The Music Club 2011
This class/club/troupe came out of the need to have a program serve the after school time slot. Now in its fifth year, (previous programs served Gardner School in Hollywood, Norma Coombs Alternative School in Pasadena and Aveson Charter School in Altadena) the club is part of a new arts academy being built on the grounds of St. James United Methodist Church, a beautiful historic mission revival complex of grassy courtyards with old maple trees, surrounded by white arched colonnades with red tiled roofs. Most classes are held in the theater and theater lobby to accommodate the large marimbas.
The goals of the club include individual and ensemble musical development, playing, performing, recording and having fun. We build instruments, discuss stage and performing conventions and ethics and play developmental games. We also find great value and satisfaction in interacting with the community through performance, workshops and hands on demonstrations.
Pieces in workshop may include glass harmonicas, giant marimbas, percussion, body percussion, bucket drums, recorders, ukuleles, singing and more. Over the past five years the club has performed at local events Artbreak, Artquake, Shouting Coyote Arts Festival, American Celebration, and many fiestas and fundraisers for local schools and charities. A clip of one rehearsal was featured by YouTube and became a five star global hit with nearly half a million views.
In workshop are about thirty pieces of music, games and exercises. From these come the pieces, often developed and composed as needed, which end up in performance. Some are favorites which have become a traditional part of the repertoire. These include Caribbean Fantasy played on the giant pipe marimbas and buffins, a traditional sixteenth century sword dance.
Director Michael Greiner is a veteran performer, recording artist, composer and band leader with level II music teacher certification though the Orf-Schulwerk program. He is driven by sharing with people his love of music, sound and performing. The instruments add an odd, quirky and really cool aspect to performances, as does the age defying nature of the group. Some members hold music degrees and some are in fourth grade.
We meet Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 4:00 to 6:30. (Students may spend from 4:00- 4:30 doing homework.) Carpool space is presently available from Aveson Global Leadership Academy and Aveson Charter School. Fee is $60/week. 2033 Washington (near Allen) For more information or to sign up call 818/554/6678