Saturdays 10–11:30 am, 9/26–12/5; No class 11/28
| Age | Youth |
| Event Type | Class |
| Department | Ensembles, Funk |
| Day | Sat |
| Instructor | Simon Keyser Petty |
| Status | inperson event |
Explore the music and groove of classic funk in this high-energy ensemble. Drawing on the music of artists such as James Brown, Sly & the Family Stone, The Meters, Tower of Power, and others, students develop the rhythmic precision, pocket, and ensemble communication that define the style.
Music is learned primarily by ear, with an emphasis on listening, feel, and playing as a cohesive band. Vocalists and horn players are welcome. This ensemble is also open to advanced middle school musicians.
Admission is by audition.
Sections
Section 1
Saturdays 10–11:30 am
9/26–12/5
No class 11/28
Simon Keyser Petty, $475
(in-person)
Section 2
Saturdays 11:45 am–1:15 pm
9/26–12/5
No class 11/28
Simon Keyser Petty, $475
(in-person)
Application & Audition Information
For audition guidelines and to submit an application, visit:
Young Ensembles Application & Audition Information
About Simon Keyser Petty
Simon Keyser Petty is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and music educator based in Oakland, California. He graduated from the California Jazz Conservatory in Berkeley, where he now runs the youth funk program. He apprenticed under Otis McDonald and brings a musical philosophy rooted in groove, improvisation, and creative expression.
Simon runs his own production firm, Studio S, with his wife, Simone. His teaching style is hands-on, adaptive, and deeply musical, with an emphasis on helping students develop their own creative voice.