Community and RecreationalMusic Making: Jam Session III

Friday, July 13th, 20123:30 p.m.– 4:15 p.m.

How to Start and Run an In-Store Jam Session

Presented by:

Amy Ball-Braswell Capo’s Music Store

A brief history of Capo’s Music and why we started a Jam Session

•Capo’s opened in December 2009.

• Started the weekly Jam in February of 2010.

How did we get started?

•We live in a music centered area•Recruiting from other jams•Giving people a reason to come and play

•Door Prizes•Refreshments•Family environment•All levels welcome

Challenges we faced getting it started

•Getting people to come pick•Getting the word out•Patience

General logistics of how the jam works: How we handle the issues that arise, who picks the music, what instruments, how do you handle multi-level players, etc.

•All acoustics•Set rules (Jam etiquette sheet)•Multi-level players•Listeners welcome•Dealing with problem pickers

How do we promote the Jam and get the word out about programs

•Advertising/Promotion•Local ads in weekly papers that center on music, Facebook, Twitter, email blasts, listing on our website, cross promotion with other entities in town

•Other ways•Word of mouth

Challenges of program longevity

•Keeping interest and attendance up•Staffing•Competition from other activities

The benefits of having a weekly Jam and other recreation music programs in the store

•Building community•Education•Good PR

Q&A