2019 Faculty
April Verch
& Joe Newberry
The Early Mays
Scott Ainslie & Reggie Harris
Michael Ronstadt & Serenity Fisher
Arun Ramamurthy
& Trina Basu
Christopher Davis-Shannon
Jeremiah McLane
Wayne Fugate
2019 Schedule
*Schedule subject to change
Friday, May 24, 2019
10 am - 1 pm Intensive
(SEPARATE REGISTRATION REQUIRED)
See Intensive page for Intensive descriptions
Blues Guitar
Taught by Scott Ainslie
(For all levels beyond beginner)
We'll work on solo acoustic blues guitar techniques in the styles of Mississippi John Hurt, Rev. Gary Davis, Robert Johnson, and others. In the first half of the workshop, we'll look at right and left hand techniques, hybrid chord forms and working in standard, dropped-D, and open tunings. The remainder of the workshop will focus on slide techniques and repertoire. Please bring a slide that fits securely on your little finger. For advice on choosing a slide, see http://CattailMusic.com/ForGuitarPlayers/choosing-a-slide.htm.
Old Time Fiddle
Tuaght by April Verch
(For advanced beginner to intermediate)
We'll look at Old Time American, Old Time Canadian, and Appalachian approaches to fiddle music, with an emphasis on the bowing patterns and ornamentation of each style. Tunes will be taught by ear, but please feel free to bring your recording device and lots of questions, as the class will be tailored to suit your needs and requests. We will be mindful of keeping with the roots of this tradition - getting together to make music and have a great time in a relaxed, social environment!
Indian Classical Fiddle
Taught by Arun Ramamurthy & Trina Basu
(For intermediate/advanced)
Learn the rich tradition of Indian Classical music for violin, including a fiddle approach to ragas and an understanding of the rhythmic aspects of this music.
Mandolin Techniques
Taught by Wayne Fugate
(For all levels beyond beginner)
The mandolin is a wonderful little instrument that can do so much with melody, rhythm, and backup. We'll explore techniques and approaches to make your playing shine.
Old Time Banjo
Taught by Joe Newberry
(For all levels beyond beginner)
We'll look at the frailing stroke, explore drop-thumb styles, and experiment with different banjo tunings. Participants will learn how to accompany traditional dance tunes and songs and pick out melodies and solos.
Cello Intensive
Taught by Michael Ronstadt
(For all levels beyond beginner)
As cellists, we are the ultimate musical chameleons walking a bass line, bowing long tones, strumming like a guitar, and chopping rhythms like a drummer. We will look at how to use the tools the cello has in its wheelhouse to accompany or lead in any type of musical situation. In the process, you'll learn tunes and musical styles from Arizona to Ireland.
Ukulele Techniques
Taught by Christopher Davis-Shannon
(For all levels beyond beginner)
You've learned your basic open chords and now what?! This workshop breaks down the right hand techniques used not just to coax specific sounds out of our uke but to emulate other instruments. We'll tackle basic clawhammer, piedmont style, as well as ragtime playing. In addition, we'll begin to demystify the fingerboard through the use of moveable barre chords and discuss how they can be effectively used in a number of old time and blues songs. We'll be packing a lot into this; bring your uke, buckle up, and let's have some fun!
Accordion Intensive
Taught by Jeremiah McLane
(For all levels beyond beginner)
We’ll focus extensively on bellows technique, especially as it relates to achieving the ‘swing’ or ‘groove' of different styles of music. We’ll be examining the left hand Stradella bass system in depth, finding alternative positions for common chords, and finding unusual chords that can be played in 2 and 3 finger positions. We’ll also learn some tunes by ear and talk about ways to ornament, harmonize and otherwise augment a basic melody.
Harmonica
Taught by Richard Sleigh
(For all levels beyond beginner)
Richard Sleigh, described as a harmonica wizard, will show you how to get the most out of this small but powerful instrument. He has been exploring American Roots Music and the harmonica from the inside out for over 40 years. His latest adventures include being a featured soloist with the Wooster Symphony Orchestra and Paquito D’Rivera; playing and teaching Blues harmonica in Clarkesdale, Mississippi; and opening as a solo act for the Marshall Tucker Band and Nancy Griffith. Over the years he has also appeared with Taj Mahal, Bo Diddley, Maria Muldaur, and many others, and he has performed and given harmonica workshops here and abroad.
