Southern Old-Time Fiddle Workshop with Erynn Marshall

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September 3, 2017 11:00am – 1:00pm

This intermediate level class will delve into Appalachian style fiddling which is the living tradition found in Virginias, Carolinas and now all over the world. Secrets of bowing and other characteristics of old-time fiddling will be explored as well as getting that “old-time sound.” We’ll also talk about heritage players of the South and their style. Questions encouraged and tips will be offered to move you past playing blocks you have encountered so that playing the fiddle is easier, sounds better, and is more enjoyable. Please bring a recorder to class and your adventurous fiddling spirit!

Erynn Marshall has carved out a niche for herself as an old-time fiddler in North America and abroad. She has played for thirty-five years, performed and taught at many music camps in the US, Canada and Europe. Erynn learned the nuances of old-time fiddling from visiting 80-95 year-old southern fiddlers and singers for many years. Her fieldwork culminated in the book, Music in the Air Somewhere about West Virginia fiddle and song traditions (WVU Press). Erynn has also appeared in three films, recorded a DVD and five CDs includingSweet Memories Never Leave – a 2015 duet release with Carl Jones. She has won many awards including first place in fiddle at “Clifftop” – The Appalachian Stringband Festival – in West Virginia (the first woman and person from outside the US to do so). Erynn lives in Galax, Virginia, tours with Carl Jones and the Bowbenders stringband.

Old-Time Mandolin Workshop – Fiddletunes: Melody and Backup with Carl Jones

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September 3, 2017 11:00am – 1:00pm

In this workshop we will learn one of my favorite fiddle tunes and explore the nuances of pick technique. Our goal being dynamics, sustain, and a solid driving pulse that would make any listener want to start dancing. We will then find ways to accompany the same tune utilizing the mandolin’s many strong points. Our goal is to have everyone comfortably going back and forth from melody to back up and as a result having more fun being creative as they are picking.

Carl Jones is an American songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He is widely respected for his instrumental talents and original songs about the joys and tribulations of day-to-day life in the South. Carl’s songs have been recorded by The Nashville Bluegrass Band, Kate Campbell, Rickie Simpkins with Tony Rice, and others. His song Last Time On The Road was on the grammy-award-winning album Unleased by the Nashville Bluegrass Band. Originally born in Macon, Georgia, Carl currently lives in Galax, Virginia with wife and musical partner – fiddler, Erynn Marshall. In the 1980’s he played mandolin with James Bryan, Norman and Nancy Blake as part of the Rising Fawn String Ensemble and during the same period won 3rd place and a guitar in the fingerpick-guitar category at Winfield, KS. Carl has recorded many CD’s including Traveling Star featuring his original songs and a 2015 duet album Sweet Memories Never Leave with Marshall which has received great reviews. Carl is known for his fine musicianship on many stringed instruments, keen sense of humor, evocative songwriting, and as a charismatic teacher. Carl has performed or taught all over the United States, Canada and Europe.

Multi-Level Autoharp Workshop with John Hollandsworth

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September 9, 2017 3:00pm – 5:00pm

This is a multi-level workshop that will cover both rhythm and melody autoharp playing. We will talk about proper basics, playing backup with a group or a singer, and also work on some melody playing techniques. I will teach several commonly known tunes, with some handouts. Reading music is not a requirement for this class. Come with a working autoharp, a thumb pick and two finger picks. If you need assistance with tuning, plan to arrive 30 minutes early. One loaner autoharp is available if I’m notified in advance. I look forward to seeing you on September 9!

Autoharpist John Hollandsworth is a native of Christiansburg, VA. He had his introduction to the autoharp through the playing of his Floyd County grandmother and uncles, and grew up playing informally with family and friends. His autoharp style incorporates both chromatic and diatonic techniques. John started performing with his wife Kathie in the 1980s as a duo, and they have also played in several band formats for concerts and dances. John was the first Mountain Laurel Autoharp Champion in 1991 and has been named Best All-Around Performer at the Galax Old Fiddlers Convention three times. He is an internationally acclaimed teacher and performer, and is the well-respected luthier of Blue Ridge Autoharps. John was inducted into the Autoharp Hall of Fame in 2010.

Clawhammer Banjo Workshop with Adam Hurt

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October 5, 2017 @ 6:00-8:00pm

This class is designed for newish clawhammer banjo players who have done a little playing but need some help getting past first base. The workshop will cover the drop-thumb technique, double-thumbing, hammer-ons and pull-offs, and perhaps a bit more depending on the needs and requirements of the students. Together we will learn a simple tune or two and then add fun and challenging decoration to the basic version(s). Participants should already be able to execute the basic “bump-ditty” clawhammer rhythm. All material will be taught by ear in the traditional manner, so the use of recording devices is highly recommended.

Deemed a “banjo virtuoso” by the Washington Post, Adam Hurt has fused several traditional old-time idioms to create his own elegantly innovative clawhammer banjo style, having been introduced to the instrument at age eleven in his native Minnesota. A respected performer and teacher of traditional music, Adam has played at the Kennedy Center and conducted banjo workshops at many venues around the country and abroad. Since moving to North Carolina in 2002, Adam has placed in or won most of the major old-time banjo competitions, and he has claimed several state banjo and fiddle championships. Adam’s music can be heard on multiple recordings.

Live Sound Workshops with Joebass

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September 5, October 10, November 7, December 5, 2017

This series of four workshops is for beginners and requires no previous experience or knowledge of audio systems. In the first class, we will introduce the concepts behind sound, including basic acoustics, gear commonly used in sound reinforcement, signal flow, volume/gain structure, microphone types and placement, speaker types and placement and an introduction to music as it relates to audio frequencies and power. We will discover what causes those dreaded ringing feedback tones and how to avoid them. At the end of this session, you will know the basics of how to set up a simple PA system, including how to turn it on, run the correct wires, set the essential knobs and best position the speakers and microphones for optimal sound. Each workshop will build on the information learned in previous classes.