Complete class list and descriptions will be available this afternoon
Classes
/ Instructors:
Classes are scheduled Monday - Friday from 9:00 a.m. until lunch, but the fun doesn’t end there! Workshops are offered after lunch, as well as formal and informal jam sessions. Evenings include concerts by instructors, special guests, and a very special student showcase at the end of the week!
Learning,
Laughing, and Living
Students and music lovers
of all ages and backgrounds,
many of whom have attended
the annual Blue Ridge Old
Time Music Week for years,
come together in this relaxed
and supportive environment.
During the week, you’re
skills will improve; you’ll
learn new tunes, and visit
with old friends and meet
ones who share your passion
for old time music.
Classes
& Instructors *(Click the course/instructor name to see class details)*
BANJO
Beginner Banjo: Robbie Robertson
Description coming soon.
Advanced Beginner Banjo: Sule Greg Wilson
Description coming soon.
Intermediate Banjo: Mac Traynham
This class will focus on learning traditional tunes by ear in a danceable traditional style. A well-working fretted banjo and a mastery of both right hand and left hand basic techniques is a prerequisite. To be most successful in this class one should already be able to coordinate with and “keep time” with a simple and regular pat of the foot while playing. Simple tunes in D and A will be taught without the use of tablature. Variations will be demonstrated using advance techniques. A tune or two in alternate tunings will be introduced if time permits. Video recording devices will be allowed. We will spend some time listening to “source” recordings of the “old-timers”. Learning to listen for details in their playing and incorporating these fundamental melodic and rhythmic elements is key to becoming an advanced player. Our goal will be to get a traditional sound to your playing.
Advanced Banjo: Walt Koken
In this class, we’ll explore the fingerboard with a view to playing old time tunes in two octaves. We’ll look at the oldest known tuning, now known as standard C, and how it relates musically to the G tuning. We’ll look at some chord shapes, and I’ll demonstrate techniques I use in these tunings for finding ways to play fiddle and/or banjo tunes. Depending on class size, we can work on tunes requested by class members. Requirements for the class would be a 5-string banjo with 17 - 22 frets, and the ability to play some tunes in a frailing style. Email me at wkoken@comcast.net if you have questions or online at www.mudthumper.com.
BASS
Beginning Bass
offered as Mini-Course, see below
Intermediate-Advanced Bass: Hilary Dirlam
This class is for bass players who want to move beyond the open strings to new territory. We’ll learn how to incorporate some notes up the neck. We’ll learn some plain and fancy bass runs and when and where to use them. Other class topics will be: ear training, recognizing guitar chords, the circle of fifths, tuning to harmonics, and right-hand rhythms. Students who take this class need to be familiar with the bass, and already able to play some old-time tunes and with reasonably good rhythm. In addition to bringing a bass, you’ll need a tuner.
DULCIMER
Mountain Dulcimer: Margaret and Lloyd Wright
All levels of dulcimer skill are welcome. New dulcimer players are warmly welcomed as well as experienced players who wish to really play old time Music on the dulcimer. This class will actually have two teachers, Margaret Wright and her son, Lloyd Wright, therefore, many needs can be met during this week. Goals will include fingering skill, dexterity, and the ear training needed to play old time music with enthusiasm and drive. Extra attention outside of class time is readily available. Students will become comfortable with the fretboard, various tunings, chords, melodic patterns, playing by ear and by rote and will have a substantial repertoire by the end of the week. Tablature will be available (if desired), but tunes will be initially taught by rote. Tunes will be from standard old time repertoire. Jamming is a highly encouraged at all levels. Be sure to have a dulcimer that plays in tune with a comfortable string height, but no buzzes. Bring a dulcimer capo, chromatic tuner, and extra sets of strings and picks. If your dulcimer does not have a 6 ½ fret, please have one added. Tape recorders are encouraged and music stands discouraged. www.jerrywrightfamily.com
FIDDLE
Beginner Fiddle
offered as Mini-Course, see below
Advanced Beginner Fiddle: Helen White
A step up from the basic fundamentals class, we will review good tone production, basic mechanics and learning strategies while moving at a slightly brisker pace into simple bow patterns applied to tunes. Students should be comfortable learning and playing by ear in at least 2 keys. E-mail me at foxridge@ls.net if you have questions.
