Band Workshops

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Troubadour Music Style of the American Southwest: The Santa Cruz River Band is composed of three celebrated Southwestern troubadours: Ted Ramírez, Michael J. Ronstadt and Petey Ronstadt.  Their families' roots go deep into the fabric and past of the Sonoran Desert and the music of the ensemble reflects this rich heritage. They present an intriguing and powerful musical workshop discussing the music styles, history and mystical lore of the American Southwest. The class will include some discussion and demonstrations, but be sure to bring your instruments and voices, as the class will include a special focus on the guitar and vocal styles of this exciting music. Both players and listeners are welcome! Period 1, The Santa Cruz River Band
 

Music of the Big Easy: A Cross Cultural Exploration  In this workshop, we will explore the rich tapestry of New Orleans music through listening, learning, and playing.  Each day, we will take a song (or two) from New Orleans musical traditions, break it down, build it back up, and get the whole class jamming.’   By Friday, we'll have a repertoire! From Congo Square of the 19th  century to the 2009 Jazz and Heritage Festival, the music is the message, and it’s the music that has defined the culture of this most unique of American cities.  Join Professor Louie, Henry Reiff and Christopher James in this exciting ensemble class.  All instruments, singers and listeners are welcome!  Period 3, Professor Louie, Henry Reiff, Christopher James and Jon Seligman.

Archie’s Barbershop Acoustic Blues Jam: This class is an opportunity for students to learn and share blues repertoire in a nurturing, freewheeling environment. Beginning to intermediate level players with all instruments are welcome.  This class continues in the grand tradition of the blues jams and concerts held in the legendary DC blues community. Period 5, Mike Baytop, Guy Davis, Andy Cohen, Christopher James,  Scott Ainslie,  Henry Reiff, Rhonda Rucker.

Jug Band  Get ready to explore a great American musical tradition, jug band music.  Jug band music is all at once the blues, jazz, string band, and country music all rolled up into one.  Students are encouraged to bring bottles, guitars, banjos, fiddles, even horns.  Only requirement is that you must have a good handle on your instrument (except jug we'll teach that) and can play a basic three chord song at least.  Bring an open mind and heart and let's have a good time. Period 2, Dom Flemons and Sule Greg Wilson

Celtic Session: This late afternoon gathering will be run in the tradition of a free-wheeling Celtic session, encouraging everyone to take part. Session leaders will be sure to include students in this rare opportunity. Come, play, sing, listen! Period 5. Frank McGuire, Paul Creighton, Alexander Mitchell, Jeanne McDougall and others.

Scandinavian Music Session: This late afternoon gathering will combine the talents of nyckelharpa instructor Peter Hedlund and fiddle instructor Göral Ohlsson in a wonderful opportunity to play and maybe even dance to this wonderful music.  This class will play for the Wednesday evening dance in the Forum. We will be skimming the surface of various Scandinavian traditions: some Norwegian, a bit of Finish, and tunes from all over the Swedish musical landscape. The course will shed light on the similarities and differences between these distinct Nordic traditions. New tunes and old tunes. The rhythms, intonations, and styles. This will be communicated via the use of tunes playable on just about any instrument. All musicians are welcome, regardless of instrument.  The only requirement is that participants have a good grasp of their instrument. Teaching will be "by ear" and use of a recording device is strongly recommended.  Period 5. Peter Hedlund, Göran Ohlsson, Ryan Koons & Ken Koons

Scottish Fiddle Ensemble Workshop:  This is a workshop to explore the essence of 18th Century Scottish fiddle music, primarily the music of Neil Gow.  Tunes including, airs, reels, jigs, and strathspeys—will be taught by ear, as well as by standard notation. Ornamentation and bowing techniques will be explored.  In the ensemble workshop, the object will be to rehearse and perform music by the Gows and other 18th Century Scots composers arranged for string ensemble.  This will include both dance and recital repertoire.  The main objectives are: achieving a gorgeous sound and development of listening skills in a group performance situation.  Suitable for fiddle, viola, cello and string bass. Period 3, Alexander Mitchell,  Ralph Gordon, Michael G. Ronstadt and Tom Wetmore. 

Latino Band Workshop: This band workshop will delve into the rich melange of musical styles in celebration of the diverse origins of the Latin American musical heritage from the Caribe, Africa, Europe and the Americas. This year, the Santa Cruz River Band brings the music of the borderlands into this exciting workshop, resulting in a Friday evening presentation and dance!  Period 4, Santa Cruz River Band, Tomas Montoya, Patricio Acevedo, Vanissa Santi, Henry Reiff, Harry Orlove, Jon Seligman & Steve Bloom.

Music of The Band: Did you ever want to play in Bob Dylan’s band? Well, now you can! This workshop will feature the music of the legendary group, The Band, and will be led by it’s co-producer and keyboard player from the 90’s, Professor Louie.  Bring your instruments, your voices, and play and sing some of the classics such as The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down, I Shall Be Released, The Shape I’m In and so many more!
Period 5, Professor Louie

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Bluegrass & Oldtime Band Tutorials & Practice  Start off your morning with some group playing, or just some indiviual practice time, under the helpful tutelage of your oldtime and bluegrass staff instructors.  A great way to get warmed up for a great day of music, and a great way to find other players with whom you feel comfortable. Bands will form here!  Period 1, DCBU Oldtime and Bluegrass Staff 

Bluegrass Slow Jam  This late afternoon jam class will focus on playing tunes at reasonable, moderate tempos, so that students can hone their playing skills, putting into enjoyable practice things that they have been learning during the day.  Various groups will form in this class, depending upon desired tempos. Period 5, DCBU Bluegrass Staff.

Oldtime Music Session  A great opportunity to play some oldtime tunes until everyone gets 'em right.  This late afternoon session is what oldtime music is all about.  All are welcome.  Clogathon will join this session once steps are learned.   Period 5, Oldtime Staff

 Clog-A-Thon: Call it clogging, buck dancing, flat footin or just dancing! Here is a chance to set free your inner rhythm, express your creativity and dance for the joy of being one with the music. Emphasis will be placed on listening to the music so that the feet are a rhythm instrument just like a drum. This is freestyle clogging without the structure required of choreographed dance. Leather soled shoes will enhance your experience (no taps please). This class will meet in conjunction with the Old Time Band workshop. Period 5, Suzanne & Jim

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