June 3-9, 2012
Announcing our 21st annual
Blue Ridge Old Time-Music Week
Register Online
Printable Registration Form
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Contact Conferences and Events |
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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.
2012 Class Descriptions
Beginning Fiddle with Shay Garriock
This class is for the beginning old time fiddlers and will start with the basics of tuning, bowing, tone improvement, and finding notes on the fingerboard. No prior experience is necessary. Students will learn basic bow control as well as universal bowing patterns, and several tunes will be taught that incorporate basic bowing and timing patterns of southern Appalachian old-time fiddling. Recordings of bowing exercises and each tune played slowly will be provided at the beginning of class.
Advanced-Beginner Fiddle with Helen White
We’ll review basic technique, but we will move through it fairly quickly. Be prepared to learn by ear; be able to tune independently; play with decent intonation; and play at least 5 simple tunes by ear in good rhythm. More experienced fiddlers who have good mastery of technique but need to start the “learning by ear” process are welcome. We’ll learn several tunes during the week applying different bow patterns common to old time music. In addition to standard tuning, we may explore “cross tuning” in the key of A or G. A fiddle with good working pegs for tuning is required. No notation or tab of tunes will be provided. Email: foxridge@ls.net.
Intermediate Fiddle with Beverly Smith
In this class we will be concentrating on old time fiddle style – how to get that sound you love. We will be working with different tunings commonly used by old-time players as well as the standard tuning. Emphasis will be on bowing and other little details that give the music the old-time sound. Participants will learn versions of tunes from the older players mostly (but not exclusively) from Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama. Students should know their scales in D, G and A and, if possible, bring a recording device.
Advanced Fiddle with Erynn Marshall * THIS CLASS IS FULL *
This class is for advanced fiddlers who wish to expand their repertoire and explore a variety of archaic fiddle styles from the Virginias, Kentucky and North Carolina. We will delve into left hand ornamentation, blue notes, alternate tunings and the intricacies of bowing (rocks, pulses and dwells) and other nuances typical of traditional southern fiddling. We will also explore secrets to great tone and playing with ease. Recording devices are encouraged. Fiddlers should be comfortable playing by ear, have good facility on their instrument and an appreciation for beautiful, old tunes. Bring your adventurous fiddling spirit! www.hickoryjack.com or erynnmarshall@gmail.com.
Advanced Ragtime Fiddle with Curly Miller
This class will focus on Appalachian and South Central fiddle rags from players like Ted Gossett, The East Texas Serenaders, The Stripling Bros., The Grinnell Giggers, and other recorded fiddlers. Fiddle Rags are a special group of Old Time Southern fiddling with tone, texture, keys, and bowing techniques common across this genre. Sometimes “less can be more” and this will be one of the approaches we’ll take in bowing technique. Longer (and oftentimes fewer) bow strokes are critical to increasing both tone and texture in every note, and allow the player to slide, shake and wobble the notes. We will also explore some of the less often played keys like C and F and, depending on the interests of the class, possibly venture into the mind-altering key of Bb! Email: c2@theold78s.com
Beginner Banjo with Robby Robertson
This is a class aimed at people who have never touched a banjo before. We’ll learn a basic clawhammer banjo style and as many tunes as we can. Focus will be on the "clawhammer lick,” tuning your banjo, common old time tunings, a few chords and having fun—mostly the fun part! Bring a playable banjo, an electronic tuner (or a good ear) and if you have one, a portable recorder. We’ll learn to play the banjo the old timey way — by listening and practicing.
