Winter Weekend Classes

First time players will learn basic tuning and playing skills, while more advanced players can enjoy developing variations and arrangements of some fine tunes and songs. There will be extra dulcimers available to borrow for the weekend. We will have some dulcimers available to loan to students who request them in advance of camp.

This class will focus developing or reviewing the basics of good technique, drawing on a repertoire based on a broad range of traditional American roots music.

This class will focus developing or reviewing the basics of good technique, drawing on a repertoire based on a broad range of traditional American roots music. (Continuation from day 1)

Day 1. Shaping the "claw" and developing a clean motion in the right hand; position of left hand, basic right/left hand techniques. We’ll consider the banjo's role in old-time music as a melody/harmony/rhythm instrument.

How the two hands work together to create the old-timey sound. How do the right-hand and left-hand techniques combine to play melody lines? How can we maximize the banjo's capabilities in filling its multiple roles. Using a light hand to suggest melody/harmony.rhythm as simply as possible. If there is an interest we will also talk about banjo as an accompanying instrument in songs.

Come learn Bennett's Rockafolky banjo technique, an easy two finger, thumb driven, picking style.

Since its introduction into the world of Celtic music in the 1960's, the guitar has become and integral part of the music, both in accompaniment and as a solo instrument. We will touch on both of these aspects.

Since its introduction into the world of Celtic music in the 1960s, the guitar has become an integral part of the music, both in accompaniment and as a solo instrument. We will touch on both of these aspects. (Continuation from day 1)

Come sing together. This is a chance to enjoy singing with others, and to learn some great new songs. Some lyrics/chords/melody line sheets will be provided.

Come sing together. This is a chance to enjoy singing with others, and to learn some great new songs. Some lyrics/chords/melody line sheets will be provided.

The beauty and power of gospel, spiritual, and movement songs is that they can be learned in an instant, and tat they carry deep emotions with uplift and liberation. It's my theory that the singing came first and some wise soul built a church around it.

There are three basic chord shapes on the guitar. Come get the big picture.

An introduction to the folk harp, with a chance to try it for yourself, if you wish.

Learn a favorite song or two from the woman who created them.

Sing for energy, sing for joy! We'll sing great songs that are easy to learn, and the class will include plenty of vocal warm-ups and wake-ups. Everyone welcome, all levels.

Sing for energy, sing for joy! We’ll sing great songs that are easy to learn, and the class will include plenty of vocal warm-ups and wake-ups. Everyone welcome. All levels.

John Doerschuk, soundman extraordinaire, will coach three sessions for folks who want hands on performance experience at the microphone.

John Doerschuk, soundman extraordinaire, will coach three sessions for folks who want hands on performance experience at the microphone.

John Doershuk, soundman extraordinaire, will coach three sessions for folks who want hands on performance experience at the microphone.

Mandolins will take the lead here, but all players are welcome.

Susie will give a few examples of great basic song accompaniment, then invite students to offer songs for coaching

I once wrote a song in an hour and fifteen minutes at a festival workshop. Well, we did. Developing an idea, fleshing it out, finding a melody - all of these things can come with a flash of inspiration; but even then, there is a system in place. Our collective song will inform our individual songs.

Finishing what we started.

Ideas for editing, rewriting, adapting or adding elements to a public domain traditional song to make it fit your style and audience (children/adults etc.). Bring a traditional song you'd like to work on, or choose from several Lui will bring.

Bring back what you worked on Day 1 and overnight for further tweaking and sharing with the group.

Join Bennett for a diagnostic and therapeutic guitar coaching session

Join Bennett for a diagnostic and therapeutic guitar coaching session. (Continued from day 1)

Learn how to access simple harmonies, licks and riffs

Vocal improvisation can be as fancy as Ella Fitzgerald’s scat singing, or as simple as a variation on a folk melody. It can also be a scary idea to us folkies (trust me!). But it can also be wonderful fun, and very freeing, bringing the spirit of improvisation to more than just singing. In this class, as a community of singers, we will approach improvisation through a sequence of games and exercises that allow us to explore, play, and take chances with more than our voices. No experience and no music reading necessary; email me any questions.

Vocal improvisation can be wonderful fun, and very freeing. We will approach improvisation through a sequence of games and exercises that allow us to explore, play, and take chances with more than our voices. No experience and no music reading necessary.

I'd like to introduce you to a lifetime friend-your guitar. Like all friendships, they start with fun, then a little overcoming of fear, a little give and take, and then settling into a good place in your life.

Reintroducing your hopes and dreams, connecting them to now.