Intermediate Fiddle: Beverly Smith
Focus will be on the details that make up southern fiddle style. We will work with old time bowing patterns and begin to use some of the more common tunings such as “cross tuning” (GDGD or AEAE) and “high bass” (ADAE). We will listen to source recordings and learn to recognize some of the stylistic detail. We’ll be learning by ear! No written music will be used. Please have a playable fiddle and bow. You should know how to basically play a D, G and A scale in first position and come prepared to have fun! E-mail me at Beverlydale@yahoo.com if you have questions.
Advanced Fiddle: Clare Milliner
You will learn several fiddle tunes in various keys and tunings, paying special attention to the bowing, double stops, and turns of phrase that create the old time sound. Transcriptions will be provided. Email me at clmilliner@comcast.net if you have questions.
GUITAR
Beginner Guitar: David Robinson
This class is designed for total beginners. No prior knowledge of the guitar is necessary. We will work on the basics: how to tune the guitar, chords and keys commonly employed in old-time music, how to change chords, how to strum, and appropriate bass notes for old-time backup guitar. We will discuss and watch demonstrations of various old-time guitar styles. We will explore jam session strategies and etiquette as well as where to find music-playing opportunities.
Intermediate Guitar: Kellie Allen
Learn to play backup guitar for old-time tunes and songs. Come prepared to play. The most important part of backup guitar is playing with a rock-solid rhythm so this will be emphasized. We’ll start with bass string/strum technique (boom-chuck), and add simple bass runs to connect the chords. We’ll cover chord choices, use of the capo, listening for chord changes, and how to find some chords up the neck. You must know how to tune your guitar, change strings, and have the three basic chords for the keys of A, D, G and C memorized, without referring to a written chord chart. We will learn how to use the 'Nashville' numbering system for reference to chords. We will also address the 'circle of fifths' chord changes used in many old-time tunes, and, if time permits, we'll move on to more complex bass runs. We will be joined by a guest fiddler for part of the class each day. We will discuss and see demonstrations of various old-time guitar techniques styles. While I will provide handouts, emphasis will be on learning by ear. www.myspace.com/kellieandpete or www.myspace.com/orpheussupertones
Advanced Guitar: Wayne Henderson
We will focus on traditional tunes in this class. Students should come to the class with a guitar, a tuner, and a means of recording the tunes, as teaching will be the old-time way, by ear. I will be happy to record both melody and backup for everything I teach and I will also teach tunes that students request. Students should already be familiar with chords and playing backup for traditional tunes. www.waynehenderson.org
MANDOLIN
Beginner Mandolin
offered as Mini-Course, see below
Advanced-Intermediate Mandolin: Adam Tanner
Requirements: Students in this class must be able to play a few simple fiddle tunes on the mandolin in the keys of G, A, and D and feel comfortable picking up new musical information by ear.
Description: This class will start with a brief review of fundamental techniques that will enable you to be most comfortable with your instrument and help you to employ ergonomic strategies to best transfer what you hear in your head on to your mandolin. As the week progresses the focus will be on playing the Southern Appalachian fiddle repertoire including tips for approaching melodies in settings in which the fiddle is tuned open (AEAE and other tunings), as well as borrowing sounds and styles from various old time fiddle bowing techniques and ornaments. Other topics covered in the class will be chording and melody ideas for participation in Old Time string band ensemble with side lines into Ragtime/Blues styles and the mandolin of the early country music duets.
OTHER
Rhythm and Repertoire: Candy Goldman and Jimmy Triplett
For intermediate and advanced level stringed instruments.The hauntingly beautiful music of West Virginia will form the core of this class, drawing from traditional repertoires of regional musicians like the Hammons family, Ernie Carpenter, and Melvin Wine, and reaching back for tunes that pre-date commercial old-time. We’ll explore an older aesthetic in Appalachian music, both in rhythm and melody. Sometimes this means going more for apparent simplicity and less for overt drama, and requires listening with the borrowed spirit of ages past. In keeping with tradition, we’ll make use of a number of different keys and open tunings for fiddle and banjo. We’ll also talk about the interplay among instruments, including adapting older, crooked fiddle tunes to a group setting. Background and stories will connect the tunes to a place and a time.
Traditional Country Singing: Alice Gerrard
Singing is fun and definitely within reach! It makes up a good majority of the traditional repertoire, whether it’s fiddle tunes with words, an unaccompanied ballad, or a good old country song. This will be an in-depth class on traditional southern singing styles- both accompanied and unaccompanied. It will focus on repertoire and will also explore ways to become a stronger singer- how to find and use your voice. We can develop our natural voices and work on learning to use them to get the sound we want that is in the country style. We will be listening to other singers and ourselves. We can explore harmony if the class is interested in this, but that will not be the primary focus. If you have questions please email me at agerrard@mindspring.com.
