Morningside Ensembles are Back! Live and in person!
With 25 different ensembles that meet weekly, Morningside has one of the largest programs in New England, offering a wide variety of styles for all ages and abilities.
“Good musicians, good direction & coaching, great opportunities to play all flavors of jazz & to challenge yourself to improve.”
- Bill K.
- Bill K.
"The Morningside Ensemble is just what I need at this stage of my jazz development. It's a perfect combination of playing live with others at my level coupled with instruction from a pro."
- Chris T.
Morningside supports groups in these various styles:
• jazz
• blues
• funk/blues
• latin jazz
• RockDads (moms invited too - includes a rock and a jam band ensemble)
• jazz and rock (for teens)
Ensembles meet weekly for 90 minutes at convenient weeknight and weekend times.
Also, now offering piano and guitar classes for kids as well as group guitar classes for adults!
When you join an ensemble at Morningside you are doing more than just playing with a group. You are also joining a community where you get to perform often in public, share ideas, make new friends to jam and socialize with, and get more in touch with the local music scene.
Jazz Groups:
Jazz ensembles work on building a jazz repertoire and then polishing a set of music to perform. Performances happen every couple months. These groups are for adults with separate groups for students teens and tweens.
Beginners to jazz will work on the fundamentals: good time keeping/swing feel, appropriate scales for improv over blues and modal jazz. More advanced players will also work on improvisation techniques, how to build a solo, phrasing, and a lot more.
Blues/Funk Groups:
These groups work on easier, more groove oriented tunes while still working on the fundamentals of jazz and harmony. Led by Peter Cicco, these group do a mix of instrumental and vocal tunes.
Blues:
Led by top blues artist Cheryl Arena, these groups focus on blues classics by artists like Little Walter and Sonny Boy Williamson.
Latin Jazz Ensemble:
Play a wide variety of latin styles ranging from Brazilian sambas to Cuban mambos.
American Roots Ensemble:
This ensemble welcomes all instrumentalists and vocalists to an open and fun environment that celebrates the wide universe of American roots music. As we explore songs from various musical traditions (folk, blues, country, bluegrass, and more), we will discover what makes each of those styles distinctive, as well as how those styles all deeply relate to each other.
Samba-Jazz Ensemble:
Learn from the samba-jazz master, Rafael Barata, in this new ensemble. Rafael has played with almost all the biggest names in Brazilian music! Learn how to mix jazz with samba and other Brazilian styles including bossa nova, partido alto, etc.
RockDads: (Moms are welcome too)
Come let off steam after work and get expert coaching in one of our Dad-Rock groups. You will be placed in a group with others at your level. Classic rock is on the menu and players are encouraged to suggest songs they know and like. Now available also is the RockDads Creative Improvisation Ensemble playing songs by the Grateful Dead, Allman Brothers, and other classic jam bands.
Junior Jammers:
Jazz and rock ensembles are offered for students from 11 to 13 yrs old
“The kids Jazz project for the summer session was a great experience for my son and especially working directly with Dan Fox!”
- Art J.
Young Lions:
Jazz and rock ensembles are offered for teens.
“So glad to have the option for students in Arlington. Great coaching and performance opportunities.”
- Kara M
Groups for Young Kids:
For ages 6 to 8 yrs. old
Keyboard Classes are small, only four students at a time so everyone gets a lot of attention. Also offering guitar classes.
Classes are 45 minutes long.
MORE INFORMATION:
Morningside Studios are located in Arlington Center in the historic Regent Theatre Building.
All ages welcome as groups are matched according to experience and ability.
Players should either have some knowledge of harmony or be somewhat new to jazz but have some proficiency on their instruments.
PA, piano, vibes, amps, and drums are available.
Groups perform live at least two times per year with other jam session opportunities in between. Previous venues and events include:
Arlington Jazz Festival, Acton Jazz Cafe, The Lily Pad, Johnny D's, Ryles Jazz Club, Arlington Town Day, Feast of the East, Old Frog Pond Farm, Arlington International Film Festival, Somerville Foodie Crawl, Arlington and Somerville Porchfests, Arts at the Armory, The Chit Chat Lounge, Somerville Cable Access TV, Artlounge, Kickstand Cafe, Town Tavern, Fusion Taste, Common Ground, The Jungle, and the Loading Dock.
Schedule:
Groups meet weekly for 90 minutes and are conveniently timed on weeknights and weekends. Please Contact Us to try out a group!
Payment:
Groups meet weekly and are ongoing. You can stay in one as long as you like.
Invoices are sent out monthly at the beginning of every month.
Read document below for more info on payment and scheduling policies.
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Scenes from Morningside ensemble performances:
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