ALASKA TRADITIONAL MUSIC CAMP Classes 2008 -- BANJO

Clawhammer Banjo I (Brian DeMarcus) Learn the rudiments of clawhammer banjo. We'll look at right and left hand technique, rhythm, various tunings, and basic chords, with an introduction to hammer-ons and pull-offs.

Clawhammer Banjo II (Ttravis Stuart) We'll examine a number of regional varieties of the down-picking (clawhammer) approach in a variety of tunings using tunes and songs from the Blue Ridge, Kentucky, and Tennessee. We'll also look at a couple of up-picking styles that are similar to clawhammer as well as 3-finger accompaniment styles.

Clawhammer Banjo III (Travis Stuart) In this advanced class we will get deeply into the nuts and bolts of the Round Peak style to see how it's possible to play lots of melody while sustaining a strong, rhythmical pulse which is so important in the fiddle-banjo and string band ensembles. As time and inclination leads us, we can work on repertoire or explore the delights of two-finger picking.

Fingerstyle Banjo (Jay Marvin) - We'll work on fingerstyle techniques that can be used with both Bluegrass and Oldtime banjo.

Irish Mandolin/Tenor Banjo I & II (Eamon O'Leary) These classes will seek to accommodate those who are just starting out as well as those looking to expand their repertoires on the banjo or mandolin. We'll cover as many different types of tunes as time allows, with particular emphasis on rhythm, phrasing and ornamentation.