Workshop Descriptions
The
middle section of this program shows the workshop grid. Use these descriptions to
help find the workshops that will work best for you. Anyone can listen in on
any workshops. A few workshops will have instruments for you to try out. No
instruments are required for many of the workshops. Some of the workshops on
the Dining Hall Stage are more for entertainment than for participation.
Saturday Workshops & Events
Workshop Cluster 1, Saturday, 5/26,
1] Overcoming the Fear-All Instrument (All)
Afraid to play in
public? Terrified to Jam? Does the thought of performing in front of
people make your heart pound and hands shake?? Brett
is the poster child of fear in public performance. He says, “The shakes,
nausea, nerves…I get it. But I learned how to break the debilitating,
paralyzing grip of fear, and I guarantee that if you apply these simple
principles and ideas, you can too!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=EkMiWCiADKA
2] Opening the Autoharp Case (Beg Autoharp) (Keys of CFG)
Geared for new players and those who have played for a short time. Les will help you get all tuned up, get your picks on
right, and your 'harp positioned correctly. You’ll
learn basic strokes, basic strum patterns, and more. Bring thumb pick and at
least two finger picks.
3] Harp Tunes with Celtic Roots #1 (All Harp)
Lever
harp beginner to advanced players welcome, tunes taught by ear with
arrangements and options for accompaniment. Sheet music provided by Allison and
maybe Sairey.
4] Playing Strong Rhythm on MD #1 (Adv Beg) (DAD)
Bill
will cover rhythmic dulcimer styles with variation, which can enhance the
overall sounds of the instrument. This will include adding structure to the
strum and cross picking using some common and well known
tunes for this so the focus can be on the right hand.
5] Praisin’ Phrasin’ (Int/Adv) (DAD)
Move
from mechanical rhythm to phrasing to making your own style in songs with John.
Simplify songs through passing notes, cross-string playing, and chord choice.
Use lyrics to determine mood and embellish holds.
6] Chord Progressions De-Mystified (All)
Kerry's
basic workshop for non-music majors is aimed at anyone who is interested in
learning how simple music theory, in particular the way chord progressions work
in popular and traditional songs, can help make learning and writing songs
easier.
7] Pigeon on the Gate (Adv Beg/Int HD)
Learn
this upbeat traditional Scottish reel in the key of A Maj
with David. We’ll also go over basic accompaniment as
well.
8] Applying Basic Rudiments into Your Arrangements (Int/Adv HD)
All
percussion rudiments are great for gaining better stick control and hammer
technique, but not all are easily applicable to traditional music. This class
will focus on the rudiments that you can easily add to your repertoire and
refine your hammer skills at the same time with Mark.
9] Beginner Irish Whistle (Beg Whistle)
Janet will help you learn the basics of holding, blowing, and
fingering the Irish whistle (also called tin whistle or penny whistle) and playing
some simple D major tunes.
Workshop Cluster 2, Saturday, 5/26,
1] Harmonies
(All)
Learn
and try out harmonies with Sally & Claudia.
2] Ensemble Music for Christmas (All & All Instruments)
Members
of Stringed Fantasy will share what they do with Christmas music, playing
melody, harmony, and drone lines, using sheet music, written in multiple parts.
3] Stepping out on the
Mountain (All)
Sparky's research on the African-American
ballad tradition culminated in the highly acclaimed recording Heroes and Hard
Times. Drawing on this material, Sparky & Rhonda share songs and stories
about such colorful personalities as John Henry, John Hardy, Stag-O-Lee, and
Betty and Dupree.
4] Canal Songs for Mountain Dulcimer (Adv Beg/Int) (DAD)
This
is a repertoire-building workshop for intermediate dulcimer players. With
Linda, participants will explore several songs by Pearl Nye that describe life on the
5] Playing Strong Rhythm on MD #2 (Adv Beg/Int) (DAD)
Bill
will continue rhythmic dulcimer styles with variation, which can enhance the
overall sounds of the instrument. This will include adding structure to the
strum and cross picking using some common and well known
tunes for this so the focus can be on the right hand.
