CSMA Cover Bands give students lessons in music and collaboration

The melody of The Beatles’ “Come Together” is heard just outside the Ensemble Room at CSMA as students in the new Cover Band class practice the song. 

Introducing students to a variety of music genres is just one of the many goals of the class, said guitar instructor Chas Wilken. He also wants to ensure students approach being in a band in a positive way.

“The goal is not to just give them the experience of being in a band and increasing musicianship,” Wilken said. “Part of my goal is to get them to approach being in a band from the right perspective. Not, “it’s all about me,” but being a team player.”

CSMA cover bands play hits from pop, rock, and jazz. Participants develop musically, learn to collaborate in a band setting, and perform dynamic arrangements of popular songs. Ages for the cover bands range from 9 to adult.

Instruments used in the cover bands include vocals, bass guitar, electric/acoustic guitar, keyboard, and drums. Band members develop skills through group rehearsals, stage presence coaching, and live performance opportunities. All rock, pop, and contemporary instruments are welcome. 

Wilken explained that each band typically has about six members. He also plans to hold a small showcase at the end of the session, where students will have the opportunity to play four songs. A future goal is to have bands play a complete set of eight songs. He also hopes to invite horn players to join.

“I know we have some good horn players here,” he said. “It will be great to get them involved.”

What’s attractive about CSMA’s program in comparison to others Wilken has seen is that students have more opportunities to play, he said. Often, the ratio of students to parts (instruments) is high, and only a select number get to perform. There is a lower ratio of spots to students at CSMA, he said.

Those interested in joining a CSMA cover band are invited to complete a questionnaire to share their music background. Applications for our Fall 2025 cover bands are now open through Friday, August 15th, 2025.

Students will be notified at least two weeks before the start of the new session if they have been placed in a band. For further questions about the groups, please email us at: musicclasses@arts4all.org.