2011 Fiddle Week Classes

INTERMEDIATE IRISH FIDDLE (Patrick Ourceau)
Using a specific selection of tunes, this class will focus on the basic technical aspects of playing traditional Irish music on the fiddle. These will include bowing/phrasing, left-hand and bow-hand ornamentations, tips on developing or improving tone and on how to practice more efficiently. I only teach by ear and strongly recommend students to bring some type of audio recording device. Written music will be available at the end of the week if needed. The emphasis of this class will be on listening and I will discuss the importance of simplicity and melodic integrity in interpretation of the music. I will also stress the importance of finding and learning good settings of tunes in developing repertoire and will present examples to illustrate the great variety of individual and regional styles in the music. The various tools acquired during the week will give students the ability to better differentiate various styles of playing and the confidence and skills to learn music more easily on their own.

ADVANCED IRISH FIDDLE (Patrick Ourceau)
In this class, the focus will be more on repertoire. I will show students various settings of better-known tunes and more unfamiliar ones, most of them connected to the repertoire and style of the music of east Clare and east Galway. Technical aspects such as bowing/phrasing, left-hand and bow-hand ornamentations and tone production will be covered as well. The emphasis of this class will be more on finding expression in the music, on exploring possibilities in variations in tunes while maintaining great melodic integrity rather than on speed and technical display. Listening will also be a focus of this class and I strongly recommend students to bring some form of audio recording device. Written music will be available for most of the tunes I will be teaching during the week.

BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE CELTIC FIDDLE (Andrew Finn Magill)
How do you ornament an Irish reel? Or play with a strathspey feel? How do you bow all this music? If these are your aspirations , then this is the class for you. We will learn the basics of the musical styles which constitute “Celtic” fiddle (Irish, Scottish, Breton, etc) and lock in what we already know. This class will prioritize listening as well as playing. After all, the only way to play better is to listen better. We will learn several tunes throughout the week and I’ll give you plenty of stuff to take home and work on. The goal of this class (besides having fun) is to make you more confident playing Celtic music and to teach you how to sound authentic. This class is for players who are comfortable with the basics of the instrument and are interested in exploring the specifics of the Celtic style. A recording device is recommended.

BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE FIDDLE TECHNIQUE (Jamie Laval)
If you start out right, you’ll have a much easier and enjoyable experience playing the fiddle. Jamie teaches a sensible, ergonomic manner of holding the violin that will keep you free of pain, and makes possible a full range of bow and fingering techniques which are relaxed, accurate and consistent every time. Emphasis is placed on learning to play nicely in tune utilizing a left-hand fingering system called “blocking”, how to develop your ear for good intonation, how to gain speed for rapid tempos without straining, and how to practice efficiently. These principles, will improve your playing no matter which musical genre you play. This class will be a constructive, interactive learning environment and no one will be singled out. Audio recorders welcome.

ADVANCED FIDDLE TECHNIQUE (Jamie Laval)
Attaining good violin or fiddle technique is really the study of movement. The most fluid, efficient movements of the bow, fingers, and arms will always produce the sweetest, most facile sounds. Because good intonation is essential, we’ll delve deeply into the principle of left-hand “blocking”, and explore “just intonation” versus “equal-temperament.” All of the left-hand technique taught will improve the dexterity of the (so-called) weak 4th finger, make it easier to play at fast tempos, and produce lovely tone. We’ll also study different bowing patterns that produce a good groove or “feel.” We’ll work on incorporating natural body movement and rhythm and learn how to make friends with a metronome! We’ll always use efficient practice methods that produce the quickest results. The class will be taught primarily by ear, but sheet music of tunes and bowing styles will be given out for home study. We will encourage a fun, supportive learning environment in which no one will be singled out. Audio recorders welcome.

INTERMEDIATE SWING FIDDLE (Buddy Spicher)
In this class for intermediate players, we will cover practical skills needed in country and swing violin playing. The class will concentrate on a limited number of songs, using them to explore soloing, chord changes, and improvisational skills. Students will gain confidence by playing back phrases as a class. We will learn the Nashville Number System in order to play in any key.

