This fund will ensure we have the means to ‘Put Instruments in the Hands of Music Makers’ and to keep the instruments in good condition.
Leader
Bernice Hembree
Location
207 W Center St Fayetteville, AR 72701
Folk School of Fayetteville is both an idea and a physical place. We strive to create a space that fosters musical connection and offers regular learning opportunities for our community. Here at the Folk School of Fayetteville we come together to learn, listen, share and thrive.
We believe in free and low cost learning and community gatherings.
As an organization we have and will continue to offer music jams (free), workshops, and provide space for music lessons.
If someone wants to play music, we will help in that endeavor.
Access to an Instrument Shouldn't be a Barrier.
Many do not have the ability to play music because they do not have an instrument, or their first experience was with a low quality "beginner" instrument. A bad quality instrument has deterred many potential music makers! We hear from many who wish they could play music, but don't know where to start. The instrument library is the first step to learning about what is possible.
Through the Folk School's instrument lending library, a person can try several instruments until they find the best fit and then borrow it. As they get to know their instrument they can continue to expore all of Folk School's in-house instruments and amps, and try out different gear to go along with their instrument. This saves money, as precious dollars are not wasted on an instrument or amp purchased with high hopes but end up a failed vision.
The more music makers in the world, the better our world will be.
Through the Folk School's instrument lending library, people are able to explore their talents and find an instrument that will bring them joy.
That joy gets shared and brings positive change to their lives and those they live with.
Keeping Up with the Instruments
Folk School of Fayetteville has a growing collection of instruments that have been donated by generous members of the community. Some of the donated instruments are ready to play, but some need minor repairs, new strings, and a case before they go out in the hands of a student.
Instrument maintenance can be expensive, especially if neglect has led to damage. It's like maintaining a vehicle: they work best when the oil is changed regularly, tires are rotated, filters are changed, and so on it goes. It is the same with musical instruments. With regular instrument playing comes wear & tear, and the need for regular maintenance. The expenses add up: strings, bows, crack repairs, sound posts, neck resets, fret repairs, piano tunings, etc.
Thankfully we have excellent luthiers and technicians in our music community that can do this work.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
We currently have several dozen instruments ranging from guitars, to banjo, to cello, and keyboards. Some just need minor repairs, others may be in the repair shop for a few weeks. Instruments are currently being catalogued in our lending software, which will make it easier to check-out and keep up-to-date notes for each instrument.
In the coming weeks, several instruments will be restrung, tuned, and put in a case to be sent home in the hands of learners in our community.
Music creates connection.
Must is "instrumental" in building and sustaining community. Music speaks beyond borders and cultures and brings people together when words may otherwise fail. It brings together people of varying backgrounds and demographics, with differing perspectives on the world. By sharing a musical space, musicians and audiences find commonality. Traditions and new ideas are shared. The connections made through music are impactful and lasting, not only in our community, but in our state and beyond.
Whether it's a child learning piano or an expert guitar player, music sparks joy. And we could all use joy in our day.
ABOUT FOLK SCHOOL OF FAYETTEVILLE
FOLK SCHOOL OF FAYETTEVILLE is a 501(c)3 non-profit music organization popularly known as Fayetteville Roots.
For over 13 years we have carried out a mission to connect community through music and food. Over that time we have fostered concerts & community/educational events in Northwest Arkansas. It is an honor to be a part of this music community, and a joy to create opportunities for connections and learning.
In 2022 one of our signature events, the Fayetteville Roots Festival, was paused. 2023 brings a new chapter and a new location for our organization. The Folk School of Fayetteville, now located in the historic Walker Stone House near the Fayetteville Square, opened late May 2023 with space for lessons, classes, workshops, jams, and more.
What is a Folk School and why do you need to know about it?
Folk Schools originated as a way for communities to learn from each other, especially vital to communities that didn’t have access to “formal education”. Folk Schools create an environment that encourages People teaching People, rather than a classical education approach of Professor and Student.
Folk School of Fayetteville is continuing this model by providing space for musicians to learn from each other, for new players to learn, and for long time musicians to develop new technique and skills — and this is available to ALL the FOLKS (people). Folk School is open to all genres, identities, and cultures, and is excited to host music that is as dynamic and varied as our community.
Folk School of Fayetteville's guiding principles:
