Lane Music Club brings students together through weekly jam sessions
By Amanda Fallon
From “Chopsticks” to Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata,” the Music Club at Lane Community College is building a welcoming space for students to connect through music, thanks to its weekly jam sessions that are open to everyone — whether you’re a music major or just someone who enjoys playing.
Held every Monday from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in Building 6, Room 122, the sessions give students a chance to play together in a relaxed, low-pressure setting. Participants can try out new ideas, practice improvisation, and gain experience performing in front of others. No auditions or advanced skills are required, making it an easy entry point for beginners while still offering value for more experienced musicians.
For music majors, the jam sessions offer extra time to build ensemble skills outside of class. For non-majors, they remove many of the usual barriers to getting involved in music, such as needing your own instrument or finding a rehearsal space. By sharing resources and creating an open environment, the club helps make music more accessible across campus.
Beyond the music itself, the sessions are also about community. Students from different programs come together, collaborate, and meet people they might not otherwise encounter in their classes. That sense of connection is a big part of what keeps participants coming back each week.
Looking ahead, the club hopes to grow by purchasing its own equipment. Right now, limited access to instruments in Building 6 can make it difficult for some students to participate fully. Having club-owned gear would allow more people to join in and would help the group expand its activities.
It would also open the door for the club to support students attending the Oregon Jazz Workshop, a well-known program held on campus. The workshop is a great opportunity for students who are thinking about continuing their music education, especially those planning to transfer into the University of Oregon School of Music and Dance. By helping students prepare for and attend the workshop, the club hopes to play a bigger role in their academic and creative paths.
In addition to the weekly sessions, the club is helping highlight a major end-of-year performance. The End-of-Year Party, featuring ensembles from both Lane and the University of Oregon, will take place Saturday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. June 6, at The Jazz Station. The event will include a mix of combos and big bands and is open to the public, with tickets priced at $15 general admission and $12 for students.
