Welcome to The Creative Group for Musical Artists
The Creative Group is an ensemble that serves the strengths of its members. We begin each year by determining what talents and gifts are among our neurodivergent students and then design projects based on these gifts. A highly collaborative ensemble, the goal is to help each student to grow in being creative in a group environment while also growing individually in terms of technique, music theory, improvisation, and composition. We arrange, record, and program our concerts based on these works and present them to the public in an incredibly fun, rewarding, and unique bi-annual concert each semester.
The Creative Group will meet in person at Artis-Naples and is available via Zoom for students outside of Southwest Florida, and provides a great preview for students who would like to learn more about SWFLMEC’s 2-year and 4-year certificate programs.
What it’s NOT.
What it IS.
Though we may draw from all the influences above, The Creative Group is an ensemble of musicians that creates its OWN projects. We begin each session by determining what music to arrange and perform, based on the interests and talents of the students. Through collaborative study and music direction, artists learn and practice valuable skills from music performance and music theory that help them to:
- Arrange
- Record
- Program
- Compose
- Improvise
- Arrange
- Record
- Program
- Compose
- Improvise
Example Projects
Examples of projects we’ve done in the past:
- Compose music for a short film
- Write a new song and learn about traditional song forms
- Arrange music for a Dance Choreographer
- Record and produce a song from scratch
- Compose minimalistic music
- Arrange a piece of Chopin for piano, guitars, ukulele and voice
- Arrange and perform a Christmas tune with new harmonies
- Create a new melody to accompany one of Bach’s compositions
Amaya Moher - Soft Rain
The song is about looking at a soft rain and the experience of remembering memories of the love of friends and family.
Lexi Anand - Orange Sky
The song is about observing a sunset and wanting more of life to be about enjoying and being present in the moment.
Grason Peterson – Journey
The song is about taking a journey through life, observing it and appreciating it.
Evan Carville - IMN = It Means Nothing
This is a song with a catchy 7/8 groove that gradually gets more expansive as the piece progresses.
How to Apply for The Creative Group
Auditions are required for participation in this ensemble. Students between ages 13 and 20 with at least three years of formal study – such as private lessons, band, orchestra or choir experience – are encouraged to apply.
Audition Details
Students will audition for Music Program Director Dr. Jeff Leigh. A violinist, piano teacher and composer, Dr. Leigh previously taught music at both Wheaton College in Illinois and Hunter College in New York. He performed with Artis-Naples Philharmonic Orchestra from 2005-2018. His current work includes private studio at The Village School Performing Arts, violinist with Gypsy Jazz duo “Gypsy Sojourn,” solo performer/composer in regional recitals/concerts.
All auditions take place through Zoom. To schedule an audition, please contact Dr. Leigh at (239) 682-3384 or email jeff.s.leigh@gmail.com
New classes begin Fall 2022!
Our scholarship rate costs $100 per semester. Limited spots are available, so apply today!
