LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
The din of muffled music was heard throughout the Langley Air Force Base Va., Community Center July 7 as the sound of hits such as Jimi Hendrix's "Hey Joe" and Stevie Wonder's "Higher Ground" echoed through the building.
In the banquet hall, musicians strummed, slapped and sang in a chorus that filled the room.
This is a typical Saturday afternoon for musicians participating in the "Jam Sessions" program at the community center.
Jam Sessions is a program intended to give Joint Base Langley-Eustis Service members space to practice, as well as meet and play with other musicians. The program also welcomes all inexperienced musicians and newcomers interested in learning an instrument by fostering a setting that allows participants to not only play music, but to learn about it.
The program also encourages musicians who have let their passion fall by the way-side to dust off their brass, tune the strings or tickle the ivory.
Ike McCann, community center project assistant and musician of 10 years, spearheads the project and is a participant himself. McCann, a saxophonist, said the program encouraged him to return to his musical roots. Although he is not always scheduled to works Saturdays, he takes the time to make full use of the program as often as possible.
The program provides a laid-back setting for musicians of all types and skill to practice with fellow artists.
"It's hard to improve if you always play by yourself," said McCann. "Playing with other people is the best way to develop your skills."
In addition to providing a place for individual musicians, Jam Sessions also hosts full-fledged bands. A local band, "the One-two, One-two's", uses the available space to prepare for upcoming gigs in the Hampton Roads area.
The band, named for a typical microphone check, was founded in January by lead singer and rhythm guitarist, Darrell Ford. The band has made full use of the program to practice their sets in preparation for live shows.
"The program provides a great opportunity to hang out and play some music," said Ford. "It's great to have a place that promotes a musical environment."
Choosing the correct practice space can be the difference between having a fun and productive session, or disturbing your neighbors. Gene Wright, the band's drummer, knows all too well that space can be almost as important as the instrument itself.
"It means a lot to have somewhere to play," he said. "Being a drummer that lives in an apartment, it's extremely difficult to find appropriate setting to practice."
With electric drum kits costing upwards of $1,500, the program offers the ideal setting for dorm residents and apartment dwellers alike.
"A lot of people have a passion to play, but lack the access to space," said Ford. "It can stifle your growth as a musician if you can't foster your gift."
Although musicians fill the center nearly every week, the program doesn't have a rigid structure, and is solely focused on the musicians.
"The primary purpose of Jam Sessions is to have fun," said McCann. "The program's structure is left to the musicians."
Although the Jam Sessions program is new, the community center has always catered to the needs of musicians stationed at JBLE.
The center boasts a high-quality recording studio and an on-call audio engineer. The engineer uses the studio to its full capabilities to record, produce and even burn CD's for only $25 a session.
The center has a piano, electric guitar and a bass guitar for new musicians, or anyone interested in learning a new instrument. The center is hoping to expand their selection of available musical instruments in the upcoming months.
A public setting like Jam Sessions can be intimidating for brand-new musicians. So the center offers music lessons for those more comfortable with a one-on-one setting or musicians interested in learning from a highly-skilled instructor. For a fee, musicians can attend weekly, 30-minute lessons in violin, piano, drums, guitar, and even vocal training.
All of these programs are not only limited to Service members, but anyone with base access is welcome and encouraged to participate.
"Music has always been a way out from the normal stresses of life," said McCann. "We just want to offer another avenue for service members to experience and explore."