Great Times!

We had a BLAST at this year's Gathering and are already making plans for 2014!  Thanks to everyone who joined us - we hope you think back on these few days and smile at the memories.  Plan on joining us again next January!

Here's the schedule so far...

Happy Friday from Key West!  Being that this is the tropics, we have a very flexible schedule of instruction based on consensus.  That is, whatever you want to learn, Butch and I will teach.  After gathering some input yesterday (while bandying about in old town), here's what we're starting with today:

2 pm - Butch Ross - Jam Survival Skills

4 pm - Butch Ross - Rhythm Workshop (or consensus)

Dinner Break

Jamming and possibly concert by Butch


Saturday

10 am - Jamming

11 am - Bing Futch - Blues Workshop


Lunch Break

Consensus on remaining workshops

We are looking at going out on the Schooner Wolf for a sunset cruise on the Gulf of Mexico Saturday evening.  Tickets are $50.  If we don't go out on the cruise, we will more than likely present a tandem concert during that time.  If we do the cruise, we'll perform a matinee concert in the afternoon.

Sunday will be a light day as Butch has a radio interview in Miami and I've got a bit of a family emergency, so we'll be looking at jamming and possibly some instruction in the morning.  Sheri has offered to lead folks on some island excursions to close out the gathering.

Once again, check my Twitter feed for updates and locations for meals.  Remember that both Butch and I have CDs and books for sale - all workshops will be $20 per person.  Private instruction rates available upon request.

We hope you're having a great time here in Key West and we'll look forward to seeing you this afternoon!

It's On!

We're having some jamming at Casa Cabanas (2510 Harris Ave.) from now until about 6:00 pm.  Then, we'll be heading over to the White Tarpon (700 Front St.) to hear Butch Ross perform during the Key West Food and Wine Festival "Neighborhood Stroll."  Sometime between today and tomorrow, we'll have a consensus on workshops/private lessons and will be offering those over the next three days; all will be posted here.

Be sure to tune into my Twitter feed for the latest information.  You don't have to be on Twitter to get information from this source.  See you soon!

Key West Food and Wine Festival & More

We are honored and proud to once again be a community partner of the Key West Food and Wine Festival taking place on the same four days as our gathering.  Butch Ross will be performing during Thursday evening's "Wine Around Neighborhood Stroll" in Key West Bight from 7 to 9 pm.

As part of our laid-back island experience, we'll be making excursions out to some of our favorite eateries for various meals throughout the four days.  A good way to stay on top of where we're going is to check my Twitter feed.

Of course, you're welcome to come and go as you like, explore the island and set your own pace.  As we get closer to the start of the gathering, a general schedule of sorts will form and you can begin to plan around some of the explorations, musical and otherwise, that we have to offer.  Brochures for the Key West Food and Wine Festival will be available at Casa Cabanas.

We're looking forward to seeing you in just a few short days!  For those of you driving, be sure to take your time as you come through the Keys and enjoy the ride.  There's a lot of interesting things to see and do.  Watch for suggestions on my Twitter feed starting on Wednesday!

R.I.P. Fred Cabanas

I would be remiss without posting about the loss of Fred Cabanas, Sheri's brother-in-law and a dearly loved figure in Key West and the aviation world, who died this past Tuesday, January 15th.  Here is a link to a great story and video tribute to the man who spent many years as a familiar sight in the skies above Key West.  Though we are going on with our gathering, we will also be remembering Fred and his shining spirit that brought such joy and inspiration to many:

http://www.aopa.org/aircraft/articles/2013/130116remembering-fred-cabanas.html?CMP=News%3AS1RM#.UPcthLicco0.facebook

The Key West Dulcimer Gathering is just around the corner and we're starting to get excited about spending four lovely days in the place that you see in the picture above.  (That's Smathers Beach, by the way, and we'll head over there at least once.)

There's no registration fee - merely point your GPS to 2510 Harris Ave in Key West and plan on showing up sometime on Thursday, January 24th.  Nothing is planned yet - that's completely up to those who arrive!  Butch Ross and myself will be on hand to lead jams, offer private lessons and see who's interested in what.  Once we have a consensus, we'll know what kinds of workshops to put together and when to offer them.

Now, if you don't have a place to stay yet, contact Sheri Cabanas at Conch Republic Concierge (305) 294-6019.

Other than that - prepare to have a blast in the tropics!  If you're joining us later than the 24th, text or call me at (407) 342-1447 and I'll let you know where we're at if we are moving about the island.  Last year, we visited Smather's Beach, Ft. Zachary Taylor, Mallory Square, Duval Street and went to a number of other fun locations.  No reservations required - just show up!  Workshops and private lessons will be available on a pay-as-you-go basis.

Looking forward to another great time in Key West; see you soon!

