By Jen Slayden
Just imagine a place where young and old gather together to learn, create, and express joy through music. Imagine a place where limitations are left behind, which results in loving support, encouragement, and teamwork. Imagine music building confidence, breaking down barriers and reconstructing stereotypes of what a musician IS into stereophonic beauty through instruments and voice.
It may not be a surprise for you to learn that Missoula has such a place: the YMCA. The YMCA has been an active and integral part of Missoula throughout the years. Almost one year ago, the YMCA expanded their mission of community service by opening up a community music program called YMusic. The director of community music is Missoula’s own cherished Amy Martin, a local singer/songwriter who has paved her way into many hearts through her passionate music and work with the local children’s choir, The Coyote Choir.
In the last year, Amy has launched music programs for young and old using locally known musicians to teach everything from singing/songwriting workshops to fiddle and cello to banjo and drum. The programs are diverse and there is something for everyone and every age.
This Friday night, November 20, 2009, participants and community members will come together for the First Annual Jamophilia Extravaganza at the Wilma Theatre. YMusic will celebrate a successful first year where they have served over 700 community members, launched over 85 music based programs with over 22 local instructors and 30+ volunteers. Many of those class participants who have been a part of YMusic will get a chance to perform, along with musicians from Broken Valley Roadshow, Tom Catmull & the Clerics and Wartime Blues. There will also be a local “mystery guest” that you will ALL KNOW. All audience members are invited to an after concert jam and are encouraged to bring instruments. Young and old….beginner and advanced….short and tall. All our welcome.
Why music? Well, because music is our birthright and our human spirit. Music is a way to connect with all generations, all people, and all beings. Because music is not meant to be played only by “trained professionals” but is meant to be shared like smiles are shared: genuine, sometimes raw, and from the heart. We are so fortunate to have YMusic!
I hope you will join YMusic in celebration of a very successful first year, and join in the dream of many more exciting years of building confidence and community through the act of making music together.
YMusic Jamophilia Extraganza starts at 7 pm on Friday, November 20 at the Wilma Theater. Tickets are $5 in advance and $8 at the door. Tickets are available at Rockin’ Rudys, Worden’s Market, & the Missoula Family YMCA. Performances by YMusic Student Bands with members of Broken Valley Roadshow, Tom Catmull & the Clerics and Wartime Blues.
Jen Slayden is a long time Missoulian who thrives in the chaos of being a mother of three while also being a Certified Life Coach, musician and educator. She enjoys writing about all of life’s little lessons on her blog, which you can find at www.bigskylifecoach.com.
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Thanks for getting the word out there, Jen! I’m really looking forward to Friday!
Jen is a HUGE addition to YMusic! In addition to her awesome cello classes, she is going to offer music for differently-abled people in 2010. Morning classes for special-needs kids ages 2 – 6 (and their parents), and afternoon classes for adults. Thanks Jen and Mamalode for helping us get people to this super exciting event!