Afternoon Mini-ClassES
Afternoon Mini-Courses are held daily Monday through Friday. Each course includes a daily one hour afternoon class (see schedule below). You must pre-register for each mini-course and pay an additional tuition of $85.
The beginning fiddle class will introduce students to basic finger positions for playing standard old-time fiddle tunes. The class will also learn various bowing patterns. We will cover things like holding the bow, and tuning, too. We will learn new concepts daily and build on concepts learned to cover some basic old-time tunes. The strategies used for instruction will include call-and-response, and tab with bowing patterns. Please bring a playable fiddle, a useable bow, a recording device, and an electronic tuner.
1:00pm Beginner Mandolin Mini-Course Adam Tanner
This class is for beginning - first time mandolin players. The focus will be on learning proper right and left hand techniques to make the best sounds possible from the mandolin while learning some simple fiddle tunes and chords. Other topics covered will be the importance of solid timing, expressing the feel of a tune with rhythm, and how to seamlessly blend into a Jam session even if you don’t know the tunes. A recording device is heartily recommended.
1:00pm String Band Mini-Course: Hilary Dirlam
It’s never too late or too soon to learn to play well with others. This class will help you learn the process of forming a band and playing old-time music as a group. All string instruments and singers welcome. If enough people sign up we can have a multitude of bands! There will be an opportunity to perform at the end of the week. The only requirement to be in String Band class is being a band novice.
3:00pm Beginner Bass Mini-Course Margaret Wright
Description coming soon.
3:00 pm Percussion Mini-Course Sule Greg Wilson
Description coming soon.
Partial List of Free Afternoon Workshops (no pre-registration needed)
Shaped Note Singing Workshop: Laura Boosinger
Clyde-o-scope of Banjo Tunes Workshop: Candy Goldman
We’ll explore the unique repertoire of songs and tunes from the playing of Kentucky fiddle and banjo master, Clyde Davenport. Students in this class should be comfortable with the basic clawhammer technique (including “drop thumb”). Clyde’s versions of tunes are unusual and very satisfying to play. We’ll learn such favorites as Sally Ann and Devilish Mary. A print out of words to songs will be provided. I teach only by ear (no tablature). Recording devices are encouraged.
Others to be announced.
Prices
Double
Occupancy
Price
includes meals,
room, and program
tuition. Attendees
that do not request
specific roommate
will be assigned
one by the BROTMW
staff.
$519
Single
Occupancy
Price
includes meals,
room, and program
tuition
$639
Commuter
Price
includes lunch
Monday through
Friday.
$374
Non-participant
attendee
(double occupancy)
Designed
for spouses and/or
friends that wish
to attend the
program but do
not wish to attend
class or workshops.
Price includes
meals, room and
activity fee (staff
concerts, etc.).
$364
Mini-class/es (optional)
Afternoon mini-classes at 1:00 and 3:00
$85
each
$5
of each tuition
goes to the
Blue Ridge Old
Time Music Scholarship
Fund.
Housing
and Meals: Accommodations
are provided
in campus dormitories.
Rooms are a
suite arrangement
with two bedrooms
and a shared
bath. All bedrooms
have two twin
beds and none
are air-conditioned.
Linens are provided.
Although single
accommodations
are available,
private baths
are not.
Additional
Amenities: Attendees
have access
to campus amenities,
including tennis
court, walking
trails, etc.
Meals are exceptional
quality, with
an all-you-can-eat
hot buffet,
grill, plus
salad, dessert
and drink bars.
Transportation:
Mars Hill College
is located 18
miles north
of Asheville,
NC, the largest
city in the
Western NC region.
Asheville Regional
Airport (code:
AVL) is served
by Continental,
Delta, and US
Airways and
their regional
affiliates.
Direct flights
are available
to and from
Atlanta, Charlotte,
Cincinnati,
Greenville/Spartanburg,
Newark, and
Raleigh/Durham.
The city also
has a Greyhound
bus terminal.
Shuttle service
from the airport
or bus station
to Mars Hill
College may
be arranged
by contacting
Sky Shuttle
at (828) 253-0006.
Please make
shuttle arrangements
before arriving
in Asheville.
Refund
Policy:Due to the limited number of spaces available, a non-refundable deposit of $100 per person is required in order to hold your space in class. Full payment is due four weeks before the program begins. If for any reason you are unable to attend the program, your payment minus the $100 deposit will be refunded until four weeks before the program begins. The $100 deposit will be credited toward the next year’s program.
