1. Guitar Ensemble Frank Markovich Spring 2004

2. Goals for this class Develop ability to work with others in a small group context. Each group will be from 2 to 4 players. You will work with everyone in the class at least one time. Listening skills and support skills. Performance of at least 4 songs for this term. Variety of roles in groups. How to develop an arraingement.

3. Start with Brown Eyed Girl Song is deceptively simple. Sometimes that can fool you. For tonight identify the various parts. You will break up into groups of 2 or 3. Choose a leader. One person must play rhythm guitar. Another should do the lead lines, fills etc. Third person will play chords in a different position.

4. Start by listening to the song. This is the step that is most overlooked. Listen to the various parts. Guitar may not always be the predominant instrument. Listen to the other instruments and try to figure out how you could do that on a guitar. Decide on who will do each part. Remember that you are a group and must help each other. One person may want to play the part but may not have the skills necessary. You will have to not only decide the role of the player but may have to help them with their part!

5. Next play it simply with just the chords and vocals One person at least should sing. Even if your voice isn’t that good, it will help. Play the chords vary simple at first. Go for the rhythmic feel of the song. This is part of the backbone of the song. Try playing along with the CD. Just the chords. If you have trouble keeping up then just play one chord per measure. Once you can do it in first position, try to do the barre chords to it. One person may want to try the bass part. I can help with a bass for class but not one to take home. A bass will add a bottom. You could also add in some percussion to the song. For that you can purchase some inexpensive percussion instruments. Before you leave tonight assign each person with a part. The group should decide. See next handouts for the lead.