6] The Strathspey – One
Wild Ride! (Adv Beg/Adv
Fiddle)
The
Strathspey is the most characteristic tune type of
the Scottish fiddle genre. Here, Paul will explore what makes it unique with
you. We will learn “Miss Sarah Drummond of
7] Right From The Start (Beg HD)
This
hands-on workshop will help you make sense of the dulcimer's layout and easily
find patterns to make music. Mark will help you learn a fun tune that applies
these concepts, along with hammer technique to start to give you the best start
possible.
8] A Taste of
After a wonderful trip to
9] Hooray for
Learn
from John basic chord patterns that make this the quickest way to play 3 string chords. Go from one string to two then three string
chords which have the same finger pattern up and down
the fretboard. Play melody across the strings. Play
along with DAD players.
Workshop Cluster 3, Saturday, 5/26,
1] Just
Plain Folk (All)
Tom
Ball will interview and record songs and tunes from Hickory Cathedral (with the
help of engineer, Jim Stone, and sound man, Bill
Conrad) for later broadcast on his Just Plain Folk radio program on WCFI, 96.1 FM in
2] Whooping
and Wailing (Beg Blues Harmonica)
This is an introductory class for people
wanting to learn the basics of blues harmonica. Rhonda discusses cross harp,
along with blues harp techniques. Bring a working diatonic harmonica (something
like a "Marine Band") in the key of "A".
3] Vocal Styles and
Arranging (All)
Rich and Kathy will demonstrate how they use different styles for
different tunes and come up with arrangements. Several songs will
be demonstrated and we will all try composing our own arrangements of
some traditional songs. Lots of fun for all ability levels.
4] Western Song for Mountain Dulcimers (All) (DAA or DAD)
Learn
3 songs of the old West with John. Tablature and
instruction in both DAA and DAD will be provided.
5] Two Styles for One Sound (All) (DAD)
Claudia
and Sally have very different dulcimer playing styles, but when they combine their
playing, a new and wonderful sound emerges. This workshop is more of a demo
than a playing one, though participants are encouraged to try out several of
the techniques that are showcased.
6] Autoharp Minor Tunes - (Adv Beg/Int
AH)
Ever wonder why those minor chords are
on your harp?
Explore two tunes with Les that make liberal use of minor chords: Swallowtail
Jig & I Want Jesus to Walk with Me.
7] Oldies (All HD and All Chording Instruments)
The songs are mostly from the 50s and
60s by popular singers/groups – both folk and rock. Janet has
quite an assortment of tunes and will let the attendees decide which they most
want to learn. This will not be an in-depth type of learning, but there
will be some embellishments offered to add to the melodies. Should
be
8] Next Steps (Int HD)
The
next step for most dulcimer players is the ability to play a melody and harmony
accompaniment at the same time. This crucial skill is needed
for fiddle tunes, Irish tunes, and hymns alike. Mark will break down the three
most popular methods and apply them to the familiar tune, South Winds.
9] Introduction to Bowed
Psaltery (Beg
BP)
Learn basics about different ways to hold and play the bowed
psaltery for clearer sound. Note reading is a plus but not necessary,
and easy songs will be taught.
Ability Level Jamming Workshops Cluster, Saturday,
5/26,
If one doesn’t work, try
another. Join the fun!
2] Intro to Jamming (Beg/Adv Beg)
Marge
and John will lead this jam for all instruments at a slow pace with easy tunes
to help people get used to something many find scary, but is really
fun - playing well with others.
3] Advanced Beginner/Intermediate Jam (Adv Beg/Int)
Stringed
Fantasy will lead some tunes and give you a chance to lead others of all kinds
in a lightly structured jam for those used to playing together.
4] Song Writer &
This
session with Kerry and Sarah is about sharing a song you love to play and sing
– whether it is your creation or someone else's. Sometimes people will join in
and harmonize, learn the chorus, or maybe they know the song, too. It is a
scientific fact that when a group of people sing together,
their hearts begin to beat in unison, and their breathing is in sync as
well, leading to a feeling of peace and well-being. Come and see – let's make it happen!
5] Silly Songs Share (All)
Jim
has some great silly songs to sing for and/or with you. The real fun comes as
each of you adds your own songs for and/or with the others.
6] Rounds, Call &
Response, and Party Songs (All)
A fun sing-a-long workshop where everyone
can participate. Sing
or play along as we explore these fun and sometimes challenging genres of
music. Handouts will be provided.
