The musical expertise of a New York-based jazz band the Huntertones is close-at-hand for high school students participating in a unique program through the Augusta Heritage Center of Davis & Elkins College. With funding from individual contributions made by friends of Augusta, the sessions are free to students wanting to expand their music studies.

This new virtual programming is intended to help young musicians at a time when school rehearsals might not be feasible. Whether it’s sax, trumpet, trombone, guitar, drums or bass, the six members of the Huntertones are offering lessons on their individual instruments. Students will have the opportunity to view recorded lessons and then apply their new skills using specially recorded tracks that enable them to sound like they are performing with the band.

Based in Brooklyn, New York, the Huntertones have performed in more than 20 countries worldwide and continue to tour the United States and abroad. Their high energy, horn-driven sound features genre-bending composition and unconventional covers.

Augusta Heritage Center Executive Director Seth Young invites students from West Virginia and beyond to take advantage of this free service.

“We have been able to put together an exciting curriculum with one of the premier modern jazz bands in the country,” Young said. “Our hope is to connect students with this compelling content at a time when there are disruptions in school rehearsals.”

If you or someone you know would like to sign up for these lessons, visit https://augustaartsandculture.org/huntertones-free-jazz-lessons/. For additional information, email the Augusta Heritage Center at augustaheritagecenter@dewv.edu or call 304-637-1209. Students of all ages and abilities are welcome.

The Huntertones

The Huntertones will provide free music lessons to high school students in cooperation with the Augusta Heritage Center of Davis & Elkins College.