2010 Old-Time Music & Dance Week Classes

In keeping with the tradition and nature of Appalachian music, learning by ear is encouraged. Classes will not generally be taught using tablature or written music, though some instructors may provide tablature and other handouts as memory aids. Hand-held audio (not video) recorders are highly recommended for all instrumental and singing classes. Fiddle classes during Old-Time Week are offered at four different levels: 0 – Beginner; I – Advanced-Beginner; II – Intermediate; III – Advanced (see definitions). Please consider your level of skill carefully when registering for classes.

FIDDLE:

OLD-TIME FIDDLE 0 (John Herrmann)
This class for rank beginners will start with the basics of tuning, bowing, and finding the notes on the fingerboard. By the end of the week students will have learned cross-tuning, a few simple bowing patterns, how to learn tunes by ear, and be able to play a few standard old-time tunes. Please bring a working fiddle and bow. No prior experience necessary.

OLD-TIME FIDDLE I A & B (Alice Gerrard, Trevor Stuart)
This class is for advanced-beginner fiddlers who know a few tunes and are ready for more. Incorporating basic bowing and noting patterns commonly used by southern Appalachian fiddlers, students will learn several tunes in the keys of A, D, and G. Expect mostly breakdowns, but perhaps also a few waltzes and slower tunes.

OLD-TIME FIDDLE II A, B, C & D (Trevor Stuart, Jesse Wells, Bruce Greene, P. Brown)
Old-Time Fiddle II is for intermediate fiddlers who want to add to their old-time repertoire and learn a little bit about bowing. Using cross tunings as well as standard tuning, students will learn fairly accessible dance tunes drawn from the traditional southern repertoire mainly in the keys of A, D and G. Each instructor will draw upon tunes from their individual backgrounds. (See staff bios.) Students will learn some basic bowing techniques, how to fill out the sound by playing two strings at a time, how to play dance tunes effectively, and ways to make a tune sound “old-time.” We will also address ways of learning fiddle tunes by ear.

OLD-TIME FIDDLE III A, B & C (Rayna Gellert, Bruce Greene, Dirk Powell)
Old-Time Fiddle III is for intermediate/advanced fiddlers who are ready to expand their old-time repertoire and improve their playing skills. Concentrating on traditional southern dance tunes in the main keys of A, D, G, and C, and using various tunings, students will learn more about the subtleties of bowing technique as used in old-time fiddling: playing on two strings, bowing patterns, bow pressure, rocking and pulses, how to produce a strong, danceable rhythm, syncopation, and phrasing to give a tune a more driving or archaic sound.

BANJO:

OLD-TIME BANJO I (Travis Stuart)
In this banjo class for the total beginner, students will learn basic techniques for clawhammer-style banjo. We will work on developing basic left- and right-hand techniques, and we will cover basic music theory, learning by ear, with a strong emphasis on rhythm.

OLD-TIME BANJO II A, B & C (Terri McMurray, Travis Stuart, John Herrmann)
In this class for advanced-beginner/intermediate banjo players, students will concentrate on southern clawhammer technique with a focus on the Round Peak style of North Carolina. Students will work on tunes in several different banjo tunings. Topics will include right-hand technique, how to get that rhythmic drive in your playing, how to accompany a fiddle, how to learn tunes by ear, ways to get better tone and chord theory for accompanying songs and waltzes. For the most part, we’ll play in the keys of A and D, so bring a capo.

OLD-TIME BANJO III A (Dirk Powell)
This class for intermediate/advanced banjo players will focus on clawhammer technique as accompaniment to the fiddle or singing, but also for solo banjo tunes. Topics will include the rhythmic connection between the fiddle and banjo, the relationship of melody to chords and drones, the use of alternate tunings, music theory for the banjo, and tips on how to play tunes you don’t already know.

OLD-TIME BANJO III B (Paul Brown)
This is a style class for more advanced players. We’ll explore 3 different playing styles: down-picking clawhammer, up-picking, and 2-finger picking. We’ll listen to some commercial recordings and field recordings of some of the great players, past and present, and we’ll examine and compare the playing of Kyle Creed, Wade Ward, Fred Cockerham, Roscoe Holcomb, and others. We’ll concentrate on techniques and tunings and listening for fiddle accompaniment, but also how to play solo. We may attempt some back-up to songs as well.