7] Ukulele Jam (All Uke)
DUH! Dulci-More Ukulele Hangout members will lead and showcase many tunes from beginner level ones in C to more
complicated ones. Something for everyone, several loaner ukes available.
8] Intermediate/Advanced Jam (Int/Adv)
Bill,
Jim, and John will lead some tunes and give you a chance to lead others of all
kinds in a lightly structured jam for those used to playing together. The
leaders play different styles, so it should be great hearing
how everyone gets along.
9] Celtic Jam (All)
Join
the Hired Hands or Allison Miller for an all-level Celtic jam.
1] Name that Old-Time (or Other) Tune, Saturday,
5/26,
This
version of a slick television game show is for the enjoyment of all after a
full day of workshops. Get in on the fun and prizes from
1] Open Stage/Clubs Open Stage, Saturday, 5/26,
Sign
up at the registration area to let our festival hear some of your unique
sounds. All acoustic instruments and styles are welcome.
Sunday Workshops & Events
1] Hymn/Gospel/Spiritual Sing, Sunday, 5/27,
Join
a group with your instruments or just your voice to share many favorites. Lyric
sheets for many old favorites are there, but others may also
be sung.
Workshop Cluster 4, Sunday, 5/27,
1] Old-Time
Religion (All)
Sparky and Rhonda both have deep musical roots
from the American gospel tradition. In this workshop, they explore their rich
heritage of both black and white spirituals, while encouraging the audience to
sing along.
2] Following the Thread (All Songwriting)
Claudia
will show how she approaches writing, letting something you hear or see in a
powerful way be a portal to a deeper description/story. It doesn't
matter if it's words or music first!
3] Storming “The Castle” with Mandolin in Hand (Adv Beg/Int Mando)
Paul
will teach the famous jig by Sean Ryan called “The Castle.” Using that tune, we’ll explore ornamentation in an Irish style using hammer-ons, pull-offs, triplets, and turns. We’ll
talk about picking strategies, and the ever-elusive quality of “lilt” that
makes dancers want to dance. Fiddlers are welcome to join us, too.
4] Mountain Dulcimer Songs in Minor Tunings (Adv Beg-Adv)
Some
of the loveliest Appalachian music finds its dulcimer voice in minor tunings.
Bring your dulcimer and savor this sound. Not for rank
beginners, but it is for anyone else.
5] Fiddle Tunes for the Mountain Dulcimer (Int) (DAD)
Use
the strumming methods taught in Bill’s other classes
to address simple fiddle tunes. The emphasis here is to obtain a lilt in the
tunes similar to what is found in mountain music rather than seeking speed.
6] Whistle – Getting Better (Adv Beg/Int Whistle)
Broaden your whistle skills with Jim – working
on breathing, phrasing, notes in both octaves, tunes in D, G (and maybe
minors), playing with others, and perhaps some simple ornamentation. Handout
provided for several tunes, with standard notation and note names. You will
need a D whistle.
7] Put the Magic in Your
Playing (Adv
Beg HD)
In this workshop, DeeDee
will show several ornamentations that will enhance your
playing and add to your arrangements.
8] Cold Frosty Morning (Adv Beg/Int HD)
Since it’s
nearing summer, let’s learn the old time tune, Cold Frosty Morning. David
will begin the class with talking about and practicing how to map out and learn
a tune on the fly (or, while being in part of a jam).
9]
Get started playing the Mountain Dulcimer with Rich & Kathy by
learning tuning, strumming techniques, chords, and melody playing with singing accompaniment. Handouts will be provided.
A few loaner instruments will be available.
Workshop Cluster 5, Sunday, 5/27,
1] Just
Plain Folk (All)
Tom
Ball will interview and record songs and tunes from Sally Rogers and Claudia
Schmidt (with the help of engineer, Jim Stone, and sound man, Bill Conrad) for
later broadcast on his Just Plain Folk radio program on
WCFI, 96.1 FM in Cuyahoga Falls, OH.
2] Tips for Good Singing (All)
Linda
and Roz will help you enjoy singing more with
improved breathing, pronunciation, listening, and harmony.
3] Autoharp Hymns (Adv Beg/Int Autoharp) (Keys of FCG)
Come
learn some beautiful arrangements of hymn melodies from the past with Les.
