Courses
Introductory Jazz Improvisation Workshop
Have you been curious to try improvising a solo in your jazz band? Felt unsure of what to play when called upon to solo by a conductor? Or been daunted trying to understand the chord symbols and theory embedded within the music in these situations? Over the course of 3 weeks, saxophonist Nate Waters will help demystify the ins and outs of improvising in a jazz context. By tackling basic jazz theory in a way that is approachable and applicable to your instrument, you'll learn how to navigate soloing over some simple jazz standards, while learning strategies that you can apply to your music in combos, big bands and beyond!
Materials: your instrument, some staff paper, and a music stand
Dates: Sundays – April 7, 14 and 28th – 2-4 PM
Location: Living Spirit United Church – 629 49th Ave SW
Price: $45 members/$55 non members
West African Drumming Workshop - COMPLETED
Are you intrigued by rhythms? Has drumming of any kind ever interested you? Don’t miss this opportunity! No experience or musical knowledge is required for this course. Not even music reading!
We will be using djembe drums and dunduns from the West African Drumming tradition, much of which stems from Guinea and nearby countries. There are drums available to rent for a nominal fee, or you can bring your own djembe if you have one. No experience needed, but the best part of this kind of music, is it’s easy to provide more of a challenge to those who come with some experience or keep it simple for whoever needs it.
This opportunity is open to members and non-members; this is a great opportunity to drum with family members or friends provided they are 18 or older. If you are a teacher and have djembes in your school but no real experience with drumming, this is a great opportunity to pick up some techniques and rhythms which you can apply immediately in your classroom.
Jane has taught West African drumming since 2005 to hundreds of students and adults of all levels and abilities, participated in a performing group for 7 years and attended a variety of workshops put on by West African Master teachers, such as Mamady Keita, Famoudou Konate and Nansady Keita.
​
Monday evenings, January 8th – February 12th (6 weeks)
7:00-9:00 PM
$90, $80 for Westwinds members
$15 fee for djembe drum rental, if required
January 8th, 22nd, 29th, February 5th, 12th:
William Aberhart High School Band Room
3009 Morley Trail NW, Calgary, AB
January 15th:
Living Spirit United Church
629 - 49 Ave SW, Calgary, AB