Intro to New England Tunes - Kitchen Chair (adv. beginner)
We'll learn a few jigs and reels from the New England contradance repertoire (with attention to both melody players and rhythm players) and talk about resources for learning more tunes. Tunes will be taught by ear with music available.

Irish Jigs and Reels - Greg Anderson & Sara Milonovich (intermediate)
We'll look at a variety of jigs and reels from the perspective of both melody and backup roles. Tunes will be taught by ear with music available.

French Canadian Tunes - Laurie Hart (advanced)
Depending on the interests and experience of the group, Laurie will teach a reel, 6/8 or waltz (or two) from Québec by ear, and perhaps record some for later learning on your own. We can also work on style for Québec tunes you already play. Tunes will be taught by ear with some music available at the end of the workshop.

West African Drumming - Voices of Africa (bring drums)
This workshop will concentrate on the basic fundamentals of composing traditional West African percussion music. You'll be challenged to tap into your musical abilities, both known and unknown, to create a rhythmic composition.

Let's Jam! - Groovemongers
Warm up for the weekend with a fun time of jamming with the Groovemongers.

Beginners' Jam - Clark Parry & Cindy Durkee (beginners)
If the "Slow Jam" is too fast for you, come to the beginners' jam where we'll take it even slower. Clark and Lucinda are very gentle and encouraging teahcers who will lead you in playing familiar songs at a slow pace. As they say, "We haven't lost a strummer yet!"

Easy Old Time Tunes - Steve Buckalew (adv beginner)
Get a head start on the weekend by learning some simple but classic old-time tunes that are sure to be played at jams both this weekend and beyond. We’ll learn by ear, with sheet music provided at the end of the workshop.

Unusual Celtic Tunes - Greg Anderson & Sara Milonovich (intermediate)
Unusual tunes from (and for) unusual people! In this workshop we will look at tunes outside of the more common jig and reel areas, touching on hornpipes, slip jigs, and Scottish strathspeys, and perhaps wandering even further afield.

Contradance Tunes - Rachel Hall (intermediate)
Come experience the joy of playing the music that accompanies these popular American dances. We'll play through the medleys planned for Saturday's contradance and learn basic arrangement ideas that make them come alive! Music and chords will be provided.

South American Tunes - Ken Kolodner (advanced)
Take a chance and learn something different that will add variety to your repertoire. We'll look at a couple of exotic tunes from South America. We'll try to learn by ear, but sheet music will be available for those who prefer it.

Protest Songs - Kim & Reggie Harris
We'll look at music with a message of change including Phil Ochs songs and other protest songs of 1960s and beyond. Come sing, remember and plan your own protests songs for the present and future.

More Jamming - Howard & Jodi Blumenthal
We'll focus mainly on fiddle tunes in this jam. Bring your favorite tunes and we'll play them together.

Intro to Music Theory - Jane Knoeck (beginners)
This session on the basics of music theory will help you understand how music is put together. Using a framework of instrumental folk music, we'll define building blocks like scales, chords and meters and then see how they can be combined to express a wide variety of music.

Easy Irish Tunes - Greg Anderson & Sara Milonovich (adv. beginner)
Both melody players and accompanists will learn some easy Irish melodies, covering basic ornamentation and what makes a tune sound Irish. We'll also look at commonly used chord patterns, with some substitutions and rhythmic variations, and how to apply these to the melody. Tunes will be taught by ear with music available.

Contradance Tunes - Rachel Hall (intermediate)
For those who missed Friday's session (and those who want a repeat), we'll play through the medleys that will be used at the evening's open band contradance. We'll discuss arrangement ideas that use textures, dynamics, layering, and rhythmic approaches to create a sound that will inspire the best from the dancers.

Musicality - Ken Kolodner (intermediate)
We'll take a look at how to play more musically by exploring phrasing, shaping, dynamics, and accenting, with great attention paid to the details of arranging.