ADVANCED SWING FIDDLE (Buddy Spicher)
In this class for advanced players, we will cover diverse aspects of practical country and swing violin playing, with the primary goal of advancing the student’s ability to solo and improvise on their own with confidence. We will cover the Nashville Number System and apply it to improvising in all twelve keys. Students will work on advanced scales and chords. We will learn how to back up an artist in a band situation, and we’ll explore second violin harmonies to a first violin.

SCANDINAVIAN TOUR (INTERMEDIATE) (Ruthie Dornfeld)
In this overview class for intermediates, we’ll sample from a smorgasbord of tunes from Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland. We’ll learn about the polska, schottische, waltz, minuet, hopsa, and wedding march as they exist in Scandinavia. We’ll also explore some different traditions of second fiddling and listen to recordings of both traditional and contemporary players/bands – there’s lots of innovation in today’s Scandinavian folk scene. Class will be taught by ear, so bring a recorder; sheet music will be provided at the end of the week.

ODD & DANGEROUS METERS (ADVANCED)(Ruthie Dornfeld)
Ever wondered how to tackle the odd rhythm tunes commonly found in Eastern Europe? This advanced class will teach you how to decipher tunes in 5/8, 7/8, 11/16 and beyond, and will definitely broaden your musical horizons! No need to read music; Ruthie will teach you how to break the rhythm down into simple word-patterns that we will say, then clap, and finally play on instruments. We’ll learn back-up patterns and melodies, both traditional and contemporary (odd meters provide a good inspiration for composition). Sheet music will be provided at the end of the week. The class is also open to advanced mandolin players.

INTERMEDIATE CAPE BRETON FIDDLE (Kimberley Fraser)
Students should be able to play a few tunes from memory and up to speed. We will learn tunes common in the Cape Breton repertoire: jigs, marches, strathspeys, reels, etc, as the class desires, focusing on ornaments and bowings unique to this style of fiddling. We will listen to sound clips of several Cape Breton fiddlers noting ornamentations and how each player uses them, and discuss how to apply what we hear to our own playing. We will also talk about arranging sets of tunes in the Cape Breton tradition. Tunes will be taught primarily by ear with sheet music handed out at the end of the week (sheet music will be available during the week if absolutely necessary).

ADVANCED CAPE BRETON FIDDLE (Kimberley Fraser)
Students should be able to play more than a few tunes from memory, up to speed, and in a variety of keys. We will learn tunes common in the Cape Breton repertoire: jigs, marches, strathspeys, reels, etc, as the class desires, focusing on ornaments and bowings unique to this style of fiddling. We will listen to sound clips of several Cape Breton fiddlers noting ornamentations and how each player uses them, and discuss how to apply what we hear to our own playing. We will also talk about arranging sets of tunes in the Cape Breton tradition. Tunes will be taught primarily by ear with sheet music handed out at the end of the week (sheet music will be available during the week if absolutely necessary).

INTERMEDIATE BLUEGRASS FIDDLE (Barbara Lamb)
In this class for intermediate players, we’ll learn a few new tunes while exploring such topics as the role of the fiddle in a bluegrass band, backing up a vocalist, crafting dynamic solos and jamming.

ADVANCED BLUEGRASS FIDDLE A (Barbara Lamb)
This class is for the fiddler who already knows many tunes well, but may need instruction on how to “do the right thing” in a band. We’ll cover harmony (twin) fiddling, getting better at playing really fast, keeping the vocalist from glaring at you, showmanship, and backing up the other instruments, (you do different things depending on whether a banjo or a mandolin is soloing). Time permitting, we’ll learn some classic bluegrass solos that every bluegrass fiddler needs in their repertoire.

