Workshop Descriptions:

 

Basic Swing Vocals (Nancy Conescu and MikeDoolin) – What a singer needs to know to sing with a swing band. We’ll analyze a familiar swing song and practice counting in, soloing and bridges. Be ready to sing.

Bluegrass Band Dynamics (Tim May) – A discussion of the etiquette and dynamics required to interact well with your fellow Bluegrass musicians. All instruments welcome.

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

The Celtic/Bluegrass Connection (Tim May and Gretchen Priest) - A discussion on the fundamental differences between Celtic and Bluegrass music.

Chord Charts (Tim May) – You don’t have to memorize EVERYTHING! Learn about chord charts and how they can help you and others play rhythm to a song immediately without having ever heard it: The Nashville Number System simplified (useful in all musical genres). All instruments welcome.

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

Clawhammer Banjo Tricks (Brian DeMarcus) – This intermediate to advanced class will show you how to dress up a tune. Bring a favorite tune and get ideas on how to make it more interesting.

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

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

Exploring DADGAD Guitar (Nancy Conescu & Gretchen Priest) – How DADGAD can be utilized as a tuning useful in Oldtime and Irish music as well

Fiddle as a Backup Instrument (Brian Christianson) – How to use the fiddle in different situations when accompanying other musicians.

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

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.

Fiddle Tunes (Amanda Kerr) – Bring your recording devices to collect some interesting tunes in new and fun styles. All instruments welcome.

Guitar Set-up (Mike Doolin) - Learn how to set up your guitar action for better sound and playing ease.
Song Performance (Nancy Conescu) – Bring a song and get performance tips with positive feedback. If you sing with an instrument, bring it!

Hop Jigs (Eamon O'Leary) – Learn a couple of unusual, lesser known Irish dance tunes. All instruments welcome.

Jumping Octaves on Flute and Whistle (Linda Hickman) – Ideas for playing fiddle tunes on flute and whistle that go out of range.

Men with Banjos (Eamon O'Leary, Jay Marvin, Brian DeMarcus) – Three kinds of banjos – a little bit of history and a little bit of pickin’. We’ll talk about their similarities and differences.

New York Session Tunes (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.

Scruggs-Style Banjo from Scratch (Jay Marvin) – Getting started with 3-finger banjo pickin’.

Texas Swing Fiddle (Amanda Kerr) – Geared toward intermediate or advanced fiddle players, this workshop will be an introduction to the Texas swing style of fiddle playing.

Tune Variations on Flute and Whistle (Linda Hickman) – Learn how to create variations of your favorite Irish tune on flute and whistle.

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

Work Those Irish Tunes (Rose Flanagan) – How to get lift goin’ on in Irish tunes.

Whistle From Scratch (Terri McCoy) - This workshop is for anyone who has ever wanted to learn the basics of tin whistle playing. No prior experience is necessary. A few whistles will be available for $13.