What is A New Quartet?
A New Quartet is a quartet for everyday people.
It is for anybody who enjoys playing an instrument but who might not have lots of experience playing in a group.
It for anybody who is interested in writing and arranging but who might not have studied music in school.
It is for anybody who would like to make the most music out of what they can actually play today.
What will happen at A New Quartet?
In some ways, the group will be like most small ensembles -- we'll meet regularly, move through some standards, try not to screw up too badly and then laugh when we do.
But that is not all.
In addition, each week one person from the group will present something.
For instance, they might demonstrate a technique or a concept. They might play a recording. Or they might present a sketch of something they are developing on their own or with another group. They might ask the group to play bits and pieces.
The point is that the person may use the available players to try out an idea.
The idea can be just about anything, but if it represents something that is important to that person, something they find difficult or interesting, then presenting it should be no big deal.
The plan.
The effort of composing simple parts for one another on a weekly basis could very well help someone move -- in a step-wise and methodical way -- from where they are to where they would like to be, musically speaking.