Guaranteed to stretch you and help you better learn
your chord bar arrangements.
4] Beginning to Play without Tab for MD (Beg-Int) (DAD)
Let’s
play our tunes without depending on tab every time. A few popular tunes will be taught by ear. Do not worry if you have never
learned a tune by ear, Marge will show you how!
5] Playing Harmony on Mountain Dulcimer (Adv Beg/Int) (DAD)
In
this workshop, participants will start with a simple song and will be shown how to make harmonies using octaves, thirds,
and fifths. Rounds will also be explored as a method
of harmonizing.
6] Songwriting (All)
Writing
a song doesn't have to be complicated. Starting with a
main idea for a chorus, the story unfolds in the verses. Exploring basic chords
suggests a melody – experimenting with tempo, time signature, and a few
different chords can take the song to a whole new
level. Bring a song, poem, or story, and have fun with Sarah!
7] How to Play as a Duo (Adv Beg/Int HD & All
Instruments)
In
this workshop David and Paul will explore different
techniques used in pairing the hammered dulcimer with another instrument, while
keeping it interesting. Rhythm styles, range, chording, and trading lead and
accompaniment, are a few things we will be discussing. All instruments welcome,
but it will emphasize the hammered dulcimer.
8] Irish Jigs (Adv Beg-Adv
HD)
Janet
will teach a couple of new Irish jigs for hammered dulcimer. Beginners could
benefit, but intermediate and advanced players would be better suited to learning
the tunes.
9]
Introduction to Clawhammer Banjo (Beg 5 String
Banjo)
Brett
will work with you on the basics of the clawhammer
banjo style involving using downward scratches often used in old time music
rather than the three finger picking often used in bluegrass style.
Workshop Cluster 6, Sunday, 5/27,
1] Ukulele Jam (All Uke)
DUH! Dulci-More Ukulele Hangout members will lead and showcase many tunes from beginner level ones in C to more
complicated ones. Something for everyone, several loaner ukes available.
2] Slidin’ the Blues! (Adv Beg/Int Guitar)
Picking
and singing in the “bottleneck” style. Bring heavy glass or metal slide and
guitar with steel strings, and Sparky will show you some basics.
3] Harp Tunes with Celtic Roots #2 (All Harp)
Lever
harp beginner to advanced players welcome, tunes taught by ear with
arrangements and options for accompaniment. Sheet music provided by Allison and
maybe Sairey.
4] Jam Tunes Repertoire (Adv Beg) (DAD)
Marge
will teach some tried and true tunes that will often be
called in jams.
5] More Celtic Ballads for Mountain Dulcimer (Int) (DAD)
This
is a repertoire-building workshop for intermediate dulcimer players. Linda will
teach several songs from
6] Blues Fiddle (Adv Beg-Adv Fiddle)
This
is Kerry’s introduction to the basics of playing the blues on the violin.
Starting with an explanation of how the blues form works, we’ll work through
some accompaniment techniques and move to basic improvising and some of the
style elements that are particular to the blues and how they can be brought out
on the fiddle.
7] Playing with Emotion (All HD & All Instruments)
Music
tells a story; it should convey emotion. There is a difference between playing
notes and making music. Emotion is the life-blood of any song. In this
workshop, Brett will teach, not only concepts, but also hands on practical
techniques, how to phrase and shape your music. Your music is an expression of you…learn to emote and share that inner
you! This is a hands-on workshop!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-M3FcPi2QbY
8] Vamps Can Change Your
Dulcimer Life!! (Int HD)
DeeDee will show you what a VAMP is, and how
it can make your arrangements even BETTER! We'll use
some tunes as examples.
9] Beginning Recorder (Beg Recorder)
Recorder
is great for playing just about every type of music, by yourself
or with others. Jim will go over the basics of holding, blowing, and fingering
the recorder, playing some simple D and G major tunes. Handout provided for
note fingerings and several tunes, with standard notation and note names. You
need a C-soprano or C-tenor recorder; I will have a few sanitized loaner
instruments.
3] Worship Service, Sunday, 5/27,
Doug
George, pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Salem, will lead a short
service and share a message that should be meaningful for all.
1] Open Stage/Clubs Open Stage, Sunday, 5/27,
See
Saturday Open Stage for description.