2018 Dulcimer Jamboree Class Descriptions Mountain Dulcimer

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1 2018 Dulcimer Jamboree Class Descriptions Mountain Dulcimer Aubrey Atwater Songs of Jean Ritchie: Aubrey will teach songs learned through years of contact with Jean Ritchie and other Ritchie family members. Workshop addresses the traditional style of playing with the noter, different tunings, and using the dulcimer as a harmony voice. (Adv /) Chording and Singing Ballads: Participants will learn a variety of chords and how to sing and play at the same time! Aubrey will choose from some of her favorite traditional ballads. (Adv /) Reverse Tunings: What is a reverse dulcimer tuning and why use one? Come find out! Aubrey will present songs in Reverse Ionian, Aeolian, Mixolydian, and Dorian. You ll be surprised at how interesting, great-sounding, and easy it is! (/) The "Slap Strum" and other Fascinating Rhythms: Participants will learn the percussive slap strum as well as other rhythmic patterns including additional ways to mute strings and the "air" strum. () Fingerpicking: Aubrey will provide a framework for fingerpicking simple tunes and songs. Participants will learn several basic patterns for vocal accompaniment as well as a method for fingerpicking a melody as an instrumental. (Adv /) Going to the Cleaners: Aubrey will address ways to refine your playing. We will hear as many student pieces as time allows so come prepared with questions and a piece to present to the group! (/) Dance and multi-instruments: Playing and Dancing: Aubrey will teach simple flatfooting steps and a play-party dance or two. Smooth soled shoes with a good slide are best. For those who would like to play familiar tunes for the dancers, come jam! (All Levels) Intro to Irish Whistle: Aubrey will teach a few simple tunes and give tips on Celtic ornamentation and expression. Bring a D whistle! ()

2 Duane Porterfield How do I learn that tune- There are many methods and ideas for learning a tune. Over the years I have come up with what works best for me. We will discuss and apply these ideas on simple tunes and welcome the ideas of others. DAD Joining the Jam Circle-Does joining in the jam intimidate you? Developing the ability to play along whether or not the tune is familiar. We ll have our own jam circle, with those who likely share in the same nervous feelings. Play, ask questions, have fun. (best if scheduled on day 1) So Which fingers do I use? -Developing chord shapes and introducing them to the melody. Identifying which chord to use and when to use them. Utilizing a conservation of motion approach when learning a tune. DAD Using the Capo-How and when to use a capo, the various types and preferences will be discussed. We will play tune(s) using the capo. Bring a capo if you have one, some will be available DAD Alternative Tunings-Some songs may just sound better using a different tuning. Trying out some of the various tunings of the mountain dulcimer. My own Arrangement-Books, printed tab or a recording are all great ways to learn a tune, but how rewarding it is when you turn it into your own arrangement. We will use various embellishments that can turn a tune into a piece. DAD Top 40 Dulcimer-The mountain dulcimer was once associated primarily with simple old time music. Although it is important to remember these roots, the dulcimer has since become practically unlimited in many genres. This class will look at playing modern songs and learning tunes commonly heard on the radio today. Slowing it Down- Thinking outside the box, with the dulcimer. Have you ever played a slow tune fast or a fast tune slow just to see what happens? This class will focus on taking the tune Redwing and by slowing it down and adding embellishments, creating a whole new feeling and experience. Prepping for the Contest-What to expect when you decide to enter a mountain dulcimer competition. What happens before it s your turn? How to choose the right tunes? What are the judge s expectations? But I get so nervous, etc. etc. etc. Your dulcimer competition survival course.

3 Lee Cagle Introduction to the Fretboard In this workshop, we will look beyond our melody string and see how we can use all of our strings and all of our frets to improve your arrangements. Beyond Bum Ditty This workshop focuses on strumming patterns and developing rhythm for a variety of songs. Embellishments We will examine how hammer-ons, pull-offs and slides can help your songs flow more smoothly and also increase speed. Also appropriate for players. Playing with Others We will explore ways to blend (or stand out) when playing in a group. Fiddle Tunes We will learn one or two fiddle tunes and ways to use our rhythm and fingering to make them more interesting. Mountain Dulcimer: CSI This class will examine crime songs from the Southern Appalachians and the history and stories behind them. Also appropriate for s and. Modes on the Mountain Dulcimer We often hear the mountain dulcimer referred to as a modal instrument. But what does this mean? And how will understanding modes make us better players? Playing in a Variety of Keys There are many keys for songs other than the Key of D. We will look at ways to play songs in other keys without as much effort as you might think. Capo needed. Key of G using the 1+ fret The 1+ fret has recently become a popular addition to the dulcimer. We will learn a Celtic tune that utilizes the 1+ to allow us to play in the Key of G. You do not have to have the 1+ fret to attend and play.

