Banjo & Mandolin

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Clawhammer Banjo:  Beginning/Intermediate Oldtime/Clawhammer five-string banjo presents the challenge of trying to get the strumming hand (your right hand, unless you are left-handed) to move in what is, at first, an unorthodox manner. This class will teach you how to make that happen, and eventually, work in the "drop-thumb" method, allowing the player to play more melody notes within the basic clawhammer technique. The class will cover various banjo tunings, hammer-ons, pull-offs, chords, and, of course tunes.   All students are welcome; even experienced players may want to review and refine clawhammer and dropthumb technique.  Your instructors are two of the true veterans of old-time banjo and will teach to all levels.  Period 2, Howie Bursen & Bill Vanaver  

 

 

Beginning Mandolin:  Because of its small size and orderly fingerboard, the mandolin is used in many styles of traditional music and is a great choice for first stringed instrument.  If you already play somthing else, even better!  This course will cover the basics of chords and accompaniment with introduction to tunes and melody.  Skills for making music with others will also be emphasized.  Period 3, Tim Porter

Intro to Blues Mandolin: Many people are unaware that the mandolin was common in early Delta string bands.  Mandolinists were present and featured as both accompanists and soloists at both Muddy Waters’ and Howlin Wolf’s first Delta recording sessions. This class will explore the rich history of Mando Blues. Students will learn to play a blues scale and voicings for 7th chords which are essential for playing the blues. We will cover 12 bar and 8 bar blues progressions that can be used to play many tunes by blues giants such as Mississippi John Hurt and Robert Johnson.  Period 2, Christopher James

Mandolin Pickin' - Technique:  Intermediate In this workshop we'll strive to play with clean articulation and clear tone.  We'll also explore practice techniques for developing speed (Yes it really does matter), playing jigs and reels, bluegrass and fiddle tune classics, as well as chordal backup for these styles.  Attention to left and right hand technique will be considered.  We will also be listening to examples of some of todays hottest pickers who are raising the bar.  Class participants are encouraged to bring their own examples of their favorite players.  EVERYONE should come to class already tuned up.  You don't need to read music but it will help, some standard notation will be used in this class.  Music stands are helpful; recording devices welcome.  Period 1, Alexander Mitchell

Jazz Mandolin: Blue Mando a la Monk For many mandolinists, jazz may be synonymous with certain styles of swing,but Bebop and later forms of jazz should beckon as well and not be ignored. The Blues underlies much of this music, and students in this course will add to their repertoire tunes such as: Blue Monk, Monk’s Dream, and Well You Needn’t by Thelonious Monk; All Blues and Boplicity by Miles Davis; Ornithology, My Little Suede Shoes, and Blues For Alice by Charlie Parker; Bluesette by Toots Thieleman; and Blue Bossa by Kenny Dorham. These are among the tunes whose melodies, harmonies, and improvisation we’ll explore fromt his period. Other artists include Luiz Bonfa, Clifford Brown, Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins, Bobby Timmons and Jerome Kerns. The course is taught by long-time CGOTH mandolinist Tim Porter, and is primarily for intermediate and beyond players, although beginners may find it worthwhile. Period 4, Tim Porter with Joe Selly

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