Advanced-Beginner Banjo with John Grimm
This will be a class for players who are just a bit beyond the beginner stage and can comfortably play a few tunes in G and double C tuning. If you want to have fun learning some new tunes and songs with your peers, then this is the place for you. We will be learning drop thumb, hammer-ons, pull offs, and perhaps even some more advanced licks. Tunes will be broken down into slow short phrases as the class learns by ear through imitation and repetition. Tab will be available for those who need it. We will learn some simple chord theory that will help you quickly jam with others when you don’t know the tune. Bring a recording device, capo, tuner, your favorite banjo and a good sense of humor. Email: vintage@windstream.net
Intermediate Banjo with Mac Traynham
Students will learn several tunes from the Southwest Virginia clawhammer banjo tradition, many of which will directly correspond with the tunes presented in Shay Garriock’s fiddle class. Emphasis will be on playing in a traditional style that’s strong and lively. Students should be adept at basic right hand and left hand techniques. Players will be shown how to fit a melody onto a basic rhythmic template. Non-melodic traditional techniques that add flavor to a tune such as back beat brushing, alternate tunings and drones will be incorporated as well. Elements that lead to better danceability, like tempo and drive, will be discussed. Every participant will receive a copy of a collection of source recordings of "old masters” that have inspired Mac in his experience.
Advanced Clawhammer Banjo with Richie Stearns * THIS CLASS IS FULL *
In this advanced banjo workshop, we will focus on getting to know the banjo up the neck, the importance of keeping the "groove,” alternative ways of using the right hand to play melodies, and different ways to play along with other forms of music outside the traditional old time format.
Advanced Clawhammer Banjo 2 with Chuck Levy New Class
This class is designed to expand repertoire and technique, with attention to accompaniment to fiddle tunes, distinct banjo tunes, and also songs. We will explore how to create rhythmic and melodic variations, how to breakdown and build up tunes, and how to match fiddle dynamics on the banjo, and how to play with another banjoist. We will visit the diverse styles of masters such as Ola Belle Reed, George Gibson, Lee Hammons, Fred Cockerham and Loudon Wainwright III. Other topics will include tunes in less common tunings and keys, two-finger up-picking, and how minstrel and African down-stroke techniques and fretless banjo techniques inform clawhammer choices. Finally, we will look at how different banjos and banjo set-ups produced different voices. This class will be taught primarily by ear; audio and video recording are highly recommended. However, tablature will be available for most of what we cover as well. On occasion, some video and audio files may be referenced, and may be available to those who bring laptops or jump drives. Learn more about Chuck and his music at www.banjourneys.com or email him at levyce@aol.com.
Advanced-Beginning Guitar with Adam Tanner
This class is designed for guitar players who can change chords quickly enough to back up old time fiddle tunes close to dance tempo. This class will help you to refine the basic “boom chuck” rhythm to include bass patterns that put the emphasis squarely on the downbeat. You will learn several powerful bass runs that connect all the chords together to make an ensemble more driving and dynamic. Appropriate use of a capo will be discussed providing ideas on how to add something unique to any session and playing with another guitar or a bass. A historical stylistic overview of old time guitar styles heard on commercial and field recording will provide a context to explore your own creativity in these styles. This workshop will provide you with all the tools necessary to hold down a solid and interesting groove and take pride in being the virtual heartbeat of any old time music setting.
Intermediate Guitar with Hilary Dirlam
If you’re looking for ways to add drive and interest to your guitar backup – whether it’s for traditional songs or old-time tunes – you’ll find what you need in this class. We will look at rhythmic techniques that “shadow” fiddle tunes. We’ll explore bass runs that include parts of melodies, or provide harmonies for them. Chord shapes up the neck, partial chords, and the use of a capo can all “color” a tune or song, and we’ll discuss those as well. All these will be demonstrated using specific examples- songs or tunes you bring to class. We’ll have a fiddler on hand too. You should come to class with a good working knowledge of your guitar: a strong rhythmic strum, a familiarity with a couple of simple bass runs, and a working knowledge of major and some minor chords. Please bring a recording device, an electronic tuner, and be prepared to learn a lot and have fun.
