2016 Schedule
Friday, May 27, 2016
10 am - 1 pm Master Classes
(SEPARATE REGISTRATION REQUIRED)
See Master Classes page
Blues Guitar - Rory Block
(intermediate/advanced)
Irish Fiddle - Kevin Burke
(intermediate/advanced)
Gypsy Fiddle - Steve Greenman
(All levels beyond beginner)
Ukulele - Ehukai Teves
(all levels beyond beginner)
Folk Cello - Valerie Thompson
(All levels beyond beginner)
Mandolin - Henry Koretzky
(all levels beyond beginner)
Harmonica - Richard Sleigh
(all levels beyond beginner)
Mountain Dulcimer - Lois Hornbostel
(all levels beyond beginner)
Accordion - Walt Mahovlich
(all levels beyond beginner)
Songwriting - Small Potatoes
(all levels)
Folk Music Skills - Ira Gitlin
(advanced beginner, all instruments)
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
Rhythm Basics - Vince Russo of Appleseed Collective
(no experience needed)
Bring a drum or any object that can be used as a drum and learn the basics of playing percussion in folk music. No experience needed.
Beginners’ Jam
- Linda Littleton & Karen Hirshon of Simple Gifts
(all levels)
A fun, supportive jam for those who are new to their instruments and new to jamming. This slow and simple jam will get you ready to play your instrument with others. No experience needed.
Irish Songs - Small Potatoes
(all level singers, instruments welcome)
Explore the exciting world of possibilities for American singers who want to sing traditional and neo-traditional songs. We’ll touch on style, flourishes and even a bit of the Irish language for your “Irish tune bag of tricks”. Song sheets will be provided.
Easy Folk Melodies - Members of Appleseed Collective
(all instruments, advanced beginner)
Working at a slow pace, you'll learn some learn a few fun melodies that are easy to play.
Hearing Chord Changes - Ira Gitlin
(all instruments, advanced beginner)
Learn to hear and identify common chords and chord changes and to understand where and when they occur. This vital skill will help you at jams, even those playing unfamiliar tunes.
Old Time Tunes with Lyrics - Jerry Trusty
(all instruments, intermediate)
These are Old Time instrumental tunes that also have words. Lyrics and chords will be provided. Come sing or play, or sing and play.
Playing the Blues - Richard Sleigh
(all instruments, intermediate)
You don't have to be blue to play the blues!
Chord Substitutions - Rachel Hall of Simple Gifts
(all instruments, advanced)
Learn how to add variety to what you are playing with interesting and useful chord substitutions.
Swedish Tunes - Laurie Hart
(all instruments, advanced)
Laurie will teach two tunes with ornamentation (and bowing for the fiddlers): a cool polska with an irregular pulse from Dalarna in Northern Sweden, and a joyous regular-beat slängpolska from Southern Sweden. Sheet music will be provided after the workshop.
4:15-5:15 pm Workshops
Drum Stick Techniques - Vince Russo of Appleseed Collective
(beginner, instruments provided)
Learn how to hold drum sticks and how to play some common rudiments that you can use in folk music. The goal is to unlock the inner percussionist in you. Sticks will be available to borrow or purchase.
Try a Ukulele - Ehukai Teves
(beginner, instruments provided)
You'll discover why these little instruments have captured the heart of people everywhere. It's so much and fun and easy to do. Learn a few chords and songs. The session is targeted to total beginners. Ukuleles will be provided.
Harmony Singing - Laura Cortese & Dance Cards
(all levels)
Learn how to hear and create vocal harmonies in folk songs.
Learning to Play by Ear - Judy Minot
(all instruments, advanced beginner)
You can learn how to play by ear. It’s a technique, not something you’re “born with.” There are a few tricks that really help you get started and we’ll work on these, and work on a few simple but cool tunes.
Playing Backup - Henry Koretzky
(all instruments, advanced beginner)
Learn to make your backup playing varied, interesting, and powerful. We'll explore subtleties of playing backup and look at how to have solid rhythm.
Irish Jigs - Kevin Burke
(all instruments, intermediate)
You'll learn a few jigs and look at the subtleties of making them sound Irish.
Power & Passion in Performance - Rory Block
(all instruments, intermediate)
Learn techniques and exercises to empower your playing and performing.
Swing Tunes - Members of Appleseed Collective
(all instruments, advanced)
Learn some swing tunes, and learn how to make them really swing. Remember, “It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing!”
Serbian Dance Tunes - Steve Greenman & Walt Mahovlich
(all instruments, advanced)
Learn the tunes, time signatures, and techniques that drive this dance music and have kept it vital for centuries.
