The Beckett School at Laurier offers intergenerational programs in group settings for adults 18+ designed to foster community engagement and support skill building. Specific goals for our adult programming include promoting social interaction, emotional wellbeing and enhancing quality of life.

Percussion Ensemble

In the beginning there was rhythm. This percussion ensemble will focus on learning, rehearsing, and performing rhythmic songs that draw on elements of world percussion styles. Bring your d'jembe's, bongos, congas, whatever you have! Percussion instruments will also be available. No experience necessary! The ensemble is led by Dave O'Neill. 

• Location: 190 Lester Street, Waterloo
• Dates: Weekly; Mar. 20 - May 8, 2023 (no rehearsal on Feb. 20)
• Time: Mondays at 7 - 8 p.m.
• Cost: $225 
• Ages: 15+

Register

A Community Consort

Daniel Cabena and the Beckett School at Laurier cordially invite you to participate in our Community Consort. We’re a small group of players & singers who explore early music & historically inspired music-making. Thus far, our Community Consort has included violas da gamba, baroque violins, recorders, voices, lute, sackbuts, harpsichord, organ, and a shawm! So, whatever you may play or sing, do come along!

In the winter of 2023, our Community Consort will be exploring early music through the lens of English literature, and we’ll be commemorating the deaths (in 1623) of William Byrd, Thomas Weelkes & William Shakespeare. Our explorations will culminate in a merry musical masque, which we will devise & perform together.

Possible special events: continuo workshop & text workshop; details to be confirmed.

Final performance: March 28, 2023 at 7 p.m.

• Location: 190 Lester Street, Waterloo
• Dates: Starting Jan. 17, 2023
• Time: Tuesdays at 6:30 - 8 p.m.
• Cost: $180 (sliding scale fee structure available; contact beckettschool@wlu.ca)
• Ages: 16+

Register

EmPowering Your Voice

Ever wanted to sing, but feel like it’s too late for you to learn? Do you wish you could use your voice more freely? Would you like to gain more self-confidence and become more comfortable using your voice?

The EmPowering Your Voice workshops are for you!

Regardless of age, amount of experience as a singer or musical background, you can join this group of folks who want to grow their sense of personal strength through healthy use of the voice. Led by Kimberly Barber, Professor of Voice in Laurier’s Faculty of Music for the last 20 years and professional opera, concert singer and recording artist, these exploratory sessions help you to find your way to more freedom with your vocal instrument. We’ll learn about how the voice works, discover how to connect to breath, vibration and resonance, and have fun while doing it.

• Location: 190 Lester Street, Waterloo
• Dates: March 1, March 15, March 29, April 12 (participants must commit to all four sessions)
• Time: Wednesdays at 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
• Cost: $200
• Ages: 18+

Register

ADULT CHOIR

Love to sing? Want to connect and make music with new folks in your community? The Beckett School at Laurier Community Choir is open for its inaugural season! This 12-session program will run weekly on Tuesday evenings from 7:15pm - 8:45pm. Join us as we explore a variety of genres and singing styles together through flexible methods. Note reading is not required. Multi-instrumentalists are welcome. Come and jam! Led by Greer Schatz. 

• Location: 190 Lester Street, Waterloo
• Dates: Weekly; Jan. 10 - April 4 (no rehearsal March 14)
• Time: Tuesdays at 7:15 - 8:45 p.m.
• Cost: $215
• Ages: 16+

Register

Fiddle Jams

Led by Shane Guse, join us for a monthly fiddle jam! This is a drop-in event. This is a fun and supportive group setting where you play when you can, listen when you can't, and make sure to take note of new tunes you hear and want to explore. This is open to players of all ages and levels. If you have never played fiddle before, this is a great opportunity to try it out. The goal is to have fun, build confidence and repertoire, and hopefully introduce fiddling to those who have never had the opportunity to try it. 

• Location: 190 Lester Street, Waterloo
• Dates: Sundays: Jan. 29, Feb. 26, Mar. 26, April 23, 2023
• Time: 7:15 - 8:15 p.m.
• Cost: $5 for non-BSL students; free for BSL students
• Ages: All (should have minimum basic proficiency on your instrument)