2013 Key West Dulcimer Gathering - 1/24 - 1/27

Butch Ross and Bing Futch are the performers/instructors for the 2013 Key West Dulcimer Gathering

The 2013 Key West Dulcimer Gathering will take place January 24th - 27th at Casa Cabanas (2510 Harris Ave.) in Key West, Florida!  The low-key nature (pun fully intended) of the 2012 event worked so well that we've decided to stick with that formula; whoever shows up, shows up and will be welcomed with music, fun, great food and the beauty of wintertime in the sub-tropics of the United States.

No registration fee is required and with the workshops on mountain dulcimer, Native American flute and ukulele (perhaps even guitar), you simply pay as you go.  Or nap on the deck.  Or go snorkeling - it's all your call.

The dynamic duo of Butch Ross and Bing Futch will be on staff and ready to help you learn as you have fun - or is that have fun as you learn?  Either way, it's going to be a good time as we enjoy lots of jamming, an honest-to-goodness Cuban cookout, some sightseeing and whatever else may come into play;  this is Key West after all.

Get the best room rates and information on other activities and camping from Conch Republic Concierge.

Also, be sure to send an e-mail to bingfutch@yahoo.com if you intend on attending, so we can keep track of the numbers.

We're looking forward to another fun time down at the Southernmost Point and hope you are too!  Watch for more in this space soon.  Don't forget to subscribe to this blog so you don't miss a thing!

Pictures from the Key West Dulcimer Gathering 2012

A selection of photos from the 2012 Key West Dulcimer Gathering

Sunrise off of Smathers Beach

Jae Futch and JT Taylor meet Captain Jack Sparrow

Our group gathers for a Cuban meal at El Meson de Pepe in Mallory Square

Cuban cookout at Casa Cabanas (say that five times fast!)

Jamming at Casa Cabanas

Cuban cookout at Casa Cabanas

Cuban cookout at Casa Cabanas

Robert Force and George Cabanas

Gary Zimmerman, Robert Force and Scott Snyder

Smathers Beach

The Ride of Your Life

Dining at the Conch Flyer after a nice biplane flight!

Conch Flyer Restaurant

Fort Zachary Taylor

Fort Zachary Taylor

Fort Zachary Taylor

Fort Zachary Taylor

Fort Zachary Taylor

Robert Force at Fort Zachary Taylor

Fort Zachary Taylor

Fort Zachary Taylor Beach

Fort Zachary Taylor Beach

Fort Zachary Taylor Beach

Fort Zachary Taylor Beach

Dr. Dan and Sheri Cabanas on Fort Zachary Taylor Beach

Fort Zachary Taylor Beach

Schooner Wharf

Half Shell Raw Bar

Jae Futch, JT Taylor and Dr. Dan at Half Shell Raw Bar

Looks like a great time, huh?  Think about coming down to join us for this event!  No registration fee - just show up and pay for your workshops/private lessons directly to your instructors.  Donations accepted for the Cuban cookout.  Hope to see you there!

A look at the Saturday night concert!

Great times!

It was a very good time at what has turned out to be the very first Key West Dulcimer Gathering.  Though we had to cancel the larger planned festival - this laid-back and low-key gathering turned out really nice, especially with Robert Force and Scott Snyder there along with island local Gary Zimmerman.  We did workshops and jams, had awesome Cuban food at Casa Cabanas, went sightseeing at Ft. Zachary Taylor and experienced some of the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square.

Best of all - we hung out, made music and enjoyed the wonderful weather of the sub-tropics in the month of January.

We've definitely decided to continue on in this vein with next year's featured performer being Butch Ross.  I'll be there as well, and we'll both be offering workshops, private lessons and an informal concert.

Thanks to everyone who came out and shared the experience with us - I'll post some pics and video here so you can see how it all played out.  Hope to see you in 2013!

Sho na bish,

Bing

Jam at Casa Cabanas - January 28th in Key West!

Saturday, January 28th at:

Casa Cabanas
2510 Harris Ave.
Key West, Florida

5 - 11 pm

Jams galore! I'll be there - looks like Robert Force and Scott Snyder will be there as well. Just one of the many opportunities to get together and have some musical fun!

If you're interested in private lessons, I will be in Key West from Thursday to Monday (Januuary 26th - 30th) - e-mail or call (407-342-1447) if you'd like to set something up.

Looking forward to living la vida local in Key West. : )

Sho na bish,

Bing

Gathering

Here's the latest on the dates of January 26th through 29th:

There are a handful of dulcimer players who will be in Key West, myself included. There will be some get-togethers, jams and private lessons available. No dates and times have been set - that will happen once I'm down there and better know where everyone is. If you're interested in any of the above, the best thing to do is drop me an e-mail and I'll put you on a list to be notified when a group is getting together or heading somewhere on the island. I don't know of any other instructors who will be down there during this time.

