Friday, May 23, 2014

 

10 am - 1 pm Master Classes

(SEPARATE REGISTRATION REQUIRED)

See Master Classes page

Old Time Fiddle - Bruce Molsky

(advanced)

French Canadian Fiddle - Pascal Gemme

(intermediate)

Flatpicking Guitar - Orrin Star

(intermediate/advanced)

Mandolin Problem Solving - Henry Koretzky

(all levels beyond beginner)

Banjo Techniques - Ira Gitlin

(all levels beyond beginner)

Harmonica - Richard Sleigh

(all levels beyond beginner)

Vocal Techniques - Dede Wyland

(all levels)

Folk Music Skills - Jerry Trusty

(advanced beginner)

 

1:00 pm General Folk College Registration Opens

 

1:30, 2:30 & 5:30 pm Newcomers’ Orientation & Walking Tour

 

3:00-4:00 pm Workshops

Try a Ukulele - Ira Gitlin

(beginner, instruments provided)

You'll discover why these little instruments have captured the heart of people everywhere. It's so much fun and easy to do! Learn a few chords....sing a hundred songs! The session is targeted to people with no experience playing fretted string instruments. Ukuleles will be provided.

Call & Response Singing - Pascal Gemme & Yann Falquet of Genticorum

(all levels)

Call and Response singing is easy – just sing back what you hear!

Ballad Singing - Wendi Bourne

(all levels; instruments welcome)

Learn a few ballads, and learn about how to sing them well.

How to Jam - Jerry Trusty

(all instruments, advanced beginner)

Jamming is a wonderful social activity that you can participate in no matter what your skill level. Learn the basics so you'll be ready to jam all weekend!

Contradance Tunes Made Easy - Linda Littleton & Karen Hirshon of Simple Gifts

(all instruments, advanced beginner)

We’ll look at a few of the tunes that will be used for the Saturday night contradance, providing a simplified version of the tunes so that advanced beginners are able to play them up to speed. The focus will be on melody (rather than chords), but chord players are welcome to come play along. Sheet music will be provided.

Celtic Tunes - Laura Cortese & Mariel Vandersteel

(all instruments, intermediate)

Come learn a few tunes from Ireland and Scotland. Tunes will be taught by ear with bare bones sheet music provided at the end.

Shenandoah Harmony Tunes - Rachel Hall

(all instruments, intermediate)

Rachel will share tunes from her newly published Shenandoah Harmony shape note collection. Usually shape note music is sung, but in this case, we'll be playing it on instruments. Music in exquisite four-part harmony will be provided.

Middle Eastern Tunes - Tomchess

(all instruments, intermediate)

Be adventuresome and try a genre you (probably) haven't played before. Tunes will be taught by ear with music provided at the end of the workshop.

Creating Harmonies on the Fly - Debbie Rifkin

(all instruments, advanced)

Using well-known traditional tunes as examples, we'll explore several different approaches to creating instrumental harmonies, including "second melody" lines and chordal/rhythmic parts.  We'll invent harmonies together on-the-fly by ear, and we'll also show you how to compose harmonies using written melody as a guide.

 

4:15-5:15 pm Workshops

Try a Mandolin - Henry Koretzky

(beginner, instruments provided)

We’ll start at the beginning and learn the basics of playing this versatile instrument. We’ll have a few extra mandolins available, so feel free to come even if you’ve never touched a mandolin.

Bluegrass Songs - Dede Wyland

(all levels)

In this class you'll learn classic bluegrass songs to add to your repertoire. There will be lots of singing and lots of fun!

How to Sing Swing - Wendi Bourne

(all levels)

You’ll learn some swing songs, and you’ll also learn how to make it swing.

How to Learn Melodies by Ear - Laura Cortese & Mariel Vandersteel

(melody instruments, advanced beginner)

In this workshop, we will explore some fun and effective tools for learning tunes by ear. The focus will melody only, rather than chords or backup.

Hearing Chord Changes - Debbie Rifkin

(all instruments, advanced beginner)

Learn to hear and identify common chords and chord changes and to understand where and when they occur. Having this skill will be a tremendous help during jam sessions and when learning tunes by ear.

Old Time Tunes - Bruce Molsky

(all instruments, intermediate)

The river of old-time tunes is deep and long. Working by ear, some of the favorites will be presented.

Playing the Blues - Richard Sleigh

(all instruments, intermediate)

You don’t have to be blue to love the blues! We’ll look at elements such as phrasing, rhythm, chord choice and improvising over those chords in a blues style. Sheet music and chords will be provided.

Playing Rounds - Orrin Star

(all instruments, intermediate)

Rounds are melodies that harmonize when staggered. We'll play through some easy ones by ear and spark a harmonic convergence!

