The Montpelier Senior Center will host a Community Jam on the first and third Thursdays of the month from 6:15 PM to 8 PM. There will be a jam on 4/21. The purpose of Jam is to get the players to have fun playing with other musicians, learning to play songs by ear as well as learning the jam protocols associated with traditional American and Celtic music.

If new people are present, the session will start with a short instruction on Jam formats followed by playing familiar tunes at a slower than normal tempo and,once the key of the song is announced, focusing on playing by ear. The second part of the session will focus on a Jam session at moderate speed. All acoustic string instruments are welcome (no amplification please). Accordions, concertinas, etc. would be welcome as well. Because of changes to the Covid protocols at the Senior Center, wind instruments - harmonicas, penny whistles, recorders and flutes - can now attend. Unfortunately we must limit percussion instruments.

Jacob Stone, Greta Stone and Susan Reid are the musicians who are leading the group. All ages and levels of playing are welcome to participate. It is not necessary to read music to participate as we will learn to play by ear. These sessions are meant for beginning and intermediate level players with basic familiarity with their instruments since we will not include in-depth instrument instruction. We would welcome experienced players to attend to help lead the group at times.

If you have a bluegrass, old-time or Celtic tune that you'd like to bring to the group we would welcome your ideas, and we'll do our best to add it to our playlist. This sort of sharing is the most rewarding way to teach and learn new tunes

This is a drop-in group, please feel free to come to any session. There is a suggested $5 donation requested at each session. Masks are optional and we will have enough space that you can socially distance if you would like to. The session is held at the Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St., Montpelier. If you are interested in being added to the email list, send a note to Bob Barrett, 223-1856, barrettsvt@gmail.com.

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