Advanced Guitar with Steve Kilby
This class will focus on developing more complicated runs and rhythms for old-time tunes. We will cover the usual transitional runs and also the more complicated four to twenty note runs that “run through chords” and practice when and where to use them. We will learn songs and tunes in the styles of many well known old-time players such as Maybelle Carter, Doc Watson and Norman Blake. If you can already play some leads or want to play some leads on old-time fiddle tunes, we’ll get you started or add to your repertoire. Please bring a recorder as we will learn tunes mostly by ear, but tablature will be provided. Most of all, be prepared to have fun learning things on your guitar.
Intermediate-Advanced Bass with Kellie Allen
As a prerequisite for taking this course, students must be able to play simple bass back-up to a moderate speed on old-time tunes. In this course, above all else, the emphasis will be on providing solid bass rhythm in an old-time string band setting. We will move beyond the “ones and fives” bass style by exploring bass runs to move from chord to chord in a given song or tune. We will practice the art of recognizing certain patterns in old-time fiddle tunes. We will address the best ways to interact with guitar players in old-time music and what style of bass playing, if any, works best in various old-time music contexts. We will learn about playing in at least three positions on the neck in the common old-time keys, and we will cover some tricks for playing in the less common old-time keys, such as F and Bb. This course is for those willing to play upright, acoustic basses. Please bring a recording device. kaallen@aol.com
Mountain Dulcimer with Margaret Wright
Mountain dulcimer can have a valuable place in old time music. Dulcimer players of any level of skill are welcome in this class, with experienced players increasing their skill while newer players get the basics. We will learn lots of old time tunes, phrase by phrase. Tablature will be available for all tunes. Rhythmic, energetic playing will be emphasized as we become comfortable with the fretboard, strumming techniques, smooth fingering and playing in various keys. We include personalized time outside of class and extra "dulcimer jamming" in the afternoons. You will also get experience playing with mixed instrument groups. A recording device is recommended. Bring an instrument that will stay in tune, has a comfortable string height and a 6 1/2 fret. E-mail margaretgwright@yahoo.com or visit our website www.jerrywrightfamily.com.
Intermediate-Advanced Mandolin with Carl Jones * THIS CLASS IS FULL *
In this week’s advanced/intermediate mandolin class, basic music theory concepts and 2 string “shapes” will be our springboard to make the mandolin fingerboard more accessible and much less mysterious. We’ll apply our knowledge as we learn a few great tunes and explore some song back-up as well. A recording device is highly recommended and notepad for writing also. On our “mando” journey, confusion will be embraced, with having fun playing music always as our primary goal.
Rhythm and Repertoire with Judy Hyman and Jeff Claus
Long married and musical partners, Judy and Jeff are two of the founding members of the alt-trad band, The Horse Flies. They’ll teach tunes familiar, obscure, and new in a variety of keys and tunings, and they’ll help people develop their technique and style while increasing their repertoire. Beyond the notes of the tunes, they’ll explore ways to improve your playing precision and power as well as your ability to produce rhythm that makes people want to dance. Bring an audio recorder and your fun meter. www.thehorseflies.com and www.judyhyman.com.
Rhythm and Repertoire with Walt Koken and Clare Milliner
For all stringed instruments and students of all levels of musicianship. Clare and Walt will play and teach fiddle and banjo tunes from their large repertoire, played as fiddle/ banjo duets, fiddle or banjo solos, or fiddle duets. They will include tunes in the most common keys, as well as in less common keys and alternate fiddle tunings. Possible guitar chords for the more elusive and obscure tunes will be suggested. Although Walt and Clare will discuss and play the tunes slowly as well as up to speed, the intent is not necessarily to teach them note by note in class, but rather to lay out plenty of material for students to take with them to work on. Folks are encouraged to bring an audio recorder. In addition, Clare and Walt’s long awaited book, The Milliner-Koken Collection of American Fiddle Tunes, containing transcriptions of over 1400 tunes, will be available for perusal and purchase during the week. www.mudthumper.com or email at: clmilliner@comcast.net or wkoken@comcast.net.