Bulgarian Tunes - Gordon Bonnet

(all instruments, advanced)

Bulgarian tunes often have unusual meters such as 7/8 or 11/16. Learn how to count and play a few of these wonderfully exotic tunes. Sheet music will be provided.

 

5:30-6:30 pm Dinner

For those who pre-paid – limited number of extra meals for purchase; inquire at info desk in Good Hall lounge.

 

7:00pm Concert:

Simple Gifts
Wendi Bourne
Pascal Gemme & Yann Falquet of Genticorum
Tomchess
Jerry Trusty
The Hot Seats

 

After the Concert

Slow Jam - Ira Gitlin

(beginner & advanced beginner)

Singing Jam - Dede Wyland

(all levels of singers; instruments welcome)

Jamming with The Hot Seats

(all levels beyond beginner)

Jamming with Genticorum

(all levels beyond beginner)

Sheet Music Read-through from Portland Collection - Gordon Bonnet

Songwriters' Gathering - Laura Cortese

 

11:00pm Late jam at the dorm

Mixed Styles Jam – Henry Koretzky

 

 

Saturday, May 24, 2014

 

7:30-8:30 am Breakfast

For those who pre-paid – limited number of extra meals for purchase; inquire at info desk in Good Hall lounge.

 

8:45-9:15 am Orientation

Meet the staff, sign up for a folk band, and get oriented as to what’s happening for the rest of the weekend.

 

9:30-10:45 am Workshops

Try a Banjo - Jerry Trusty

(beginner, instruments provided)

Starting at the very beginning, you'll learn the basics of clawhammer style banjo. Instruments will be available for you to borrow during the workshop.

Quebecois Foot Percussion - Yann Falquet of Genticorum

(for all)

Learn how to tap your feet in the lively Québécois style to accompany fiddle tunes and songs.

Harmony Singing - Dede Wyland

(all levels)

In this class we'll explore the basics of bluegrass harmony and apply your new skills to some favorite bluegrass songs.

How to Learn Tunes by Ear - Richard Sleigh

(melody instruments, advanced beginner)

Trying to learn tunes by ear can be tough. Richard will share tips and shortcuts to make it easier. This workshop will focus on melody only, rather than chords or backup.

Tunes That Are Cooler Than They Are Hard - Gordon Bonnet & Debbie Rifkin

(all instruments, advanced beginner)

Just because a tune is super cool doesn't mean it has to make your brain hurt. We’ll look at a few refreshing tunes that are manageable but full of zest and sparkle! Music and chords will be provided.

Scandinavian Tunes - Mariel Vandersteel

(all instruments, intermediate)

Springars, gangars and polskas are part of the folk dance repertoire from Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. Working by ear, you'll learn a few tunes from this tradition.

Turkish Tunes - Tomchess

(all instruments, intermediate)

Delve into the exotic sounds of Turkish music! Sheet music will be provided.

Bluegrass Tunes - Graham DeZarn & Ed Brogan of Hot Seats

(all instruments, advanced)

Graham and Ed will teach some of their favorite bluegrass tunes, and we’ll address the nuances of  how to make them sound like bluegrass. We’ll work by ear with music provided at the end of the workshop.

Advanced Concepts in Tune Arranging - Pascal Gemme of Genticorum

(all instruments, advanced)

Pascal is known for the creative arranging he does in Genticorum. He'll share ideas for how to make your arrangements really sparkle!

Flatpicking Guitar - Orrin Star

(intermediate/advanced)

This will be an intro to Norman Blake's style, which combines rhythm and lead into a compelling solo style. We'll touch on some of the thinking and technique behind this approach.

Mini Lessons on Fiddle, Guitar, or Mandolin - Karen Hirshon of Simple Gifts

(all levels)

Sign up for a short one-on-one session with Karen.

 

 

11:00-12:15 Workshops

Try a Harmonica - Richard Sleigh

(beginner, instruments for purchase)

For the absolute beginner, Richard will get you started playing this fun instrument. Bring a harmonica in the key of A, or you can buy one at the workshop.

Drumming 101: Sticks and Brushes - Jake Sellers of Hot Seats

(beginner, sticks for purchase)

Learn how to hold drum sticks, how to play a drum using sticks, and common patterns to use in folk music. The goal is to unlock the inner percussionists in us all!

Old Time Songs - Bruce Molsky

(all levels singers)

Come and learn a few great old-time songs, and learn how to make them sound old-timey.

How to Jam - Graham DeZarn & Ed Brogan of Hot Seats

(all instruments, advanced beginner)

If you’ve sat quietly at jams wishing you knew how to jump into the music, this session is for you!

Finding the Groove - Wendi Bourne

(all instruments, advanced beginner)

When playing nearly any type of music, the groove is so important and so often overlooked! Ever wonder why some bands really make you tap your feet, while others put you to sleep? We'll explore how to support the foundation of the music: the beat, and build a tune from there.