OLD-TIME FINGERSTYLE BANJO (Rick Good)
An introduction to old-time finger-style banjo playing for clawhammer players. Using mostly two-finger style, with both thumb lead and finger lead, we will start out simple and add more complexity as the week progresses. Repertoire will include old-time songs as well as traditional tunes.

GUITAR & MANDOLIN:

OLD-TIME GUITAR I (Terri McMurray)
Want to learn how to play the guitar? This is the class for you. Beginners will learn some basic chords in a couple of keys and use them to accompany familiar songs and tunes. Bring a guitar and a medium weight flat pick. (You can get a pick at the Gathering.)

OLD-TIME GUITAR II A & B (Beverly Smith, Susie Goehring)
If you know a handful of basic chords, and can hold on to a flatpick, you’re ready for this class. Learn back-up guitar for stringband tunes and songs. Topics will include: the boom-chuck rhythm, chord choices, bass notes and runs, keeping time, tuning, learning to listen, and putting it all together into a duet, trio, or band. Guitar students may get together with fiddle and banjo students during the week.

CARTER-STYLE GUITAR (Susie Goehring)
We will learn Maybelle Carter-style guitar which is played mostly of C position, so students will especially need to know how to make C, G, and F chords. Students should feel comfortable with a basic bass/strum lick and with changing chords. We will learn the basic Carter lick and the breaks to some of the familiar Carter Family songs as well as some of the more unusual ones. Since most of the Carter Family repertoire is built around songs, we will learn to sing them as well (hopefully) although singing will not be the primary focus of the class. We will spend a short time in each class listening to the Carter Family. Please bring a recording device.

INTRO TO FLATPICKING GUITAR (Paul Kovac)
Making the jump from playing chords, to “Maybelle”-style leads, to flatpicking fiddle tunes in eighth-note style, requires good fundamental right-hand rhythm, comfort with a flat pick, some knowledge of the fingerboard, and a good ear for melody. In this class, we’ll use a few common fiddle tunes/songs to address making the leap from quarter-notes to eighth-notes, pick direction and accenting (playing with a pulse), left-hand positions that put your fingers in the right spots, playing out of chord positions, using double stops to create leads, breaks and turnarounds, and good practice habits and exercises. If you can play “Wildwood Flower,” can kind of hear fiddle tunes in your head, and just need the skills to get to the next level, this is the class for you.

OLD-TIME MANDOLIN I (Wayne Erbsen)
Old-time mandolin for beginners. We’ll play lead and backup to your favorite old-time songs and tunes, plus we’ll learn many of the tricks of improvising.

OLD-TIME MANDOLIN II (Jesse Wells)
In this intermediate-level class, we will start with an overview of the fundamentals: the simple things that hold players back from playing more challenging music. We’ll address playing fiddle tunes on the mandolin and how to get the most sound out of your instrument through drones and double stops. We’ll look at various ways of using chord shapes to accompany fiddle tunes and songs in the old-time rhythm style. We’ll also explore improvising patterns, such as double stops, that will enable students to accompany songs in various keys and positions on the neck. These exciting techniques will help you unlock the great potential of the mandolin in old-time music.

OTHER INSTRUMENTS:

BASS BASICS (Meredith McIntosh)
This class will cover the basics of old-time bass technique, including tuning, noting, listening, finding chord changes on tunes, songs and waltzes and most importantly, playing in the old-time groove. We will also talk about good body mechanics. It is strongly suggested that you bring your own instrument. If you don’t own one, please investigate the possibilities of borrowing or renting one for the week. No experience necessary.

OLD-TIME BAND 101 (Wayne Erbsen)
Here is a “home” for novice old-time musicians who can play several tunes and know basic chords but want the experience (and FUN!) of bonding and playing with other musicians in a no-stress stringband. Bring your tunes and songs and we’ll learn to play and sing together. All stringed instruments and singers welcome! (No class limit)

OLD-TIME BAND LAB (Meredith McIntosh & Gordy Hinners)
Students in this class will form string bands and with a little coaching, learn how to play together and achieve a cohesive band sound. We will consider each individual’s responsibility in a band, how to start and end tunes, tempo, rhythm, lead, back-up, chord choices, singing, band dynamics, and playing for dances or concerts. Bands will have the opportunity to perform at a student showcase or play for a dance at the end of the week. It is expected that students already know how to play their instrument, and that lead instrument players know a few tunes and/or songs in several keys with the accompanying chords. (No class limit)

MOUNTAIN DULCIMER (Don Pedi)
Old-time music on the mountain dulcimer. Learn traditional tunes and songs as well as the methods of playing them, including natural strumming, rhythm and timing, three-finger rolls, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and other noting techniques, tuning in different modes, playing all the notes, playing by ear, and more. Dulcimer tablature and music notation will be available. All levels are welcome.

