Drums... Just Once

by Phil Houseal as published in the Kerrville TX Community Journal & Boerne TX Hill Country Weekly - Feb 17, 2010

You don’t need to know a paradiddle from a flamacue in order to start drumming, according to Matt Gillis, instructor for the world premier of a new Club Ed class called “Just Once Drumming.”

Gillis will be in the Hill Country on February 28 to teach the world’s very first “learn to play drums in just a few hours” course. This has never been tried before with drums. However, it uses the same concepts as proven in similar “just once” courses for piano and guitar.

“This curriculum was written by someone with a degree, and it’s being used in combination with the experience from what I’ve learned as a teacher and musician,” Gillis said. He is looking for people with a passion for drumming, whether they already play a little or just “beat on the dash in the car.”

“This class is specifically designed to introduce everyone to the basic set up, with hands-on practice and information on how to purchase, play, and go on from here.”

Each student gets a pair of drumsticks and a portable practice pad to drum on during the class. Gillis will set up a drum kit that everyone will get to try. The class is low stress and supportive, and is designed to give people a feel for what playing the drums is like.

You don’t even have to be the next Gene Krupa or Buddy Rich, according to Gillis. “Music in general is an emotion catcher,” he said. “The more you play an instrument, the more your emotions join in the fun.”

But can anyone really learn any instrument in just one session?

Gillis admits that playing drums differs from other instruments, if only because one must use all four limbs.

“But I am always surprised at how many people pick it up quickly. Basically you will learn to keep the beat and add a few fills. You don’t have to know too much, but you will definitely learn the basics.”

You also will get a book and DVD to take home so you can practice and annoy your family.

While Gillis has been a musician for 15 years, he came to drums only in the past few years. So he empathizes with adult beginners. He thinks this class will attract everyone from people who have never picked up an instrument and have always been curious, to people who have played a bit in past and want to get more serious. He specializes in church and praise music, but this course will demonstrate all styles.

“The main thing is this class is designed to be fun and not to be a headache. You will get lots of information, and get to talk to someone who has done it. It’s just fun.”

XXX

“Just Once Drums” meets Sunday, Feb 28. For information or to sign up, click www.clubed.net, or call 830-895-4386.

Club Ed is the Community Education program of the Kerrville Independent School District. Each year, we offer more than 400 classes throughout the Texas Hill Country, along with online courses, business and individual training, and after-school and summer camps. Comment online at clubedcomments.blogspot.com, or follow us on Twitter @clubedtx.

Mom... I'm bored

by Phil Houseal as published in the Kerrville TX Community Journal, April 29, 2009


"Sign my kid up for everything."

That is a direct quote from a phone call I received last spring from a parent looking for summer activities for their child. Once again it is time to think about finding great things for kids to do during those 12 weeks of summer.

Typically the excitement of being out of school wears out after about three days. Kids get restless; parents are pulling out their hair trying to come up with something to keep the kids out of their hair.

Never fear - Hill Country Kids is here! This long-running catalog of kids summer activities pulls together the best diversions in the area. Inside is a directory listing of every single organized kids activity in Kerrville, Hunt, Ingram, Comfort, Fredericksburg, Boerne, and points in between, along with detailed information on select offerings.

For starters, you'll find every Vacation Bible School in the area. Then there are the camps, from MO Ranch to the YMCA. Is your child interested in tumbling, dancing, riding, swimming, or playing music? Look inside - see what you find. There are even some diversions that don't fit any category. Try taking a trip to the Wild Animal Orphanage just this side of San Antonio, where you can spend a day visiting more than 150 lions, tigers, bears, and other exotic animals.

Or round up your cowgirls for a summer camp at the Enchanted Springs Ranch, where the buckarettes will learn how to care for animals, cook dutch oven style, garden, and rope.

These activities are not just mindless diversions to fill time. Don't let your children know, but they might actually learn something. Club Ed for Kids is sending up rockets again at the Shoot For The Stars rocket camp. We also are running the full array of science and art camps featuring Lego building bricks, engineering, claymation, robotics, and junior engineering. We even snuck in one class for adults - Beginning Guitar. No reason to take the summer off from playing music!

The Hill Country Arts Foundation is offering a theater camp, Boerne Gymnastics is reprising its popular and fun Circus Arts camp where kids will learn acrobatics and clown skills. Speaking of clowns, our cover clown "Sunshine" is putting on a magic class and balloon sculpting class for wannabe show people, all supplies included.

