Open Music Collective

04/18/2018

Thank you Commons for running this!

BRATTLEBORO—On Sunday, April 22, at 2 p.m., Open Music Collective will present its final concert, “Closing Ceremony,” at the Cotton Mill in Brattleboro. After nine years, close to 100 classes, almost 40 concerts, and hundreds of area students, OMC will close its space at the Cotton Mill. As .....

04/11/2018

OMC Closing Ceremony, Sunday April 22 at 2pm

On Sunday, April 22, at 2pm, Open Music Collective will be presenting its final concert, “Closing Ceremony” at the Cotton Mill in Brattleboro VT.

After 9 years, close to 100 classes, almost 40 concerts serving 100s of students, OMC will be closing up its space in Brattleboro VT. As a way of celebrating the time spent, a special concert will be performed with OMC and local favorites Jamie MacDonald (bass), Mitch Seidman (guitar), Claire Arenius (drums), and Melissa Shetler (vocals) with possible special guests.

Come celebrate memories, friends and good music.

Open Music Collective is looking for a new location in the western Massachusetts area to resume the mission to brighten lives and build community by connecting people and inspiring them to learn, perform and express themselves through music. The music and vibrations so many people have been part of will live on.

Open Music Collective especially thanks, with much gratitude, the great music community, past and present students, listeners and selfless teachers too numerous to list individually.

The musicians performing are coming from western MA as well as far away as Boston and NYC and have played with many of the greats while also teaching at Berklee, Amherst and Smith Colleges.

A donation opportunity will be offered in the concert with all proceeds going to Claire Arenius who is still in financial need.

For questions or further information, contact the Open Music Collective: 802-275-5054 or [email protected]. The Open Music Collective is located at 74 Cotton Mill Hill Studio A-335 Brattleboro, VT 05301.

09/10/2017

Hello Facebook!
The Vocal class is starting this Monday September 11th at 5 o clock. There is still space for one more, so sign up now!

The Ensemble Class has been postponed till September 18 at 7oclock, This will be a great class and we are looking for a drummer, and always room for guitar and horn or other melody players.

[email protected] for any questions or registration

http://openmusiccollective.org/

08/22/2017

On September 11, Open Music Collective will be starting its fall semester with the return of its Jazz Vocal Repertoire class and evening Jazz Ensemble.

After a long hiatus, OMC is happy to announce its return to offering classes that were once a staple of the music community. Jamie MacDonald, a founder and teacher of these ensembles (and Open Music Collective) is newly returned and rejuvenated touting a Master’s Degree from UMass in Music Performance in double bass, and solidifying his position in the music community becoming faculty at Smith College, Deerfield Academy and The Putney School. He is excited to be returning to his musical and spiritual home at OMC.
The Jazz Vocal Repertoire Class will be held Monday Evenings at 5:00 pm. Compositions of study include music of Duke Ellington, Abbie Lincoln, and the great American songbook. Learning songs, writing charts, working with rhythm sections, counting off tunes and improvising will be covered in all classes. Class has limited room for 6 people and vocalists will be singing with an experienced rhythm section. This class runs for 10 sessions and ends in a concert and is $275 for adults.

OMC Jazz Ensemble will meet on Monday’s at 7pm and is open to all ages and abilities. Study jazz by listening to specific pieces, sharing historical information, and playing classic arrangements and compositions in a safe, informative and encouraging environment. Jazz standards and Bebop melodies will be picked for the individual class for a tailored learning experience, all levels. . This class runs for 10 sessions and ends in a concert and is $275 for adults.

Frequently the class times change to accommodate students schedules as well as additional class times being added for interested students. Please contact us and let us help you.

Private lessons are also offered by Jake Charkey (beginning strings, cello, composition, Indian music), Stephan Amidon (drums) and Jamie MacDonald (Bass - Upright and Electric, Harmony, Jazz Vocals, Theory, Improvisation all instruments).

The Open Music Collective is a Vermont nonprofit providing a space for musicians, offering music classes and lessons for all ages including ensembles, masterclasses and summer camps. Students will not be refused for lack of funds.