Everything Vocals
Taught by The Early Mays
(For all levels)
Dive into lead and harmony singing with The Early Mays. We will explore two and three part harmony singing, focusing on some of The Early Mays' arrangements as a launching pad for both traditional and not-so-traditional harmonies. We'll break into smaller groups as need and interest arise.
Basic Folk Skills
Taught by Simple Gifts
(For beginner to advanced beginner, all instruments)
In this special workshop designed for beginners, we'll address skills that will help you get more out of the weekend. We'll particularly look at how to learn tunes by ear, how to jam, how to play backup, how to play melody, and how to play well with other musicians.
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 an Accordion
Judy Minot
(no experience needed, instruments provided)
Accordions are surging in popularity. Join the club and come try one!
Intro to Body Percussion
Ellen Gozion
Tap and slap your own body to create wonderful rhythm patterns.
Storytelling
Reggie Harris
Hear stories, and hear about how to tell stories.
Southern Church Music
Christopher Davis-Shannon
It’s no mystery that southern church music and spirituals are highly influential in the development of the blues. We’ll delve into the history of spirituals and other church music in the blues and folk idioms. Lyrics and chords charts will be provided as we culminate in a big old sing-along.
Beginners' Jam
Ryan & Brennish Thomson
A slow-paced, supportive jam especially for beginners, also a good setting for more advanced musicians to experiment with improvisation.
Easy Old Time Tunes
Jay Best
(all instruments, beginner)
There are many 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 if needed.
French Bal Tunes
Jeremiah McLane
(all instruments, intermediate)
We'll play dance tunes from central and southern France including Montagnarde, bourrée (2 & 3 count), mazurka, waltz (3/4 & 5/4), schottische, polka, and rigaudon. We’ll focus on ‘La Cadence’, or ‘groove,’ for French traditional dance music as it is played today.
Pennsylvania Tunes
Henry Koretzky
(all instruments, intermediate)
Learn a few tunes that were collected in Pennsylvania.
Melodies of Chile and Peru
Emily Pinkerton
(all instruments, advanced)
Learn beautiful melodies that come from Peru and Chile.
Instrumental Jam
Wayne Fugate
(all levels beyond beginner)
A mixed-styles jam for all instruments.
4:15-5:15 pm Workshops
Try a Fiddle
Ryan & Brennish Thomson
(beginners, instruments provided)
Designed for people who've never tried a fiddle, this workshop will give you the very basics. Instruments will be available for you to borrow during the workshop.
Beginning Harmonica
Richard Sleigh
(no experience needed, instruments for sale)
Learn the boundless music you can make with this small instrument. We'll work on how to breathe and then progress to other techniques. Bring a harmonica in the key of A, or you can buy an inexpensive one at the workshop.
Guided Listening of Indian Music
Arun Ramamurthy
Are you a newcomer to Indian Classical music? In this class, we’ll listen to recordings of legends in Carnatic and Hindustani styles, answering your who/what/why/how questions. We’ll decipher compositional and improvisational structures, approaches to Raga and Tala, and how artists interact in this improvisational genre. Walk away with a better understanding of the music and the ability to listen more actively.
Lessons From a White Blues Singer
Scott Ainslie
(all levels singers)
We'll look at approaches to singing songs in a blues style. Bring a song to sing. Instruments are welcome but not necessary.
How to Learn Melodies by Ear
Jay Best & Henry Koretzky
(all instruments, beginner)
Trying to learn melodies by ear can be hard, but there are some strategies that can help. Jay and Henry will share tips and shortcuts to help you learn this important skill.
Easy Contradance Tunes
Judy Minot
(all instruments, beginner)
You'll learn several easy tunes that are frequently played at contradances. Sheet music and chords will be provided.
Intro to Improvisation
Wayne Fugate
(all melody instruments, intermediate)
We'll start with a standard tune and show you how, on a phrase-by-phrase basis, the tune can become a vehicle for your own improvisations. The goal of the session is to help you open the door to creating spontaneous variations, or improvisations, based on the melodic structure unique to each tune.
Tunes from the Ozarks
April Verch & Joe Newberry
(all instruments, intermediate)
Learn tunes from the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Kansas.
Jazz
Trina Basu
(all instruments, advanced)
For people who are adept on their instruments but have no jazz background, learn basics that will demystify jazz and have you jazzing-along in no time! We'll work both by ear and from printed music.
