Get ready to sing, strum and drum in the Creative Cocoon’s new Vibrations Music Room.
The Creative Cocoon – a non-profit organization committed to supporting art and wellness initiatives – is launching two new four-week programs for music enthusiasts in its newly renovated space in the basement of the Arborg Community Centre.
Garage Band Kids, for artists aged 12 to 19, and the Adult Rock Jam Session, for those 18 and older, will provide a space to collaborate, learn and perform.
“We have opened a fully functioning place to play and are ready for a diverse group of people,” said Ron Rogowsky, music program coordinator.
The Vibrations Music Room was made possible through an $8,000 grant from the province’s From the Ground Up – Safe Healthy Communities for ALL program. The funds were used to purchase electric drums, an electric keyboard, an acoustic-electric guitar, soundboard, speakers, microphones and cords.
Rogowsky, a percussionist, said he looks forward to meeting other aspiring musicians.
“Music is a big part of my life, and for many, many years Arborg needed a space for others to develop their music passion. There are a lot of people out there who love music, and now they can come together to express it.”
The programs are “plug and play” sessions where musicians bring their own instruments to connect to the provided speakers. All instruments are welcome.
Garage Band Kids runs Thursdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. starting June 19, while the adult jam sessions take place Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m. starting June 22. Advanced registration is required at www.thecreativecocoon.ca or through the Creative Cocoon Facebook page (@creativecocoonarborg).
Rogowsky said keeping the sessions affordable and accessible is a top priority. A one-time fee of $40 covers all four weeks. Each program requires a minimum of four musicians to run.
“When I was in Grade 7, I came together with a band of my own in my parents’ basement, and I want to give youth the same experience I had growing up,” he said.
Trial adult jam sessions in May drew an average of five musicians and six spectators each week. Rogowsky hopes to exceed those numbers with the summer lineup.
“Even though our programs have been short, we’ll be ready to fire it back in full force in September,” he said.
The Creative Cocoon also plans to expand its offerings by adding music lessons in addition to the jam sessions. Rogowsky hopes to apply for another grant to purchase small instruments like tambourines and maracas for audience members to play along.
“They’re just something else to let others join the fun,” he said.
In other Creative Cocoon news, a group of young actors is preparing to take the stage Sept. 20 with their production of Into the Woods Jr.. Details on the performance will be shared on Facebook and Instagram closer to the date.
The organization is also seeking new board members and volunteers. Anyone interested in shaping the future of creativity in Arborg can email info@thecreativecocoon.ca.