For questions or further information, contact the Open Music Collective: 802-275-5054 or [email protected]. The Open Music Collective is located at 74 Cotton Mill Hill Studio A-335 Brattleboro, VT 05301.

06/13/2017

OMC News coming soon!

03/19/2017

Dear facebook friends, it has come to my attention that a former student of mine has been without a saxophone for a short time because she can't afford to buy one. Does anyone have an old sax in their closet that they would give up to a wonderful person? Bonus points for a bari (her true voice most likely) or tenor but any horn would be a true gift. I am hoping for a whole horn donation first but if not I will be passing the hat to make this happen. Thank you for your consideration, she is a wonderful musician and person and should be playing.

02/12/2017

Jam Cancelled because of impending storm

01/08/2017

No Jazz Jam, Jamie has the Flu

01/07/2017

What is it about serious music training that seems to correlate with outsize success in many diverse fields?

01/03/2017

12/30/2016

End of the year Appeal for Funds

To all Open Music Collective fans, friends and supporters - Happy Holidays! As we wrap up 2016 we want to say Thank you all for your continued support, we make a difference and it is because of you.

What people are saying about their OMC experience:

“Studying with Jamie MacDonald shaped every aspect of my playing. He mentored me in crafting the foundation of my musicianship -- so much so that I still drill every one of his exercises in my practice routine years later, and I suspect that I always will.” – Trey Jones

“OMC has been an invaluable resource for me during my residency. It’s been my musical home, where I practice, compose, record, experiment, and get inspired. It has given me critical resources that I require for doing my work and being able to make it as a professional musician based in Southern Vermont.” – Jake Charkey

Jake Charkey is new to OMC and is currently working in the space daily, writing and recording scores for movies, video games and Bollywood as well as practicing cello.
At this time, we would like to ask you to support our wonderful music community with a contribution. Our administration is 100% volunteer. A little money can go a long way in what we are able to offer as well as keep the doors open and equipment serviced. End or start the new year with making a difference.

Currently Paypal is offering a bonus 1% on all donations made before the end of 12/31/16 - you can follow the links here if you are so inclined - you don't need a paypal account, just a credit card: http://openmusiccollective.org/support-us/

Checks, cash and musical instruments/equipment are also great gifts. Let us know if we can help.

There are three ways that you can help financially: through the general fund, scholarship for students, or sponsorship to one of our upcoming events.

Some upcoming events include:

December 30: Some Favorite Jazz with friends, 7:30 pm – Melissa Shetler and Triangulation trio – Mitch Seidman, Claire Arenius and Jamie MacDonald

January 15 3pm Salvatore Macchia/Jazer Giles - Contra Temps – Double bass solo with electronics and multimedia – Prof. Macchia is returning with all new material

January 30 – Classes Start – Vocal Repertoire and Mingus Ensemble in the same night

February 24 at 7:30 – featuring Matan Rubenstein and Jake Charkey w/tba – Eclectic mix of original compositions with ethnic and improvisational roots

TBA – Summer: Prokofiev Quintet, Spring: Walter Griffiths and Jamie MacDonald in recital



2017 will certainly be another great year and we are looking forward to getting started.

We want to continue making a difference. No contribution is too small. (Or too large)

Thank you from all of us at Open Music Collective

Our mission is to brighten lives and build community by connecting people and inspiring them to learn, perform and express themselves through music.

Open Music Collective, Ltd. is a Vermont nonprofit organization, Federal Tax ID # 900494786.

If sending a check please mail to:
Open Music Collective PO Box 38 Newfane VT 05345

also - Concert tonight - December 30!

7:30 pm - Favorite Jazz with friends
https://www.facebook.com/events/956498114482112??ti=ia

Support Us Contribution Information The Open Music Collective, LTD, is volunteer-based organization, federal ID # 90-0494786. By supporting us, you are supporting local musicians and local musical opportunities by providing financial support for students of merit (in the form of scholarships), sponso...