Vocal Jam
Reggie Harris
(for all)
A fun time singing and playing any songs you'd like to suggest.
5:30-6:30 pm Dinner
7:00pm Concert:
Simple Gifts
Michael Ronstadt & Serenity Fisher
Arun Ramamurthy & Trina Basu
April Verch & Joe Newberry
(with short performances by Henry Koretzky, Jay Best, Wayne Fugate, Ryan & Brennish Thomson, Judy Minot, Richard Sleigh)
After the Concert
Beginners' Jam
Simple Gifts
Old Time Jam
April Verch & Joe Newberry
Blues Jam
Scott Ainslie, Richard Sleigh
Irish Session
Ryan & Brennish Thomson
Songwriters' Gathering
Michael Ronstadt, Serenity Fisher, Reggie Harris
11:00pm Late jam at the dorm
Dorm Jam – Jay Best & Wayne Fugate (all instruments & voices, all levels)
This jam is held at the dorm so you can jam until you're ready to roll into bed! We'll include a mix of styles and a mix of vocals and instrumentals.
Saturday, May 25, 2019
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
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 Ukulele
Christopher Davis-Shannon
(instruments provided)
Stop on by and strum along! An informal basic class where you can learn basic right hand techniques as well as enough chords to play through many folk tunes. We'll also talk about the history of the instrument and its influence on folk music throughout the years.
Songs of the Civil Rights Movement
Reggie Harris
History and discussion, through music, of the Civil Rights Movement.
Ronstadt Family Sounds
Michael Ronstadt
We'll take a look at the 100+ year history of the pioneering Ronstadt family. Dating back five generations, music remains inextricably intertwined with their lives, reflecting their mixed Mexican, Southwestern and German roots. Bring your instruments and voices as we explore a range of styles including polka, mariachi, huapango, classical, folk, early rock, and the diverse songwriting of today’s generation. Lyrics and chords will be provided.
Make Friends with Your Metronome
Wayne Fugate
(all instruments, all levels)
Playing with good time is fundamental to making good music, yet this critical aspect of musicianship is often ignored. This session will help you improve your rhythm by practicing with a metronome. Even players who have been playing a long time can benefit from the material here. We'll include an overview of different types of metronomes, metronome basics, playing standard time signatures, sub-dividing the beat; playing odd time signatures; accenting different beats; practicing rhythm to melody transitions; playing on, ahead of, or behind the beat; fun games to try with the metronome; and other useful information intended to help you make friends with your metronome!
Backup Basics
Jay Best & Richard Sleigh
(all instruments, beginner)
What’s backup? Everything that isn’t the melody! Even if you don’t think of your instrument as a backup instrument, there will be something here for you, including tips for making your backup playing strong, supportive, and interesting.
Breton Fest-Noz Tunes
Jeremiah McLane & Brennish Thomson
(all instruments, intermediate)
Dance tunes from northwestern France including: gavotte, andro, hanter dro, plinn, laridée, ronds, bal, and Danse Pourlet. We’ll focus on how the tunes are medleyed together to create the hours long dances held throughout Brittany.
Indian Ragas
Arun Ramamurthy & Trina Basu
(all instruments, advanced)
Raga is the melodic framework of Indian Classical Music, and translates to “colors the mind.” Ragas are tied to rasas or emotions, and are often associated with the times of day. In this class you will be introduced to a Raga, from its basic structure to the essential ornaments that make it live and breathe. We will learn specific phrases and movements to help us understand how to elaborate on a raga.
Blues Guitar
Scott Ainslie
(all levels)
We’ll lay the groundwork for understanding blues guitar techniques that are the foundation for rock ‘n’ roll and contemporary country music. We’ll examine the chord forms and techniques (that allow solo guitarists to sound like two guitarists) with an eye to understanding how to find and employ these sorts of forms up the neck and how best to use them as soloists. A few chords, a few licks, a simple strategy, and enough guitar information to hold it all together.
Folk Piano
Serenity Fisher & Judy Minot
(all levels)
We'll explore simple yet effective ways the piano can be used in folk music. You will learn to play chords, to “strum” along to your favorite songs, just like a folk guitarist does. Playing chords on the piano follows a simple formula, unlike guitar chords which come in all shapes and sizes. It doesn’t take long to learn how to develop simple chordal accompaniment into something that will make you sound like you’ve been playing the piano for years. With these skills you will learn to play and sing your favorite songs, accompany a singer, or join in a jam! This class does not require a lick of note reading.
