Deep Roots

DEEP ROOTS
(AGES 55+)

Spring Session Begins April 6th, 2020

DUE TO THE CORONA VIRUS OUTBREAK, ALL CLASSES WILL MEET ONLINE UNTIL APRIL 27th. AFTER THAT WE HOPE TO RESUME MAKING MUSIC WITH YOU IN PERSON.

Call our Front Desk 846-9559 for class availability

Are you ready to reconnect with a once-loved instrument, dig into your favorite genre with fellow music lovers, or try something you’ve never done before?

317 Main Community Music Center in Yarmouth, Maine, looks forward to making music with you. Our Deep Roots programming caters to music lovers ages 55+. Deep Roots are, of course, welcome in any adult class, but classes with the Deep Roots designation cater specifically to older musicians and are likely to include more older musicians.

There is a non-refundable annual registration fee of $25 per person or $40 per family, renewable each year and to be paid at the time of registration.

Are you more interested in taking private or semi-private lessons? Great. Click here.

MONDAY

Deep Roots Ukulele ONLINE

Monday / 1 p.m. – 1:55 p.m. / Taught by Steve Roy

Join the craze that is sweeping the nation from kindergarten classrooms to pop stars – the Uke! You will be playing basic chords and simple melodies in no time. This is one of the hippest and easiest instruments to learn – you will be the life of the party and your friends will want to join you! Students must have access to a ukulele, a knowledge of basic chords and come with a desire to learn. ($165)

Contra Dance Repertoire Jam (All) ON HAITUS

Monday / 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. / Led by Maggie Robinson ($5 drop-in fee)

The 317 Main Contra Dance Repertoire Jam provides a great opportunity for new and experienced musicians to learn, play and enjoy the contra dance repertoire together. The group will play a mixture of standard contra tunes – mainly reels, jigs, and waltzes. Players of all instruments welcome. We generally start a tune by learning it slowly with music and chord charts available. We then put the tunes together in a set and work them up to dance speed. ($5 drop-in fee)

TUESDAY

Join The DRukes ON HAITUS
Tuesday / 9:15-10:10 am /Taught by Nina Miller

Do you love playing your uke? Do you want to make a difference in the community? Then the DRukes (Deep Roots ukes) is for you. We’ll work on learning a simple repertoire with the goal of performing at local assisted-living facilities, rehab and memory care centers and nursing homes. All you need is knowledge of basic ukulele chords and a desire to learn, play, and perform. ($165)

Deep Roots Beginning Fiddle ONLINE

Tuesday / 1 p.m. – 1:55 p.m. / Taught by Maggie Robinson

This group class is designed to provide adult beginners with an excellent introduction to the fiddle/violin in a supportive and fun environment. Students will be playing simple tunes in no time, learning basic bowing and fingering techniques that will build a strong foundation for the beginning violinist. Students bring their own instruments. This is a continuing class. Register by permission of instructor.($165)

Bluegrass Ensemble (Adults)ONLINE

Tuesday / 6 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. /Taught by Lincoln Meyers

If you are an intermediate or advanced beginner, can play a handful of bluegrass tunes and are not scared off by the high lonesome sound, then this bluegrass ensemble is for you. In this group class, students will work on classic material while learning the ins and outs of playing in a bluegrass band such as taking and accompanying solos, kicking off tunes, and harmony singing. ($220)

Blues Ensemble (Teens & Adults) ONLINE

Tuesday / 6:30 p.m. – 7:25 p.m. / Taught by Mitch Reed

The blues is at the core of all American roots music, and developing a working understanding of the form can be useful in many ways for the student musician. In this class/ensemble, multi-instrumentalist Mitch Reed will begin by teaching 3-chord progressions in a variety of keys, as well as how to apply this musical vocabulary in an ensemble setting. The group will explore genres that incorporate – and were influenced by – the blues, such as rock ’n’ roll, folk, country, and more. Developing skills in rhythm playing, soloing, and improvising will all be in the mix. All instruments and abilities are welcome. ($220)

Bluegrass Jam (Older teens & Adults) ONLINE
Tuesday / 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m./ Taught by Lincoln Meyers

Open to bluegrass players at all levels – guitar, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, dobro, bass, singers – join Lincoln as he calls the tunes, posts the charts, and leads the group (at a manageable speed) through the great repertoire of tunes and songs from the bluegrass tradition. ($5 drop-in)

WEDNESDAY

Showerheads (Women only) ONLINE

10:00 – 10:55am/Taught by Kathy Slack

Now’s your chance to exercise those vocal pipes outside of the shower! With a primary emphasis on having fun in a safe, positive, and supportive environment, the group will learn about singing basics starting with proper and healthy vocal technique. The importance of adapting to various singing styles will be emphasized as well as understanding the many facets of vocal production. We might also get to use a microphone! Singing as a group with the option of a solo will be included, so feel free to come to class with your favorite song(s) to share. Open to all levels, though beginners are especially welcome! ($165)

Everyone is welcome in the English Country Dance Circle

English Country Dancing ON HIATUS
6:00 – 8:00 p.m. /Caller Robb Spivey with live music
At First Parish Church in the Fellowship Hall, 116 Main Street Yarmouth
Starts 4/8/2020

Now entering its 5th year at 317 Main, English Country Dance class, taught by Dancing Master Robb Spivey with live music, is a great way to make new friends while learning a social dance form that has been delighting communities since at least 1651!