Improvising on Traditional Tunes - Mike Rovine & Celia Millington-Wyckoff (advanced)
Learn interesting new ways to play your favorite tunes by applying some standard improvisation techniques. We will include: soloing over the chords, using arpeggios, using repetitive patterns, inventing alternative melodies, quoting, and chord substitution.

Harmony Singing - Kim & Reggie Harris
Where two or three are gathered singing, let there be harmony! Come sing with Kim and Reggie and explore several methods for choosing and making good harmonies in both small and large group settings. Bring along any suggestions of songs to harmonize.

Drumming the Ear of God - Voices of Africa (presentation)
Using the article, "Drum the Ear Of God," we will explore the strong spiritual and creative aspects of African music. We will discuss music's healing properties, the differences in social and spiritual music, and music's benefit to society.

Jamming from the Portland Collection - Howard & Jodi Blumenthal
There are tons of great contradance tunes in the Portland Collection tunebook. We'll flip the pages and try both favorites and lesser known tunes.

Strumming Patterns - Steve Buckalew (adv beginner, all strummed instruments)
There’s a saying (and it’s true!) that a band is no better than its rhythm section. We will cover a few basic but important strumming patterns that can improve the sound of any jam or performance. Whether you are backing up a song, a reel, or a jig, we’ll get you “into the groove.”

Fiddle Techniques - Rebecca McCallum (adv beginner)
We'll focus on bow arm techniques that will improve your tone and articulation. You'll learn some easy exercises, and we'll look at ways to practice tunes in order to encourage musical flexibility and vitality.

String Instrument Maintenance & Repair - Curtis Rockwell
Musical instruments work best if they are properly maintained. Frets, tuning machines, strings, bow hair, and many other parts of your instrument are subject to wear and tear, and occasionally require some attention. We'll discuss common problems with stringed instruments and demonstrate what you should do to keep your instrument working well.

Clogging - Kim Craven
Shuffle-Stomp-Shuffle-Stomp-Shuffle-Stomp-AND-Stomp will be the sequence that runs through your head as you learn the basics of clogging. This is lots of fun and great cardiovascular exercise, too. Bring smooth-soled shoes and your rhythm to class. You'll be doing the 'Wagonwheel' before you know it!

Try a Mountain Dulcimer - Clark & Lucinda (beginners)
The mountain dulcimer is satisfying both because it has a pretty sound and because it's very easy to learn. Come give it a try, even if you have no musical background. Dulcimers will be provided.

Easy Swedish Tunes - Laurie Hart (adv beginners, melody instruments)
Laurie will guide you through ear-learning by breaking down the melody into bits you can easily play and remember. We will learn a waltz, schottis, and/or walking tune from Sweden. Sheet music will be provided at the end of the workshop.

Chord Patterns - Darla & Michelle (intermediate)
How do you decide which chords to use? First we'll discuss types of chords including major, minor, sevenths, and passing chords. Then we'll take a look at commonly used chord patterns and see how to apply the chords that best suit the music.

Greek Music - Rebecca McCallum (intermediate)
What makes Greek music different from what we're used to? Perhaps it's those quirky 7/8 meters and unusual scales and modes. We'll learn a couple of tunes that highlight those different meters and modes, discuss ornamentation, and learn the rhythmic patterns that accompany the tunes. Tunes will be taught by ear, with sheet music provided as well.

Avoiding the Downbeat - Ken Kolodner (advanced)
Too often musicians accent only the downbeat of a measure. We'll experiment with accenting other counts of the measure and see how accenting in unpredictable places can completely change the feel of a piece. Rather than learning full tunes, we'll apply these techniques to snipets of a waltz and reel. Learning to accent in a multitude of ways will be a great addition to your playing!

Vocal Tricks - Tim Craven
You'll learn vocal tricks and techniques that will expand your range and vary your style. Learn how slides, voice breaking, crooning, and even growling can create a sound that matches the character of the song.

