Local musicians find a new haven in Plattsburgh.

Story and photo by Missy Repola

Jamse Ward was tired of the police taking him down for playing the music he liked. Cranking up the volume on his James Brown favorites had landed him one too many noise violations from the Plattsburgh constabulary. So Ward created an oasis where his beloved sounds could thrive: a designated spot where musicians could practice and jam without breaking the law.

Ward knew he already possessed the foundation for such a location. Along with friend and bandmate Shawn Parrotte, Ward owned a stockpile of instruments and equipment, all of which were gathering dust after their most recent tour. To make better use of this musical treasure trove, Ward decided to bring to life his long-sought-after artistic vision: a "safe haven for musicians to create."

Ward and Parrotte chose the location of this "safe haven for musicians" due to its close proximity to The Music Shop, a popular nearby vendor of sheet music and musical instruments. After scouting out the place Ward and Parrotte spoke to both the landlord and the upstairs neighbors. The neighbors were having a baby and had already decided to move, but the new neighbors work at the Plattsburgh bar The Monopole, which is convenient for the band because they all keep the same hours. Once they had signed the lease, 29 Clinton Street was theirs.

"We wanted something that encompassed all music, so we simply called it the Plattsburgh Musical Arts Center"

Their newly acquired space, however, still was without a name. The goal, Ward says, was to come up with "something that encompassed all music." After much deliberation, the group decided on a simply, straightforward title, and the Plattsburgh Musical Arts Center was born."

The PMAC doesn’t have one official owner or boss. "It is a collaborative effort," says Ward. Parrotte and Ward focus on the everyday maintenance of the PMAC while Bill Bougil concentrates more on the finances. Ward, Parrotte and Bougil are the three primary employees at the PMAC. Other teachers can however rent the space to teach their own private lessons.

The Plattsburgh Musical Arts Center is the first of its kind for the area. The space provides its own set of house equipment "that’s not something you find in many places" Ward said. The primary clients are generally from the Plattsburgh area. PMAC offers musical lessons, a rehearsal space and small recording space. 

Jamse Ward, Shawn Parrotte, and Bill Bougil teach lessons throughout the week. Shawn is the resident guitar and theory expert. Ward teaches bass, keys, voice, as well as recording engineering. Bill primarily teaches drums. While the PMAC does have its own set of house equipment available it is suggested that students bring their own instruments for sanitary purposes. Even though the economy is rough the PMAC is still averaging about twenty students a week. The rates for the PMAC are flexible. The teachers set their own rates based on the level of commitment from the students.

"The PMAC will continue to grow and transform into whatever the Plattsburgh musical community needs"

The rehearsal space at the PMAC gets a lot of use from local bands. Lucid, Shameless Strangers, Eat. Sleep. Funk., and The Natives are among some of the locals to have broken in this new space. The Natives have been working on recording an album in the recording studio at the Plattsburgh Musical Arts Center. The recording room gets some use but as Ward put it "because of scheduling it is easier to just give recording lessons."

Musicians are not the only people who can benefit from this new space. "Businesses could come in and record radio commercials here." Plattsburgh State University student Tess Buscema says. "I think that the PMAC could help out local bars who are looking for talent to play at their bars, it also helps out people who are not 21 and want to see their favorite local band. They can go to the PMAC and watch them practice, since they can’t get into the bars yet. It’ll help younger kids stay out of trouble downtown, " local musician Matt Dotson says about the PMAC.

The hours of operation for the PMAC are a bit unconventional. Ward works a 9-5 job so while he is at work Shawn Parrotte takes care of the place. Usually rehearsals and lessons do not start until after five, out of respect for the Clinton Street businesses. The best way to secure a time is to make an appointment. Make appointments by calling Shawn Parrotte at (518) 593-2243.

The cops won’t be getting called on these musicians anymore. With the convenient downtown location and the courtesy that the PMAC owners show this space should be around for a long time. Ward says he is hopeful that "the PMAC will continue to grow and transform into whatever the Plattsburgh musical community needs."

Would you take lessons at the PMAC?