Students are busy learning and practicing new ensemble pieces preparing for a busy 2017 of activities:
Our fourth collection of recordings was produced at Native Sound in the Cherokee Arts District. Strings Attached youth went to work on songs such as Carl Perkins’, “Honey Don’t,” Duane Eddy’s “Rebel Rouser,” Buddy Holly’s “That’ll Be the Day,” and more. We enjoyed the atmosphere of Native Sound and learned about how the multi-track recording process works, including discussions on the innovations of Les Paul in this field and the use of another of his inventions, slap back echo.
And we started a new initiative to get more ukuleles in the library system by hosting a training workshop for St. Louis County librarians to learn the basics of ukulele so they can teach kids and teens or use the ukulele for storytelling activities.
Our 2017 spring recital will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2017 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Earthdance Organic Farms in Ferguson. On Saturday, May 6th, we’ll be at the Florissant Valley of Flowers with an info booth on Strings Attached and giving free ukulele lessons to kids and parents.
UPDATE ON THE SPRING RECITAL: Our outdoor recital planned at Earthdance Organic Farms was moved indoors due to heavy rains for several days in the Midwest. But the show must go on and did! We had another huge crowd of families, friends and community to hear students play. Performances included our kids Saturday ukulele class, individual performances, small and large group ensembles on “Stand By Me,” “Lean on Me,” “Penny Lane,” and a guitar mash on Chuck Berry’s, “Surfin’ U.S.A.”
June 21st was the 2nd annual “Make Music Day – St. Louis” with performances from Strings Attached students and free ukulele lessons for the public at the Ferguson Library. It was a really hot day, but it didn’t stop Strings Attached troupers from playing outside in front of the library to help celebrate the day.
We also kept busy in June putting on vocals and finishing touches of our studio album with students and guest artist musicians including Adam Hoskins & Joey Glynn from “Pokey LaFarge’s Band,” Mat & Rachel Wilson of “The Loot Rock Gang,” Kellie Everett, Doug Foehner and Vince Corkery.
Students also participated in a workshop learning how to use our new Zoom R24 track recorder. They learned the basics of how to operate it, mic placement, mixing and mastering songs recorded in classes by other students. This new aspect of Strings Attached offerings is sponsored by a grant from the Les Paul Foundation. Students are also introduced to a history of multi-tack recording and Les Paul’s contribution to the invention of the process.
Listen to some of the Zoom R24 class mixes:
“Play Music on the Porch Day” was on Saturday, August 26th and Strings Attached participated by creating an ice cream social at the Whistle Stop Ice Cream Parlor in Ferguson. The Whistle Stop is a former train depot that still has active trains that speed by and rattle the place several times a day. A great spot to play music on their newly-constructed porch deck , finished a day before we played.
2017 ended with our “Christmas Guitars” community performance with over 240 audience members joining us for sing-along holiday songs and guitar performances.
We awarded 8 instruments to hard working students at the end of the show.
And of course, the traditional cookie buffet was not to be believed!
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