ADVANCED BLUEGRASS FIDDLE B (Laurie Lewis)
We will cover the various roles that a fiddle has in a bluegrass band through solos, primary backup, secondary backup and rhythm-playing. The fiddle is the glue that holds the band together, the other “voice” along with the singers. In order to understand contemporary bluegrass fiddling, it helps to be familiar with the roots of the music. We’ll dissect and learn some of the classics breaks from Chubby Wise and Benny Martin, and just basically spend a week luxuriously wallowing in all things fiddle, bluegrass-style. What you will need: a recording device (most of my teaching is done by ear), rosin, water, a writing utensil and paper (just in case), and of course a fiddle and bow in good repair. Come well-rested to get a leg-up on the week.

IMPROVISATION: IN THE MOMENT & WITHOUT A NET (Joe Craven)
How do you make better music in the moment and/or say something different every time you take a solo? This class will help deepen one’s connection to spontaneity and flow through organized sound. Joe teaches musical improvisation more from a theater model rather than the requisite model of jazz. Therefore, this is not an ability-based class. He connects improvisation to what you already do and moves you forward from there. We’ll focus on ways to think differently about sound and fearlessness, and Joe will address the connection between spoken-word language and the language of musical sound. The significance of rhythmic phrasing will be explored, along with heightened listening, observation, imitation, disassociation and metaphor in innovative music making. Oh, and it’s fun!

FEELIN' THE BLUES (Joe Craven)
The blues are truly a foundation and inspiration for most traditional and contemporary vernacular American music. This adventure is open to ALL instruments, so some cool ensemble opportunities can occur. We’ll listen to historical references from early recordings to the present. And yeah, we’ll learn important technical stuff; basic chord structures, scales (the dia- to penta-tonic shuffle) and stompin’ on the groove. We’ll also tackle how to translate the “feel” of the grease, the groan and the growl of the blues to your instrument, and importantly, we’ll address learning how to take your time sayin’ a bunch without playin’ a bunch of notes. After all’s said and done, playin’ the blues ain’t a math problem and it ain’t rocket science – it’s about intuition and release of emotion. The more you surrender to the feeling, the better you’ll do it! We’ll have a great time!

BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE OLD-TIME FIDDLE (Adam Tanner)
This class will focus on old-time music with emphasis on breaking down and learning the essential elements of good dance fiddling. Over the course of the week students will learn tunings, bowing, phrasing and ornamentation for four different southern Appalachian dance tunes. This class is recommended to those with the ability to tune their fiddles, learn by ear and play some tunes in the keys of A, D and G. Students should also be ready to explore alternate tunings. A companion CD with tunes played at half speed and bow narration will be provided. An audio recorder and extra fiddle strings are recommended.

INTERMEDIATE OLD-TIME FIDDLE (Emily Schaad)
Are you looking to get that rhythmic old-time fiddle sound and increase your repertoire at the same time? If you can play some tunes in time and in tune, have basic facility with the bow, and can tune your instrument, you’re ready for this class. We’ll apply bowing patterns to tunes in the fundamental old-time keys of A, D, G, and C. We’ll learn by ear, breaking things way down and discussing bowings in depth. Some tunes will be in standard tuning but we’ll also explore a couple of the most common fiddle tunings. There will be discussion of fiddle/violin technique as appropriate. Please bring an audio recorder, an electronic tuner, and some extra strings!

ADVANCED OLD-TIME FIDDLE (Emily Schaad)
If you’ve been playing old-time fiddle for a while or have some fiddle/violin technique and find old-time fiddling compelling, come explore the rhythmic old-time style through tunes in a variety of keys and tunings. Learn to move beyond playing in time to making time with your bow! We’ll learn by ear, breaking down the bowings and other nuances, and discuss regional differences in Southern Appalachian styles and repertoire. Please bring an audio recorder, an electronic tuner, and some extra strings!

SINGING WITH THE FIDDLE (Pete Sutherland)
If ever there was a class in the magic school of music labeled “Dark Arts”, this might be it. Weaving a vocal line through the droning or subtly shifting colors of a fiddle casts a spell on even a seasoned listener. In this class, open to all fiddlers and any singer who desires more contact with the fiddling tribe, we’ll listen to a few of the small but vital number of traditional and contemporary examples, then dissect the physical and mental challenges of holding two independent but spiritually linked parts. During the week, participants will work through challenges of range, tuning, rhythm and harmony while developing, with trial, error, humor and grace an arrangement of a suitable song of their own choosing..

