Let’s Make a Band!

Have you ever imagined yourself onstage, under the lights, shredding a guitar solo, holding down the backbeat, or wailing into the mic? This Winterim is designed to be a boot camp for a student band. Whether you already jam together as a group or you’ve never picked up an instrument before, you will end the week as part of a fully fledged band with all the necessary skills to become a staple of the local music scene.

We will assemble each day in the Dawson band room. Students will work up a repertoire of four to five songs of their choice, including at least one original composition. Arrangements will be done collectively, giving students an opportunity to hone their existing knowledge of music theory, arrangement, and composition (or to encounter these things for the first time). We will watch excerpts from iconic performances and attend a local concert. Guest speakers, including Dawson alumni, will chat with students about careers in music and how their time at Dawson helped prepare them for careers in the industry. Students will have the opportunity to perform their set for their classmates once school is back in session.

Educational Goals:

Learn how to compose, arrange, practice, and perform as a band.
Deepen understanding of music theory and arrangement for an ensemble.
Learn the recording studio workflow and record a song.
Learn how to go about booking a gig and complete a professional sound check.
Meet music professionals (including Dawson alumni!) and learn about possible careers in the music industry.
Put together and perform a killer setlist at the end of the week.

Instructors: Ben Hockenbarron and Maddy Scheer
Open to: Grades 9-12
Limit: 10 students
Cost: $280
Dates: March 5 and March 8 - 12, regular school hours