Refunds have gone out, so please keep your eyes on the mailbox if you were a registrant.

We're looking forward to a laid-back hang-out in Key West - keep in touch!

Sho na bish,

Bing

Key West Dulcimer Fest: Canceled

Due to a serious deficit in registrations, the Key West Dulcimer Fest has been canceled indefinitely. The handful of registration fees collected will be refunded. I deeply apologize for any cost and/or inconvenience that this may cause.

From the first festival in 2010, we knew that the United States economy was starting to show signs of recession/depression. With the 2011 and 2012 editions, it has become obvious that this trend is only getting more severe. Though we had set a date of December 31st as a deadline for registrations, we are pulling the plug now so that people can plan accordingly.

Though we had great fun at the 1st and 2nd annual Key West Dulcimer Fests, this will be the end of the line for future editions unless someone else takes up the organizer position and runs with it. I am counting my brief time as a festival organizer as a joyful and educational experience that I hope will be helpful in other areas of my career. Many thanks to my wife, Jae Futch, and my sister-in-law, Sheri Cabanas, for their assistance over the past three years with this event. Thanks to all the volunteers who have helped us operationally and to the instructors who were part of our collective staff. Thanks also to the Key West American Legion, Hurricane Hole, Days Inn, Holiday Inn, Comfort Inn and Lexington Hotel for their accommodations. Special thanks to Folkcraft Instruments for their sponsorship, the Key West Food and Wine Festival for their community partnership and to Conch TV and The Citizen for their media assistance.

Most of all - thanks to everyone who attended the festival in its brief history. There's more than a little bittersweetness involved when I say that we could've never done it without you.

Best Regards,

Bing Futch

Registration Deadline: December 31st!

Attention prospective festival-goers: the deadline for registrations is December 31st. If you're thinking about attending the festival, be sure to get your registrations in by the end of 2011 - thank you!

Key West Dulcimer Fest 2012~

Workshops!

Here is the list of workshop offerings for Thursday, January 26th to Saturday, January 28th. Sunday, January 29th will be a morning of Master's Classes; longer and more in-depth workshops available for an additional fee payable directly to the instructor's. Those offerings will be listed here as they are scheduled. Some workshop descriptions are not yet available so they are listed here by skill level only. Please be sure to click the instructor's names for their website links where you'll find bio information and contact information.

The daily schedule is as follows:

Breakfast - 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.

1st Period - 9:00 - 10:15 a.m.

2nd Period - 10:30 - 11:45 a.m.

Lunch - 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

3rd Period - 1:00 - 2:15 p.m.

4th Period - 2:30 - 3:45 p.m.

Dinner - 3:45 - 6:00 p.m.

Concerts - (Friday and Saturday) 6:00 - 10 p.m.

The following initials denote these instruments:

MD = mountain dulcimer

HD = hammered dulcimer

SD = steel drum

PW = pennywhistle

NAF = Native American flute

AH = autoharp

GUI = guitar

UKE = ukulele

BAN = banjo

VOX = singing

ALL = all instruments welcome

Robert Force

Lead Lines & Improvisations
(Thursday - Comfort Inn Patio 101 - 2nd Period)
MD

This workshop is about knowing there are sets of notes which, if played at the right time with the right inflection, open the doors of perception for both player and audience. Music becomes an interactive dance: giving, taking, responding to yours and other musician's creativity and sensibility. There are rules for this: do-mi-sol-do are nouns; ti is a conjunction; re-fa-la are adjectives. We will learn to apply these "grammatical" building blocks to build "leads"-- those musical sentences that illuminate music.

Intermediate to Advanced

Off Beat & On Time-- Counter Rhythms & Syncopation
(Friday - Comfort Inn Patio 101 - 2nd Period)
MD

We will explore counter-rhythm, alternating the flat-picked "roll" and the strum within the same song to build syncopation dynamics. To further understand this "counter" effect we will incorporate techniques such as hammering on, pulling off, splitting strings, harmonics and playing the melody with one hand only. We will also visit a few tricky chord progressions. Using these techniques we'll play some traditional and contemporary compositions and even recast a few folk songs as reggaes and calypsos.

Intermediate

Two-Stop Chords
(Friday - Comfort Inn Patio 101 - 4th Period)
MD

I believe the unique, musical world-voice of the dulcimer (and it's charm) resides in the two-stop chord. They subtlety imply harmony and tune direction rather than powerfully declaring so with bold strokes. On the time line of world musical history, the dulcimer is the bridge between the lyrical and the chordal. These "almost" chords are the shy, tentative, innocent first kisses of youth, full of wistfulness and coltish grace. As we learn to "walk" these chords, the truly named "sweet sound" of dulcimer is revealed.

