Have you been looking to learn about music, jam out, and feel supported by your local community? Look no further. 

The folk music duo of Ellen Coplin and Sean Hoffman, known as Bobcat Opossum, are hosting Sing-along Jam Sessions at Purdue University Fort Wayne’s Music Center each Thursday in February, outside of Feb. 20, as well as March 6 for those 18 and older. Each session is $12 or you can do all four for $40.

You will follow “easy-to-follow” lyric sheets as well as chord charts that will lead you to harmonization and vocal techniques. The idea is to build your confidence and get your creative juices flowing.

Music backgrounds

Coplin’s musical experience began when she was a toddler. 

Learning piano and cello, she went on to Taylor University and completed her degree in music composition. 

She continued using her musical talents to become a teacher of multiple instruments such as the piano, cello, bass, guitar, and ukulele. 

When she is not spreading her musical knowledge to the world, she plays cello with Debutants and Soltré, along with her husband, Hoffman. 

Hoffman took on learning the fiddle, and it has led him along many paths. Growing up, his family was fond of bluegrass music. He went on to study Irish music with the famous fiddler Brian Conway. 

Something for adults

I had the chance to speak with Coplin and Hoffman about their upcoming workshops. 

“I was thinking about (PFW’s) Community Arts Academy workshops, and as I was scrolling through them, I was really impressed with what they were offering,” Coplin said. 

“I thought, though, that one thing that might be missing is something for adults that involves singing together with guitars and ukuleles, like the singing sessions we attend around Fort Wayne and while we are out traveling. You gain so much from the community and learning new things at these events. 

“So, we wanted to bring that here for the people that maybe don’t get to travel as much, or for people that don’t feel comfortable showing up to a jam session with a bunch of strangers.” 

While this is a jam session, these classes are more structured with specific lessons and objectives. 

“Events like this foster a sense of community and a good positive experience,” Hoffman said. “We enjoy getting to sing together and all in all, it’s just a lot of fun.” 

Community-building

We went on to talk about what they are looking forward to the most and what they hope attendees get out of these sessions. 

“We are looking forward to meeting some new people that we haven’t had the chance to sing with before,” Hoffman said. “We are really encouraging people to bring their own ideas as well as have their own voice within the group. We want people to get creative.” 

“These events really bring a sense of connection and confidence that comes from singing with other people,” Coplin said. “I have always felt encouraged and supported when I go to a jam session or sing-along. Everyone has their own ideas, but they also want to learn from you and support you. You get a sense of friendship from it as well as a personal accomplishment. You learn a new song, a new method, and you’re encouraged to explore music in a different way.”

Bobcat Opossum are looking forward to this class and are prepared to share these fun songs with you.