AUTOHARP I (John Hollandsworth)
The autoharp has been a part of mountain culture since the early 1900s and since then has played a prominent role in old-time and early country music with the original Carter Family, Pop Stoneman, Kilby Snow, and others. Drawing on tunes from the old-time repertoire, topics in this beginner-level class will include right- and left-hand techniques, finger memory, tuning, timing, playing in 3/4 and 4/4 rhythms, basic chord progressions, playing in major and minor keys, harp setup, and playing scales that will lead you into melody playing. Ability to read music or tablature is not necessary, but handouts on the tunes and techniques covered will be provided. Students must have an autoharp in good playing condition, one thumb pick, and two finger picks. A music stand might also be helpful.

AUTOHARP II (John Hollandsworth)
During the past twenty years the autoharp has had a huge revival, with some major performers and landmark recordings. This class will provide insight into what top players are doing and how to expand the role of the autoharp as a melody instrument. Drawing on tunes from the Appalachian tradition, we will cover both chromatic and diatonic playing, rhythm changes, syncopation, chord substitutions, playing in 3/4 and 4/4 time, arranging, alternate tunings, and how to interact with other instruments in a group situation. Students will refine their playing skills and gain a good understanding of clean melody playing on the autoharp. Some basic knowledge of melody playing would be helpful, but ability to read music or tablature is not required, and handouts on the tunes and techniques covered will be provided. Students must have an autoharp in good playing condition, one thumb pick, and two fingerpicks.

SONG & FOLKLORE:

SHAPE-NOTE SINGING (Ron Pen)
We will engage in musical and social harmony through the recreation of a rural nineteenth-century singing school. Singing from the Sacred Harp tune book (1991 edition), which features intoxicating harmonizations written in a unique four-shape notation of triangles, squares, circles, and diamonds makes learning to read music easy and enjoyable. The class will also include background historical and social context. Songs from other tune book traditions will be explored, including the Southern Harmony, Christian Harmony, and the Colored Sacred Harp. The class will accommodate both total beginners and veteran singers. Books will be available to borrow for class use. At the end of the week, members of the class are invited and encouraged to participate in the fifth annual Swannanoa Singing with dinner on the grounds. This will be held on Saturday, July 23 from 10:00 AM-3:00 PM at the Warren Wilson College Pavilion. (No class limit)

HISTORY OF OLD-TIME MUSIC (Ron Pen)
What IS old-time music? How is bluegrass different from old-time? What do terms such as “authenticity” and “revivalism” really mean? What are drop-thumb, frailing, clawhammer, two-finger, and rapping? Where are Galax, Clifftop, and Mount Airy? Can you dance a Tobacco Hill? What is a crooked fiddle tune? The answers to these and other such mysteries will all be revealed in the History of Old-Time Music class. Focused presentations on “Bonaparte’s Retreat,” the Georgia Fiddle Contest of 1924, Affrilachia, moonshining, and “Red Rocking Chair” will provide windows on the style and culture. Discussion, recordings, videos, and guest presentations will nurture an overview of the history and context of old-time ballads, fiddle tunes, hillbilly music, and string bands from the Skillet Lickers to Uncle Earl. (No class limit)

UNACCOMPANIED SINGING (Sheila Kay Adams)
This class will cover the unaccompanied singing style of Appalachian songs and versions of ballads brought from the British Isles to western North Carolina in the 18th and 19th centuries. Handouts will be provided and there will be plenty of class participation. (Class limit: 20)

STORYTELLING (Sheila Kay Adams)
This class will focus on the Appalachian tradition of storytelling and how to tell your own personal story. During the week, students will develop a family story to share. There will be lots of class participation. (Class limit: 20)

OLD-TIME GOSPEL REPERTOIRE (Carol Elizabeth Jones)
Gospel songs are some of the best old-time singing songs in the repertoire and this class will be a chance for you to learn some. We’ll cover some standards but move on to lesser-known gems you can sing from the heart. We’ll touch on harmony and style as we learn each song, so no prior singing experience is necessary. (Class limit: 20)

