Community Classes

Listed below you'll find a description of the different types of community classes available at Body Balance.

NEW MUSIC CLASS!

For: Bowed string instruments, voice, flutes, bamboo flutes -- any level

New Music Class now offered at Body Balance, Mill Street, Grass Valley

For: Bowed string instruments, voice, flutes, bamboo flutes -- any level
Description: Exploration of long tones, melody and interesting scales with bass support
Teacher: Bill Douglass
Date/Time: Wed., April 15 – May 20, 8 to 9 PM
Register: contact Bill by phone or email
Contact: Bill at (530) 273-5489 or email listen2@netwiz.net
Fee: $15 per class

A NOTE FROM BILL ABOUT THIS AMAZING CLASS!

I’m now offering unique music classes at Body/Balance with a special emphasis. One aim of the class will be to participate in a group that is deeply listening and connecting through long tones and scales. Another intention would be to learn the beautiful ancient Chinese songs. The Body/Balance Chinese Martial Arts Studio is the perfect space to experience this kind of connection through music.
Body/Balance recently had me play for two Tai-Chi classes. The Owners, Eileen and Ty Wheeler, have brought something very special to our community. A remarkable place and wonderful classes. I'm now taking Tai-Chi twice a week, after a 35 year gap in that study!

The Flowing Stream Ensemble was a musical group in which I played bamboo flutes in the 1970s. The group performed and taught Chinese folk music. That group began my love of wooden flutes, and I was lucky to also have been offered film work with the bamboo flutes over the years.

Playing Long tones is a discipline I began years ago. All wind instruments, bowed instruments, and the voice can benefit greatly from long tones. Please take a moment to read this short essay on long tones, by an old friend of mine: http://www.sierrajazzsociety.com/longtones.html

In the class we will sing/play with my support on bowed bass or flute, playing one pedal point. We will explore all the notes in relation to that one note in depth. We’ll feel the "weight" of each relationship. This approach is extremely helpful for all musicians and in addition, helps center us. The special atmosphere at Body/Balance will facilitate this musical method.

We’ll also explore the 7 modes of the Major scale, and the pentatonic or 5 note scale used in Chinese music. The bass will provide some pulse, and that makes it fun!

After working with long tones and modes, the next step will be to explore melody. We’ll work on some lovely and simple Chinese pieces. We’ll also work with any melody you love and bring to class. Just melody at first, no lyrics.

So if this sounds appealing to you, please contact me.

Bill Douglass
530-273-5489
listen2@netwiz.net

 

Thai Massage

Thai massage is a type of massage in Thai style that involves stretching and deep massage. It is known in Thailand as "nuat phaen boran", literally, the ancient-manner massage; or just "nuat phaen thai" . Thai massage originated in India and is based on Ayurveda and Yoga[1]. It was believed that the massage art was brought over to Thailand by Shivago Komarpaj over 2500 years ago. Most recently featured on the cover of The Union magazine, Anya Devi can be seen demonstrating Thai Massage on Gopal Slavonic to a group of curious onlookers. Anya's talent and experience are unparalleled. Anya's massage skills have taken her around the world to some of the most exotic and beautiful resorts in the world.