Beginner to Intermediate

Wellyn & Cornwall
(Saturday - Comfort Inn Patio 101 - 4th Period)
MD

These two "signature" instrumentals by Robert Force and Albert d'Ossche' were written on the same day in 1972. The lyrical simplicity of Cornwall and the dynamic rhythm of Wellyn appeared on the 1977 seminal recording: The Pacific Rim Dulcimer Project, a diverse collection of songs and tunes featuring artists that were key performers in the then emerging dulcimer renaissance. Wellyn is the most often recorded "new" dulcimer tune with dozens of interpretations from folk to jazz to rock to world beat.

All Levels

Bruce Ford

The Dulcimer Was Made For Singing!

(Thursday - Lexington Courtyard - 3rd Period)

MD VOX

The mountain dulcimer was MADE to accompany our voices and it does it beautifully! Don’t our voices make a fine accompaniment to our island setting? The problem is most dulcimer players don’t learn how to adjust their playing for vocals. The good news is that in the course of one workshop, you’ll be off and singing like a lark. This workshop is designed to have you singing quickly, confidently and without stress.

- Simplify your right and left hand motions to free your brain up for singing

- Posture, positioning and poise

- How to get songs you WANT to sing into your vocal range

- Transposing songs for your newfound skills

Since we’re in the tropics…how about some island-kinda songs as practice. This is a very fun and popular workshop and often has the impact of “unleashing” pent up vocal talent! Intermediate

The Break-through Machine

(Saturday - Comfort Inn Patio 103 - 1st Period)

MD

Have you plateau-ed? Do you need to supercharge your practice sessions so you can blast off to the next level? If so, you are not alone! Many, perhaps most, dulcimer players stay where they plateau, but you don’t have to. If you want to accelerate your acquisition of skills, Bruce will walk you through tried and proven methods for doing so. You’ll leave this workshop having practiced these methods and will be well on your way to the next level Intermediate to Advanced

Group Playing and Arranging - Gospel in the Tropics

(Friday - Comfort Inn Patio 103 - 2nd Period)

MD

Bruce will pick out 3-5 less well-known, easy to play, Gospel songs for us to play and/or sing. The group emphasis will be techniques for interesting group playing. Let’s explore ideas for turning songs into cool arrangements for a group. The singing emphasis will be on playing while singing in a relaxed way. At the end of the workshop, you’ll have ideas for turning your group or club arrangements of songs into something memorable. Your gigs will never be the same. If you are, or desire to be a group leader, this is a MUST. Intermediate to Advanced

The 10 Big Chords and How To Use Them.

(Friday - Comfort Inn Patio 105 - 3rd Period)

MD

A practical workshop on chording Beginner to Intermediate

Adam Miller

Scott Joplin Rags for Chromatic Autoharp

(Saturday - Comfort Inn Patio 105 - 1st Period)

AH

The Entertainer (1902) and Pineapple Rag (1907) in C major.

Brother, Can You Spare a Dime? (1931) for Chromatic Autoharp

(Friday - Lexington Courtyard - 1st Period)

AH

Harburg and Gorney's in A minor explores the major and minor changes of a Russian melody / 1931 pop tune.

Open Chording Fiddle Tunes for Diatonic Autoharp

(Thursday - Lexington Courtyard - 2nd Period)

AH

Stephen Foster's "Nellie Bly" (1860) and "Coleman's March" in D Major.

Broadway Showtunes Arranged for the Chromatic Autoharp

(Saturday - Comfort Inn Patio 103 - 3rd Period)

AH

Sondheim and Bernstein's "Maria" (1957) in C Major.

Rogers and Hammerstein's "Oh, What a Beautiful Morning" (1943) in G Major.

Thomasina Levy

A Singing Circle (with Rob Brereton)

(Thursday - Comfort Inn Mallory Room - 4th Period)

ALL VOX

The first two instruments are the human heart (source of all rhythm) and the voice. Come join the group in a joyful hour of singing a variety of chants, songs, rounds and sounds. Feel free to bring your own song or round to teach and present to the circle. No musical experience required.

