2009 Workshops
Schedule and workshops are subject to change without notice.
Workshop Levels
Beginner = Just getting started on your instrument, or perhaps you haven’t started yet.
Advanced Beginner = Is developing a repertoire of tunes, but doesn’t yet play up to full speed.
Intermediate = Learns music easily by ear or from sheet music.
Advanced = Experienced musician, performer, professional who wants a real challenge.
Beyond Beginner = For all levels from advanced beginner through advanced. |
Friday, May 22
1:00pm – Registration begins
3:00-4:00pm – Workshops:
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Beginners’ Jam - Clark Parry & Lucinda Durkee A fun, supportive jam for those who are new to their instruments and new to jamming.
Song Circle - Peggy Shutes, Jerry Trusty, Sue Powers (all levels) Bring along your favorite song to share with the group. Instruments are welcome too!
How to Learn Tunes by Ear - Grey Larsen & Cindy Kallet (adv. beginner) Do you find it hard to pick up tunes by ear? We’ll examine the process and identify helpful characteristics such as meter, tonal center, and scale. Then slowly, phrase by phrase, we’ll put these strategies into use.
Easy Swedish Tunes - Rachabelle (adv. beginner) The Swedish repertoire is sometimes breathtakingly beautiful, sometimes rhythmically groovy, and always satisfying to play. Come learn a walking tune, a schottische, a hambo, and maybe a few other tunes. We might even try doing a Swedish processional with a walking tune! Tunes will be taught by ear but sheet music will be available.
Old Time Tunes - Joel Mabus (intermediate) What's the difference between an old-time fiddler and a violinist? The violinist knows the tune before it starts, the fiddler pretty much has it by the time it's over. We'll learn by ear -- bat around a few cool and easy old-time tunes that can be learned on the fly. We'll shoot for an intermediate level for "lead" musicians and keep it easy for rhythm players. Cloggers welcome!
Gypsy Tunes - Luminescent Orchestrii (intermediate/advanced instrumentalists, all levels of singers) This workshop will focus on the music from Transylvania, the heart of Romania. The music is traditionally played on fiddle, viola and bass, but all instruments are welcome to give it a try. Music will be taught by ear and lyrics will be provided.
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4:15-5:15pm – Workshops:
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Music Games - Rachabelle (all levels) Get into the action with fun singing and dancing games from all over the world. A great way to get to know your fellow Folk College attendees, gather ideas for community events, or just kick back and have a blast!
Beginning Clogging – Peggy Leiby Learn the basics of Appalachian clogging, percussive dancing to old time music. A country cousin to tap dance, though rhythmically different, it is a uniquely American dance from that emerged from a melting pot of influences - Celtic, African and Cherokee. Three good reasons to clog: you become the rhythm section on the dance floor, it’s great exercise, and you can't help but smile while dancing! Music will be provided by Tom and Betty Druckenmiller.
Singin’ the Blues - Joel Mabus (all levels) Without too much suffering, we'll focus on making your blues songs (and accompaniment) sound earthier & more authentic. We'll be looking at elements such as phrasing, rhythm, chord choice and improvising over those chords in a blues style.
Slow Jam - Karen Hirshon & Linda Littleton of Simple Gifts (adv. beginner) We’ll stick with commonly known songs and tunes, playing them slowly enough less experienced players to keep up and for more experienced players to experiment with harmonies and improvisation.
Easy Waltzes - Gordon Bonnet (adv. beginner) The waltz is one of the oldest, and definitely the most romantic, dance form. In this class, we'll learn a few easy but beautiful waltz tunes from various folk traditions. Sheet music will be provided but tunes will be taught by ear as well.
Irish Jigs - Grey Larsen & Cindy Kallet (intermediate) Come learn some well-known and lesser-played Irish jigs. Sheet music with chords will be available, and by-ear learning is encouraged as well.
Chinese Tunes - AppalAsian (intermediate) Ranging from simple "humming" melodies to pre-set scores that cross between folk and classical, you’ll learn several Chinese tunes that work well on folk instruments. Some sheet music will be provided.
Advanced Harmony - Rachel Hall of Simple Gifts (advanced) For voices and instruments, we’ll explore part-writing, including harmonies and countermelodies. Familiarity with basic music theory and the ability to read music are assumed.
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5:30pm – Dinner
7:00pm – Staff Concert: Simple Gifts, AppalAsian, Luminescent Orchestrii
After the main concert:
Encore Concert -
The staff you haven’t already heard will play one song or tune each
Slow Jam - the Druckenmillers, and Karen Hirshon
Old Time Jam - Joel Mabus
Mixed Styles Jam - Luminescent Orchestrii
11:00pm – Late jam at the dorm.
