The Uptown Music Collective, or U.M.C., performed “Midnight Train to Memphis” at the Community Arts Centre during Nov. 8 and 9 with their S.P.G. 1 group that recently got new members.
“At first I was a little nervous about it because I usually don’t sing or listen to country, but now since we started doing it I actually really have grown to like it a lot,” said new S.P.G. 1 member, Jocylyn Moser.
The concert consisted of modern country music artists like Laney Wilson and Morgan Wallen.
“My favorite song in the show is either ‘Up Down’ or, ‘Courtesy of the Red White and Blue’ because those songs are really fun to sing and perform,” said new S.P.G. 1 member, Christian Williams.
Some other songs that were performed were “Before He Cheats,” “Watermelon Moonshine,” “Tennessee Whisky,” “Girl Crush,” “She Got the Best of Me,” and more.
During the first semester U.M.C. held auditions for people who wanted to join the “Special Performance Group,” and quickly after they started rehearsing for the new concert.
The Special Performance Group is a group of selected students from Uptown Music Collective. After the audition period, the teachers choose the most skilled at motivated students.
“I think it’s a cool show that’s filled with nice and cool people.” said returning S.P.G 1 member Jake Butters.
When S.P.G. 1 teacher and leader Dave Brumbaugh was asked how he felt about the show he responded, “I’m excited, I really like the music we’re playing; I really didn’t think I would.”
Uptown Music Collective is a non-profit music school in Williamsport. They’re able to teach for all ages from 3 years old to over 18. They specialize in rock music, and they teach more than just how to play instruments. Some other classes are music theory and stage plot.
Featured photo (at top): A past SPG1 group poses before an Uptown Music Collective concert. Every three trimesters the option to join SPG1 opens for students at the UMC. Photo from uptownmusic.org
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