NEW ENGLAND FIDDLE (ADVANCED) (Lissa Schneckenburger)
This class for advanced players will start with a brief overview of New England fiddling, its stylistic elements, and its history, with musical examples. Throughout the week the group will learn tunes from the traditional repertoire by ear. Each tune will serve as an example of a specific element of the New England fiddling style. The group will go over ornaments, rhythmic feel, and chords. All participants should bring a tape recorder or recording equivalent.

DANCE FIDDLING (INTERMEDIATE) (Lissa Schneckenburger)
This class will focus specifically on how to play for contra dancing, although many of the skills practiced will be applicable to other styles as well. We will spend time discussing what makes a great dance fiddler, how to work with a caller, how to pick tunes, how to create exciting arrangements, and what to expect when playing for a dance. We will learn several tunes from the traditional dance repertoire, and use them as vehicles for practicing groove, rhythm, and other important aspects of playing for traditional social dancing. All participants should bring a tape recorder or recording equivalent.

CAJUN FIDDLE (INTERMEDIATE) (David Greely)
A melody is a vessel for a wealth of cultural information. The distinctive sound of the Cajun fiddle is in the rich details that embellish the melody and the expression that brings it to life. David Greely learned from Dewey Balfa how to notice those details and use them to produce a relaxed, bluesy style full of syncopation and nuance. In this class for intermediate players, David will teach a selection of Louisiana French fiddle styles ranging from pre-accordion reels to dance hall two-steps and waltzes, to Creole tunes.

FIDDLE FOR THE TOTAL BEGINNER (Adam Tanner)
This class is designed for the person who owns a well-set-up fiddle and bow and has the desire to learn to play. The first two days in class will focus on overcoming the physical challenges of holding the fiddle and bow with the goal of achieving a relaxed and confident posture in order to produce pleasing sounds. The rest of the week will be devoted to learning two simple American tunes by ear. A recording device is recommended.

INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED CELLO (Julia Weatherford)
Students should have a solid background in technique, be comfortable playing in positions and know basic scales. The class will be taught by ear and will focus on cello as an accompanying instrument for tunes or songs in various folk genres, from Scottish to old time to blues. We will cover appropriate techniques for different styles of music and how to find your role in a jam or band. The class will cover chord formation, common chord progressions, rhythmic bow techniques, pizzicato techniques, bass lines, melody and harmony lines. We will learn a few tunes and songs and use them to explore various accompanying grooves, harmonies and arrangements.

INTERMEDIATE MANDOLIN: MANDO MOJO (Orrin Star)
Three basic skills are at the heart of making music on the mandolin: playing rhythm, playing instrumentals, and creating solos for songs. We will explore all three areas in this class for intermediate players, with an eye to proper technique as well as to the subtleties that make one’s playing more ‘musical’. Students will also be introduced to the network of two-note positions (‘double-stops’) that are a staple of good mandolin playing. (Level note: If you are new to the mandolin but play another string instrument then you are welcome; not recommended for complete beginners.)

ADVANCED MANDOLIN: THE CRAFT OF IRISH JIGS & REELS (Orrin Star)
Traditional Irish music is a wonderfully rich style with a vast repertoire and a unique ‘language’ of embellishments and accents. Using a few select jigs and reels, we will explore this language and show how your playing can go from decent to memorable. We will also examine the central issue underlying Irish mandolin: the fact that our instrument is very similar to, yet different from a fiddle.

ADVANCED BLUEGRASS MANDOLIN (Tom Rozum)
In this class we’ll be honing in on the various approaches to mandolin soloing as well as embracing the mandolin as a rhythmic force. We’ll deconstruct some classic mandolin solos, and construct some new ones, exploring the various options. We’ll talk about tasteful backup playing behind a singer, incorporating double stops up the neck, continuing technique improvement, and the importance of relaxing and having fun with one’s mandolin and music.

