The Community Jam is an opportunity for acoustic musicians at all skill levels to come together, learn new tunes, learn jamming skills, practice learning tunes by ear, connect with others in the rich music community here in Montpelier, and have a fun evening. At each jam there will be a short instructional segment at the beginning, to welcome and encourage new attenders.
When: The first and third Thursdays of each month. The next session is Thursday, January 19, from 6:15 to 8:00. This week we will provided some additonal material including a List of the Songs we have played, jam etiquette, learning to play by ear information and resources for learning these tunes. One of the resources is the North Atantic Tune List - natunelist.net. Under Slow Jams you will find the Montpelier Slow Jam songs that you can listen to as well as get the music.
Where: the Montpelier Senior Activities Center, 58 Barre Street, Montpelier. Parking behind the Center, and on Barre Street.
There is some weather expected on Thursday, if the schools are closed, the Senior Center will also be closed and the jam will be cancelled.
What instruments are played at the jam? We welcome fiddles, mandolins, acoustic guitars, banjos, accordions, concertinas, dulcimers, harmonicas, pennywhistles, recorders, ukuleles, and bass. (No amplification except for bass guitars.)
What sorts of music will be played? We will be playing a wide variety of tunes: Celtic, old-time, contra dance and square dance tunes, bluegrass, and whatever else participants bring to the jam.
Who will be leading the jams? The jams will initially be led by Susan Reid (fiddle), Gretta Stone (guitar and whistle) and Jacob Stone (5 string banjo). Other leaders may join us in the future.
What musical skill level is needed to participate? We welcome players at every skill level; if you know a few chords on your instrument you will be able to participate and grow your musicianship. Playing with others is an essential path to becoming an accomplished musician, and even the most passive participation in a jam can be a wonderful growth experience.
Registration? Cost? This is a "drop-in" event; no registration needed. We request a donation of $5 per session to support the Senior Activities Center and defray their costs in providing space, light and heat. We also support the Summit School of Traditional Music programs with these donations
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