History of Bluegrass - Mike Gorrell (presentation)
We'll explore the history of this truly American style of music, including its roots and evolution over the past fifty years. You'll learn about the musicians who have shaped bluegrass, and we'll discuss what you can do to keep the music alive.

Mixed Bag Jam - Out of the Blue
This jam will be a mixed bag of old standards, new tunes, and whatever anyone wants to play. Anything goes! We'll start each tune slowly and then pick up the pace.

Bluegrass Banjo - Radford Vance
This session is led by a former Bluegrass Boy of Bill Monroe. We'll look at aspects from straight ahead Earl Skruggs to the more modern rolls of Bela Fleck. Care, set up and maintenance of your instrument will also be discussed.

Beginning Penny Whistle - Celia Millington-Wyckoff
What else costs so little, does so much and is so easy to carry? Learn the basics of playing this fun and easy instrument, including fingering, breathing and techniques for good tone quality. You will come away with a few simple tunes and a better understanding of how to work the instrument.

Songwriting - Kim & Reggie Harris
We will discuss a variety of songwriting techniques: how to get started, how to take a good idea and mold it into a song, and what makes a song work. Feel free to bring songs you've written to share with the class.

How to Practice - Steve Buckalew (no instruments)
Feel like you're playing a lot but not getting anywhere? Would like to play better, but get the willies when you hear the word "practice"? Practice doesn't need to be painful. This workshop gives tips on managing your practice time and learning to focus so that you get the most out of the time spent playing. You'll even learn how to practice when you aren't anywhere near your instrument. And you'll especially learn how to keep practice time fun so that you won't avoid it!

How to Play Tunes you Don't Know - Kitchen Chair (beginners)
If you've sat quietly at jam sessions wishing you knew how to jump into the music, this session is for you. We'll start from the beginning and show you step by step how to join in on tunes you don't know.

Looking at Rhythm - Rachel Hall & Karen Hirshon (adv beginner)
Developing a strong sense of rhythm is one of the essential ingredients of becoming a good musician. We'll look at the rhythms for jigs, reels, and waltzes, isolating the down and upbeats and exploring how accenting can make tunes come alive. For both melody and backup players.

Intro to Bluegrass - Northwest Territory (intermediate)
This session is for intermediate level musicians who do not already play bluegrass. (Experienced bluegrassers should take "Hot Licks" instead.) Bring your instrument and voice and let's talk, pick and sing bluegrass music. We will attempt to answer that age old question about what makes bluegrass different from folk and country and how you can give your favorite songs a bluegrass flavor.

Making up Harmonies - Linda Littleton (intermediate)
Put some basic chord theory to use by making up harmony lines. We'll review which notes are in which chord, and then use that information to create harmonies. We'll also look at the use of arpeggios, parallel thirds and sixths, and rhythmic variations. Ability to read music will be helpful.

Norwegian Tunes - Laurie Hart (advanced, melody instruments)
Norway has an exciting and little-known repertoire of dance tunes including pols, springleik and halling. You'll learn a couple of these by ear, and also get a chance to see and hear the Hardanger fiddle up close. Sheet music will be provided at the end of the workshop.

West African Songs - Voices of Africa
West African Music is interactive, including drums, rhythm and song. This workshop will introduce a few strongly rhythmic traditional West African songs. We'll learn to sing them and we'll incorporate drumming. Bring drums if you have them.

Guitar Building - Curtis Rockwell (presentation)
Building guitars brings together master carpentry, aesthetic judgment, the laws of physics, and musicality into one craft. We’ll explore how a guitar is designed and constructed from the choice of tone woods to the pounding in of frets and the discovery of an instrument’s unique, and often unpredictable, voice. Finally, we’ll discuss the way in which building a custom guitar involves a collaboration between the musician and luthier.

Old Time Jam - members of Rustical Quality String Band
Join members of the Rustical Quality String Band and Craven Family Band to play old time fiddle tunes, waltzes and songs.