5:30-6:30 pm Dinner
For those who pre-paid – limited number of extra meals for purchase; inquire at info desk in Von Liebig foyer.
7:00pm Concert:
Simple Gifts
Steve Greenman & Walt Mahovlich
Rory Block
The Appleseed Collective
After the Concert
Slow Jam - Ira Gitlin
Jamming - Appleseed Collective
Irish Session - Kevin Burke
Old Time Jam - Henry Koretzky
Sheet Music Read-Through from Portland Collection - Judy Minot
11:00pm Late jam at the dorm
Dorm Jam – Jerry Trusty
Saturday, May 28, 2016
7:00
Yoga for Musicians - Judy Minot
In yoga we work to balance effort with relaxation. We pay detailed attention to what the body is doing, and we practice breathing deeply to help us relax and become flexible and strong. These are all great things for musicians to work on! Even if you’re “not a yoga person” there’s plenty of benefit here. If you have your own mat, please bring it. (a few will be available)
7:30-8:30 am Breakfast
For those who pre-paid – limited number of extra meals for purchase; inquire at info desk in Von Liebig foyer.
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 Fiddle - Laurie Hart
(beginner, instruments provided)
Have you ever wanted to try a fiddle but never had the opportunity? Now is your chance to try this incredibly versatile and expressive instrument. Instruments will be provided or bring your own.
Cowboy Songs - Small Potatoes
(all level singers, instruments welcome)
Channel your inner cowboy and harken back to a simple time on the open range and under the stars . . . or the Hollywood movie set…might even do a little yodeling . . . Song sheets will be provided.
Southern Appalachian Sing-Along - Lois Hornbostel
(all level, instruments welcome)
Enjoy some fun songs from the old-time music repertoire, including some golden gems from the Carter family. Bring along your instruments to play chords while we sing.
How to Jam - Ira Gitlin
(all instruments, advanced beginner)
Get ready to jam via ear training (listening and imitating), singing tunes and then playing, discussing how various tunes work, how jam sessions work, and the most efficient way to practice and build your repertoire. And you'll get some experience in beginning to learn a tune that's flying by at session-speed.
How to Practice - Jerry Trusty
(all instruments, advanced beginner)
We'll discuss how to use practice time effectively so you can learn music quicker, develop skills on your instrument, and have a good time while doing it.
Klezmer Tunes - Steve Greenman & Walt Mahovlich
(all instruments, intermediate)
Klezmer is the traditional music of the Eastern European Jewish culture. Learn traditional Klezmer dance tunes, as well as characteristic accompaniment styles and ornamentation. We'll try to work by ear, but music will be available if needed.
Indian Classical Music - Eric O’Daly of Appleseed Collective
(all instruments, advanced)
Learn the fundamental concepts of Indian Classical Music, such as Sargam (a basic solfeggio) and konnakol (the language of rhythm). Eric will demonstrate these basic concepts and then apply them to the practice and performance of western styles of music, to facilitate both melodic and rhythmic fluidity and freedom.
Singing with the Ukulele - Ehukai Teves
(all levels)
Learn to sing with this fun instrument. We'll provide ukuleles, show you a few basic chords, and then sing songs that work well on the ukulele. Other instruments are welcome, and singers without ukuleles are welcome too.
Irish Fiddle - Kevin Burke
Explore how to choose and use ornaments and bowings to produce an Irish lilt and make the tune your own. You'll learn tricks for making a tune sound complicated in the simplest of ways.
Slide Guitar - Rory Block
Learn foundation techniques for country blues guitar. Bring a slide.
Mini-Lessons on Guitar and Mandolin - Henry Koretzky
(all levels)
Sign up for a short one-on-one session with Henry.
11:00-12:15 Workshops
Try a Banjo - Jerry Trusty
(beginner, instruments for purchase)
Starting at the very beginning, learn the basics of clawhammer style banjo. Instruments will be available for you to borrow during the workshop, or bring your own.
Hawaiian Songs - Ehukai Teves
(all levels)
Learn to sing some beautiful songs from Hawaii. Hawaii’s rich music is a unique mix of many influences with peaceful rhythms and poetic lyrics that celebrate island life, and the musical culture of Hawaii is unlike any other in the world.
Songwriting - Small Potatoes
(all levels)
Explore lyric and melody writing, as well as ideas that will help your creative process. Learn a variety of skills, tools, and strategies to get you started or to enhance your songwriting.
How to Play Tunes You Don’t Know - Henry Koretzky
(all instruments, intermediate)
If you've sat quietly while others are playing tunes you don't know, this session is for you. Henry will share tips for beginning to jump into the music.
