Morningside Ensembles are Back! Live and in person!
Find out about scholarships and financial assistance
Find out about scholarships and financial assistance
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 as well as a couple weekday options.
CONTACT US if you are interested in trying a group, and we will let you know which groups, appropriate for your level, have openings for your instrument.
Also, now offering piano 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.
Ensemble Eclectica
There are worlds of music out there inhabited by specialists. We’re going to sneak in the side door, run away with some of their best pieces and make them our own. Who says you have to exclusively play: jazz, folk, early music, Baroque, pop, or bluegrass… to be good at it? Variety, reinterpretation, fusion, fun music making… It’s genre bending so we’ll break all the rules, but have a great time. Most importantly, we will play music, a lot of music.
Who can join?
Guitar, mandolin, bass, hand percussion, singers, wind players… all are welcome. Readers and non-readers. We just want musicians willing to experiment, create something new from something old.
Brazilian Jazz Ensemble:
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
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.
Fee is $160 per month with a one time $15 registration fee
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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