Mandolin - CW Abbott (intermediate)
For mandolin players who can play scales, basic chords and melodies up to speed, we'll go to the next level. You'll learn to play chords up the neck and to use moving chords to fatten up your rhythm sound. We'll also play some tunes and discuss harmony lines.

Celtic Ornaments for Fiddle - Sara Milonovich (intermediate)
Learn the ornaments that will make your fiddle playing sound Celtic. We'll cover rolls, cuts (bow triplets,) slides, and crans, providing plenty to do for both hands.

Intermediate Piano - Jane McCallum
We'll focus on contradance piano skills including substitute chords and rhythm variations. Learn how to use new techniques within the context of both the band and the dance. This session will be held in Clarion's piano room, with 10 keyboards available.

Reaching Children Through Music - Linda Morris (all)
We'll look at the incredible effect music has on children and discuss ways to nurture and encourage children in all areas through music in the classroom. Teachers, parents, and musicians are all encouraged to come share their ideas and experiences.

Contradance Basics - Nancy Spero (all)
Prepare for the evening's contradance by learning some of the basic moves used.

Hearing Chord Changes - Steve Buckalew (beginners)
You're a beginner, you're trying to learn how to jam, and someone suggests a tune you don't know. An important skill toward surviving a jam session is to learn to hear chord changes. This workshop will teach you to hear and identify common chords and chord changes and to understand where and when they occur. We’ll also explore how to anticipate what chord is coming and more.

Intro to Waltzes - Kitchen Chair (adv beginner)
What is based on the odd number 3, (even though the dancers have two feet), but flows like honey? We'll learn a few waltz tunes, talk about different styles, and discuss how to best support the dancers. Both melody and rhythm players will get something out of this workshop. We'll learn some by ear and some from music.

English Country Dance Tunes - Jane McCallum & CW Abbott (intermediate)
Come learn tunes from both Playford and modern sources. We'll look at harmony, chords and improvisation that will make the most of the tunes and the dances for which they're played. Tune charts will be supplied for those who wish, but music reading ability is not required.

Southern Tunes - Ken Kolodner (intermediate)
We will learn at least one lesser known but great Appalachian tune, with a focus on style and variations. We'll try to work by ear, but sheet music will be available also.

Hot Licks - Northwest Territory (advanced)
You'll learn a few hot bluegrass licks to spice up your playing and impress all of your friends. Then we'll discuss when and how to use them. Back up licks as well as break improvisation will be discussed.

Hymn Sing - Tim & Kim Craven
Learn some new hymns and revisit some great popular ones. Bring your instruments and experiment with harmonies. On a wing and a prayer, hope springs eternal in voice and instrument - Sunday morning gospel style!

Underground Railroad through Song - Kim & Reggie Harris (presentation)
In the struggle for freedom from slavery in the United States, music played an essential role. African-American spirituals passed along secret messages and maps, along with hope and resistance to an oppressed community. We'll discuss and demonstrate as we remember those who endured and fled slavery as well as their allies and the songs that helped to lead them on to freedom.

Jamming with Simple Gifts
Anything goes in this laid-back, fun jam session. We'll play a variety of styles; all levels are encouraged.

Celtic Fingerstyle Guitar - Greg Anderson (intermediate)
We'll explore techniques to give your guitar playing a Celtic feel, including alternate tunings, chord substitutions, harmonic tension, and left & right hand techniques. We'll look at both song accompaniment and solo tunes.

Intermediate Recorder - Celia Millington-Wyckoff
This versatile instrument is relatively easy to learn and works well for several genres of folk music. You'll learn some shortcuts to playing better and becoming more familiar with the instrument.

Try a Nyckelharpa - Laurie Hart
This is your chance to try this fascinating and beautifully resonant instrument. You'll learn the basics of how to hold the 'harpa, use the short bow, and finger the keys. Depending on the size of the group, we may learn a simple tune.

