T.C.O.B. (The Club Of Blues) is a 2020 program that the RMN is offering to musicians aged 15 to 105. We’d like you to connect with each other through making music — Blues, Rock, Soul, Jazz — we’ll be taking care of business at the T.C.O.B.! Think of it as a ‘Men’s Shed’ for music makers where the focus isn’t just on being a better musician, but on the social benefits of making and sharing music with others.
Whether you’re a teenage musician just starting out who would like to learn about being in a band or a recovering musician who hung up their guitar in high school — this program will get you motivated, connect you with other like-minded music makers and get you on the stage and in front of the mic.
The Program:
Each session of T.C.O.B will run over 8 weeks. The program is open to all instrumentalists and vocalists aged 15+ (if you have an interested teen that is under 15 please contact us to discuss). We’ll work towards a gig in Week 8! Sessions will be limited to 15 to 20 participants per session. Sessions will be held at Woodend Primary with the final gig at a local venue (see schedule & cost below.)
Each Session: 90 minutes (two 40 minute sessions with a break). 2 Mentors and 1 Apprentice.
Weeks 1-5: Skill building in working in a band / ensemble, reading a chord chart or lead sheet, putting together a song arrangement, improvising, performing and stage craft.
Weeks 6-7: Program members will start working in big and smaller groups, supported by their Mentors and our Apprentices to prepare numbers for the big gig.
Week 8: The Gig! We’ll host a gig at a local venue and invite your supporters to cheer you on!
The Mentors:
The T.C.O.B. is mentored by two great local Blues musicians — Keith Smith and Paul Warner of Kylie & The Big Shots. They’ll be joined by Program Director and local Musical Director Shaun Evans and supported by RMN Apprentices.
Keith Smith
Bassist, Kylie & the Big Shots
Paul Warner
Guitarist, Kylie & The Big Shots
Program Director, Ranges Music Network
The Apprentices:
The Ranges Music Network is proud to support a number of senior Secondary School musicians and those in Tertiary studies to work as Apprentices in our music education programs. RMN provides training, mentoring, feedback and support to allow our Apprentices to learn on the job — working with you to become both better teachers and better musicians. We believe providing this opportunity for the next generation of Educators is a valuable investment in our thriving music community.
Program Cost / Schedule:
Next Program: To begin in Feb 2020 / Accepting enrolments! Thursdays from 7 pm to 8:40 pm at Woodend Primary School.
Cost: $36 per session incl. GST / $288 for an 8 week Program.
Gig Entry (Week 8): Suggested $5 donation to the Ranges Music reinvestment fund (for equipment, concerts and workshops for the community and local schools).
Get Signed Up!
If you’re interested in being a part of the first T.C.O.B. program in February 2020 please email us for info!