Old Time Tunes - Josh Bearman & Ben Belcher of Hot Seats

(all instruments, intermediate)

Learn some cool tunes from the old time repertoire. We'll work by ear with music provided at the end of the workshop.

Islamic Melodies - Tomchess

(all instruments, intermediate)

Working from sheet music, you'll learn some beautiful and exotic Islamic melodies.

Quebecois Tunes - Pascal Gemme & Yann Falquet of Genticorum

(advanced)

Working by ear, we'll look at some fun-to-play tunes in the Quebecois style.

Folk Approach to Classical Music - Debbie Rifkin

(all instruments, advanced)

Some classical pieces lend themselves really well to a folk music approach. Adding a few of these to your repertoire will give you a classier sound that can be especially appropriate for weddings and other "classy" gigs. Sheet music and chords will be provided.

Too Many Guitars - Ira Gitlin

(for guitar; all levels beyond beginner)

For the situation where many guitars are playing together, learn what you can do to vary the guitar sound.

Mini Lessons on Guitar or Mandolin - Henry Koretzky

(all levels)

Sign up for a short one-on-one session with Henry.

 

12:30-1:30 pm Lunch

 

 

1:45-3:00 pm Workshops

Try a Fiddle - Karen Hirshon & Linda Littleton of Simple Gifts

(beginner, instruments provided)

Have you ever wanted to try a fiddle but never had the opportunity? Now is your chance to try this versatile instrument. Fiddles will be provided by our on-site vendor, JR Judd.

How to Play Washboard - Jake Sellers of Hot Seats

(beginner, washboards for purchase)

The washboard is a fun percussion instrument that’s full of complexities but easy to get started on.

Learn to Yodel - Dede Wyland

(all levels singers)

Anyone can yodel (well, almost!). This basic-level workshop will get you started unlocking your inner yodeler and will teach you some simple, useful yodels to add to nearly any song.

Tunes Everyone Should Know - Jerry Trusty

(all instruments, advanced beginner)

Using sheet music, we'll look at some of the tunes that are most commonly played at instrumental jams.

Beyond the Melody - Henry Koretzky

(all instruments, advanced beginner)

When there are multiple melody players, how do you vary your playing to enhance the group sound? You'll learn alternative ideas and techniques for melody players.

Creative Backup - Josh Bearman & Ben Belcher of Hot Seats

(backup instruments, intermediate)

Learn to make your backup playing varied, interesting, and powerful. This workshop is for backup instruments, i.e., instruments that play chords and rhythm.

Contradance Band Practice - Rachel Hall & Bob Nicholson

(all instruments, intermediate)

We’ll play through the music planned for this evening’s contradance and learn arrangements and approaches 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.]

Swing Tunes - Wendi Bourne

(all instruments, advanced)

You’ll learn some swing tunes, and you’ll also learn how to make them swing. Remember, “It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing!” We’ll work by ear with music provided at the end of the workshop.

Old Time Fiddle - Bruce Molsky

(intermediate/advanced)

The workshop takes a hands-on approach to old time fiddle.  Tunes are taught a phrase at a time, first melody, then bowing, and then piecing things together, so you can find and work to a level that's most comfortable for you.  We'll dig into old-time music's unique phrasing, rhythm and syncopation, intonation, etc. and also talk about some of the great fiddlers of years past.

Mandolin Techniques - Orrin Star

(all levels beyond beginner)

We'll look at both right and left hand techniques that will enhance your mandolin playing.

Mini Lessons on Guitar, Banjo, or Bass - Ira Gitlin

(all levels)

Sign up for a short one-on-one session with Ira.

 

3:15-4:45 pm Folk Band Rehearsal

Based on the form you filled out during orientation (Saturday 8:45am), you’ll be assigned to a band that will rehearse with the help of a staff coach and then perform at Sunday’s Student Concert. There will also be an option to join a non-performing band. Band lists and locations will be posted in Good Hall. If you haven’t filled out a folk band form, go to Good Hall lobby and we’ll figure out where to fit you in.

 

5:00-6:00 pm Dinner

For those who pre-paid – limited number of extra meals for purchase; inquire at info desk in Good Hall lounge.

 

7:00 pm Faculty Concert

Laura Cortese & Mariel Vandersteel
Debbie Rifkin & Gordon Bonnet
Orrin Star
Dede Wyland, Henry Koretzky & Ira Gitlin
Richard Sleigh
Bruce Molsky

 

After the Concert

Contradance – Rachel Hall will lead an open band.
Bob Nicholson will call the dance.