Mostly instrumental - Druckenmillers
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mostly singing - Peggy Shutes
Saturday, May 23
7:30-8:30am – Breakfast in Ellis Hall
8:45-9:15am – Orientation Meeting
9:30-10:45am – Workshops:
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Beginners’ Intensive - Clark Parry, Lucinda Durkee, Jerry Trusty Beginners can get tips on playing just about any folk instrument. We'll have a variety of instruments for you to try, with assistance and TLC appropriate for total non-musicians. We'll show you the very basics on your instrument of choice, and then you'll be ready to play as we start a very sloooow jam session. Although we're offering this as a two-part intensive (continuing at 11:00), it's absolutely fine to go to one part and not the other.
Balkan Singing - Rima Fand of Luminescent Orchestrii (all levels) Come explore the haunting sound of Balkan a capella song. The 2-part songs will be learned by ear, but sheet music will be available if needed.
Waltzes & Other Partner Dances – Bob Nicholson and Peggy Leiby From waltz to schottische to polka, we’ll look at a variety of folk dances done with a partner. You don’t need to bring a partner, though, as we’ll switch after each dance. Live music will be provided by Peggy Shutes.
Ear Training - Tom and Betty Druckenmiller (adv. beginner) Step by step, phrase by phrase, work on playing or singing back what you hear.
Intro to Twelve Bar Blues - Mark Fowler (adv. beginner) We’ll cover the simplest blues progression, some of its common variations, and some rhythm patterns to use when playing the blues. Finally, we’ll dip just a little bit into some simple ways to play solos for 12-bar blues.
Rhythmic Connections - Jeff Berman of AppalAsian (intermediate) We’ll look at ensemble playing from the perspective of rhythm, focusing on the rhythmic connection between players. This is for ALL instruments, not just instruments that are normally considered to be rhythm instruments.
Appalachian Meets Asian - Mimi Jong & Sue Powers of AppalAsian (intermediate) Sue’s background is old-time music, Mimi’s is Chinese, and together they create a sound that uses elements of each. We’ll look at interesting ways to combine these genres to add something truly special to your sound.
Klezmer Tunes - Members of Luminescent Orchestrii (advanced) Klezmer is the traditional music of the Eastern European Jewish culture. (Think "Fiddler on the Roof.") You’ll learn to play a hora and a bulgar, two traditional dance forms. We will discuss traditional accompaniment styles as well as Klezmer ornamentation. We will work by ear, with music available if needed.
Old Time Banjo – Walt Koken of Orpheus Supertones (all levels beyond beginner) Walt will demonstrate some frailing techniques he’s developed over the years and show how to put some of these together to form a tune or two. Banjo tab will be provided.
Fiddle - Clare Milliner of Orpheus Supertones (all levels beyond beginner) After taking the pulse of the class, Clare will teach an old-time tune phrase by phrase, with a focus on bowing patterns and techniques that will give your fiddling that old time sound. |
11:00-12:15 – Workshops:
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Beginners’ Intensive - Clark Parry, Lucinda Durkee, Jerry Trusty Beginners can get tips on playing just about any folk instrument. We'll have a variety of instruments for you to try, with assistance and TLC appropriate for total non-musicians. We'll show you the very basics on your instrument of choice, and then you'll be ready to play as we start a very sloooow jam session. Although we're offering this as a two-part intensive (other segment at 9:30), it's absolutely fine to go to one part and not the other.
Old Time Songs Made New - Sue Powers of AppalAsian (all levels) We’ll explore how to apply a contemporary approach to old time favorites like "Two Loving Sisters," ''The House Carpenter,'' ''Wagoner's Lad'' and ''The Cuckoo.''
Try an Erhu - Mimi Jong of AppalAsian (all) The erhu is a two-string Chinese bowed instrument. Mimi will bring eight of them with her, and you’ll get a mini-lesson. Playing erhu will be easiest for people who already play a bowed instrument, but all are welcome.
How to Play Tunes You Don’t Know – Kellie Allen & Pete Peterson of Orpheus Supertones (adv. beginner) 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.
Easy Eastern European Tunes - Members of Luminescent Orchestrii (adv. beginner) We’ll look at some exotic but easy-to-play tunes from Eastern Europe, including Klezmer, Gypsy and more. We will work by ear, with music available if needed.
Contradance Band - Rachel Hall, Rachabelle, Bob Nicholson (intermediate) We’ll play through the music planned for this evening’s contradance and learn arrangements and approaches ideas that make them come alive! Music and chords will be provided. [Note: It’s ok to skip this workshop and play for the dance anyhow.]