Left Hand Embellishments

(Thursday - Comfort Inn Mallory Room - 3rd Period)

MD

Left hand embellishments will help you to “dress up” your music once you are familiar with the basics of playing the mountain dulcimer. Once you get some of these techniques under your belt (or should we say “under your left finger tips”?) you can even make a simple song like Bile Them Cabbage Down sound exciting. Techniques we will explore are: Hammering-On, Pulling-Off, Vibrato, Slides, Harmonics. Beginner to Intermediate

Minor Scales and Songs

(Saturday - Comfort Inn Pool Annex - 3rd Period)

MD

Songs in a minor tuning often have that “haunting” feeling. Some basic music theory will be presented. Learn how to tune and retune your dulcimer to minor modes from DAd. Come tuned to DAd and bring a capo. Intermediate

Arranging Songs on the Mt. Dulcimer

(Friday - Comfort Inn Patio 103 - 4th Period)

MD

This workshop will help to give the participants skills to arrange sings in different keys. Students will be taught a familiar tune (Amazing Grace) four different ways in order to see the various possibilities which can exist for one song. Then, each person will be given blank tab paper and encouraged to try to arrange a song on her/his own. Advanced

Steve Smith

Duet playing (with Ruth Smith)

(Friday - Lexington Royal Palm - 2nd Period)

HD

Learn to play with a hammered dulcimer partner. In the first half of this workshop, the hammered dulcimer players learn a tune while the guitar players learn the backup part to this tune in a separate concurrent session. In the second half of the workshop, the hammered dulcimer and guitar players will join together to play the tune, focusing on techniques to help the instruments complement one another and making the results more musical by use of dynamics and expression. Intermediate to Advanced

Fingerstyle Guitar

(Friday - Comfort Inn Pool Annex - 4th Period)

GUI

Basic three finger-roll, right-hand pattern and variations for both 4/4 and 3/4 time. This workshop focuses on getting these two basic finger patterns down “rock solid” to form a foundation for later variations. Also, how to play flat-pick melodies using fingers and/or finger picks will be demonstrated. Students need to be able to play basic left-hand chords smoothly. Intermediate

How to Accompany Others on Guitar

(Thursday - Comfort Inn Patio 103 - 3rd Period)

GUI

The art of backing up a lead instrument, such as a hammered or mountain dulcimer, fiddle, or other lead instrument is a very special skill that must be learned and developed over time. In this workshop, the student will learn the key factors needed to make your guitar and the other instrument involved sound as though they are one instrument. How to follow and support the lead instrument with complimentary chord progressions and leading runs will be taught, along with how to play with dynamics and expression. All Skill Levels

Music Publishing, Copyrights, and Licensing

(Thursday - Lexington Courtyard - 4th Period)

Learn how to copyright your music. Learn the legal requirements concerning the public use of others' music in your performances and/or in your recordings. This session will clear up the vast amount of misinformation that exists about the legal use of music and how to get permission to use or license it. Public performance and mechanical royalty structure will also be discussed. New developing digital download and streaming copyright issues will be explained. Bring your questions! All Participants

Clawhammer Banjo from the Ground Up

(Saturday - Lexington Courtyard - 1st Period)

BAN

Basic right-hand clawhammer stroke, simple left-hand chords, pulloffs, and hammer-ons, along with simple melody lines to begin to play the old-timey way. No experience necessary! Beginner

Ruth Smith

Duet playing (with Steve Smith)

(Friday - Lexington Royal Palm - 2nd Period)

HD GUI

Learn to play with a guitar partner. In the first half of this workshop, the hammered dulcimer players learn a tune while the guitar players learn the backup part to this tune in a separate concurrent session. In the second half of the workshop, the hammered dulcimer and guitar players will join together to play the tune, focusing on techniques to help the instruments complement one another and making the results more musical by use of dynamics and expression. Intermediate to Advanced

From Heart to Hands

(Saturday - Comfort Inn Pool Annex - 4th Period)

HD

Learn to play with greater expressiveness. We'll study specific arranging tools and exercises to help accentuate the beauty in melody lines and emphasize the underlying theme of the music. Repertoire will be drawn from expressive, lyrical music. (a slow air, waltz, or lament)

Intermediate

I Wonder As I Wander

(Thursday - Lexington Royal Palm - 3rd Period)

HD

Learn the hauntingly beautiful winter favorite “I Wonder as I Wander”. We’ll study 4 different chord-based variations of the melody and sneak in a little hands independence as well as playing with greater expression. Advanced

Name that Tune

(Friday - Lexington Royal Palm - 4th Period)

HD

Technique exercises don’t have to be dull. Have fun and be productive as we discover musical phrases that act like building blocks for many common tunes and, before you know it, you’ve learned a new tune! Intermediate

Stephen Seifert

Chord College

Intermediate

(Thursday - Lexington Royal Palm - 1st Period)

MD

How to Use chords in Backup, Arranging, and Improvisation - DAD - No Capo - It looks like you have to memorize tons of chords and you don't have any idea how to use them? This system makes the task easier, quicker, and more applicable. The goal is to know where and how to play all major and minor chords available on the mountain dulcimer. If you've had trouble with this in the past, try this class. There isn’t a lot of music theory talk, just practical ways to learn and use this stuff.

