2011 Traditional Song Week Classes

SPIRITUALS, PRAISE HYMNS & GOSPEL (Rev. Robert & Bernice Jones)
The Black Spiritual was folk music’s first uniquely American music style. Gospel is a contemporary music style that came out of America’s cities in the 1930’s. In between these seminal styles came a sacred form called “Prayer and Praise Hymns”. These folk songs had their origin roughly between the years 1885 and 1925, and these were the songs that pioneering musicians mixed with blues to produce gospel. In this class Robert and Bernice will explain the differences between Spirituals, Prayer & Praise Hymns and Gospel and explore characteristics of all three. The class will cover the Gospel aesthetic, history, harmony singing, improvisation, accompaniment and how to modify songs to fit various situations and musical capabilities. Anyone that is interested in sacred singing from an African American perspective is encouraged to participate in this class. (No class limit)

SINGING THE BLUES (Rev. Robert Jones)
Blues great Brownie McGhee used to say, “Everybody gets the blues,” however, the question is: “How do you sing ’em and how do you make ’em sound like the blues?” This is a course designed to answer both of those questions. Rev. Robert Jones will take you into his background as a self-taught blues singer and guitarist. He will share information on such subjects as the blues aesthetic, the blues scale, improvisation, phrasing, Piedmont, Delta and urban blues styles, blues songwriting, history and more. If American popular music could be thought of as a tree, the blues would surely be the trunk. Everyone is welcome to explore this seminal form of American and World Music.

MUSIC THEORY AND EAR TRAINING FOR TRADITIONAL SINGERS (Josh Goforth)
Ever hear a song and wonder why its so pleasing to your ear? Have you always wanted to be able to sing in harmony without approaching it like a math problem? Have you tried to learn theory before and just didn’t find it interesting in the least or way too difficult? Perhaps you are thinking, “Why do I need music theory as a traditional singer, shouldn’t it just come natural?” Well, this class is for you! We will explore the advantages of visual and aural learning in traditional music. No experience or formal music training necessary! This is a good way to get pleasantly thrown in the deep end of music theory and ear training basics.

AMERICAN ROOTS MUSIC: AN INTRODUCTION (Matt Watroba)
This class will use film, audio, and live presentations to create a picture of what has become known as American Roots Music. Matt Watroba will explore the history, the characters, the songs, and the styles that influenced generations of American music. From Native American flutes, to the traditional songs that migrated from West Africa, to the ballads that survived the ocean trip from Europe and beyond, we will discover the wonderfully twisted roots that shaped our musical heritage and culture, and continue to influence the music of today. Matt will show you how to dig the roots of American music! (No class limit)

CHOICES: HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF THE SONGS YOU SING (Matt Watroba)
Bringing traditional songs alive is all about choices. In this interactive class, Matt Watroba will show you the choices great singers make to get the most out of a song. Participants will then be encouraged to apply what they’ve learned to the songs they choose to sing. This workshop promises to be a safe, friendly place where beginners and professionals alike will benefit from the wisdom of the instructor and the group. Phrasing, style and performance techniques are just a few of the areas this class will explore on the way to wowing any audience with the power of traditional music.

OLD MEETING-HOUSE SONGS (Sheila Kay Adams)
This class is all about singing the many “meeting-house” gospel songs – mostly by ear and full-voiced, “off-the-porch-strong” as Aunt Inez would say – that I grew up hearing in the churches in and around Sodom, NC. You’ll be familiar with most of ‘em, ones like “I’ll Fly Away,” “Where the Soul Never Dies,” and “Build Me A Cabin,” to name a few. We’ll also work together on some shape-note songs, but the majority can be found in The Baptist Hymnal. Please bring a copy if you have your own, but handouts will be provided as needed. And don’t go worrying about harmonies; trust me, you’ll find the one that works for you. These old hymns really do rock right along, and there’s a power to them that’ll grab your heart and spirit from the get-go ... no collection plate needed. But don’t expect to sit or even stand in one place as these old hymns will, quite literally, move you. (No class limit)

BALLADS & LOVE SONGS (Sheila Kay Adams & Bobby McMillon)
This class will be about a much-overlooked musical tradition that was used by common people for hundreds of years. The Anglo-English popular ballads were brought to this country by the pioneers and were transmitted simply by word of mouth during the times before mass communication became available. This music, simply called “love songs” by the folks who sang them (although they concerned many themes) was most generally done a capella. Sheila and Bobby will be presenting many of the love songs in this way and a few with banjo and guitar. The class will be presented with handouts of the ballads which we will learn to sing individually or as a group.

MEN IN SHIPS & MAIDS ON THE SHORE (Claudine Langille)
“Traditional songs from the Maritime Provinces of Canada and Newfoundland.” Claudine’s lifelong exploration of her Nova Scotia heritage has drawn her to the rich music of this area, which blends Irish, Scottish, British, European, black, native and American cultures. We’ll sing songs that tell stories of tall ships and pirates, of women who disguised themselves and snuck aboard, and of love and longing. Some of the ballads are familiar, with salty melodies spiced with mackerel, fog, and rum; great for building your repertoire. Audio recording device recommended.