The list is endless: twirling, tennis, tapping, drawing, karate, golf, reading. There is no reason to ever hear those grating three words, "Mom... I'm bored."

Pick up a copy of Hill Country Kids, and sign up your youngsters (or grandyoungsters) for everything!

XXX

Hill Country Kids catalog is sent home with every elementary and middle school child in public and private schools in the hill country. You can also pick up a copy at local chambers and libraries, or by visiting www.hillcountrykids.net. Or call 830-895-4386.

Club Ed is the Community Education program of the Kerrville Independent School District. Each year, we offer more than 400 classes throughout the Texas Hill Country, along with online courses, business and individual training, and after-school and summer camps. Comment online at clubedcomments.blogspot.com.

My Club Ed Day

by Phil Houseal as published in the Kerrville TX Community Journal, Apr 1, 2009


In 1986 there was a movie called Ferris Bueller's Day Off. In it, Matthew Broderick took the day off from school. The movie details his adventures eluding authorities and avoiding responsibilities.

Not long ago, I took a day on to school.

This day started at 5 a.m., when I rolled out of bed and headed to the Fredericksburg High School gymnasium. For an hour, I joined a group of marginally-in-shape yet enthusiastic men in our morning basketball game. That activity is community education - part of Fredericksburg ISD's program.

I showered and drove on to the Kerrville ISD Club Ed office. During lunchtime, I sat in on a new Conversational Spanish course. Monica Happ led our band of merry men and women through an hour of brushing up on our Spanish speaking skills. Esta es community education.

That afternoon, 30 dedicated dulcimer players descended on the Auld Center for their weekly jam session. For two hours, they practiced in preparation for a performance at one of our Kerrville ISD elementary schools. Of course, I had to tune up my mandolin and strum along on a few numbers. That is community education.

After work, I had just enough time to get across town and grab a chair in our adult beginner Take-A-Bow orchestra rehearsal. It is one of the many lifelong learning opportunities the United Methodist Church offers. Yes, that is community education.

At 6:30, it was time to zoom over to the dance studio, where I waltzed in and changed shoes for my adult tap and ballet classes. You guessed it - that is community education.

Whew!

I was describing my day to Emily Cale, who many of you meet as she takes your registrations and plans your courses for Club Ed. As I finished, she said, "Write that down. That is community education!"

For 20 years I have tried to come up with a 25-word description of community education. The concept is so all-encompassing and ever-changing that I have never succeeded (the other day I answered the phone and someone asked, "Is this the department of other things?"). But after my "Club Ed day," I realized Emily was right. What I did that day is community education.

Look around at how you spend your time when you are doing something you don't have to do. I'll bet you will be surprised at how many activities involve learning something new or stretching yourself beyond that stuffy comfort zone.

What's that? You're not doing those things? Well I happen to know a place where you can get started.

Unlike Ferris Bueller, we'll see you in class.

XXX

Plan your "day on" with our Spring 2009 Club Ed catalog! Visit www.clubed.net to sign up, or call 830-895-4386.

Club Ed is the Community Education program of the Kerrville Independent School District. Each year, we offer more than 400 classes throughout the Texas Hill Country, along with online courses, business and individual training, and after-school and summer camps. Comment online at clubedcomments.blogspot.com.

String Fever

by Phil Houseal as published in the Kerrville TX Community Journal Jan 28, 2009

When it comes to playing music, Karen Shirer's favorite stage might be a soapbox.

"The music industry has taken music away from us," she proclaimed. "They make it sound wonderful on a recording, then sell it back to us. As a result, we feel that any music we try to play won't sound like the recording, so our music is inferior."

Shirer wants the masses to take back the music, and she is working on her mission by teaching beginning guitar for the first time in Club Ed.

Shirer herself is an accomplished musician, playing piano and guitar. This fall she picked up the violin for the first time, and has already performed a concert with the Take-A-Bow orchestra of adult beginners. She believes that music is meant to be played by everyone, together and with joy.

"There is so much enjoyment we can find, even as adults, struggling in playing together," she said. "We can enjoy the process as well as create a decent end product. Music does not have to be perfect in order to be enjoyed. It is okay to laugh!"