On The Spot Multiple Parts For Group Playing
Intermediate

(Friday - Comfort Inn Pool Annex - 1st Period)

MD

Learn how to EASILY and QUICKLY come up with melody, harmony, and backup in three octaves as you sight read a simple melody from tablature. We’ll learn shortcuts and more! One or two tunes a day.


Exactly How To Turn Plain Into Cool

Advanced

(Friday - Lexington Courtyard - 4th Period)

MD

This isn’t just “do what feels right.” I’ll show you exactly how to come up with intros, riffs, and endings to augment your arrangements and performances. We’ll work with arpeggios, fingering, flatpicking, and more.

Learn Like Grandpa Did

All Skill Levels

(Saturday - Lexington Royal Palm - 3rd Period)

MD

Learn how to learn in a “do-as-I-do” style similar to what folks did in the old days. I’ll teach you step-by-step how to read hands like some people read sheet music. We’ll cover two or three tunes. Expect a bunch of encouraging and empowering tips.

Rick Thum

Intermediate

(Thursday - Comfort Inn Pool Annex - 1st Period)

HD

Learn and play chords as back up. We will learn how to play the chords, how to know which chords to use in a song, and will play them in as many songs as time allows.

Advanced

(Friday - Lexington Royal Palm - 1st Period)

HD

Learn the Song "Benton's Dream" We will then learn how to embellish it using overlapping scales. This is a fun song made even more fun by looking at your scales a little differently.

Intermediate

(Friday - Comfort Inn Mallory Room - 4th Period)

HD

Learn how to use Syncopation. We will learn the song "Pleasure House Rag" It has a syncopation pattern in it. We will then look at how to change that pattern to fit other songs.

Advanced

Saturday - Lexington Courtyard - 2nd Period)

HD

Embellishments. I will be open to your questions on how do we do ______ (fill in the blank with your need). We can look at lots of ways to create embellishment and learn how to do them. This is a very fun and interactive class. Come with your questions ready.

Karen Mueller

Novice - Intermediate

(Thursday - Comfort Inn Patio 103 - 2nd Period)

AH

Playing well with others- adding the autoharp to a dulcimer group. The autoharp is a perfect complement to dulcimers. Learn a variety of rhythms to go with popular dulcimer tunes, and how to play basic melodies. Keys of G and D. Curious observers are welcome.

Advanced

Thursday - Comfort Inn Patio 103 - 4th Period)

MD

From plain to wow: Starting with a basic strummed melody, transform tunes into dynamic crosspicked or fingerpicked arrangements that will really sing.

Intermediate

(Friday - Lexington Courtyard - 2nd Period)

AH

Playing clean melodies- fiddle tunes, waltzes and familiar songs. Keys of G and D.

Advanced

Saturday - Comfort Inn Patio 103 - 2nd Period)

MD

Tunes that use the 1 1/2 fret. From Irish to blues to haunting minor melodies and versatile chords, make the most of this extremely useful fret.

Gary Sager

Smooth Up Your Playing

(Thursday - Comfort Inn Patio 103 - 1st Period)

MD

Novice to Intermediate

Jump Into That Jam (Playing Backup Chords)

(Friday - Comfort Inn Patio 103 - 1st Period)

MD

Novice to Intermediate

Waltzes

(Thursday - Comfort Inn Patio 103 - 4th Period)

MD

Novice to Intermediate

Hymns & Gospel Tunes

(Friday - Comfort Inn Patio 105 - 4th Period)

MD

Intermediate to Advanced

Sue Carpenter

Fingerpicking Fills and Frills

(Thursday - Comfort Inn Patio 105 - 1st Period)

MD

For anyone who already fingerpicks, this class will polish your skills. Focus will be on "choreographed" picking patterns and dynamics. Learn advanced techniques in easy exercises and then apply those techniques in an arrangement of “The Harp That Once.”

Tuning: DAD Intermediate

Celtic Airs and Waltzes

(Friday - Comfort Inn Patio 103 - 3rd Period)

MD

If slow and beautiful is what you like, then you’ll love Sue’s arrangements of “Bright Quiet Eileen,” O’Carolan’s “Planxty Eleanor Plunkett,” and “Mo Ghile Mahr,” each arranged for fingerpicking but easily adapted to flatpicking. Tuning: DAD Intermediate to Advanced

Four Strings: Tricks, Kicks, and Licks

(Saturday - Lexington Courtyard - 3rd Period)

MD

Learn how easy, jazzy, and full-sounding four equidistant strings can be with occasional simple chord fingering adjustments for the 4th string. We'll build on what you already play 3-string style and learn a new 4-string arrangement. Discover the difference and the possibilities. Tuning: DADD Intermediate

Heavenly Harmonics

(Saturday - Comfort Inn Mallory Room - 4th Period)

