Aug. 12, 2014. The next session of Boone JAMS – the music lessons at the Jones House – begins Aug. 28 and registration is still open for beginning through intermediate fiddle, guitar, mandolin, banjo, dulcimer and ukulele.
The classes are taught in small groups and they are open to kids ages six through adult. Groups meet each Thursday at 4:30, 5:30 or 6:30 p.m. depending on the class and playing level, led by some of the areas best old-time musicians, steeped in local and regional traditions. Some of the instructors include champion old-time fiddler Cecil Gurganus and Deborah Jean Sheets, guitarist and singer with the Sheets Family Band.
“The program is focused on traditional playing styles and repertoires but students will learn foundations of playing for any style they might like to pursue,” said Program Director Mark Freed. “And, it is a fun and relaxed environment to learn with peers and friends in the community center.”
The session is 15 weeks, with meetings each Thursday at the Jones House in downtown Boone for 45-minute lessons. The lessons take place before the weekly Jones House old-time jam, giving students an opportunity to hang around to listen and participate in the community jam session.
“This program is a great opportunity to dust off an instrument that you have been meaning to learn, or to rent an instrument you have thought about trying,” Freed said. “Fifteen lessons is enough to let you know if you really want to learn to play instrument, or to take what you already do up a notch.”
The cost for kids, ages 6-17, is $75 for the 15-week session and the cost for adults is $125 for the 15 week session. Instruments can be rented for $25 for the entirety of the session. Some tuition and rental assistance may be available upon request.
The program is sponsored by the Town of Boone and Downtown Boone Development Association, with support from the North Carolina Arts Council.
To enroll in the session or to find more information, contact Mark Freed at mark.freed@townofboone.net or call 828+268-6280. More information can be found at www.JonesHouseCommunityCenter.org.
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