INTERMEDIATE SWING GUITAR (Hank Bones)
This class focuses on transforming rhythm guitar from simple ‘chunk-chunk’ to colorful, interesting and fun parts full of inner voice movement, color tones, and bass lines to make rhythm as cool as lead playing – and all this with out much pesky theory. Classic tunes will be used to demonstrate the most popular ways to spice up chord progressions, all technically easy. We will also turn familiar chords into jazzy lead lines by using them in unexpected ways, to get those cool, unusual notes instantly. No note reading. Handouts provided, Bring a strap.

ADVANCED SWING GUITAR (Hank Bones)
This class will cover more advanced Freddy Green-style rhythm with lots of movement, jazzing up simple progressions, counterpoint and reharmonization. We will also focus on constructing well-developed solos based on themes and motifs. This is a non-scales approach emphasizing color notes that can be used regardless of chops level.

INTERMEDIATE GUITAR ACCOMPANIMENT (Owen Morrison)
This class will cover the techniques and sensibilities for accompanying several fiddle traditions, ranging from old-time to French-Canadian to Irish. We will hone our ability to find the chords to a tune by ear, as well as finding satisfying and appropriate substitutions for those chords. Working mostly with open chords, students will learn to create bass lines within their accompaniment. The class will also include an introduction to playing up the neck with closed chord positions. Students should be comfortable switching between common first position chords and should have some experience playing with a flat-pick

ADVANCED GUITAR ACCOMPANIMENT (Owen Morrison)
This class will move quickly through accompaniment styles from different fiddle traditions. We will spend much of our time bringing our ideas up the neck, finding new voicings to add variety and texture to our playing. Students will also learn to flatpick at least one fiddle tune, and will have the opportunity to trade lead and accompaniment roles with other students. This class will be conducted in standard tuning and using a pick. Students should have some experience playing closed position chords.

BAND SESSIONS (staff)
During the final hour before supper, students will have the opportunityto play in informal bands under the guidance of various staff members. These bands will be given priority in performing at the Friday night student showcase. (Sign up for band sessions at Orientation, no advanced registration required.)

CHILDREN'S PROGRAM
We offer a full-day program, taught by Denisa Rullmoss for children ages 6-12. Children must have turned 6 by July 1st to participate. No exceptions please. Evening childcare for ages 3-12 will be provided at no additional cost.

Avast there, mateys! By popular demand, to help celebrate the Gathering’s 20th year, we are bringing back PIRATE WEEK!!!! All hands on deck as the Children’s Program sets sail for a swashbuckling adventure on the high seas (otherwise known as the Appalachian Mountains). Well, shiver me timbers and blow me down... with pirates and lost treasure as our theme, we will spend the week making cool crafts (like pirate bandanas with beaded braids & dreads, jeweled treasure chests & Jolly Roger flags), playing wacky games (can you follow a treasure map to find the booty?) and singing buccaneer songs (“yo ho, yo ho... a pirate’s life for me,” OR “I’ve got a whale of a tale to tell ye lads...”). When we aren’t fighting off scurvy, stepping on bilge rats or swabbing the deck, we will become part of a Kid’s Pirate Band, led by First Mate Sue Ford (singer, songwriter, percussionist). And, as a special treat, we will be visited throughout the week by wandering musicians and artists (Gathering staff ) who will perform just for our kids. Can you say “ARRRRR?” Sailors and pirates with enough bravery and courage will participate in our annual traditions of shaving cream hairdos, pie-eating contests and venturing out to complete the Gathering Scavenger Hunt. To prevent anyone from becoming a landlubber we will close each busy day with free swim time in the deep sea of our travels (also known as the college pool). Non-swimmers must be accompanied by a parent to swim. So join the crew, me hearties, and prepare to say “AYE AYE Cap‚n!” There will be a $30 art/craft materials fee for this class, payable to “Cap’n D,” aka Denisa, the Children’s Program coordinator, on arrival.