Brittany Frompovich, professional musician, clinician, and educator, of Fredericksburg, will offer “Rock for Strings” ensemble class at Forte Music Studios on Mondays, from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., June 23 through August 11. Orchestral instrumentalists of all ages and skill levels can register for the summer session for $100 by contacting Brittany Frompovich at lady.bass.music@gmail.com or by calling Forte Music at (540) 899-6787.
“When people think of orchestra music, they usually don’t associate it with Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, The Who or Metallica,” said Frompovich. “Thanks to the influence of artists like the Hampton String Quartet, the Piano Guys, and Apocalyptica, plus the increased visibility of these artists via YouTube, more and more string students want to explore alternative genres on their instruments. Students are interested in studying and performing more than just classical pieces. ‘Rock for Strings’ is for students of all ages who want to explore jazz, rock, and improvisation on an orchestral string instrument in an ensemble environment.”
Students will have the opportunity to learn aspects of orchestration and arranging, as well as select from rock tunes already arranged for orchestra to perform in the group. Participants will study how to use electric string instruments, the use of effects, setting up a pedal board and amplification. The semester will also feature performance opportunities.
Before Frompovich began her “Rock for Strings” sessions, she “tested” a class during the Rappahannock Musicians Summer Camp, and 30 students signed up. The class was so successful that Frompovich scheduled a winter 2013 session at Forte Music Studios, where 15 students of all ages and skill levels formed a rock string orchestra. Their first performance was as a “flash mob” string orchestra during one of the First Friday events in Downtown Fredericksburg. At the final semester concert in December 2013, students performed a variety of rock and jazz songs.
Students with stringed instruments (including electric) – violin, viola, cello, double bass – are encouraged to register. The $100 class will be held at Forte Music Studios at 1691 Jefferson Davis Highway in Fredericksburg. Students can register by contacting Brittany Frompovich at lady.bass.music@gmail.com or by calling Forte Music Studios at (540) 899-6787.