LES CHANSONS EN FRANÇAIS (Claudine Langille)
Learn French songs from Nova Scotia and the Canadian Maritimes and Quebec! Singing in a language other than your own can help you focus on the pure musicality of the song. It can also teach you the more poetic phrases in the language. Claudine has enjoyed singing in Greek, Balkan languages, and Irish, and now in French. Even if you are not fluent in French, don’t worry – lots of slang here! Haunting melodies, crooked rhythms, and a bit of ooh-la-la will be featured. Audio recording device recommended.

THE CARTER FAMILY (Bobby McMillon)
This class will be about the repertoire and history concerning the original Carter Family. The class will learn and perform collectively, individually, or in groups many of the songs which the Carters recorded. Handouts will be given to the class which they may keep at week’s end. The instructor will also provide first-hand reminiscences of Sara Carter and her daughter, Janette, who founded the Carter Family Fold at Maces Spring, Virginia.

DUET HARMONY SINGING (Mark Weems & Julee Glaub Weems)
Learn some of the specific techniques and nuances of duet singing. We will work towards choosing keys, finding parts, exploring different types of harmony, building harmony mathematically, blending voices, feeling and phrasing, learning to sing with different partners and developing listening skills. We will learn how to adapt harmonies to different songs and various genres such as Appalachian, Irish, Gospel, and Traditional Country. The initial classes will focus on singing with instruments, to hear the chord structures of the harmonies, consider how they affect the overall harmonic sound, and discuss the creation of tasteful arrangements. As the week progresses, we will work on freedom from the chordal structure of instruments to encourage experimentation with more diverse kinds of harmony. It is not necessary to read music, as we will be learning by ear. Bring a partner or find one in the class! (Class limit: 14)

INTERNATIONAL CHORALE (Peter Siegel)
We’ll take songs from around the world and sing the heck out of them! In two, three, and four parts we’ll work out rounds, partner songs, and choral arrangements from South Africa to Israel, to Ghana to all over the Americas and more. Ability to read music will help but is not a requirement.

CAJUN SONG (David Greely)
Cajun songs are the principal means by which the archaic, elegant and simple Cajun French language is transmitted nowadays. They have some of the most beautiful melodies on earth, and their themes are hundreds of years old, shared with their antecedents in the folk music of France from the early 17th century. David will teach a wide range of songs, from dance hall songs to Cajun and Creole ballads both sad and humorous, with an emphasis on the most striking melodies and the most interesting turns of phrase. The language is real French, understandable by the entire French-speaking world, yet in an isolated late-renaissance dialect still spoken by thousands in Louisiana.

SONGWRITING & CREATIVE BRAINSTORMING (Josh Goforth)
Songwriting can be a challenge if you try too hard. This class will focus on ways to develop a song from the seed of an idea to completion without forcing the process. Traditional music will be the basis for our brainstorming exercises, BUT you never know where an idea might lead! All forms of word crafting will be explored as well as how to pair lyrics with music. Let’s write something together!

TRADITIONAL COUNTRY SINGING: SONGS OF HANK WILLIAMS (Mark Weems)
This year in the traditional country/honky-tonk class we will focus on the life and songs of the legendary Hank Williams. We will learn 4 or 5 classic Hank songs, studying his famous “breaking” yodel nuance. We will listen to a newly released record of demo recordings of his solo singing and discuss the influence of blues on his development of the Honky-Tonk genre. We will also watch and discuss the video, Hank Williams: Honky Tonk Blues, from the American Masters series. I also want to spend some time creating an actual honky-tonk band with which to put all this knowledge to practice. Anybody got a bass? Guitars and basic knowledge of chords are encouraged but not required. Now, I grew up about an hour from where Hank was from in Alabama and I can really put it on when I want to! So …let’s go honky-tonkin’!

SEAN-NÓS: THE GAELIC SINGING TRADITION OF IRELAND (Brían Ó hAirt)
Sean-nós singing is a term often applied to the singing style of native Irish Gaelic speakers from the western regions of Ireland. The repertoire of songs to which this style is often applied is as diverse and rich as its English language counterpart. Regional styles play an important role in the songs presentation – from soaring and highly ornamented ‘big songs’ to simple and sweet ‘silly songs.’ This class will offer insight into this overwhelming tradition by discussing the linguistic features of Irish as well as its diverse song forms and styles. Field recordings will be utilized and lyrics supplied but no sheet music given. Please bring a recording device.