MD

Harmonics are bell-like chimes played by lightly touching a string at the same time that you pick the string. Learn where natural harmonics are located on your dulcimer and discover ways to use them in your music. Discover the zen-like magic of playing “Westminster Chimes” and “Amazing Grace” using all harmonics. Tuning: DAD Intermediate to Advanced

Steve Eulberg

Beginning Hammered Dulcimer: Driver's Ed

(Thursday - Lexington Courtyard - 1st Period)

HD

Map of the Dulcimer, Hammering, Doubled Notes, Horizontal, Modes & HD; Finding tunes; Right to left; Octave patterns. Tuning Game. Absolute Beginner to Advanced Beginner

Mountain Dulcimer Bossa Nova for DAd & FAC tunings TOGETHER (with Rob Brereton)

(Friday - Comfort Inn Mallory Room - 3rd Period)

MD

Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “Wave” is a tune that demonstrates the beauty and breadth of dulcimers playing together in both familiar and unfamiliar ways. This class is for people who are nervous about leaving DAd tuning but want to explore a Latin tradition AND those who are ready to expand and explore! Beginner to Advanced

Mountain Dulcimer The Magic of the Capo

(Thursday - Comfort Inn Pool Annex - 4th Period)

MD

There’s a lot of terrific music out there that is not played in the key of D! The capo is an inexpensive and terrific tool that helps the mountain dulcimer be flexible and play in many keys and modes within a single tuning. We’ll play tunes in their original keys (of E Aeolian, G, A Mixolydian & A Dorian--so we are more prepared and welcomed in non-mountain- dulcimer-specific jam sessions). Advanced Beginner to Advanced

Learning to Play the Tunes You Love By Ear (All Instruments Welcome)

(Saturday - Comfort Inn Pool Annex - 2nd Period)

ALL

For the first 5-6 years of our lives we learned everything we know by observing with our eyes and ears. Then we went to school where we were taught how to read…and they spent the next 12 years telling us to sit down and listen (because we stopped using our ears!) We will re-awaken our ears, build an inner scaffold (based on our instrument of choice) of understanding upon which we can hang the tunes and fragments that come to our ears in order to play the tunes you want to play.

Butch Ross

The Roots of Rock-n-Roll: Rhythm

(Thursday - Comfort Inn Pool Annex - 2nd Period)

MD

From Doo Wop to Dylan, Chuck Berry to the Beatles Rock-n-Roll has lived in the beat, in this survey class we'll sample common beats, syncopation, swing and feel. You don’t have to play or even want to play rock-n-roll to take this class; what we learn here will inform your playing no matter WHAT your style is.

The Roots of Rock-n-Roll: Chords and Progressions

(Thursday- Comfort Inn Pool Annex - 3rd Period)

MD

Just like Old Time, Jazz and Bluegrass, Rock-n-Roll has chord progressions and harmonic ideas that define it. We'll learn some of the rules of theory, and then learn which ones to break. While learning some of the most ionic progressions of the early days of rock-n-roll. You bring the dulcimer, Butch will bring the rockin' and a rollin' (Leather jackets and sunglasses not required but strongly encouraged).

Composition for Mortals 1: Creating Something From Nothing

(Friday - Comfort Inn Pool Annex - 2nd Period)

MD

Using melodic games borrowed from Improv theater we will create a tune out of nothing. What kind of tune will it be? And what's it gonna sound like? I don't know, 'cuz YOU are gonna be the one who writes it. I'll show you some rules, and keep you from flying the airplane into the mountain, but you and your classmates are gonna write the song .

Composition for Mortals 2: From Tune To Arrangement

(Friday - Comfort Inn Pool Annex - 3rd Period)

MD

Using the tune we wrote in the last class, we'll learn how to take it from a simple melody to a full-fledged arrangement. Techniques learned in this class can be applied creating arrangements of traditional material, putting your own stamp on existing arrangements or just making jam sessions more interesting and fun.

Guy George

Steel Drum 1

(Thursday - Lexington Royal Palm - 2nd Period)

SD

Play an authentic steel drum, professionally tuned, and learn the basics in one class! This fun and easy to learn instrument will add that Caribbean flavor to any music group. We will learn a few tunes and harmonies, how to play a chord back-up, along with a little chord theory on the steel drum. Steel drums will be available before class or at our vending area - easy to transport home! Sorry, no loaners available.

Hammer Dulcimer

(Thursday - Lexington Royal Palm - 4th Period)

HD

Blues on the HD - Jazz up your playing while learning a 12 Bar Blues jazz progression. Learn how to get that “bluesy” sound with blues chords and scale patterns. Playing the ‘Blues’ is fun!!