Tunes that are Cooler than Hard - Judy Minot
(all instruments, intermediate)
Come learn a few tunes that are super cool and not so hard to play. We’ll work by ear but music will be available if needed. This is also a good choice for intermediate/advanced players as there will be different levels of difficulty suggested.
Rhythm Exercises - Richard Sleigh
(all instruments, intermediate)
This will be a series of exercises to help you solidify your internal rhythmic sense.
Solo Performance Tips - Rory Block
(all instruments, advanced)
Where musicianship meets stagecraft—that’s the cutting edge of performance. Learn some of the more important details in attitude, delivery, and polish that can elevate your set to the next level.
Mandolin Techniques - Brandon Smith of Appleseed Collective
Learn how to get the most out of this versatile instrument with tips and techniques to take your mandolin playing to the next level.
Mountain Dulcimer - Lois Hornbostel
Tips and techniques for getting the most out of your dulcimer playing, including left-hand techniques to make your playing more fluid, approaches to chord playing, and a solid look at rhythm, phrasing, timing, and expression. Music taught by ear and from tablature.
Guitarists’ Toolbox - Andrew Brown of Appleseed Collective
Tips and techniques for getting the most out of your dulcimer playing, including left-hand techniques to make your playing more fluid, approaches to chord playing, and a solid look at rhythm, phrasing, timing, and expression. . Music taught by ear and from tablature.
Mini-Lessons on Fiddle, Mandolin, Guitar - Karen Hirshon of Simple Gifts
(all levels)
Sign up for a short one-on-one session with Karen.
12:30-1:30 pm Lunch
1:45-3:00 pm Workshops
Washboard - Vince Russo of Appleseed Collective
(instruments available for purchase)
Vince has developed his own technique on the washboard. Using rhythmic fundamentals and varying textures of the instruments, explore the unique and versatile world of improvised percussion and discuss creation of your own washboard setup.
Song Arranging - Laura Cortese & Natalie Bohrn of Dance Cards
(all levels)
A good arrangement makes a song really shine. Learn how to use harmony, instrumentals, and arrangement techniques to make a song special.
Easy Irish Tunes - Laurie Hart
(all instruments, advanced beginner)
Learn some good easy-to-play Irish tunes.
Contradance Band Practice - Rachel Hall, Judy Minot, Bob Nicholson
(all instruments)
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.]
Israeli Tunes - Karen & Linda of Simple Gifts
(all instruments, intermediate)
Learn four beautiful tunes from Israel. Sheet music with 2-part harmony and chords will be provided.
Afternoon Jam - Members of Appleseed Collective
(all instruments)
Anything goes in this jam - singing, instrumentals, Irish, swing, bluegrass, old-time, and more. Whatever anyone wants to play is fine.
Contemporary Improvisation - Valerie Thompson of Dance Cards
(all instruments, advanced)
Using improv games and small group improvisation, explore new approaches to creating spontaneous sound, textures, melodies and grooves.
Banjo Techniques - Ira Gitlin
Tips and techniques for playing five-string banjo, including clawhammer, two-finger picking, three finger picking, playing both melody and backup, and more. Taught by ear with handouts.
Piano Accordion - Walt Mahovlich
Learn tips and techniques for playing a piano accordion from a master.
Klezmer Fiddle - Steve Greenman
Klezmer is the traditional music of the Eastern European Jewish culture. Learn traditional Klezmer dance tunes, as well as characteristic accompaniment styles and ornamentation. We'll work by ear, with music provided at the end of the session.
Fingerpicking Guitar - Rory Block
Even if you already fingerpick, learn ways to improve using alternating bass lines and the like. We'll focus on fingerstyle acoustic blues, looking at tricks, transitions, and turnarounds to make your playing shine.
Mini-Lessons on Fiddle - Jenna Moynihan
(all levels)
Sign up for a short one-on-one session with Jenna.
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 Von Liebig foyer.
7:00 pm Faculty Concert
Lois Hornbostel & Ehukai Teves
Small Potatoes
Kevin Burke
Laura Cortese & the Dance Cards
After the Concert
Contradance – Rachel Hall will lead an open band.
Bob Nicholson will call the dance.
Blues Jam - Richard Sleigh
Jamming with Laura Cortese & the Dance Cards
Slow Jam - Jerry Trusty
11:00 pm Late jam at the dorm
Dorm Jam - Henry Koretzky
Sunday, May 29, 2016
7:00
Yoga for Musicians - Judy Minot
In yoga we work to balance effort with relaxation. We pay detailed attention to what the body is doing, and we practice breathing deeply to help us relax and become flexible and strong. These are all great things for musicians to work on! Even if you’re “not a yoga person” there’s plenty of benefit here. If you have your own mat, please bring it. (a few will be available)
7:30-8:30 am Breakfast
For those who pre-paid – limited number of extra meals for purchase; inquire at info desk in Von Liebig foyer.
