Beatles Ensemble

Step into the world of timeless melodies and iconic harmonies as we pay tribute to the legendary Beatles at Swallow Hill Music. The Beatles, with their groundbreaking music, not only shaped the landscape of rock and pop but continue to captivate hearts even after six decades. Their influence is profound, and their songs are an evergreen source of inspiration for musicians of all ages. Let's come together, celebrate the enduring legacy of the Fab Four!

Prerequisites: Passionate musicians with at least one year of experience on their instrument. We welcome guitarists, bassists, drummers, vocalists, and keyboard players to join our ensemble.

All instruments and vocalists are welcome to join! (View the current and needed instruments for all of our ensembles here.) 

Help us get in tune by registering early!
To support our teachers and better accommodate the needs of our classes, we ask that students register at least 48 hours in advance of the class, lesson, and/or workshop.

Cost includes $15 School support fee. Learn more about that fee here.

Josiah Contreras

BASS GUITAR, UKULELE, GUITAR

Josiah hails from right here in beautiful Denver. With musicians for parents (who have both taught at Swallow Hill), the musician’s path was laid out for Josiah at an early age. After picking up the bass guitar and playing at church, Josiah went off to Boston to study at Berklee College of Music, where he learned from such heavy hitters as Victor Wooten, James Genus, and Livingston Taylor. After returning home, Josiah has built up his playing career as a freelance musician, along with his own band, Elk Song. Josiah eventually found his way back home to Swallow Hill and is excited to take on a new generation of students. Outside the world of music, Josiah loves kicking back to enjoy a good movie, or will be out hiking or rock climbing like a true Coloradan.

First Concert: NSYNC, Mile High Stadium!

What song could you listen to all day long? “Ain’t It Fun” by Paramore

Favorite hangout? Anywhere there’s family or friends!

What is your favorite thing about Swallow Hill, or your favorite Swallow Hill memory? One of my favorite memories in Swallow Hill was putting on a concert in Daniels Hall to celebrate my mom’s life. So thankful that it took place in a space she loved so much.

Ed Contreras

PERCUSSION

A Denver native, Ed has been playing World drums, drum kit, and percussion for over 50 years in various bands and ensembles. His music covers everything from folk, jazz, rock, blues, country, bluegrass, African, Flamenco, Brazilian, Eastern European and Middle Eastern styles. He enjoys teaching and found Swallow Hill to be the perfect place to educate folks about the power and spirituality of music. He teaches World hand drums, such as congas, djembe, cajon, drum kit, and various percussion instruments from many ethnic musics. He loves the outdoors, especially the Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah wilderness. He also is a student of spirituality, and loves reading and watching movies.

First Concert: His first major concert was the progressive rock band Yes at the Denver Coliseum, performing their Tales from Topographic Oceans tour.

What song could you listen to all day long? “You Are” by Pat Metheny

Favorite hangout? Mom & Pop breakfast places, and lots of places outdoors

What is your favorite thing about Swallow Hill, or your favorite Swallow Hill memory? My favorite memories are performing at the Teacher Feature Concerts, watching my son Josiah teach elementary school kids at the summer camps, and working with the Swallow Hill Choir when my wife was the director.