Middle School Intersession 2025

Students will learn the fundamental chord shapes on the guitar, as well as basic strumming, scales, and rhythmic concepts. We will also cover how songs are created and analyzed through the lens of contemporary rock/pop music. No experience required.

Legendary Cuban musicians Rodney Barreto and Axel Tosca will be leading Nueva musicians in an intense rehearsal format teaching Afro-Cuban jazz styles both contemporary and traditional. With Axel on keyboards and Rodney on drums you will learn to groove in new styles and have a great time working with two of the best around.
You’ll learn the Mambo, Cha Cha, Songo and more.

This will run as a Thursday Friday session culminating with a performance on the weekend and again on Monday/Tuesday with a concert that evening. YOU CAN SIGN UP FOR ONE OR BOTH SESSIONS!

Here is a video of Axel & Rodney playing one Axel’s compositions:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBZVUPXPZIM

Watch the videos and sign up to play, all instruments welcome!

What is Poi Spinning?:

Poi, pronounced "poy," is a Maori word from the indigenous people of New Zealand, where this art form originated. Poi consists of a weighted object attached to the end of a cord, made from materials such as fabric, rope, or chain. Spinners swing the poi in controlled patterns, creating mesmerizing shapes and visual displays through the manipulation of momentum, speed, and direction.

Who Would Enjoy this Class?:

Dancers, Creatives, Athletes, anyone who loves music and movement

What Will You Learn in This Class?:

This class will provide a solid foundation for your journey into the world of poi spinning, covering the basics to help you build essential skills, including:

1. Poi Handling: Learn to handle poi confidently and safely, understanding the different parts of a poi set.
2. Fundamental Moves: Discover basic poi moves like weaves, butterflies, and reels that serve as building blocks for more advanced techniques.
3. Coordination and Timing: Develop your hand-eye coordination, timing, and rhythm through focused practice.
4. Creative Exploration: As you gain confidence, we’ll encourage you to explore your personal style, adding music and self-expression to your poi spinning.

By the end of the class, you'll have the skills and knowledge needed to start your own poi journey, opening up a world of creative expression, physical activity, and mental enrichment.

Students will learn the fundamental chord shapes on the guitar, as well as basic strumming, scales, and rhythmic concepts. We will also cover how songs are created and analyzed through the lens of contemporary rock/pop music. No experience required.

What is Poi Spinning?:

Poi, pronounced "poy," is a Maori word from the indigenous people of New Zealand, where this art form originated. Poi consists of a weighted object attached to the end of a cord, made from materials such as fabric, rope, or chain. Spinners swing the poi in controlled patterns, creating mesmerizing shapes and visual displays through the manipulation of momentum, speed, and direction.

Who Would Enjoy this Class?:

Dancers, Creatives, Athletes, anyone who loves music and movement

What Will You Learn in This Class?:

This class will provide a solid foundation for your journey into the world of poi spinning, covering the basics to help you build essential skills, including:

1. Poi Handling: Learn to handle poi confidently and safely, understanding the different parts of a poi set.
2. Fundamental Moves: Discover basic poi moves like weaves, butterflies, and reels that serve as building blocks for more advanced techniques.
3. Coordination and Timing: Develop your hand-eye coordination, timing, and rhythm through focused practice.
4. Creative Exploration: As you gain confidence, we’ll encourage you to explore your personal style, adding music and self-expression to your poi spinning.

By the end of the class, you'll have the skills and knowledge needed to start your own poi journey, opening up a world of creative expression, physical activity, and mental enrichment.

George Harrison wrote, “Everyone should have and play a ‘UKE.’ It’s so simple to carry with you and it is one instrument you can’t play and not laugh!” He carried his uke with him and gave away ukes to friends whenever he could. “Everyone I know who is into the ukulele is ‘crackers,’ so get yourself a few and enjoy yourselves,” he said. Good advice from a Beatle. This course offers an introduction to playing the ukulele. Geared toward both complete neophytes and experienced beginners, the course will teach students the basics of uke chords and strumming. A dozen or so chords will be covered as well as a few strum patterns and basic fingerpicking. Basic chart reading and rhythm studies will also be discussed. No experience required.

George Harrison wrote, “Everyone should have and play a ‘UKE.’ It’s so simple to carry with you and it is one instrument you can’t play and not laugh!” He carried his uke with him and gave away ukes to friends whenever he could. “Everyone I know who is into the ukulele is ‘crackers,’ so get yourself a few and enjoy yourselves,” he said. Good advice from a Beatle. This course offers an introduction to playing the ukulele. Geared toward both complete neophytes and experienced beginners, the course will teach students the basics of uke chords and strumming. A dozen or so chords will be covered as well as a few strum patterns and basic fingerpicking. Basic chart reading and rhythm studies will also be discussed. No experience required.