Band Lab
Overview
Band Lab is a collaborative ensemble experience for students who are ready to take their playing beyond individual lessons and into a group setting. Through rehearsals, team-building activities, and guided instruction, students will learn how to perform with others, take responsibility for their musical role, and contribute to a shared artistic goal while developing confidence, musicianship, and teamwork.
Band Lab welcomes a wide variety of instruments and musical backgrounds. While participants may perform music commonly associated with bands, this is not limited to a traditional rock band format. Musicians of all backgrounds and instruments are encouraged to participate.
Participants will have opportunities to share their musical interests and influences, helping shape the repertoire explored by the ensemble. Music may draw from a variety of styles and genres, and the instructor will work to balance the interests of the group when selecting material. Rather than focusing on a single genre, Band Lab encourages students to explore and perform music from diverse musical traditions and contemporary styles.
In addition to developing ensemble skills, students will gain hands-on experience with many of the practical aspects of being in a band. Topics may include sound management, amplifier settings, basic audio equipment and mixing, cable care, stage setup, and handling gear responsibly. These experiences help students build confidence both on and off the stage.
The instructor will work with participants to create arrangements that make the most of the instruments represented in the group. Every ensemble is unique, and students will learn how different instruments can contribute melody, harmony, rhythm, texture, and expression within a collaborative musical setting.
Students who are unsure whether their instrument or experience level is a good fit are encouraged to contact us before registering.
2026-2027 Schedule
Saturdays, 10:30am-12:00pm
Fall Session: September 12-December 5 (12 weeks) - No class 11/28
Winter Session: January 9-February 27 (8 weeks)
Spring Session: March 6-May 8 (10 weeks)
Mondays, 6:30-8:00pm
Summer Session: June 7-August 16 (10 weeks) - No class 7/5
TUITION
Tuition is charged upfront for the entire session you choose. Your payment secures your spot for the full session, helping us plan effectively and provide consistent learning experiences.
Fall Session – $300
Winter Session – $200
Spring Session – $250
Summer Session - $250
Prerequisites
Band Lab is designed for students who already have some experience on their instrument and are ready to collaborate with other musicians in an ensemble setting.
Current Anthem Academy of Music students enrolled in private lessons are welcome to register. Students who are not currently enrolled in private lessons at Anthem will be asked to complete a brief skills assessment with the instructor to ensure the class is a good fit for their current level.
The assessment is not an audition and is intended solely to help place students in an environment where they can be successful and enjoy the experience.
PERFORMANCES
Fall Session participants will perform at Anthem's Fall Recital on Saturday, December 12, 2026.
Spring Session participants will perform at Anthem's Spring Recital on Saturday, May 15, 2027.
MEET THE TEACHER
Brett Tennyson is a versatile multi-instrumentalist and dedicated music educator with expertise in guitar, bass guitar, piano, cello, and ukulele. He holds a strong academic background in music performance and elementary education, having completed five years of college at North Central University in Minneapolis, MN, where he honed his craft and deepened his understanding of teaching and performing.
Brett has an extensive performance background, including playing in jazz combos, wedding and event bands, and as the lead vocalist and primary songwriter for his band PSYPL, which performed at festivals and venues throughout the Twin Cities and surrounding states. His love for folk, jazz, and rock is evident in his playing, with a special enthusiasm for jazz fusion that led him to perform with a Steely Dan cover group.
As an educator, Brett is passionate about tailoring his teaching approach to the individual needs and learning styles of his students. He firmly believes that concepts can and should be taught in different ways to suit each student’s unique way of learning. Brett excels at breaking down complex techniques and theory into clear, accessible lessons that help students of all ages and skill levels develop confidence and achieve their musical goals.
Brett remains an active member of the Twin Cities music scene, performing and collaborating across a range of genres. His approachable nature and deep understanding of music make him a trusted mentor for students seeking to improve their technique, explore new styles, and build confidence in their musical abilities.