BKCM BLUES BAND (12 & Up)

“The Blues” is derived from the music of enslaved Africans, Black Americans, and sharecroppers in the mid-19th century. The roots of the blues speak to the Black American tradition and form the foundation of jazz, rock and many other genres. Learn how to play this influential genre in our BKCM Blues Band ensemble!

Taught by multi-instrumentalist Mark Marshall, the ensemble will follow the blues as it evolved from Fife and Drum bands to Delta, Hill Country and New Orleans styles through its migration across the U.S. from St Louis, Chicago, Texas and beyond.

The class will cover a variety of popular blues forms, scales, lyrics and performance styles. Students will learn the harmonic characteristics of the blues and how to identify signature elements of regional styles. Each class will focus on a particular blues style using a song which students will discuss and listen to along with other examples. Students will then try performing the song and learn how to interpret and improvise within the song structure.

BKCM Blues Band is open to intermediate players (ages 12 & up) of bass, drums, guitar, piano, organ and harmonica as well as vocalists. Other instruments, such as horns, are also welcome to join.

Interested in this class? Click HERE to fill out an interest form.

Financial aid is available for qualifying students. To apply please contact kris.mandapat@bkcm.org and fill out the financial aid application.

Community Ensembles and Classes

Come jam with us! The core values of “community” and “joy” are at the heart of these ensembles and classes, which feature a variety of genres and styles. A great place for students of different ages and experiences to come together to learn, play and spread joy and music.

Registration Info

Do you want to register for a class? Please call 718-622-3300 to speak to one of our registrars, who will guide you through the registration process and answer any questions you might have.

For complete information on our registration process and policies please click here.