Hello SKCMA students and families!
We had a very unique Summer Band Workshop this year – two father-son combos make up the band! Jahmal, Maxwell, Marion, and Judah have been picking songs and rehearsing, preparing for their performance July 21 at 6:00pm, in room 123 (the drum set lesson room)!
Their band name is J&M&M&J 🙂
All are welcome to come! If you have any interest in joining a Band Workshop in the future, I highly recommend you come see how much fun we have in these groups!
Also, one of our own SKCMA teachers played at two World Cup games this summer! Read the interview with Nick Baker about his experience!
Happy Summer!
Laura Lee Crandall, owner
(816)682-3470
Music at the World Cup!
An interview with SKCMA Teacher Nick Baker
What’s your band name, genre, and instrumentation?
Nick: Our band’s name is Bayati and we play Arabic music. Our band consists of an oud, two violins, middle-eastern percussion, electric bass, vocals, and drum set.
How did the band get selected for the event? Where did you play?
Nick: We got selected to play at the World Cup games after they found our band online a few months before the WC started. We are one of the only bands in the Midwest who plays Arabic music. We performed in the stadium parking lot at the VIP pavilion.
What was different about preparing for this show vs. a typical gig?
Nick: This show was a bit different to prepare for. We had two 30-minute sets and had to consider a lot of logistical details like getting in and out of the stadium, parking, etc. In addition, there were issues with what we were going to wear- i.e. no brands, only white Adidas shoes, etc. We also couldn’t post videos during the gig or after on social media and photos were limited as well due to FIFA licensing.
What did the day look like — call time, rehearsal, showtime?
Nick: We were at the stadium for about 10 hours. Call time was at noon, sound-check was at 3:00p, we had a set at 5:00p before the match and 9:00p after the match concluded. Lots of hurry up and wait but it was a really cool gig! The energy of the World Cup is awesome. Getting exposed to people from all over the world was one of the coolest things. It was fun to see the fans from Algeria and Tunisia know and party to the music we were playing.
What would you tell a student who dreams of performing on a stage like that someday?
Nick: Keep practicing! Number one, the music has to be good. Number two- behave professionally. When they give you their rules, make sure you’re following them. Paying attention to all the details is very important.
SKCMA teacher, Matt Crandall, chose Lee because, “He always has a positive attitude and asks good questions at his lesson each week.”
Let’s hear from Lee!
Why did you begin music lessons?
Lee: I have always loved music and always been interested in tenor saxophone.
Do you have any future goals for lessons?
Lee: My goal is to master tenor sax. I might not make it, but that’s my goal!
Any advice for other student musicians?
Lee: Just hang in there and be patient! Try your best.
Congrats Lee!
Important Dates to Remember
Band Workshop Concert – 7/21
July Makeup Lesson – 7/24
August Makeup Lesson – 8/28