Metro Parks Music

Centennial jamBands Open Jam April 19 5-7

We got new carpet and a fresh coat of paint. We want to throw a big party to celebrate. Come check out our renovated and refreshed rehearsal space. It is our hope that students, parents, staff and alumni will come hang out on this special Friday afternoon. We'll all being jamming together! And Kidsville will be onsite to lead some fun and creative activities. This will also be a good chance to wish our very own Shannon "Bayou" Williford a happy retirement. After 25 or so years of spreading good vibes and teaching Nashville's children how to play, he's headed back to the Mississippi gulf coast. We wish him well, but we will miss him for sure. Come say bye, at the Centennial Performing Arts Studios, 211 27th Avenue North, from 5-7 p.m. on April 19, 2019. See you then! There may even be some special guests!

Summer JamBand Camps 2019

Are you or someone you know between the years of 10 and 18? Do you play guitar, bass, drums or keyboards? you should come to Metro Parks' summer music Jam Band camps. We will cover grooving, jamming, improvising, stage presence and learning songs. students will learn to work together as a cohesive unit and above all, how to listen to each other. The week will culminate in a Friday evening concert.

• June 10-14 - Rookie Camp
• June 17-21 - Teen Camp
• July 15-19 - All Star JamBand Camp

A placement audition/interview is required. Please call 615-862-8440 for more information.

Register online for Metro Parks Music Classes.

Email Sam Frazee for more information

The Hartman Park Band

Fridays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 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, they practice on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 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. The band 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 band 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!”

You can see the Hartman Park Band in action April 6, 2019 at Bells Bend Park's Outdoor Expo event!

African Percussion

Come join the hand drumming class on Monday evenings at the Centennial Performing Arts Studios. All drums are provided and no experience is required. We will be learning authentic styles, techniques and rhythms. The class is led by Nashville based drummer and percussionist Clifford Koufman. He shares his passion for percussion through music education. A lifelong student of drumming, he is a masterful payer and has traveled extensively throughout America to West Africa to immerse himself in and learn the culture, creativity and various traditions of the percussive arts.

• Monday April 8 through June 3 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
• $100 registration, $80 before March 31

Register for Music Classes

Centennial jamBands

Our spring semester is going strong, but we are still accepting new students. We have teen and youth rock band classes as well as beginning and intermediate guitar and piano for kids and teens. There are even adult and senior bands and harmonica classes. You can email Samuel.Frazee@Nashville.Gov for more information.

Upcoming Dates

April 6, 2019, Saturday morning concert at Bells Bend Outdoor Expo

April 12, 2019, Friday night 7:00 p.m. Looby theater spring semester showcase.

Acoustic Pickin' Parties

These are held every Tuesday evening from 7 p.m.-8 p.m. 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.