Shirer teaches from what she calls a "folk" standpoint. That, she explained, means learning music not just in terms of reading notes, but by experiencing it. That means performing in a group.

"You must also learn to read other musicians you are playing with," she said. "Playing is a time to enjoy one another. There is so much about music that connects people."

Shirer starts beginners off learning basic chords, showing the structure and patterns common to many songs. She teaches people to learn to play by ear, so they can hear the chord changes and feel the music. She throws in music theory, but she calls it "pretty painless theory."

"I teach practical theory," she explained, "like how to use chord changes in your music by listening as well as by reading."

The thought of playing in front of others terrifies some beginners, especially adults. But Shirer feels it is important for players to step out of their comfort zones.

"Music is about sharing emotion, but it does not have to be scary," she said. "You are sharing delight as well. We know there is a bit of nervousness, but we don't want people to feel scared. We try to foster a supportive and encouraging environment."

That is why she came up with Acoustic Easy Jammin' to follow her beginning class. Musicians of all levels can perform together, taking turns leading the group. It evokes a kind of "playing around the campfire" experience.

"I love the campfire sing-along, playing songs people already know from when they were young. In the jam, the focus is not on learning new songs, but rather on learning how to play them and enjoying the sounds of the different instruments."

So turn off the radio and take off the headphones, and head to Club Ed to learn to play real music.

"Learning something new does the brain an amazing amount of good," Shirer said. "It keeps you young, and nurtures the joy that music just brings to your soul."

XXX

Club Ed is offering classes in guitar, piano, singing, and dulcimer in the spring session, now underway. Karen Shirer's guitar classes begin Feb 19. Visit www.clubed.net to sign up, or call 830-895-4386.

Club Ed is the Community Education program of the Kerrville Independent School District. Each year, we offer more than 400 classes throughout the Texas Hill Country, along with online courses, business and individual training, and after-school and summer camps. Comment online at clubedcomments.blogspot.com.

"Fake it" til you play it

by Phil Houseal as published in the Kerrville TX Community Journal Jan 21 09


Craig Coffman wants to give "faking it" a good name.

"Faking it" - or playing by ear - is the concept behind his popular seminars Instant Piano and the new Instant Guitar. It is Coffman's contention that you don't have to look at little black dots in order to harness and enjoy the power of making music.

"That term 'fake' isn't really a description of what is going on," Coffman said. "The guy in a piano bar may be using a fake book, but don't call him a fake musician."

Coffman has been traveling the country since 1993, leading over 200 seminars a year in which he teaches adults how to play piano in one day.

Many of his students took conventional piano lessons as kids, but gave up out of frustration, impatience, or being rapped on the knuckles by autocratic teachers. Those piano teachers are horrified by Coffman's more natural approach to music theory.

"If you are playing pop music, you must be more free about it," he explained. "Music is based on hearing and imitating the playing. Pop music has always been handed down that way. You can't write down everything that is going on in a pop song."

Coffman teaches Instant Piano as part of a national program. He has created his own workshop based on learning guitar "instantly." The Arizona resident plans to ramp it up across the country soon.

"This is a revolutionary concept to most people," he said. "When you talk to people and tell them they can play and don't have to read notes, that is shocking."

Coffman guarantees that his students will leave the workshop able to play simple songs with both hands. They can take home a book and CD to help guide them. It must work, because over five years no one has asked for a refund.

"People call back all the time with astonishing testimonials. One lady in Illinois had tried her whole life to learn piano. Three months after my class, she invited me over to listen to her play. She was 86 years old!"

Coffman is passionate about what he does, and tries not to disparage traditional piano instruction. But he has heard many piano teachers lament how many students drop out of lessons.

"If you can play piano by reading notes, you are in one of the most exclusive clubs in the world," he noted. "So I come along and make it easy for a broader group of people to learn to play. That makes me feel good; it makes me feel like I am doing something to enrich people's lives."

So the next time you overhear a "note reader" use "fake book" as a derogatory term, remember this: "Piano players use 'fake' as a badge of honor," Coffman said, then growls, "We don't need no stinkin' music!"

XXX

Craig Coffman will teach Instant Piano for Hopelessly Busy People, How to Play Piano by Ear, and Instant Guitar on Sunday, Feb 1. For information, visit www.clubed.net or call 830-895-4386.