Mathematics of Music
Rachel Hall
(for all)
A look at interesting connections between music and math. This will be a lecture-discussion format rather than a play-along and will cover different topics than last year's workshop.
Sheet Music Jam
Ryan Thomson
Bring the Fiddler's Fakebook if you have one, or share with others, as we sight-read tunes from this collection.
Mini Lessons on Fiddle, Banjo, Hammer Dulcimer
Linda Littleton
Sign up for a short one-on-one session with Linda to look at fiddle, clawhammer banjo, hammer dulcimer. You can also sign up for a session to discuss the business of music - getting established, getting gigs, etc.
11:00-12:15 Workshops
Try a Banjo
Jay Best
(instruments provided)
Starting at the very beginning, learn the basics of clawhammer style banjo. Instruments will be available for you to borrow during the workshop.
Singing for Shy People
Ellen Gozion
A gentle introduction to singing, especially for people who think they can't sing or feel shy about singing.
Indian Singing
Arun Ramamurthy & Trina Basu
Indian Classical Music as an oral tradition begins with the voice. Like “Do Re Mi,” ICM has a similar system “Sa Ri Ga...” We will learn how to sing using these syllables, through call and response and creating our own melodic phrases. We’ll also discuss Tala and how to keep time with our hands.
Understanding the Blues
Scott Ainslie
(all instruments & voices, all levels)
Understanding the African roots of blues, song structures, and the fact that we use the West African minor pentatonic scale for melodies and the Western European major scale for harmonies will give you a few important tools to begin to explore this sturdy and vibrant musical tradition.
How to Jam
Wayne Fugate
(all instruments, beginner)
If you've sat quietly at jams wishing you knew how to jump into the music, this session is for you!
Irish Tunes
Ryan Thomson
(all instruments, intermediate)
You'll learn some Irish tunes and get tips on how to give them an Irish feel.
West Virginia Tunes
Rachel Eddy & Emily Pinkerton
(all instruments, advanced)
We'll look at several wonderful old time tunes from the rich West Virginia tradition.
Fiddle & Bow Techniques
April Verch
(fiddle beyond beginner)
It’s always great to take a step back and examine the basics of playing the fiddle and using the bow. We’ll talk about left and right hand technique, challenges, philosophy and without making it too complicated, we’ll explore strategies to help overcome certain issues that arise in playing this fabulous instrument!
Oldtime Banjo
Joe Newberry
(banjo beyond beginner)
Learn the frailing stroke, explore drop-thumb styles, and experiment with different banjo tunings. Learn to accompany traditional dance tunes and songs and to pick out melodies and solos.
Leading the Contradance Open Band
Judy Minot
Every year we invite guest "conductors" to help lead our Saturday night contradance. It's not difficult, it keeps the band together, and it's a lot of fun. This workshop will give you some simple pointers, and make you feel more comfortable leading a pickup band - whether it's for our dance or a band in your own community. [This workshop is best for people who have experience playing for contradances.]
Rise Up Singing Jam
Reggie Harris
We'll sing old favorites and new favorites from the Rise Up Singing collection.
Mini-Lessons on Mandolin, Guitar, Vocals
Henry Koretzky
Sign up for a short one-on-one session with Henry.
12:30-1:30 pm Lunch
1:45-3:00 pm Workshops
Beginning Jaw Harp
Brennish & Ryan Thomson
(instruments available)
Jawharp (also known as Jew's harp) is one of the world's oldest musical instruments, having been traced back to the 4th century BC. You can buy an inexpensive jaw harp at this workshop and learn the beginning techniques, as well as a little about overtone music.
Harmony Singing
Ellen Gozion & Emily Pinkerton
Learn to create and sing harmonies. We'll look at common pitfalls and strategies to finding harmony parts and work on blending and listening.
From the Appalachians to the Ozarks
Joe Newberry
Learn interesting songs that trace Joe's family history from the Appalachians to the Ozarks.
Backup Rhythms
Henry Koretzky
(all instruments, beginner)
You'll learn how to tell whether a tune is a jig, reel, hornpipe, or waltz and what backup rhythms to use once you know.
Easy Minor Key Tunes
Linda Littleton & Rachel Hall
(all instruments, beginner)
The deep, melancholy, and dark minor keys evoke longing, romance, and mystery. Learn some music that will grab the heartstrings!
