Mariachi y Mas!
by Ginevra Ralph, Director of Education
¡Mariachi del Shedd! ¡Arriba! We are excited to bring a mariachi class back to The Shedd starting this Fall under the direction of long-time Eugene musician Fernell López. If you sing or play violin, guitar, trumpet, or want to learn vihuela or guitarrón, you can join the band to play this exciting music! It’s a great way to add some fun with your instrument. As the Mariachi develops, they will perform at a variety of community events and venues. We want to make possible for area youngsters what Chris Holt has provided with his fabulous Mariachi Sol at Springfield High School.
Fall is always a good time to think about starting a new class or trying out a new instrument. We will offer beginning classes in violin, guitar, piano and drums – as well as the ever-popular Music Box for elementary age students who want to explore a bunch of different instruments before choosing one. For adults Amy Adams continues her two singing groups – don’t worry if you don’t read music and there are no auditions! Andrew Pham’s Sunday Studio is a monthly peer review and learning session for adults that invites questions and student-directed learning on how to get the most out of your music-making. We encourage instrumentalists of all ages to form your own small groups and arrange for some coaching to help expand your repertoire and skills.
And as always there will be new faculty joining us – including Shedd musicals’ choreographer Caitlin Christopher, “vocal instructor to the stars” Jodi Tomlinson, trumpeter/pianist/composer Tony Glausi, and Emmy-winner pianist/composer Camara Kambon. Now is just a great time to start, or get back into, making your own music!