Club Ed is the Community Education program of the Kerrville Independent School District. Each year, we offer more than 400 classes throughout the Texas Hill Country, along with online courses, business and individual training, and after-school and summer camps. Comment online at clubedcomments.blogspot.com.

Driven to play guitar

by Phil Houseal as published in the Kerrville TX Community Journal
Dec 24, 2008

She had never played an instrument and could not read music. But five years ago she bought a guitar and vowed to learn it.

After a few attempts to teach herself, she put the guitar back in its case.

"I tried to learn it on my own," she said. "But it just didn't work. Now I finally have time to take some lessons."

Out came the guitar again, and Jennifer Hudson signed up for Derek Baker's guitar class through Club Ed. She went to great lengths - literally. The class was held in Boerne, and Jessica lives west of Kerrville. Twice a week she made the 100-mile round trip to join Baker and his 23 adult beginner guitar players.

You have to ask if it was worth it?

"Derek Baker is a fabulous teacher - probably the most positive person I know," she said. "He is very encouraging, and always was pointing out how far we have come, how much we have learned, and showing us how great we are going to become."

The 23 students in this particular class worked so well together, they actually started practicing together on their own one day a week outside of class. Hudson welcomed this development, given her previous experience trying to practice on her own.

The group ranged in age from 12 to late 60s. But they were all basic beginners.

Baker's teaching approach is to build a strong foundation. He teaches chords and scales as well as theory. Hudson especially appreciated the way he pushed everyone to get a bit of performance experience.

"He had us play in casual settings such as at a church picnic," she noted. "I was probably the most nervous person. But I learned that if you make a mistake you just smile and keep going."

Their repertoire reflected a range as wide as the ages of the students. This class learned tunes from classic John Denver and praise music to Freebird and Margaritaville.

Baker wrapped up his lessons by teaching lead riffs and bar chords - which as any beginning guitar player knows are not easy to learn.

"He won't let us take the easy way out," Hudson said of Baker's teaching techniques. "He is teaching us the hard stuff to help us be better players."

So it's challenging, it's a long drive, and it eats up two nights a week. Why does Hudson do it?

"Number one it's fun," she replied. "His teaching style makes it so anybody can learn to do it. He starts with basics, then builds from there. You will be surprised how fast you learn."

It is definitely worth the drive

XXX

Club Ed will offer guitar in Boerne and in Kerrville in the Spring 2009 session. The catalog is now online at www.clubed.net, with copies to be mailed after Christmas. Call 830-895-4386 for information.

Club Ed is the Community Education program of the Kerrville Independent School District. Each year, we offer more than 400 classes throughout the Texas Hill Country, along with online courses, business and individual training, and after-school and summer camps. Comment online at clubedcomments.blogspot.com.

Club Ed - the place where learning never ends

As appeared in Fall 2008 VISITORS GUIDE - KERRVILLE DAILY TIMES Contact: Phil Houseal, 257-2218, phil.houseal@kerrvilleisd.net

There is a place in Kerrville where people are kayaking down rivers, playing guitar, traveling to the Renaissance, planting native gardens, programming computers, and learning to tango.

That place is Club Ed - the community education program of the Kerrville Independent School District.

This award-winning and nationally recognized program is the place for learners of all ages Every spring and fall, Club Ed offers more than 150 local classes in the areas of computers, art, fitness, language, music, recreation, travel, and self-improvement. Students can go online to sign up for 400 more classes open year round from the convenience of home.

Club Ed is also the area's leading training center. Professional instructors lead custom training on computers, software, web site design, customer service, grantwriting, and other skills for nonprofit organizations, businesses, and individuals.

Besides being fun, Club Ed helps keep the mind sharp. Scientific research uncovered 10 benefits that come from lifelong learning:

1. leads to an enriching life of self-fulfillment
2. helps make new friends and establish valuable relationships
3. keeps one involved as active contributors to society
4. helps find meaning in our lives
5. helps adapt to change
6. makes the world a better place
7. increases wisdom
8. creates a curious, hungry mind
9. opens the mind
10. helps fully develop natural abilities

To enjoy these benefits is easy, according to Phil Houseal, Director. Catalogs are mailed to all hill country residents twice a year. Anyone interested in teaching or taking a class can visit www.clubed.net, call 830-895-4386, send an email to club.ed@kerrvilleisd.net, or stop by the Auld Center, 1121 Second Street, Kerrville TX 78028.