Class Descriptions

2019 Lee County Gathering Classes:

Joe Collins – Mountain Dulcimer

8:30-9:30 Novice Level, 1 hour
Hot Licks and Cool Sounds (novice and up) – a workshop on how to do those cool things that make people say, “Wow! How did he/she do that?”  Covers ornamentation techniques like hammer-ons, pull-offs, slides, grace notes, trills, bends, harmonics, and muting.  Gives simple songs in which these techniques can be applied and practiced.
 
9:45-11:45 Intermediate to Advanced, 2 hours
Waltzing on Three Strings (intermediate to advanced) – a repertoire workshop of waltzes that are beautiful and challenging, including some cowboy waltzes and some two-part waltzes. (This will be a combination of my “Waltzing in My Cowboy Boots” and “It Takes Two to Waltz”.)
 
1:30-2:30 Intermediate to Advanced, 1 hour 
Preparing Praiseworthy Pieces on the Mountain Dulcimer (intermediate to advanced) – This workshop will focus on little things that many champions have shared about song selection and arrangements, their practice habits, and their mental preparation.  We’ll take a well-known tune or two and apply some principles of arranging to them with the goal of helping participants polish their own songs for praiseworthy performance.
 
2:45-3:45 All levels ensemble, 1-hour
Multi-Part Ensembles (all levels) - In this workshop, we will be working together to play multi-part pieces, at least one hymn arrangement and one folk tune. No matter what level you play, you will be able to contribute to a great sounding mini orchestra!

Bob Taunton – Banjo & Bass

8:30-9:30 Banjo-All levels, 1-hour
Play Banjo Today! 
Who says you have to spend years perfecting intricate finger rolls or clawhammer strokes before you can play banjo? In this class we’ll learn a couple of different tunings and three or four chords, and you’ll be able to play as many songs as you can handle. If Pete Seeger and the Irish Rovers could do it why not you? At the end of a one-hour class you’ll be able to play three songs, and many more in sight as your skills improve. Beginners and up. Vocalizing is encouraged.

9:45-11:45 Banjo—Intermediate, 2-hour
The Banjo Roadmap
Stuck in the key of “G” and can’t get anywhere else? Do you have to capo on the seventh fret in order to play with the dulcimers? Or even worse, capo on the ninth fret in order to play in “E”? Do your fingers get tied in knots when you have to play in waltz time? Well, “fret” no more. In this class we’ll explore alternate tunings and playing styles, use the capo and tunings to make the tunes want to jump off the fingerboard; all the while learning the omnipresent clawhammer style. For Novice and up. Should know basic chords and be able to retune without assistance.

1:30-2:30 Bass—All levels, 1-hour
Walk the Bass on Home 
Learn to accompany other instruments without tab or music, anticipate chords changes, and which chords fit into various keys. Then as skill improves, improvise a “walking” bass line to move from one chord to the next. You’ll learn “PPP”; proper plucking patterns for each key signature. The bass player is essential to any ensemble and provides the harmonic foundation. You, too, can be a bass player. Beginner and up. 

Cindy Mask – Autoharp

8:30-9:30 Beginning, 1-hour 
An introduction to the autoharp. 
This hands-on workshop will answer all of your questions about that ‘box with strings’. Learn options for holding the autoharp, use of finger picks, techniques for strumming, chording, posture and hand positions. Loaner autoharps will be available.

9:45-11:45 Novice Autoharp, 2-hour 
Beyond Beginners
For those who have a familiarity with the autoharp, tuning, hand position and some chords. We will learn a few new songs and talk about melody picking.

1:30-2:30 Intermediate Autoharp, 1-hour 
Melody Picking on the Autoharp
Melody picking on the autoharp for those who are familiar with the autoharp. Which chord to use with what melody note.

2:45-3:45 All levels, 1-hour
Ensemble Class 
Class will work together to provide accompaniment with other groups for the ensemble presentation.

Sharrie George – Ukulele

8:30-9:30 Ukulele-Beginning—1 hour 
Fun Ukulele Basics!
Enjoy learning all the basics needed to play the ukulele!  By the end of the class, we'll have you strumming, singing, and playing some fun ukulele tunes!  (For soprano, concert and tenor ukuleles in standard tuning.)

9:45-11:45 Beyond Beginner to Intermediate Ukulele –2-hour
Strumming and Melody Picking
Learn some new chords, strums, songs and how to play a little melody for those wanting to go a step further with their ukuleles!  Learn to read ukulele tablature so you don't need to read music - and take home some new tunes!

2:45-3:45 All levels, 1-hour
Turtle Orchestra 
Learn a great tune with strum, melody, harmony and vocal parts to play with other instruments.  We'll have a part or a strum for every level of player as long as you know some basic chords.  Join us for the fun!

Jim Miller – Hammered Dulcimer & Mandolin

8:30-9:30 Beginner Mandolin, 1-hour, 
Folk Songs
This class will use folk songs to teach the mechanics of the mandolin.

9:45-11:45 Intermediate to Advanced Hammered Dulcimer, 2-hour 
Performance and Embellishments
Taking your playing to the next level. Learn performance strategies and embellishments.

1:30-2:30 Beyond Beginner Mandolin, 1-hour 
Old Time mandolin
Work on techniques used by old-time mandolin and bluegrass players

2:45-3:45 All levels, all instruments, 1-hour, Ensemble class
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