Funk Ensemble: Bill Withers

The Funk Ensemble returns! With sessions focusing on a different artist for each session, students will have the opportunity to learn the music of Funk and R&B’s finest voices! Session 5 will lean on the lovely days, exploring the music of legendary songwriter, Bill Withers! Use this opportunity while you can! This class is co-taught by Josiah Contreras and Elyse Midgyett!

Prerequisites: Students should have at least one year of experience on their instrument (including voice), be prepared to read lead sheets.

All instruments (including horns!) are welcome. Horn players should be comfortable reading sheet music - charts provided. (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 24 hours in advance of the class, lesson, and/or workshop.

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.

Elyse Midgyett

VOICE

Elyse was born and raised in Denver and has worked in marketing and at the front desk at Swallow Hill. Now, in a teaching role and with some experience under her belt, it has brought her to this next step, as an instructor at Swallow Hill. She has also been involved in the Denver music scene since 2017 as a regular performer in many different groups. She teaches versatile singing within a multitude of genres, and can teach basic music theory. When she isn’t working, you can find her caring for plants, enjoying the outdoors, or trying to plan a good vacation.

First Concert:

What song could you listen to all day long? Be OK by Samoht

Favorite hangout? Lowry Beer Garden

What is your favorite thing about Swallow Hill, or your favorite Swallow Hill memory? My favorite things about Swallow Hill is its dedication to delivering high quality music to the masses and live music opportunities it shares with its employees. When I was on the marketing team I was able to attend every show in the botanic garden series and one beautiful evening, Judy Collins washed over the entire garden with her stunning folk voice in a rendition of Danny Boy and I couldn’t help but shed tears. It was so quiet as everyone around was in pure awe of the beauty. I was so glad to be a part of that.

To request an online lesson during Elyse's Yale availability, please contact the Front Desk - 303-777-1003 or [email protected].