8:45-10:00 am Workshops
Hymn Singing - Jerry Trusty
(all levels singers; instruments welcome)
A good old-fashioned hymn sing with focus on old-time hymns. Bring your instrument if you play. Song sheets with chords will be provided. This workshop is free and open to the public. (Ends 9:45 am)
Beginning Penny Whistle - Jacquie Manning of Small Potatoes
(instruments available 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 better understanding of how to work the instrument. Bring a D whistle if you’ve got one, if not I’ve got spares. Lesson sheets will be provided
Twelve-bar Blues for Singers - Richard Sleigh
(all levels)
Working with this blues master, learn how to apply the twelve-bar blues to your singing.
Backing up a Singer - Ira Gitlin
(all instruments, intermediate)
Learn how to back up a singer so that you give them room to be heard yet interject varied and interesting playing.
Easy Romanian Tunes - Steve Greenman & Walt Mahovlich
(all instruments, advanced beginner)
Learn how to play a few easy Romanian tunes and discover why these folk tunes remain a staple in East European folk music. We'll try to learn by ear but music will be available if needed.
Gypsy Jazz - Appleseed Collective
(all instruments, intermediate)
Learn how to play gypsy jazz, also known as gypsy swing or hot club jazz, a style of jazz music often said to have been started by guitarist Jean “Django” Reinhardt in the 1930s.
Backing Up Hawaiian Songs - Ehukai Teves
(all instruments, intermediate)
Bring the beauty of the islands into your life as you learn backup techniques of the most unique and flowing rhythms of all time immortalized in Hawaiian mele (song).
Morning Jam - Judy Minot
(all instruments, intermediate)
Join this fun relaxed jam. All styles of music are welcome.
Irish Reels - Kevin Burke
(all instruments, advanced)
You'll learn some Irish reels and look at the subtleties of making them sound Irish.
Cello/Fiddle Backup - Laura Cortese & Valerie Thompson
(advanced)
Learn to chop and groove along to fiddle tunes and songs and other rhythmic accompaniment for fiddle, viola, and cello.
Mini-Lessons on Guitar - Rich Prezioso of Small Potatoes
(all levels)
Sign up for a short one-on-one session with Rich.
10:15-11:30 am Workshops
Beginning Harmonica - Richard Sleigh
(beginner, instruments for purchase)
Learn the basics of playing this small but wonderful instrument. You’ll work on how to breathe and where to find the notes, and then we'll progress to other techniques. Bring a harmonica in the key of A, or you can buy one at the workshop.
Shape Note Singing - Rachel Hall
(all levels singers)
Shape Note Singing, also called Sacred Harp 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!
Swing Standard Songs - Members of Appleseed Collective
(all levels)
Learn some standard swing songs and how to make them really swing from these masters of swing.
The Importance of I, IV, and V Chords - Ehukai Teves & Lois Hornbostel
(all instruments, advanced beginner)
Learn a little music theory that will help a lot with your understanding of how music “works” so that you're better able to jam, back up tunes, and improvise.
Easy Scottish Tunes - Jenna Moynihan & Natalie Bohrn
(all instruments, advanced beginner)
We’ll take a quick look at the different kinds of music in the Scottish repertoire–slow airs, marches, jigs, strathspeys, and reels–and then we’ll learn a few tunes.
French Canadian Tunes - Laurie Hart
(all instruments, intermediate)
Laurie will work with melody players, teaching a Québécois reel or two by ear. Sheet music will be provided after the workshop.
Gypsy Tunes - Steve Greenman & Walt Mahovlich
(all instruments, intermediate)
Learn to create the intonations of this wonderfully evocative music.
Performing as a Duo - Small Potatoes
(all instruments, intermediate)
Learn techniques that will make the sum greater than the parts. There’s a whole spectrum of ways to make sound with two voices or instruments. We'll discuss and experiment with different approaches to singing and playing with a partner.
Tempo Subtleties - Karen & Linda of Simple Gifts
(all instruments, advanced)
Tempo is subtle stuff. We’ll look at how to keep your band from rushing or slowing and how to influence other musicians to speed up or slow down.
Jazz Fiddle - Brandon Smith of Appleseed Collective
(advanced)
For many old-time fiddlers and classical violinists, the world of jazz improvisation represents a daunting leap into the dark. Learn the basic tools necessary to begin exploring and developing your own style with topics that include practicing, conquering chord stacks, and forgetting everything you know once you've finally learned it.
Mini-Lessons on Banjo and Guitar - Ira Gitlin
(all levels)
Sign up for a short one-on-one session with Ira.
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