SINGING WITH A COUNTRY BAND (Carol Elizabeth Jones & Paul Kovac)
What songs suit your voice? What’s the best key for each song? How do you figure out the arrangement? Learn the answers to these and other singing questions here in this class. You’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with a band to arrange and sing country songs and perhaps sing back-up for other class members. You’ll sing with the band and – just as important – listen to your classmates do the same. This will not be a repertoire class, so participants should come prepared to sing at least three country songs (1940s to the present). (Class limit: 20)

HARMONY: FINDING THE THIRD PART (Rick Good & Sharon Leahy)
Explore the various combinations of three part harmony stacks as they are used in country trio singing (baritone/lead/tenor; low lead/tenor/high baritone; low tenor/baritone/high lead). We will cover the switching of parts within a song and get inside the “easier to hear” lead and tenor parts to find the missing notes and hear what it takes to make them musical. Some experience with harmony singing is recommended. (Class limit: 20)

EARLY COUNTRY DUET SINGING (Alice Gerrard & Beverly Smith)
In this class we will focus on early duets – songs that were mostly recorded from the 1920s into the early 40s. Using songs from the Blue Sky Boys, the Carter Family, the Louvin Brothers, the Delmore Brothers, the Monroe Brothers, and others, we’ll learn to find cool harmony parts, and more importantly, how to sing with another person and get that great, tight, old time duet sound. No partner necessary to sign up. Come prepared to have fun! (Class limit: 20)

DANCE:

CLOGGING I (Rodney Sutton)
Let Rodney prove to you that everyone can learn Appalachain clogging steps. This class covers beginning southern Appalachian clogging and buckdancing from “step one.” Learn the basic steps and how to put them to use with live old-time music. Wear smooth-soled shoes – leather is best, and no taps. (No class limit)

CLOGGING II (Sharon Leahy)
This class for intermediate/advanced dancers will involve step choreography and moving through patterns, as well as the development of precision footwork and group dynamics. Tap shoes are recommended; a “can-do” attitude required. (No class limit)

FLATFOOTING (Gordy Hinners)
This class will focus on traditional flatfooting, buckdancing, and clogging techniques, for intermediate-level dancers, with an emphasis on using the feet as a musical instrument involving intricate rhythms, ‘dancing out the tune,’ improvising rhythms and steps and free-styling. Wear smooth-soled shoes – preferably leather and no taps please. (Class limit: 25)

SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN SQUARE DANCE & DANCE CALLING (Phil Jamison)
This class, open to dancers as well as dance callers, of all levels, will focus on the traditional square dances of the southern Appalachian region. No prior experience is required. We will learn about, and dance four-couple squares as well as Southern big circle dances, and students will have the opportunity to try their hand (or voice) at calling out the dance figures. Dance callers of all levels will have the opportunity to expand their repertoire and receive feedback to improve their calling skills. Mainly though, we will have fun dancing and learning about the traditions of southern Appalachian square dances. (No class limit)

OTHER ACTIVITIES

T'AI CHI (Don Pedi)
Start the day with a smile with these ancient, gentle, easy to learn rejuvenation exercises. Reduce stress. Focus on breathing, balance, and gentle stretching. Includes: T’ai Chi, Chi Kung, Standing Meditation, Eight Pieces of Brocade, and more. No experience necessary. (No class limit)

POTLUCK SESSIONS
In addition to the regular class sessions, Potluck Sessions are offered most afternoons. These one-hour mini-classes give students access to the entire teaching staff, and provide a wide variety of class offerings to choose from. No advance registration is necessary.

SLOW JAMS & SINGING
After supper each night, students have the opportunity to participate in slow jams and singing sessions. At the slow jams, common tunes are played at a speed that is accessible even to beginners. The singing sessions are a chance to share your voice and songs.

YOUNG OLD-TIME
Each evening, after supper, teenaged musicians get together for Young Old-Time, a staff-guided jam for young players, and on Wednesday night, following the staff concert, this group will have the opportunity to play for the post-concert square dance.

EVENING DANCES
Evening dances will be held throughout the week, providing plenty of
chances to dance a variety of traditional Southern Appalachian squares and circles. Thursday night features our valley’s long-standing weekly dance, the Old Farmers Ball.

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.