About The School
Social change, the way we know how. At the Slyboots School we encourage and guide you to hone your craft, motivate the masses, discover your voice, spread your message, travel, record, tour and broaden your mind.
At the Slyboots School, all students will have access to affordable instruction on any instrument, drum rental, band coaching, visiting artist and musician workshops, rehearsal and studio space, a live concert venue, art gallery, booking opportunities, web design, merchandise design, tour management, bus rental and an on site recording facility complete with record label.
The Slyboots School believes that music has the ability to transcend all barriers (language, race and gender to name a few!) and unite all brothers and sisters of our global village. Weaving humanity together are the underlying rhythms and vibrations that make up our very existence. It is evident that music and art programs in our schools are being cut across the country. Those of us who understand the power of the arts and their ability to promote positive social change, understand that now (more than ever) we are charged with a quest to open the ears, eyes and hearts of our brothers and sisters and awaken them—inspire them to listen-- inspire hope.
As a result of this notion, an essential element to the Slyboots Philosophy involves bringing cultural diversity to Buffalo, NY in the form of International Travel Abroad Opportunities for students of life (all ages) as well as intensive world music programming at the school in Buffalo.
In June of 2010 the Slyboots Staff, including some members of Buffalo Based On the Sly, and a small group of students traveled to the Dagara Music Center in Ghana, West Africa. The group’s residency was filled with hands on instruction and complete immersion into West African music and culture.
“I had the honor and privilege to study at the Dagara Music Center in 2004. My mentor, Bernard Woma and his incredible work at the DMC has been a constant source of inspiration in my quest for knowledge, wisdom and actualization my dreams.” - Touring Musician & Educator/Slyboots School Founder- Griffin Brady (2009)
Griffin Brady
Founder & Musician
Currently, Griffin is touring relentlessly all over the US with the resident Drumming and Dancing Troupe from the Dagara Music Center, SAAKUMU, The Bernard Woma Trio as well as his own original trio On The Sly. At the same time he is wrapping up his masters degree at Goddard College in Vermont where he is working to publish his first book- “The Slyboots Guide to Life and Drumming”.
Bernard Woma
Musician
Bernard Woma has shared the performance stage with renowned artists such as Maya Angelou, Yo Yo Ma, and Glen Velez. He has performed for international dignitaries and presidents such as U. S. president Bill Clinton, Nelson Mandela and Queen Elizabeth II. He was recently honored as the cultural resource person for President Barack Obama's family when they visited Ghana. He is a true cultural treasure from Ghana who has toured the world as xylophonist and lead drummer of the National Dance Company of Ghana.
Scott Bye
Artist
Scott is an artist based in Buffalo, NY. He graduated with a BFA in sculpture from Fredonia State University in 2006. Bye’s work incorporates both found materials as well as the creative fabrication of unlikely structures that are produced from everyday objects. The viewer may be intrigued not only by the peculiarity and unfamiliarity of what they see, but may also be ‘drawn in’ by the recognition of commonality that weaves itself throughout his work. Scott exhibits his work regionally in the Western New York area. His work can be found in galleries, homes, festivals and schools across the New York State region as well as Buffalo of WNY.www.sculpturebyescott.com
Andrew Moore
Musician
Andrew began his path of music at age 6; first on the piano, but he quickly spread himself across the viola, trumpet, guitar, and bass. He has been studying the bass (both upright and electric) since age 12 while performing in a variety of jazz bands, orchestras, and Youth Symphonies along the way. With a strong background in Classical and Jazz he continues his musical journey at SUNY Fredonia, and ever since has been studying Music Composition and Music Business there. Andrew's prolific bass styles provides much of the melodic groove that gives On The Sly their unique sound and high-energy saturation.
Learn more about the Slyboots School by downloading the Press Kit. (pdf)
Learn more about the Saakumu Dance troup by downloading the Press Kit. (pdf)
Slyboots School is located at 350 Ellicott St, Buffalo, NY
Lessons/ Coaching / Clinics
At the Slyboots School we offer a wide variety of affordable lessons on all instruments. Group lessons and band coaching sessions are also available upon request. The Slyboots School sets itself apart from the competition by offering unparalleled World Music Programming in the form of interactive workshops featuring artisans from all over the world. Have specific questions on how we teach? Contact Us
The Standard Rates:
In-house
30 min. Private Instruction-- $20
1 hour Private Instruction-- $35
Traveling Rates
30 min. Private Instruction-- $25
1 hour Private Instruction-- $50 (plus gas)
Other
1 month of 30 min private instruction-- $70
1 month of 1 hour private instruction-- $130
1 hour of band coaching-- $50
2 hour workshop with Small Groups—9 people or less-- $15 per student
2 hour workshop Large Groups—10 people or more-- $10 per student
Recording & Live Sound
The Slyboots School will soon offer an on-site recording studio with professional staff and professional results. Recording, Mixing & Mastering, Album Art Design and Duplication are all available upon request. From the first demo recording to a full length LP—the Slyboots School can help you get your music out there.
Any musical act that performs at the Slyboots School will have access to our state of the art live sound equipment as well as our brilliant technician Dave Guilford.
Both Studio and Live Sound services can be done on site at the school or at the location that fulfills the needs of the patron.
Live sound for an event costs $100. This amount is deducted from the proceeds at the door before the band is payed.
Contact us for Standard Studio Recording and Mastering rates.
Art, Design & Web Design
The Slyboots School is here to help the artisan looking to promote his or her craft. In today’s society there is no substitute for a good website. It has become an industry standard and as a result, the Slyboots School is compelled to offer web design and print design, as well as classes on how to develop these skills for yourself.
Slyboots instills the power of 12 Grain Studio to handle all your creative needs. They are from Buffalo, NY and a huge supporter of the local art and music scene. They have a diverse skill set and most likely able to help you out. *Website design and consulting will be appraised on a case by case basis.
Booking and Touring Support
Members of the Slyboots School will have access to a wide variety of booking opportunities in Buffalo, NY and elsewhere in the North East. Booking, Band or Performer Management, Road Management and Artist Consulting are all available upon request. Please contact us for more info
Travel Abroad
In June of 2010 some of the Slyboots Staff (including some members of Buffalo Based On the Sly) and a small group of students traveled to the Dagara Music Center in Ghana, West Africa. The group’s residency was filled with hands on instruction and complete immersion into West African music and culture. The Slyboots School facilitates fundraising planning sessions and events to help offset the cost for trips like this. Working towards monetary goals is an essential skill to have as an artisan. Working towards that goal with a group builds the group dynamic and sense of community that is an essential element to the Slyboots School’s philosophy. With every international connection that the Slyboots school makes, there are more World Music Programming options available for residency at the school.
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