October 18 - December 08 2022 Village Marimba Classes
for both youths and adults are taking registrations now!
Cost: $15 per class or $108 if pre-paying for full series ( 10% discount! )
All instruments and mallets are provided during class
Level 1 Youth Classes (mostly 3rd-5th grade): Thursdays @ 3:30 to 4:30 pm
Level 2 Youth Classes (mostly 6th-10th grade): Tuesdays @ 3:45 to 4:45 pm
Level 1 Adult Classes (for new marimba players or people wanting a slower pace): Wednesdays @ 5:00 to 6:00pm
Level 2 Adult Classes (experienced players desiring more complex material and faster pace): Tuesdays @ 5:00 to 6:00pm
All classes held in the Rainbow Community Center’s Omega Middle School Auditorium
60 State Street, Asheville NC 28806
This is the tentative schedule, subject to change depending on class enrollment
Minimum of 6 students committed per date or the class will be canceled. Maximum – 11 students
Please sign up for classes in advance.
If you feel the need to catch up, Sue is available for private lessons @ $25 per hour
Contact Sue Ford for further details: suef444@gmail.com
Sue Ford, former director of Evergreen’s EMBE Marimba Band, is launching a new venture called Village Marimba. Sue continues to spread the joy of playing marimba music in a community ensemble. Classes will be available to students from any school (in Grades 5 - 12) in Western North Carolina. Village Marimba is a program of Asheville Rhythm, an organization that seeks to create a culture that promotes wellness through rhythm and bridges musical traditions through innovative collaborations.
In Village Marimba Classes Students will:
Learn a repertoire based on the group’s interest, including popular songs, multicultural songs and original music.
Work on proper mallet/stick technique, which is also applicable to other percussion instruments.
Have fun making music with other young people and their friends.
Work toward a big performance at the end of the session.
Please contact Sue Ford about which class would be best for you or your child: suef444@gmail.com
All classes will be held at Rainbow Community Center, 60 State Street in West Asheville
For more information contact Sue Ford - suef444@gmail.com, 828-776-7918
Testimonials from parents of Sue Ford’s former students:
“My son has had such a wonderful experience in marimba. It gave him the freedom and confidence not only to play but to compose music as well. It was a refuge and Sue’s gentle leadership was a blessing.” (B)
“For our son, a young person with social challenges yet who possesses natural musical ability, Marimba Band is a positive experience that provides an outlet for musical expression, collaboration and building friendships. The discipline of learning marimba repertoire and the interdependence of the instruments comes together in joyful performances that showcase the young musicians' dynamic teamwork. Sue Ford is magical and young musicians respond to her relaxed way of teaching, as well as her ability to treat them as mature, responsible young people. " (MA)
“My daughter has gained knowledge of rhythm, beats, cultures, and musicality in a format that is fun, engaging, and authentic. She has loved being with Ms. Sue and playing in a band with her friends. It has been a priceless opportunity that I feel she has been blessed to experience.” (HT)
“I truly feel that marimba has changed my son’s life. I tell people it was the first thing that he could work at and really see steady improvement in his life. His severe dyslexia has always made school an exercise in frustration despite his obvious intelligence. And sports have always come somewhat easily. But marimba was a challenge that he could stretch into and achieve a dream/goal. “ (MB)
Evergreen's embe marimba band played at many venues in asheville including the Evergreen book fair at barnes and noble every year
EMBE performed a cd release concert - diana wortham theater