BLUEGRASS HARMONY (Laurie Lewis & Tom Rozum)
In this class, we’ll deconstruct what makes bluegrass singing so special and what differentiates it from other singing styles. We’ll be investigating the basic skills that make a good harmony singer: breathing, tone production, phrasing, blend, and finding the right key for your voice. We will explore duet, trio and quartet harmony singing, using the greats of bluegrass as examples and inspiration: The Osborne Brothers with Red Allen, Flatt and Scruggs, The Stanley Brothers, and of course, Bill Monroe. What IS it that makes that chill run down your spine when the Stanleys sing? A sus4? A 9 chord? We will dissect songs and learn the various harmony parts, then divide up the class and let you all go to town.

SCOTS GAELIC WORK SONGS: TO MAKE OUR BURDENS LIGHT (Brían Ó hAirt)
Work songs are the hallmark of Scots Gaelic singing. Waulking, dancing, spinning, rowing, clapping, milking – all of the burdens of these daily labors are eased with song in the western isles of Scotland. This class will focus on the choruses to these songs and will aspire to recreate singing situations where such songs can be performed. Special focus will be placed on songs from the isles of Lewis, Barra, Harris, Uist and Cape Breton. Field recordings will be utilized, and lyrics supplied but no sheet music given. Please bring a recording device.

SONG IN THE STRUGGLE: WOODY, PETE, JOE,
UTAH, JOAN, BOB, BRUCE AND MORE (Peter Siegel)
Songs strengthen the community bond. From Joe Hill and the labor movement of the early 20th century to Woody in the great depression, on through social conflict, civil rights, and the environmental movement, we sang our way through struggle. We used old melodies and lyrics, wrote new lyrics to old melodies and sometimes made up everything while we were marching along. In this workshop we will explore the great musical diaspora from traditional folk and blues to hip hop. We’ll tell stories and sing loads of songs with rousing choruses. (No class limit)

SHAPE NOTE SINGING (Pete Sutherland)
Originally a music-reading teaching tool in Revolutionary War-era New England, the unmistakeable hair-raising sound of shape-note singing later hid out in hills and hollows of the deep South for generations before roaring back in the 70s and taking the folk world by storm. Never done in the context of religious services, the beauty and lyric power of the texts combine with the open intervals sung with rock ‘n’ roll intensity to move singer and listener alike. Songs from the most popular collection, The Sacred Harp as well as other old and new sources will be used. Some sight reading ability is most definitely a plus but NOT required - complete willingness to let it all hang out in great company is a MUST! (No class limit)

SPECIAL EVENTS

Note: There is no advance registration and no class limits necessary, and no class limits for the following events. A highlight of the day’s schedule is when we gather together as a singing community each day after lunch for the following special events:

THE ART OF THE DUET
A special showing of a new PBS film celebrating the life and music of Pete Seeger. A superbly done documentary and the only authorized biography of his amazing life story. The film will be followed with open discussion, stories, and songs led by Peter Siegel who has been a family friend of Pete’s since Peter’s childhood.

A VISIT WITH CLAUDINE LANGILLE
Join broadcaster Fiona Ritchie for a conversational, musical encounter with vocalist and leading banjo and mandolin player, Claudine Langille. Songs and tunes from Claudine’s life connections in Ireland, Appalachia and the Canadian Maritimes will flow through their chat. Learn about her 1980s work with Touchstone and her current band, Gypsy Reel. Audience members will be invited to ask Claudine some questions to round out the session. (Portions of the interview will be broadcast on NPR’s Thistle & Shamrock.)

SONGS AND SINGERS FROM THE BLUE RIDGE
The Blue Ridge Mountains are home to a wide variety of traditional songs from ballads to blues. With photos, songs, stories David Holt and Josh Goforth will present some of the great songs collected in the area.

TRANS-ATLANTIC JOURNEYS
Join broadcaster Fiona Ritchie for conversational, musical encounters with Brían Ó hAirt and Julee Glaub. Brían is originally from Kentucky, and like NC native Julee, followed a separate musical path to Ireland. Discover how American and Celtic traditions mingle in their work today. Audience members will be invited to ask questions to round out the session. (Portions of the interview will be broadcast on NPR’s Thistle & Shamrock.)

TRADITIONAL SONG: THE RADIO YEARS
Fiona Ritchie reflects on her years producing and hosting NPR’s Thistle & Shamrock and shares anecdotes and insights from her many encounters with traditional singers and musicians. Much of the session will be devoted to audience Q & A.

OTHER SPECIAL EVENTS

SINGING SESSIONS BY GENRE
After supper each night, students have the opportunity to participate in themed singing sessions led by various staff members. We will vary the format each night from community sings to a focus on individual voices within a community context and a particular style/genre. It is a great time to share and collect songs, build vocal confidence, develop listening skills, and experiment with harmony and the nuances of both community singing and individual voices.

FREE TIME OR BAND SESSIONS
A great time of day to practice what you’re learning either on your own or with a band. In response to student requests, in the last period of the day, students will have the opportunity to sing and play in informal bands under the guidance of various staff members in conjunction with Fiddle Week participants.

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.