Appalachian String Band is open to any fiddler, banjo player, guitarist, bassist, mandolin player, and singer who wants to play some fun and beautiful music that reflects the rich musical history of Western North Carolina. The AMS String Orchestra is part of Asheville Music School’s Sound Education Outreach program, which brings music to communities in need.

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.

Led by guitarist and Asheville Music School 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. Audiences will enjoy hearing modern blues, jazz pop, adult contemporary, heavy soul, new renditions of classic rock songs, and even some Henry Mancini. Minør is part of Asheville Music School’s Sound Education Outreach program, which brings music to communities in need.

Vinyl Crossroads, led by Gabrielle Tee:

9th – 12th grade students playing classic and contemporary pop/rock music.
Rehearses every other Saturday, 1:30-3:30 pm.

Rock Solid, led by Gabrielle Tee:

6th- 10th grade students playing classic and contemporary pop/rock music.
Rehearses every other Saturday, 3:30-5:30 pm.

Defective Swing, led by Andy John:

6th to 10th grade students playing classic and contemporary rock music.
Rehearses every Thursday, 6:45-7:45 pm.

Paradiddles, led by Kylie Brown:

4th to 7th grade students playing classic and contemporary pop music.
Rehearses every Tuesday, 6:30-7:30 pm.

Rock Band, led by Juan Holladay:

Middle school students learning classic and contemporary rock music.
Rehearses every Wednesday, 7:00-8:00 pm.

Jazz Band, led by Jason Moore:

INACTIVE AS OF JAN. 2018. Junior and high school students playing standard jazz tunes and improvising.

Faculty-led student groups also perform as jazz combos, classical string duos, trios, and quartets, solo piano, and classical voice with piano accompaniment.

What To Expect and How To Join

• Ensembles welcome all instruments and skill levels, including acoustic and electric guitar, ukulele, bass, piano/keyboards, percussions/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 Mandy Guilfoyle, AMS Program Manager, at programs@ashevillemusicschool.org or call (828) 252-6244. Most ensembles welcome new members throughout the year.