Bow-Dacious will meet mostly outside while warm weather holds.  When we move inside we will follow public school COVID-19 protocols.

The most well-known of our ensemble offerings, the Bow-Dacious String Band consists of 20-40 kids, aged 6 through high school, who get together weekly to play popular music styles on violin, viola, cello, bass, guitar, mandolin, banjo and other stringed instruments. We also welcome accordions, pianos, melodicas, flutes, and percussion.  Other instruments with instructor consent.

Bow-Dacious String Band onstage at the Urbana Sweet Corn Festival

This band performs a lot–over 350 times since we started in 2003! The repertoire is drawn from traditional and popular music genres from around the world.  Our emphasis is on developing strong ensemble skills, soloing, improvising, and learning applied music theory as it relates to the tunes we play. Band members also get experience with public presentation and develop leadership skills, and create friendships through music that can last a lifetime!

Students are divided into groups according to age and skill level, and each group receives instruction that is just a bit challenging for their level. Placement in groups is at the discretion of the director.

Eligibility:

This group is for kids only. Adults who want to play may find their own peer groups in our Cretaceous Band or other adult ensembles.

You do not need to take private lessons to play in the band, but you do need to know how to play your instrument. Although we don’t accept absolute beginners into the band, admission standards are designed to be inclusive. Violin, viola, and cello players need to be able to play Twinkle or an equivalent tune at singing tempo without stopping. Other instrumentalists should contact us to see if they are ready to join the band.

Please contact us if you have questions!