Contradance Band Practice
Judy Minot
(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.]
Making a Big Sound in a Small Duo
Michael Ronstadt & Serenity Fisher
(all instruments, intermediate)
How can two people with one instrument each make such a big sound? Michael and Serenity will show you techniques that can be applied to any instrument, including how to use rhythm, emphasize the backbeat, and keep the groove and musical pocket alive. Learn ways of strengthening your performances so that even a solo act can sound full enough to get a room dancing!
Nashville Number System
Richard Sleigh
(all instruments, intermediate)
The Nashville Number System is a system that lets you look at chords as numbers, so that you can more easily switch keys and understand chords and harmonies.
Canadian Tunes
April Verch & Joe Newberry
(all instruments, advanced)
There are several different regional folk styles in Canada from coast to coast, including Ottawa Valley, Western Canadian, Metis, Maritime, Cape Breton and French Canadian. This class will provide an overview of these different styles and explore what makes each of them unique. Tunes will be taught by ear.
Ukulele Beyond the Basics
Christopher Davis-Shannon
Learn tips, tricks, and techniques that will take your ukulele playing to the next level. We'll work by ear, but printed music will be available if needed.
Dance Music Jam
Ken Sharp & Keith Cochrane
From waltzes, polkas, and tangos to swing, hambos, schottisches, we'll jam on a variety of dance music.
Mini-Lessons on Banjo, Fiddle, Guitar, Vocals
Rachel Eddy
Sign up for a short one-on-one session with Rachel.
3:15-4:45 pm Folk Band Rehearsal
Based on the form you filled out during orientation (Saturday 8:45 am), 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 Von Leibig Lobby. If you haven’t filled out a folk band form, go to the lobby and we’ll figure out where to fit you in.
5:00-6:00 pm Dinner
7:00 pm Faculty Concert
Jeremiah McLane
Scott Ainslie & Reggie Harris
Christopher Davis-Shannon
The Early Mays
After the Concert
Contradance with Open Band
Judy Minot & Rachel Hall will lead an open band.
Bob Nicholson will teach and call the dances.
Singing Jam
Christopher Davis-Shannon
Instrumental Jam
Jeremiah McLane & Wayne Fugate
11:00 pm Late jam at the dorm
Dorm Jam - Fiddling Thomsons
This jam is held at the dorm so you can jam until you're ready to roll into bed! This jam will include a mix of styles and a mix of vocals and instrumentals.
Sunday, May 26, 2019
7:30-8:30 am Breakfast
8:45-10:00 am Workshops
Fun & Easy Percussion
Ryan & Brennish Thomson
We'll look at bones, spoons, bodhran and other easy-to-play percussion instruments. You’ll learn some basic percussion skills and etiquette for playing with other musicians.
Improv & Theater Games
Serenity Fisher
The heart of improvisation is play and relaxation. Come free your creativity by playing and relaxing through fun and simple improv games. Just as musicians tell stories through music and song, we’ll create stories through words, movement, and simple scenes learning to listen to each other, building trust in ourselves and the group. Be warned, things may get a little silly!
Hymn Singing
Early Mays
(all levels of 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 a.m.)
Arranging Songs
Christopher Davis-Shannon
What's my key?! In this workshop we will go over some basic music theory to assist in figuring out how to make a song work for you. Each instrument has its own strong points, and knowing where each can sit in a song brings a more cohesive and pleasing sound out of a group. A basic understanding of your instrument's strengths and weakness will allow you to become a better player and make better music. We'll work by ear, but printed music will be available if needed.
Songwriting
Reggie Harris
Immerse yourself in the art of songwriting! We will explore lyric and melody writing as well as ideas that will help the creative process, looking at a wide variety of skills, tools, and strategies that will enhance your songwriting.
Minor Pentatonic Scale: Africa & the Blues
Scott Ainslie
(all instruments, all levels)
Their survival depended on it. Brought essentially naked and alone from Africa, the captives carried among them many intangible things of value, and assembled African-American cultures out of the shards of a different tribal traditions and conventions in a new, brutal and unforgiving setting. Musically, the minor pentatonic scale was one. It provided melodies for the early spirituals and ring shouts, and was much later adapted for the blues (African melodies with European chording instruments). We’ll look at these scales in a couple different keys and have the chance to choose from those notes to play over stock blues progressions.
