Gentleman Brawlers

⚡Afrofunk & indie dance music ⚡

For universities and other educational institutions, Gentleman Brawlers offers ENGAGEMENT ACTiVITIES & master classes in music and performance.

Pre and post-performance discussions available & encouraged.

JOY IN MOVEMENT workshops


exploring physical storytelling 


Beyond the stage, Gentleman Brawlers believes that if you can move, you can dance. The group excels in community outreach activities, encouraging joy and freedom of self-expression no matter a person’s age, skill level, or ability in an uplifting and accessible way.

Introducing dance vocabulary rooted in styles such as rhythm tap, West African, and pop-modern, the movement ethos behind GB serves as a detailed visual extension of their music. This enables audiences to connect, discover, and participate in fun and unexpected ways. Workshops center around structured improv, “just saying yes,”and creating individual choices to support physical storytelling. Participants find that, ultimately, the most memorable experiences blur the lines between spectator and performer.

Workshops are led by co-director and frontwoman Becca Fox (BFA, University of Florida), a visual and performing artist (Metropolitan Opera, La Jolla Playhouse, and York Theatre Company) and Quincie Hydock (BFA in Dance & Choreography with dual-degree in VCU/Richmond Ballet Performance track, VCU), a NYC-based dancer, choreographer (Q&A Productions), arts administrator (Director of Programming at Pentacle), and group fitness instructor (the ness). Together they seek to help participants move in new directions and create pathways in a fun and supportive environment. No experience is needed.

 

MUSIC MASTER CLASSES


drumming & the music business 


1. Band Introduction

  • Experience as a musician & educator

  • About the music and genres being played

2. Playing as a Band

  • Song form, comping, dynamics, and expression

  • Knowing songs/playing other genres

  • Studio vs. live

3. Performance Examples

  • Students sit in with the band

  • Give feedback to student players

4. Music Careers & Business

  • Band leading and finding musicians

  • Professionalism

  • EPK, booking, & knowing your audience

  • Alternative revenue streams

  • Q&A  

In addition to Gentleman Brawlers, Jeremy Warren has also performed and/or recorded with artists such as GZA-Wu-Tang, Deanna Martin (daughter of Dean Martin), Andy Milne, Lenny Pickett, John Scofield, Tom Scott, and NYU Combo Nuvo.

Masters Degree in music, NYU


bass & the rhythm section


1. Role of the Rhythm Section

  • Defining the harmonic rhythm of the piece and setting the tone of a piece

  • Playing time vs “walking”

  • Tuning into the drummer

2. Improvisation

  • Defining various approaches for improv

  • Sample exercises for students to improve their improvisational skills

  • Live demo 

  • Students sit with the band

3. Role of Playing Your Instrument in an Ensemble

  • The “why” behind your instrument & how it contributes to a piece of music overall

  • Solo approaches and how that feeds back into your work in an ensemble

  • Q&A 

Trevor Brown is a professional NYC Upright/Electric Bassist and Producer for the last decade. He has also played the Beatles classic, “I Saw Her Standing There” with Paul McCartney at his event (video on instagram). Winner of the ASCAP Harold Adamson Lyric Award for producing. Brown plays all styles (Pop, R&B, Rock, Funk, Jazz, Gospel, Salsa, Folk, Singer-Songwriter, & Afro-Beat).

BA/Jazz Studies program, NYU