“Jam session” brings students together
Posted by The Skyliner on February 18th, 2009Jennilyn Dempsey
News & Features Editor
A guitarist and a few students gather together in the Prayer Garden to make music and fellowship with other talented artists. (Photo by Chris Grady / The Skyliner)
The first Jam Session was held on Monday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. in the Prayer Garden. Several students gathered to fellowship through music.
The gathering was hosted by English professor Tim Hendrix, who plays fourteen instruments.
“Ever since I began teaching here, I’ve wanted to get the students together and play,” Hendrix said.
His vision came to life in the Prayer Garden Monday night. At least 13 students showed up, most carrying guitars. A violin, djembe drum, saxophone, mandolin, harmonica, accordion and ukulele showed up as well.
The group mainly played folk-style music, including “Wagon Wheel” by the up-and-coming folk rock group Old Crow Medicine Show. All of the instrumentalists played without music, but Hendrix provided some direction by naming chords as the group played.
Hendrix played the mandolin and brought an extra, along with the ukulele and accordion. He wanted to give students an opportunity to play something they may have never played before.
Kirstin Barrett decided to try the accordion because she is a pianist.
“It’s really fun and interesting; it’s hard,” Barrett said.
Brandon Nelson, senior studio art, provided the beat with his djembe drum. He has been playing percussion instruments for nine years.
Gia Gianakis, senior interdisciplinary studies, played the guitar and brought along a
harmonica and a saxophone to share. Stephen Palacino, senior interdisciplinary studies, joined in on Gianakis’ saxophone.
The relaxed atmosphere of the Jam Session provided the backdrop for musical creativity and inspired students to continue getting together.
“[There is] an uprising of good [artists] here,” Katie Player, senior interdisciplinary studies, said. “Everybody’s finally starting to get involved—supporting each other.”
“Hopefully we’ll be able to do it some more,” Hendrix said. “Music has the amazing ability to connect people and we need to do more of it on this campus.”
Keep an eye out for flyers announcing the next Jam Session, and be sure to grab your instrument and join Hendrix and other students for an evening of music and fellowship.