Metro Parks Music

Summer Camp Info

All Star jamBand Camp for Teens-

June 4-June 8

This camp is for teens that have participated in jamBand before or have a good deal of experience on their instrument. The focus will be on learning how to be in a band. We will cover grooving, jamming, improvising, stage presence and learning songs. This is the perfect opportunity for them to take what they've learned in private lessons and put it to use in a live performance situation. Auditions will take place in late April. Students will be expected to play a prepared piece and sit for an interview. Camps run Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost is $150 for the week and scholarships are available.

Young Persons jamBand Camp

July 30-August 3

This camp is for pre-teens that are already playing guitar, bass, keys or drums. Other instruments may also be considered. We will be learning the basics of playing in a group. Starting and ending tunes, groove, learning lyrics, playing a solo and preparing for a performance are all part of this week. The goal is for children to learn to play music, and just to play songs. Auditions will take place in late April. Students will be expected to play a prepared piece and sit for an interview. Cost $150 for the week and scholarships are available.

The Hartman Park Band

Fridays from 11 to 1 at Hartman Park

The Hartman Park Band (HPB) is a group of retirees who come together once a week to socialize and play music. Always glad to, as they say, “Make a Little Noise” with their leader, Parks music instructor Sam Frazee; the group has played regularly for more than five years. Co-founded by Hartman Community Center manager Adrean Gregory, the HPB has practice on Fridays from 11 to 1. Rehearsals are open to new-comers and visitors. You can also see them performing around town for special parks events and concerts. The band focuses on popular music form the last 50 years, mainly Rock n Roll, but also blues, country and some jazz.HPB includes keys, guitars, drums, electric bass, and saxophones. They feature several outstanding vocalists. Some of the musicians have a lifetime of experience, playing in churches, clubs or with friends and family. However, some HPB members are beginners, having found a new passion in their golden years. The oldest member is in his 80’s, with the youngest being in his 40’s.

Instructor Sam Frazee says that his favorite part of working with the Hartman Park Band is listening to the musicians joke around and enjoy themselves. He feels that it’s important for aging adults to continue to learn and try new things. “No one is born knowing how to play,” says Frazee, “we all have to learn sometime; and it’s never too late to start!”

Acoustic Pickin' Parties

These are held every Tuesday evening from 7PM - 8PM in the Centennial Black Box Theater. Bring an acoustic instrument, join the circle and play along. All styles of music welcome, including originals. Great for ear training, developing chops, and learning new tunes. Relaxed environment similar to porch-sitting and pickin' with friends. Come with at least a couple tunes you'd like to play and an open mind. Ages 12 - up. Hosted by Mike Teaney.

Free Form Friday

Metro Parks Music and Arts In The Parks is happy to present the ongoing series Free Form Friday.; Free Form Friday is an event that provides a platform for performing artists whose style is (for lack of a better phrase) out of the box. It is really all about offering a unique experience while giving artists that are out of the mainstream, yet still creating relevant and interesting art, a place to perform and share their ideas. It is held in the Centennial Black Box Theater.