Balkan Tunes - Gordon Bonnet (intermediate) We'll work from sheet music to learn some enchanting tunes from the Balkan lands of Eastern Europe, including some in asymmetrical rhythms such as 7/8, 11/8, and 22/16. Don't worry, it's easier than it sounds!
Jazz Chord Theory - Mark Fowler (advanced) We’ll build a graphical "chord family tree" to understand where jazz chords come from. Then we’ll use them to spice up the plain-old 12-bar blues… and when the dust has all settled we will have logically transformed that plain-old 12-bar blues into the classic jazzy blues "Stormy Monday."
C Tuning for Guitar - Karen Hirshon of Simple Gifts (all levels) We’ll tune our guitars to CGCGCD and then explore the wonderful possibilities this tuning offers. It’s actually easier than standard tuning!
Irish Flute - Grey Larsen (all levels beyond beginner) We will explore the rudiments of Irish flute techniques such as ornamentation, phrasing, breathing and holding the instrument in a relaxed manner. Modern metal flutes are welcome, as are wooden Irish-style flutes. |
12:30-1:30pm – Lunch
1:45-3:00 – Workshops:
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A Capella Singing - Cindy Kallet (for all) Singing - just voices! Come and be part of an instant chorus. We'll learn a song or two by ear and make up some harmonies of our own. We'll also sing a piece or two from written music, with ready-made harmonies.
Intermediate Clogging – Peggy Leiby We'll go beyond the basics. Instruction will include more challenging Appalachian clogging and flatfooting footwork that will be developed into a dance routine. Music will be provided by the Tom and Betty Druckenmiller.
Hearing Chord Changes - Diana Wagner (adv. beginner) You’re at a jam, and someone suggests a tune you don’t know. What do you do? 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.
Easy French Tunes - Gordon Bonnet (adv. beginner) The dance tunes of Auvergne in central France are easy to learn and are fun to play! We will learn some bourrées, gavottes, branles, and other common French dance rhythms. Sheet music will be provided but tunes will be taught by ear as well.
Classical to Folk Transition - Karen Hirshon & Linda Littleton of Simple Gifts (intermediate)
There are a few major differences between classical and folk music, largely having to do with rhythm and accenting. For those making the transition to folk music from a classical background, we’ll jump-start the process for you. The workshop will also be helpful to people without a classical background.
Old Time Jam - Orpheus Supertones (intermediate) We’ll sing and play both the old standards and some lesser known old time tunes. This jam is sure to get rocking!
Adding the Unusual to your Sound - Members of Luminescent Orchestrii (advanced) One of the things we love most about Luminescent Orchestrii is the creativity and innovation of their sound - the way they mix the exotic with the familiar and combine sounds to create something truly different. Come learn what goes into their process and try some of it for yourself.
Advanced Guitar Techniques - Joel Mabus No matter how long you've been playing, there's always that desire to "kick it to the next level." As class interest dictates, we will look at various issues & elements of guitar playing such as chord theory, improvisation, modes, accompaniment skills, and practice methods. Both flatpick and fingerstyle methods can be addressed.
English Concertina - Rachel Hall (all levels) Tips and techniques for playing this wonderful little instrument.
Making a Recording - Grey Larsen Let's talk about how to make a recording that you will be proud of. Some topics we could explore: doing it yourself vs. hiring a professional, getting the best sounds with the gear at hand, live recording and overdubbing, capturing the "feel," mastering, working with a producer (or not). |
3:15-4:45pm – Folk Band Rehearsal: Small groups will be coached by a professional musician to work toward performing in the Sunday concert. Choice of old time, blues, Irish, Swedish, Balkan, Breton, Gypsy/Romanian, old country, a capella, vocal standards, waltzes, squeezebox band, or beginners’ band.
5:00pm – Dinner on your own
7:00pm – Staff Concert: Grey Larsen & Cindy Kallet, Orpheus Supertones, Joel Mabus
After the concert:
Contradance - with Bob Nicholson calling, Rachel Hall & Rachabelle lead an open band
Slow Jam - Clark Parry & Lucinda Durkee
Mostly instrumental jam - Orpheus Supertones
Mostly singing jam - Cindy Kallet & Grey Larsen
11:00pm – Late jam at the dorm
Mostly instrumental - Druckenmillers
Mostly singing -
Jerry Trusty
Sunday, May 24
7:30-8:30am – Breakfast
8:45-10:00am – Workshops:
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Beginners’ Jam - Peggy Shutes, Diana Wagner A fun, supportive jam for those who are new to their instruments and new to jamming.