Songs from Cuba - Voices of Africa
You'll learn some songs from Cuba and discuss what makes this style unique.

Playing Musically - Out of the Blue (beginners)
Playing musically doesn't suddenly "happen" after you've been playing for a year or two. It's something we can think about and plan for right from the first notes we play. Dori and Tom share tips to make your playing sound like music and your music-making more enjoyable.

Intro to Improvisation - Mike Rovine & Celia Millington-Wyckoff (adv beginner)
Don't be put off by the word "improvisation". All levels can learn to improvise, and it's easier than you think. You'll learn some simple techniques that will make your playing more fun and more interesting. Sheet music will be provided.

French Canadian Tunes - Laurie Hart (intermediate)
We will learn one or two upbeat reels from Quebec by ear. The mysteries of French Canadian syncopations, foot tapping, and bouncy bowing style will be revealed! Some sheet music may be provided at the end of the workshop.

Celtic/Bluegrass Crossover - Greg Anderson & Sara Milonovich (intermediate)
We will explore the similarities and differences between Celtic and bluegrass styles. Using tunes common to both genres, we will investigate melodic, harmonic and rhythmic aspects found both in melody and accompaniment. This workshop will help Celtic players move toward bluegrass and bluegrass players move toward Celtic.

One Tune, Many Styles - Rebecca McCallum (advanced)
Primarily focused on melody instruments, this workshop will be an exploration of the ways we can alter a tune to squeeze it into other musical traditions. We will explore changes in articulation, rhythmic quality, timing, and pitch. Learn how to make a French Canadian tune sound Latin, a Celtic tune sound like the Blues, and more.

Songs of Freedom - Kim & Reggie Harris
From the days of the Underground Railroad to the times of the modern Civil Rights movement and beyond, music has been an essential component in African-American struggles for freedom. We will sing these songs together, as is part of the freedom singing tradition. We also invite you to bring a song or story from the tradition of your family or people that has been used as a form of protest.

Roots of Gospel Music - Tim & Kim Craven (presentation)
This look at the roots of Gospel music will take a broad sweep, taking into consideration that 'gospel' means 'good news' in Old English. We'll examine the evolution of Gospel music politically and poetically as well as in the conventional musical and historical sense.

Bluegrass & Old Country Jam - Darla Evans and Radford Vance
We'll take a journey into bluegrass and country music from the good old days. Bring your favorite tunes and join the jam.

Myth of the Polyrhythm - Voices of Africa (all)
Though traditional West African music is often referred to as being polyrhythmic, Voices of Africa will show that the term is misleading. Rather than being polyrhythmic, this music is a compilation of various beats, fostering a harmonious and rhythmic sound with a strong melody and flavor enhanced by syncopation. The workshop will end with a drum circle focused on world peace and harmony.

How to Win a Fiddle Contest - Michele Birkby-Vance and Mike Gorrell (advanced fiddle)
Michele is a contest legend who has won dozens of contests, and she's going to divulge her secrets! Secret #1: It takes more than talent. We'll discuss what to look for, what to work on, and most importantly, what to not do.

Hammered Dulcimer Techniques - Ken Kolodner (int/adv dulcimer)
We'll cover a variety of hammered dulcimer techniques and and look at how to use them in a relatively simple tune.

Music in the Classroom - Linda Morris (all)
A seasoned inner-city school teacher shares her ideas on how to incorporate music into the school curriculum, how artists and classrooms can get together, and how to prepare for live musicians in the classroom setting. This session will benefit classroom teachers, parents, care givers, and musicians interested in performing in a school setting. Playing in the schools is a great first step for musicians who would like to start performing.

Music in Cyberspace - Steve Buckalew (no instruments)
Do folk music and computers really mix? Well, yes they do and there are tremendous music resources on the web. We'll cover the types, usefulness, and location of various folk music resources in cyberspace. Please bring your own resource gems from the web and share them in the discussion.