Traditional Country Singing with 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. We will focus on repertoire, how to find and use your voice, and explore ways to become a stronger singer. 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 so desires, but that will not be our primary focus. Email: agerrard@mindspring.com.
Afternoon Mini-Courses
Held daily Monday through Friday. Each course includes a daily one hour afternoon class. You must pre-register for each mini-course and pay an additional tuition of $85.
Banjo Uke with Jeff Claus
We’ll explore the primal power and beauty of this embarrassingly small instrument, sometimes known as a drum on a stick. We’ll work on how to create a steady flow of rhythm and drone; chords both primitive and modern; set-up and playing techniques that give a warm, driving tone; and more. All are welcome!
Beginning Bass with Kellie Allen
Students will learn how to play simple back up bass on old-time tunes using the “ones and fives” bass back-up style. Depending on students’ interest and ability, we may move into simple bass runs and different positions on the neck. This course is for those willing to play upright, acoustic basses. Please bring a recording device. kaallen@aol.com
Beginning Guitar with Adam Tanner
This workshop is for those brand new to the guitar. Learning good posture and maximizing the potential of your muscles will be an important first step in approaching the guitar for the first time. This will include techniques for callous building and hand strength. The basic G, C, D, A, E, and F chord shapes used in old time music will be covered. Adherence to the downbeat will be emphasized while you are learning fundamental strums and picking patterns for breakdowns and waltzes. It is recommended that your guitar is equipped with a strap.
Banjo Orchestra Extravaganza! with Curly Miller and Carole Ann Rose (ALL Levels, Banjo Uke, Banjo-Mandolin, and Mandolin players welcome)
This class will explore various banjo types and playing styles, loosely in the tradition of the banjo and mandolin orchestras and clubs of the 1890-1920’s! Tune selection and playing styles will be reviewed according to the interests of the class. Each participant can explore different banjos and different playing styles throughout the week. We will bring a variety of banjos to be used in class including a 5-string cello, a 5-string banjeaurine, a banjo-mandolin, and some 5-strings. We will teach several different styles of playing (in Charlie Poole tuning – gCGBD) including clawhammer backup, 3-finger and flat-pick styles for both melody and backup. Breakout sessions for beginning banjo players will demonstrate (and practice) a backup style that can be used in any group setting. We will arrange parts based on the inclinations of the class and will have a tune to present by the end of the week. Let’s just shake the banjo tree and see what falls out!
Harmony Singing with Ann Whitley, Barbara Panter-Connah, and Jan Smith
This class will explore harmony singing, teaching the harmony parts to early country music and old-time classics from the repertoires of such folks as the Carter Family, the Delmore Brothers, and the Louvin Brothers, to name a few. Learn to find the part that fits your voice. Emphasis will be on duet singing, but for those who wish to learn the third part, we will demonstrate that, too.
Beginning Mandolin with Carl Jones
In the afternoon mini-course period, I plan to introduce easy open chords and playing simple melodies. We will learn to incorporate “droney” strings using octaves and unisons when possible. Right and left hand exercises will provide general ways to get a good foundation started for your mandolin playing horizons. A relaxed pace with no stress and all fun is our mutual goal. An audio recording device is highly encouraged.
More Mini-course choices may follow.
Free Afternoon Workshops
Partial list (no pre-registration needed):
Shaped Note Singing Workshop with Laura Boosinger
Join us for a cappella shaped-note singing. We will be signing from The Christian Harmony, a seven shape book traditionally used in Western North Carolina.
2012 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. |
$539
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| Single Occupancy | Price includes meals, room, and program tuition |
$649
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| Additional charge for air conditioned room (if available) |
$ 85
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| Commuter | Price includes lunch Monday through Friday. |
$394
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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.). |
$384
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| Mini-class/es (optional) | Afternoon mini-classes at 1:00 and 3:00 |
$85
each |
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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 only a few 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. |
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