Pennywhistle 1

(Friday - Lexington Royal Palm - 3rd Period)

PW

Learn to play the easiest instrument to carry around. You will be playing a tune quickly - we’ll learn a simple calypso tune to take home with you! We will cover the basics - how to hold and finger the notes and sound good! Learn techniques for breathing, tonguing, and the scales to play in the key of “D” and “G” - all on one whistle! Great sounding, inexpensive whistles will be available before the class. Even if you’ve taken this class before, it’s a great review and we have added new tunes for learning!

Steel Drum 2

(Saturday - Lexington Royal Palm - 1st Period)

SD

Take your steel drum playing to the next step - we’ll concentrate more on chord playing and back-up and how to adjust to play in other keys as we learn some cool calypso tunes. This workshop will get you ready for the master class on Sunday!

Pennywhistle 2

(Saturday - Lexington Royal Palm - 4th Period)

PW

Pennywhistle Duets - We’ll be playing in 2 keys (on a D whistle), as we learn how to control breathing - all while we learn a few “Island” tunes from the Caribbean islands as well as a few from the ʻIrishʼ island. Melody and harmony parts for each! Learn a harmony part to play while others are playing melody in a jam or on stage!

Sharrie George

Ukulele 1

(Thursday - Comfort Inn Patio 105 - 3rd Period)

UKE

Learn and review the basics; tuning, chords and strumming patterns. We’ll learn back-up for some island tunes as well as a few jam tunes! If you are past beginner, we’ll give you some “extras” to play to spice up our chording! Great sounding, inexpensive ukuleles will be available for purchase before the class.

Guitar 1

(Friday - Comfort Inn Patio 105 - 1st Period)

GUI

Beginner basics - learn how to tune, play a few basic chords, and basic strums. We’ll show you back-up for a few jam tunes - and at least one caribbean tune! (Even if you aren’t ready to play them by the end of class, you’ll have the information you need to take with you for practice!)

Rob Brereton

A Singing Circle (with Rob Brereton)

(Thursday - Comfort Inn Mallory Room - 4th Period)

ALL VOX

The first two instruments are the human heart (source of all rhythm) and the voice. Come join the group in a joyful hour of singing a variety of chants, songs, rounds and sounds. Feel free to bring your own song or round to teach and present to the circle. No musical experience required.

Mountain Dulcimer Bossa Nova for DAd & FAC tunings TOGETHER (with Rob Brereton)

(Friday - Comfort Inn Mallory Room - 3rd Period)

MD

Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “Wave” is a tune that demonstrates the beauty and breadth of dulcimers playing together in both familiar and unfamiliar ways. This class is for people who are nervous about leaving DAd tuning but want to explore a Latin tradition AND those who are ready to expand and explore! Beginner to Advanced

Intermediate

(Saturday - Comfort Inn Pool Annex - 1st Period)

MD

Beginners

(Saturday - Comfort Inn Patio 105 - 2nd Period)

MD

Bing Futch

Performing For Others

(Thursday - Comfort Inn Patio 105 - 2nd Period)

ALL VOX

Playing your instrument is one thing; playing and singing is quite another. Add to that a set-list designed to entertain, stage business and poise, mindful dynamics and an unpredictable audience. This workshop is designed to get you thinking beyond simply singing with your instrument with an eye towards presenting it in a live setting. Whether it's bedside in hospice, in the church, at the park or on-stage somewhere under the lights! All instruments welcome. Intermediate to Advanced.

Project Studio/Home Recording

(Friday - Comfort Inn Patio 105 - 2nd Period)

Anyone with a laptop and decent software can record their music at home or on the road. Workshop will cover set-up, audio interfaces, microphone placement, engineering tips, using plug-ins and effects, mixing and equalization. (Must own laptop and functional recording software with microphone, headphones and audio interface.) Beginners To Advanced.

Native American Flute

(Friday - Lexington Courtyard - 3rd Period)

NAF

This beautiful, haunting and expressive instrument dates back 4000 years on the North American continent. Originally used in courtship and later in ceremonies, the Native American flute now enjoys great popularity in all types of music. You'll be surprised at just how easy it is to play! In this workshop, you'll learn basics: flute anatomy, how to hold it, breathing, scales, techniques and how to create your very own spirit song! Must have a Native American flute in the key of "B". You can bring your own flute or order one from Ray Wood at Island Flutes (be sure to ask for a bambo "B" flute and tell him it's for Bing's workshop.) Beginner to Advanced

I Got Those Mountain Dulcimer Blues

(Saturday - Lexington Royal Palm - 2nd Period)

MD

Woke up this mornin', all my dulcimer played was the blues
woke up this mornin', all my dulcimer played was the blues
I'll give you chords, scales, riffs and rhythms
for playing the blues, you'll want to use!

By the time you leave this workshop, you will know how to play authentic Delta blues in the style of such legends as Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf and Charlie Patton. Intermediate to Advanced