our MISSION IS TO PROVIDE STUDENTS OF ALL AGES WITH EDUCATIONAL AND PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES IN MUSICAL STYLES OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSICAL MUSIC GENRE.
These styles may include Jazz, Rock, Country, Folk, Hip-Hop and World Music. The teaching of these styles will be informed by the instructors' knowledge of traditional Western Musical notation and Theory as well as their professional experience in the musical style being presented.
Upcoming Events
Classes in the Contemporary Music Department
The Instructors
Ali Thomas, Department Head, Percussion
Ali has taught West African drumming for 20 years. She also teaches guitar, orchestra percussion and trap set/drum kit. She teaches children and adults of all ages; in large groups or one-on-one private lessons. Ali has deep musical roots, and began her training at the young age of 4, singing in the family band. After learning piano, flute, tenor sax, bass guitar and guitar, Ali found her true passion in West African style drumming, which lead to drum kit and other percussion. She has been to Guinea, West Africa three times to study traditional drumming of the Mandingue ethnic group. Ali has also brought drum masters, from the tradition, to the United States, to collaboratively host international workshops. These workshops were part of her work as Assistant Director of Tam Tam Mandingue, an international school of West African drumming. Ali’s goal is to teach the joy of percussion and rhythmic success to as many people as possible, whether through hand drumming, kit drumming, or in orchestra in the percussion section.
Truck Mills, Guitar
Guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Truck Mills has been performing professionally for over 40 years. Originally from the Seattle area, he moved to the Sandpoint area in 1993. In addition to maintaining a busy performing schedule, he has been giving private guitar lessons, from beginner to advanced, both at home and at Boulder Creek and Northwest Academies for nearly 20 years and now joins the Conservatory in our Contemporary Music Department. Truck draws from his background and interest in a wide range of musical styles as he strives to tailor lessons to the interests of each student, and to encourage and motivate them to express their own musical personality.
Sheldon Packwood, Guitar + Bass Guitar
Sheldon has been mentoring aspiring guitarists and bassists of all ages for over twenty years. After a forty-year career as a touring and studio musician on multiple instruments, he returned to his hometown of Sandpoint and has continued to perform with regional musicians on a regular basis. His experience performing in multiple musical genres allows him to tailor lessons to fit each student’s unique needs.
Denis Zwang, Clarinet + Flute + Oboe + Saxaphone
Denis Zwang teaching experience spans several decades. He is a well versed instructor and specialist on many of the woodwind instruments, including the saxophone, flute and clarinet. Aside from teaching, Mr. Zwang actively performs with orchestras, as a solo artist, and has a rich history with recording studios and National Artists. Mr. Zwang is currently teaching saxophone, clarinet, flute and oboe at the Music Conservatory.
Student recitals give students the opportunity to perform the pieces they have been working on this semester. Sign up sheets will be in the main office, talk with your teacher about arranging a time for your student. There are two recital sessions each day, beginning at 5pm and 6:30pm.