Singing Jam - Wendi Bourne

Old Time Jam - Bruce Molsky

Celtic Session - Laura Cortese & Mariel Vandersteel

 

11:00 pm Late jam at the dorm

Mixed Styles Jam – Jerry Trusty

 

Sunday, May 25, 2014

 

7:30-8:30 am Breakfast

For those who pre-paid – limited number of extra meals for purchase; inquire at info desk in Good Hall lounge.

 

 

8:45-10:00 am Workshops

Hand Percussion - Jake Sellers of Hot Seats

(for all)

Bring a drum or any object that can function as a drum, and learn to make percussion with your hands.

Gospel Singing - Jerry Trusty

(all levels singers; instruments welcome)

This will be a fun time of singing and playing gospel songs. Lyrics and chords will be provided.

Fun & Funny Songs - Ben Belcher & Josh Bearman of Hot Seats

(all levels singers; instruments welcome)

Bring your voice, an instrument too if you’d like, and come prepared for some fun!

Easy Turkish Tunes - Tomchess

(all instruments, advanced beginner)

We'll look at some easy Turkish tunes that will be appropriate for advanced beginner level. We'll try to learn by ear, but music will be available for those who need it.

Keeping the Beat - Henry Koretzky

(all instruments, advanced beginner)

Developing a strong sense of rhythm is one of the essential ingredients of becoming a good musician. Learn how to keep your rhythm steady and strong.

Backing up a Singer - Ira Gitlin

(all instruments, intermediate)

We’ll look at fills, rhythms, and other techniques that instrumentalists can use to make a singer sound wonderful!

Old Time Tunes - Bruce Molsky

(all instruments, advanced)

The river of old-time tunes is deep and long. Working by ear, some of the favorites will be presented.

Twin Fiddling - Laura Cortese & Mariel Vandersteel

(advanced beginner to intermediate)

What's better than having a fiddle in your band? Having two of them! We will explore creative techniques for two or more fiddles including harmony lines, rhythms, chords and more.

Harmonica - Richard Sleigh

(all levels beyond beginner)

We’ll look at tongue-blocking, bending and position playing. Bring a harmonica in the key of A.

Stagecraft: Make Your Patter Matter - Orrin Star

(for all)

Performing on stage is different than playing informally. You need to introduce yourself and your songs to the audience. You'll get some practical tips on how to handle this.

 

10:15-11:30 am Workshops

Beginning Penny Whistle - Gordon Bonnet

(beginner, instruments for purchase)

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 basic understanding of how to work the instrument.

Shenandoah Shape Note Singing - Rachel Hall

(all levels singers)

Shape note singing is a 200-year-old American tradition of singing four-part harmony by following music with shaped notes. The music is sung loud with strong rhythms, simple open harmonies, and a strong sense of community. It’s easier than it sounds! We will focus on Rachel's newly published Shenandoah Shape Note collection.

Vocal Techniques - Dede Wyland

(all levels singers)

A clearer understanding of some basic vocal principles can transform your singing experience. In this workshop you will learn techniques that improve breath support, tone quality, range, projection, freedom from vocal fatigue, and more.

Easy Old Time Tunes - Graham DeZarn & Ben Belcher of Hot Seats

(all instruments, advanced beginner)

There are some easy but wonderful tunes in the old time string band repertoire, and we'll take a look at several. We'll work by ear, with sheet music available at the end of the workshop.

Shedding the Sheet Music - Linda Littleton & Karen Hirshon of Simple Gifts

(melody instruments, intermediate)

This workshop is for people who are good music-readers but struggle with playing by ear.

Quebecois Tunes - Pascal Gemme & Yann Falquet

(all instruments, intermediate)

We'll look at some fun-to-play tunes in the Quebecois style. We will work by ear with sheet music provided at the end of the workshop.

Using Near Eastern Modes - Tomchess

(all instruments, advanced)

Learn about the modes and approach used in Near Eastern music. Sheet music will be provided.

Singing with the Fiddle - Bruce Molsky

(fiddles beyond beginner level)

Learn to use the fiddle and voice together to create harmony, accompany singing and build arrangements around lyrics.

Old Time Banjo - Josh Bearman

(all levels beyond beginner)

Tips and techniques for playing old time banjo.

Songwriting - Laura Cortese

(for all)

Try your hand at putting words and melodies together. Laura will share a few fun exercises for first timers through experienced songwriters.

 

11:45 am Group Photo

 

12:00-1:00 pm Lunch

 

1:15-2:15 pm Band Rehearsal

More coaching with the same groups as yesterday

 

2:30-4:30 pm Student Concert

 

4:30 pm Jamming

 

 

 

 

Schedule of Events

May 23, 24 & 25, 2014

A fun and friendly weekend of playing and hearing folk music!

 

3 concerts, 68 workshops, 2 coaching sessions, jamming, singing, dancing

 

Held in Huntingdon at Juniata College in the Allegheny Mountains of Central Pennsylvania