Welcome to Jam Lab at Community Jams! The goal of Jam Lab is to grow our jam skills for playing together as a whole and move towards sounding more like a band with whoever is playing that day. We will play each song twice and discuss several key elements (see below) before and after each play through. Sessions are limited to 10 participants. All abilities are welcome, but beginners are advised to start with Wednesday and Saturday Newcomer jams instead.
Singers need to arrive with a list of three songs that they have sung before at a CJ jam, feel comfortable singing, and are enthusiastic about singing. For each song, please have an idea or two that you'd like your band mates to implement (style, instrumentation, dynamics, etc.). Since a variety of skill levels will be present, chosen songs should not be too difficult for an average group. Song keys will be shifted slightly if needed to meet the abilities of the instrumentalists.
Instrumentalists should be ready and willing to adjust how and when they play based on our group discussion for each song. Instrumentalists should be prepared to play less than 100% of the time and adjust volume to help meet the group’s goals.
Bring an open mind and be prepared to communicate and collaborate with others about music. Attendees agree to work with and be responsive to the group, within their ability, as we grow our skills together.
We will play each song twice with guided discussion before and after each play-through, setting intentions for the following elements:
Listening and Supporting the Group
- Identifying and following the pulse and rhythm pattern of the song
- Listening to the whole group sound and how the individual fits within it
- Playing individually in a way that helps the group sound their best
- Supporting the singer and soloists and creating space
Instrumentation
- Which instruments, or how many of the same instrument, play during certain sections
- Choices of keyboard and guitar sounds, etc., if available
- For musicians who are comfortable doing so, using different chord voicings to reduce muddiness when we have several of the same instrument playing
- Coordination on instrumental solos and riffs
Style
- Singers may request to play the song in a specific style
- Intentional choices about the rhythm, feel, tempo, etc.
Dynamics
- Choices about dynamics (soft, loud, etc.) within different song sections
- Discussing the overall dynamic arc of the song
Volume control
- Individual volume
- Overall level as a group
By discussing how we want to apply these elements, we can put our intentions into effect in real time and see exciting improvements. At the same time, we are growing our musicianship and jam skills. See you at Jam Lab!