CONTEMPORARY MUSIC ENSEMBLE with Ben McConchie - Fall Session

2026.09 Jr + Sr Contemporary Music Poster[42].jpg

CONTEMPORARY MUSIC ENSEMBLE with Ben McConchie - Fall Session

Starting this September Ben McConchie will be facilitating two contemporary music ensembles at the Pender Islands school, designed for students who want to explore, create, and perform music from the 1940s to today. This after-school program will run on Thursdays and is open to a range of abilities, with participants grouped into two ensembles based on age and experience.

The program's focus will be on making music together—studying, rehearsing, and performing great contemporary songs, from jazz standards and classic rock to modern pop and indie. Along the way, students will dive into improvisation through chord–scale theory, refine playing with practical music techniques, and deepen understanding through musical and lyrical analysis.

Students will be encouraged to bring their own creativity to the table by writing original songs for their ensembles. To support our work, participants will have access to a wide variety of instruments from the Ptarmigan Arts instrument bank, including drums, guitars, basses, keyboards, and more.

The fall session will culminate in a special performance, giving students the chance to share their music with friends, family, and the community.

Whether you are a student who is already a confident musician or just getting started, these ensembles are a great opportunity to learn, collaborate, and perform in a supportive and fun environment. We are looking forward to helping build community through the process of creating music together.

WHEN:

Thursdays, September 24-December 17
3:45-4:45PM JR ENSEMBLE Grades 6-9*
5:30-6:30PM SR ENSEMBLE Grades 8-12* For more advanced musicians*

*Suggested groupings only. JR or SR participation will be based not just on age but on skill level. Final placement will be up to the discretion of our facilitator, Ben McConchie, once he has had an opportunity to assess each student.
*For more information on how to find out which ensemble is right for your child, please contact info@ptarmiganarts.org

*IMPORTANT DETAIL If your child is enrolled in this program their name will be removed from the bus list for that day. Should that change on any given week it is the parents/guardian's responsibility to connect with the school office to let them know. 

WHERE:

Pender Elementary School Music Room
5714 Canal Rd

COST: 

$150 per student

*All new and returning students welcome. For sponsorships to help with fees please contact us atinfo@ptarmiganarts.org.