Hymn Singing - Clark Parry & Lucinda Durkee (for all) – Stone Church (Exit Good Hall, cross Moore Street. Stone Church is to the right.) Non-denominational, no sermon, no collection basket. Just soulful songs anyone can sing. Instruments are welcome too. Some handouts with chords and lyrics and some music will be provided. Ends at 9:45.
Reading Music - Gordon Bonnet (adv. beginner) Have you ever wished you could decode all of those dots and lines that people can somehow convert to music? This class will teach you the rudiments of sight reading, including key and time signature, counting, and some simple tips for how to learn to read more quickly.
Easy Old Time Tunes - Kellie Allen & Pete Peterson of Orpheus Supertones (adv. beginner) We will teach one-chord, two-chord and three-chord old-time tunes, and help you develop your ear for their notes and chord changes. Prepare to have fun!
Funky Backup - Sxip Shirey & Benjy Fox-Rosen of Luminescent Orchestrii (intermediate) For backup players that want to put something different into their sound, Sxip and Benjy will teach strategies of supporting folk melodies with punk, rock, and hip-hop rhythms and tonalities.
Irish Reels - Grey Larsen & Cindy Kallet (intermediate) Come learn some well-known and lesser-played Irish jigs. Sheet music with chords will be available, and by-ear learning is encouraged as well.
Obscure Old Time Tunes - Walt Koken & Clare Milliner of Orpheus Supertones (advanced) We’ll play as many unusual old-time tunes as we can fit in, playing them up-to-speed and also slowly, if the class wishes. We’ll tap into tunes played by lesser known fiddlers such as Gusty Wallace, Estil Bingham, Manon Campbell, and George Hawkins, as well as lesser known tunes by well-known fiddlers like Ed Haley, Edden Hammons, and Luther Strong.
Performance Tips - Joel Mabus (for all) Where musicianship meets stagecraft – that's the cutting edge of performance. In this workshop we'll go over some of the more important details in attitude, delivery & polish that can elevate your set to the next level. Tip # 1: Never leave your wallet backstage! |
10:15-11:30am – Workshops:
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Percussion for Beginners - Jeff Berman of AppalAsian Starting at a level appropriate for total non-musicians, we’ll look a variety of percussion instruments and talk about how to sensitively add them into a group sound. It’ll give you something fun to play at jam sessions!
Harmony Singing - Kellie Allen & Pete Peterson of Orpheus Supertones (for all) Learn techniques of old-time and early country harmony singing. We will look at two- and three-part harmony styles of the Carter Family, Monroe Brothers, Louvin Brothers, and possibly others if time permits.
Twin Fiddle Heaven - Karen, Linda, Rima, Sarah, Walt, Clare, Grey & Cindy, (for all) Wow, we have four pairs of twin fiddlers on staff! This will be mainly a presentation/performance, rather than a play-along workshop. You’ll hear each fiddling pair perform, and we’ll discuss both twin fiddling and single fiddling. This session will be fun and interesting even if you don't play fiddle.
Basic Music Theory - Jerry Trusty (adv. beginner) We’ll examine chords, scales and other building blocks that will help you to understand how music "works."
Tunes that are Cooler than They are Hard - Rachel Hall & Rachabelle (adv. beginner) Back by popular demand, this workshop teaches tunes that are easy to learn and play, but full of zest, sparkle, and coolness! Tunes will be taught by ear but sheet music will be available.
Song Arranging - Joel Mabus (intermediate) A good song deserves a good arrangement. We'll look at how to take a simple song and adapt it to your unique musical talents and strengths to come up with your own special version – and an interesting piece for your repertoire.
Blues Jam - Mark Fowler (intermediate) First we’ll talk about some strategies to use when jamming with others on the blues. And then? Well… we’ll JAM! Mark will have several blues to share but feel free to bring your favorites as well.
Chinese Tunes - Appalachian (advanced) Ranging from simple "humming" melodies to pre-set scores that cross between folk and classical, you’ll learn several Chinese tunes that work well on folk instruments. Some sheet music will be provided.
Stage Fright - Diana Wagner (for all) Did you know there is science behind stage anxiety? This workshop will provide performance opportunities while examining the symptoms, causes, and strategies for overcoming everything from mild to paralyzing fear. |
11:45pm – Group Photo
noon-1:00pm – Lunch
1:15-2:15pm – Folk Band Rehearsal: More coaching with the same groups as Saturday.
2:30-4:30pm – Student Concert
5:00pm – Dorm Checkout
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