4 Tull Glazener- All classes in the Bois D Arc Building Shuttles will begin running 10 minutes prior to each class and as needed between sessions. "Playing Well Together - Mountain Dulcimer Ensemble Techniques" All classes are structured for beginner to intermediate level players Day 1-We ll work through a number of multi-part arrangements pulled from various genres, where the different parts are suitable for a wide range of skill/experience levels (beginner to intermediate and above). Day 2 - how to create multi-part arrangements (how to write bass lines, harmony parts and counter melodies. (intermediate and above) Day 3 - jamming techniques and jam practice (beginner and intermediate) Judson Steinback All Classes in the White Oak Theatre New Player Course Description New players will learn how simple and rewarding it can be to play the mountain dulcimer. We will focus on dulcimer fundamentals that provide a solid foundation for all styles of playing. These include how to hold and tune the instrument, simple exercises to develop the tiny muscles in our hands and fingers required for smooth and fun playing, how to read basic tablature (tab), getting a great sound from the instrument, rhythm exercises, and more. We will also learn to play the standard tunes that most dulcimer players know and love, so you will be jamming in no time. Feel free to bring a digital recording device, and it is best to wear pants/dresses that have a rougher (rather than slippery) surface, such as blue jeans.

5 2018 Dulcimer Jamboree Class Descriptions Hammered Dulcimer Colin Beasley Accents and Taps-Learn techniques that allow you to play loudly and softly on the fly. This helps the player bring out the melody of a song while keeping any drone notes or decoration soft, therefore increasing expressiveness Arpeggios: What they are, where they are, and why they matter-the title is pretty self-explanatory. Learn the basics of arpeggios Basic Hammer Technique-learn about the fulcrum, the different strokes, playing positions, ect. Everything that it takes to start playing healthily and expressively(technique-wise) Rudiments-learn percussion rudiments, why they re important, how to practice them, and how to use them on the HD. Will come with a sheet of rudiments Dynamic Contrast-learn about accents and taps, crescendos/decrescendos, building intensity in a song, etc. Decorating a Melody-learn the many techniques and uses of melody decoration/embellishments. Covering drones, arpeggios, buzzes/rolls, and non-chord tones, which encompasses a wide variety of things Odd Chords and Patterns-learn all of the possible chord patterns on the hammered dulcimer that fall outside of the box. Will be an information-loaded class Hand Independence-learn to play chords in one hand while playing melody in another. We will use my arrangement of What a Wonderful World to exercise this. Tools for Composing and Arranging-title is self-explanatory, though some topics covered are the pentatonic scale, secondary dominants, modal interchange, time signatures, and styles of music, and how to use all of these for composing and arranging.

6 Pam Bowman Play! Only tunes - all the time (isn't that a radio announcement?) "Be Thou My Vision" "Wildwood Flower" - "In The Sweet Bye & Bye" - I will bring other beginner tunes as possible alternatives. Building Your Muscles - In this class we'll learn several "paths" on the HD to establish our "jogging" muscles and routes - we need to walk before we jog/run! Treasures of the Trade We will discuss 10 key aspects of learning to play this wonderful instrument - the Hammered Dulcimer - along with getting our hands moving in some beginning ways - plus a beginner tune! Chording Up/Down and Around on the HD There is no better way to advance your knowledge of the H.D. than learning to chord your way round! Hammered Hymns In this class we'll dive into an upbeat arrangement of "Life's Railway to Heaven" with some embellishments and technique "built" into the score. HD Survival In A Bluegrass Jam Throw me a lifesaver! - Things TO do and NOT to do :) Learn how a bluegrass jam is different and learn a bluegrass (cross over) tune - "Bill Cheatham" Banjo Tunes on the HD Yes you CAN do banjo tunes on a Hammered Dulcimer In this class we'll work out Foggy Mt. Breakdown! Chording as Embellishment Let s take a good look at chording skills and how to artistically put them into our playing. Playing Back Up That Makes Them Cry...no I mean in a good way! Come and learn some techniques and ways to enhance what someone else is playing/singing. Rick Thum Check back soon for updates.

7 Joe Jewel - All classes in the Music Auditorium Rehearsal Rooms New Player Learn the dulcimer from ground zero. Topics include: tuning, hammer patterns, basic scales and holding the hammers. Learn popular tune styles including: waltzes, hoedowns, gospel and dual purpose tunes, (tunes that can be played at Christmas but are folk tunes the rest of the year). Other topics include: basic chords on the dulcimer and learning a tune by ear