Workshop Descriptions:

 

Bluegrass Mandolin (Brian Christianson) - Pickers will learn basic bluegrass instrumentals, improvising, and how to chop rhythm using Òclosed chordsÓ.

 

Twin Fiddle (Brian Christianson & Amanda Kerr) - As the name suggests, fiddlers will learn twin fiddle tunes and how to construct harmony parts when playing with other fiddlers.

 

Advanced Irish Guitar (Nancy Conescu) – Advanced techniques in DADGAD tuning.

 

Song Performance (Nancy Conescu) – Bring a song and get performance tips with positive feedback. If you sing with an instrument, bring it!

 

Song Accompaniment (Nancy Conescu) – For people who want to sing and accompany themselves on guitar.

 

Guitar From Scratch (Brian DeMarcus) - For those who thought about scratching, but never satisfied that itch. Learn basic chords and right hand technique.

 

Clawhammer Banjo From Scratch (Brian DeMarcus) - You don't need to know nuthinÕ about playing Oldtime banjo for this workshop. Start looking around for a banjo to borrow!

 

Dance Calling (Brian DeMarcus) - Learn how to get started at calling contra and square dances.

 

Putting Irish Tune Sets Together (Rose Flanagan) - This workshop will involve putting sets together with tunes students already know as well as suggestions for tunes to learn to complete the sets. We'll also explore and learn some of the tune sets that have always been played together. Bring recorders.

 

Fiddle Ornamentation and Variations in Irish Music (Rose Flanagan) -  I'll be showing students different types of ornamentation to add to their tunes as well as variations and where they fit into tunes. Bring recorders.

 

Regional Flute and Whistle Styles (Linda Hickman) - Learn tunes and regional flute and whistles styles and the different ways of phrasing and breathing to create the sound that you want for greater lift and ease of playing. Everyone will get a CD of different flute and whistles styles in Ireland and New York.

 

Whistle from Scratch (Linda Hickman) - This class is for everyone that has ever wanted to learn the basics of tin whistle playing. No prior experience is necessary. You will learn two basic scales and the beautiful Irish harp tune, Nil na La (It's Not Dawn Yet).

 

Fiddle Set-up (Brian Christianson) - We’ll talk about the importance of proper violin setup and repairs. Correct measurements and their importance will be discussed and I'll explain how to get the most out of your instruments. This time will also be set aside for looking at campers’ instruments and answering any questions.

Guitar Set-up (Mike Doolin) - Learn how to set up your guitar action for better sound and playing ease..

 

Strange Tunes from Western NC (Kenny Jackson) - Strange and beautiful tunes from the western country in my home state of North Carolina, drawing on sources such as Marcus Martin, the Helton Brothers, JD Harris, and Manco Snead.

 

Tunes from Salyersville, KY (Kenny Jackson) - Tunes from two fiddlers of Magoffin County, KY: John Morgan Salyer and Bill Stepp, who both learned  form the same older fiddler, were good friends, and traded tunes with each other.

 

Getting Personal (Kenny Jackson) - There are tunes that we just play beause we like them, and there are the tunes which are bound up with memories of the persons that the tunes were learned from, or of other meaningful situations, places, or times of life. In this session I'll share some tunes (and their back stories) that have such a personal kind of meaning, and anyone who attends is invited to bring such a tune that they might like to share as well.

 

Scruggs-style Bluegrass Banjo (Jay Marvin) - Learn the fundamentals of 3-finger Scruggs style picking.

 

Crosspicking Guitar (Jay Marvin) - Explore the crosspicking style of Bluegrass guitar made popular by George Shuffler.

 

Irish Tunes in Unusual Keys (Eamon O'Leary) - Tunes will be demonstrated on the tenor banjo, but all instruments are welcome. Bring a recording device.

 

Hop Jigs (Eamon O'Leary) This uncommon type of Irish tune workshop is for all instruments. Bring a recording device.

 

The Expansion of Irish Music in New York (Eamon O'Leary, Linda Hickman, and Rose Flanagan) - A panel discussion of how the New York Irish music scene has expanded in recent years with the resurgence of interest in Irish music.  We'll demonstrate tunes that are becoming popular on the East Coast. Recorders welcome.

 

Cajun Fiddle (Tom Sauber) - Many non-native fiddle players move from playing old-time to Cajun music.   It makes sense because Cajun fiddling is just one regional variety  and shares a lot with other Southern styles.  It also has some distinct differences, so we'll look at both in regards to the bowing rhythms and left hand fingerings that are characteristic of Cajun fiddling.  We'll also take a look at the art of "seconding" or playing rhythm on the fiddle, a once common practice which has disappeared from most fiddling traditions but remains strong in Southwestern Louisiana

 

Rhythm Guitar (Tom Sauber) - Depending on class level and interest we'll look at right hand strumming patterns, and bass runs in several keys, but I definitely want to steer this session toward the exploration of the finer points of rhythm:  playing on, ahead, or behind the beat; finding the groove; why we sometimes feel rushed or dragged down;  why and how your rhythm playing makes it easier or harder for others to play well with you. 

 

Finger Style Banjo (Tom Sauber) - This will be a survey of 2 and 3 finger approaches for the banjo including both thumb and index lead (2 finger) and 3 finger approaches for both lead and back-up.  The playing of pickers such as Bascom Lunsford, Roscoe Holcomb, Charlie Poole, Dock Boggs, George Peagram, Sam and Kirk McGee, and Uncle Dave Macon are all possible topics.  This will be hands-on as time permits.

 

Fiddle from Scratch (Lia Zito) - Pointers to get you started, covering the basics.

 

Technology and Learning by Ear (Lia Zito) - How to use hardware and software to help you improve your playing.

 

Body Use for Musicians (Lia Zito)-  Learn how to put into practice ideas that will free you of physical tensions that get in the way of making music. Simple exercises to learn efficient use of shoulder, elbow, wrist, fingers, diaphragm, & more.

 

Bodhran From Scratch (Suzi Fowley Perri) - A beginning basic lesson. A limited number of instruments will be available to share.

 

Singing Rounds for Kids (Shonti Elder) - Hey Kids!! Everybody loves rounds, so don't miss this fun singing session. Adults are welcome, too.

 

Kid's Class TBA (Mary Schallert) -

 

Musical Games for Kids (Amanda Kerr) - Dance, sing, laugh, move around with Amanda in this workshop for kids of all ages.

 

Crafts for Kids (Amanda Kerr) - Come create a unique work of art or home-made musical instrument to take home from camp! Amanda will show you how - all supplies provided.