Beginners' Jam
Henry Koretzky
A slow-paced, supportive jam especially for beginners, also a good setting for more advanced musicians to experiment with improvisation.
Indian Rhythm Patterns
Arun Ramamurthy & Trina Basu
One of the most defining aspects of Carnatic music is its rhythmic complexity. Korvais, literally meaning to “thread together”, are logical rhythmic patterns that are repeated, ultimately landing on the down beat. They can be as short as one rhythmic cycle, or very complex lasting multiple cycles. In this class we will learn a few standard korvais, see the logic behind them, and try composing our own. If you're a math geek, you will love this class!
Cello Backup
Michael Ronstadt
We'll look at various ways to accompany other musicians through pizzicato, strumming, fingerpicking styles, bow chopping, and combinations. These techniques are useful when accompanying singers and instruments, and for fitting in with many different types of music groups.
Accordion
Jeremiah McLane
Tips and approaches to being a better accordion player.
Old Time Jam
April Verch & Joe Newberry
A relaxed and fun time of playing old time tunes!
Mini-Lessons on Mandolin, Guitar
Wayne Fugate
Sign up for a short one-on-one session with Wayne.
10:15-11:30 am Workshops
Percussive Dance
April Verch & Emily Pinkerton
It's a 2-fer! April will teach Ottawa Valley step dancing and Emily will teach Southern flat footing. No dance experience of any type is required for this workshop. Supportive shoes, preferably hard or leather soled are best.
Banjo Styles
Jay Best, Joe Newberry, Rachel Eddy, Ellen Gozion
Not a play-along class for banjo players, but rather a discussion and demonstration appropriate for both banjo players and non-players. Bring your questions.
Solo Singing Tips
Christopher Davis-Shannon, Reggie Harris, Richard Sleigh, Serenity Fisher
This will be mostly discussion and demo, a time to be inspired and have your questions answered. Four professional solo performers will discuss their approach to performing alone--how to engage the audience, how to plan your set, how to make it work all by yourself.
Songs From the Southwest
Michael Ronstadt
Learn a variety of songs with roots in the American Southwest.
Conquering Tune Amnesia
Judy Minot
(all instruments, all levels)
Tune amnesia (or Tunesia) becomes a problem when we just can't remember the tunes we've learned. We work so hard on our tunes, and then when the moment comes: "Hey, do you want to choose a tune?" we can't remember how they go! You're not alone! Bring a list of some tunes you're working on, and we'll learn and try tips from the pros on how you can get 'em started.
Effective Practice
Wayne Fugate
(all instruments, all levels)
No matter where you are on your musical path, your creative output will hinge on your knack for carving out practice time and using it productively. In this session we will look at how we learn and discuss several strategies for learning new material in a deeper, more efficient manner. We'll discuss how to set up practice space and organize the tunes, technique and skills we wish to develop, so that we maximize results with minimal effort. Practice strategies, logs and pre-performance timelines and inventories will be presented and discussed.
Hearing Chord Changes
Rachel Hall
(all instruments, beginner)
Learn to hear and identify common chords and chord changes and to understand where and when they occur. This skill that will help you during jams, even those playing unfamiliar tunes.
New England Tunes
Jeremiah McLane & Henry Koretzky
(all instruments, intermediate/advanced)
We'll learn a few wonderful tunes from New England, with tips for both melody and rhythm players.
Indian Classical Fiddling
Arun Ramamurthy & Trina Basu
For people who have the basics of fiddle playing in other styles, we'll work by ear to learn a bit about playing Indian music on your fiddle.
Slide Guitar
Scott Ainslie
Please bring a slide that fits securely on your little finger. See Scott's notes about choosing a slide at
http://cattailmusic.com/ForGuitarPlayers/choosing-a-slide.htm
Mixed Styles Jam
Linda Littleton
Old time, celtic, international, singing, instrumentals - anything you want to play is welcome!
Mini-Lessons on Fiddle, Banjo, Accordion, Guitar, Whistle
Ryan & Brennish Thomson
Sign up for a short lesson with Ryan and Brennish.
11:45 am Group Photo
Bring your instrument and smile!
12:00-1:00 pm Lunch
1:15-2:15 pm Band Rehearsal
Another rehearsal with the same band as yesterday
2:30-4:30 pm Student Concert
4:30 pm Jamming