You say you’ve never heard of English Country Dancing? You’re in good company. If you’ve seen Pride and Prejudice, Emma, or Sense and Sensibility at the movies, you have indeed seen it! Fear not, English Country Dancing (ECD) is not some obscure relic! While this traditional form of group dance has been around for several hundred years, it’s still thriving today. Most of the movements are simply based on a walking or skipping step. Dancers move in a number of specific “figures” sometimes holding hands, sometimes by themselves. Each dance will be taught and prompted by a “caller” and every movement is called in time with the music. Beginners are welcome and encouraged – and partners are not necessary. And then there’s the music – beautiful tunes that will make the heart swell – sometimes sweet, sometimes stately, and sometimes absolutely driven with a pulsating beat. All of this combines to make ECD energizing, mesmerizing, social, and just plain fun! Come join us! ($100 for 11-week session or $12/ drop-in )

THURSDAY

Deep Roots Folk/Americana Ensemble ON HIATUS

Thursday / 10:00-10:55am/Taught by Jeff Christmas

The American folk-music revival was a phenomenon in the United States that began during the 1940s and peaked in popularity in the mid-1960s. Some notable performers of the genre included Josh White, Burl Ives, Woody Guthrie, Lead Belly, Big Bill Broonzy, Jean Ritchie, John Jacob Niles, Paul Robeson, Cisco Houston, and others. The revival brought forward styles of American folk music into the popular mainstream with artists such as Peter, Paul and Mary, The Kingston Trio, The Weavers, Odetta, Harry Belafonte, and others. More recent artists folk repertoire also find itself in the mix, based on the interests of participants.This ensemble is open to all singers and instrumentalists (55+) who would like explore this rich repertoire in a group setting with other folk enthusiasts. ($165)

Deep Roots Traditional Jazz Ensemble ON HIATUS

Thursday / 11:00-11:55am/Taught by Jeff Christmas

Dust off that trumpet, trombone, bass, banjo, guitar, snare drum, etc. and join teaching artist Jeff Christmas as he leads this group in a hand-on exploration of the jazz playing style and repertoire that was developed in the early part of the 20th century in New Orleans. Popular pieces from the genre will be selected based on the instrumentation, collective playing ability and experience of the participants. This is a great way to become reconnected with your music practice, gain confidence as an ensemble player, improve your skills, learn new music, meet new friends and have a lot of fun! ($165)

Deep Roots Folk Ensemble ON HIATUS

Thursday / 12:30-1:25pm/Taught by Jeff Christmas
FULL

(See above description)

Cajun Ensemble ON HAITUS

Thursday / 6:30- 7:25 p.m. /Taught by Mitch Reed

If you enjoy playing folk and country music, take the next step and learn what it’s like to be in a Cajun band. In this class we’ll explore traditional instruments, basic chords, and simple changes in a fun and relaxed environment. Cajun music is traditionally “front porch music”, played with family and friends once everyone is done with work and ready to relax. It’s perfect for folks looking to learn by ear, and even better for those who are ready to explore a new genre. Guitarists, fiddlers, bassists, vocalists, percussionists, accordion players, and folks looking to learn these instruments, are all welcome to join. Open to players of all abilities and ages, from novice to advanced. ($220)

Wabacs (Adult Folk-Rock Ensemble) ON HIATUS

6:30 p.m. – 7:25 p.m. / Taught by John McCain

FULL

317 LOCAL VOCALS (High school and adult) ON HIATUS
Thursday / 6:30-7:55pm/Directed by Jeff Christmas

The 317 Local Vocals are open to enthusiastic singers of all experience levels. We will explore a broad repertoire including American folk and gospel music, traditional music from around the world, jazz/theatre standards, pop, and more. The group will work towards a performance at the end of each semester showcasing the unique talents of its members in both a cappella and accompanied vocal styles. Taught by the dynamic and experienced choral director Jeff Christmas, singers will learn about 2, 3, and 4-part harmonies, individual and group singing techniques, ear training, and more. Open to Grades 9-12 and Adults, this is a wonderful opportunity to experience the joy of singing together as one voice. ($80)

FRIDAY

Private Lessons ONLINE
Available in 14 instruments including voice 6 days a week

Would you prefer to take a private or semi-private lesson? Click here for details.

Want to get a custom group going? Please contact our Music Education Director Chris Moore at chris@317main.org

“317 Main is my happy place!”

–Barbara Atherton (middle)
Folk Revival Ensemble Member & Mandolin Student

Curious Little Roots and grandmother seeing what Chris Moore’s mandolin can do.

The Wayback Machine harmonizing during a cafe performance for friends and family.

The members of Unspent Youth all smiles after a performance at Make Music Portland.

“What I love about this place is that I’m 70 years old. I come here and I’m learning new stuff all the time!”

-Jim Atherton
Folk Revival Ensemble Member & Banjo Student