2010 Old-Time Music & Dance Week Classes

In keeping with the tradition and nature of Appalachian music, learning by ear is encouraged. Classes will not generally be taught using tablature or written music, though some instructors may provide tablature and other handouts as memory aids. Hand-held audio (not video) recorders are highly recommended for all instrumental and singing classes. Fiddle classes during Old-Time Week are offered at four different levels: 0 – Beginner; I – Advanced-Beginner; II – Intermediate; III – Advanced (see definitions). Please consider your level of skill carefully when registering for classes.

FIDDLE:

OLD-TIME FIDDLE 0 (Susie Goehring)
This class for beginners will start with the basics of tuning, bowing, and finding the notes on the fingerboard. By the end of the week students will have learned cross-tuning, a few simple bowing patterns, how to learn tunes by ear, and be able to play a few standard old-time tunes. Please bring a working fiddle, bow, and an audio recorder. No prior experience necessary.

OLD-TIME FIDDLE I A (Shay Garriock)
This class is for advanced-beginner fiddlers who know a few tunes and want to improve and expand their skills. We will learn several tunes in keys of A, D, and G that incorporate basic bowing and noting patterns commonly used by southern Appalachian fiddlers. Subtleties such as syncopated timing, bow pressure dynamics, and feeling will be explored. Expect mostly breakdowns, but at least one waltz or other slow tune. Bring an audio recorder, since this class will be taught by ear. A digital recording of each tune played slowly will be provided.

OLD-TIME FIDDLE I B (Erynn Marshall)
This is a class for advanced-beginner fiddlers who already know a few tunes and would like to learn how to spice them up, play with greater ease, jump into jams and get that ‘old-time sound.’ Secrets of bowing and other characteristics of old-time fiddling will be explored. Bring a recorder and your adventurous fiddling spirit. Recordings of tunes taught in class will also be sent later via email (after they are taught) at normal and reduced speeds.

OLD-TIME FIDDLE II A (Jesse Wells)
This class for intermediate fiddlers will focus on learning some new tunes and bowing techniques, concentrating on A and D tunes, and if time permits, a couple of G tunes. We’ll also work on bowings that can be used in the basic repertoire of familiar old-time tunes. We won’t be using tablature, so an audio recorder will be useful.

OLD-TIME FIDDLE II B (Bruce Greene)
This class for intermediate fiddlers, will concentrate on a repertoire of fairly accessible tunes from Monroe and Barren Counties, Kentucky. We will work on some basic bowing techniques, how to use two strings at a time effectively, and ways to make a tune sound “old-time.” Background information on the tunes and their sources will be discussed. We will learn tunes in the keys of A, D, G, and C, as well as some different tunings. Tunes will be taught by ear, so bring an audio recorder and accessories.

OLD-TIME FIDDLE II C (James Leva)
This class for intermediate players will explore stylistic differences in traditional fiddling from North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky, thereby expanding our understanding of old-time fiddle styles and developing the techniques employed in these different regional styles. We will expand our repertoire with tunes that are representative of each style and focus on fundamental rhythm and melody, bowing and ornamentation in a variety of tunings.

OLD-TIME FIDDLE II D (Erynn Marshall)
This class is for intermediate fiddlers who wish to expand their repertoire and explore a variety of archaic fiddle styles primarily from West Virginia. We will delve into left-hand ornamentation, blue notes, alternate tunings, and the intricacies of bowing (rocks, pulses, and dwells), and other nuances typical of traditional southern fiddling. Recording devices are recommended. Recordings of tunes taught in class will also be sent later via email (after they are taught) at normal and reduced speeds. Fiddlers should be comfortable playing by ear, have good facility on their instrument, and enjoy beautiful old tunes.

OLD-TIME FIDDLE III A (Bruce Greene)
This class for intermediate/advanced fiddlers will draw on a repertoire of fairly accessible tunes from Monroe and Barren Counties, Kentucky. We will work in depth on bowing techniques, playing on two strings, and phrasing that give tunes a more archaic sound. Background information on the tunes and their sources will be discussed. We will learn tunes in the keys of A, D, G, and C, as well as some different tunings. Tunes will be taught by ear, so bring an audio recorder and accessories.

OLD-TIME FIDDLE III B (Rafe Stefanini)
This class for advanced fiddlers will concentrate on capturing the character of the older fiddle styles of North Carolina, Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Tunes will be learned from the repertoires of Emmett Lundy, Ed Haley, JW Day, Doc Roberts, and other old masters from Appalachia, but also Texas and Missouri. Topics will include bowing patterns, embellishments, and tunings. The emphasis will be on learning to play by ear, and tunes will be learned through relentless repetition, with analysis of details. An audio recorder is strongly recommended.

OLD-TIME FIDDLE III C (Shay Garriock)
This class for intermediate/advanced fiddlers will explore some of the more challenging note progressions and bowing patterns commonly associated with the older fiddle styles of the Blue Ridge of Virginia. The class will focus on regional tunes including uncommon tunes in the key of G, slower, melodic tunes in the key of D, and rarely played tunes in A modal. Bowing techniques that incorporate sophisticated melody lines, yet maintain rhythm and a danceable beat will be shown and explained. Subtleties such as syncopated timing, bow pressure dynamics, and feeling will be explored. Bring an audio recorder, since this class will be taught by ear. A digital recording of each tune played slowly will be provided.

BANJO:

OLD-TIME BANJO I (John Herrmann)
For the total beginner, this class will cover the basics of clawhammer-style banjo, including tunings, the basic clawhammer technique, chording, and some simple southern tunes to get you started in the right direction.

OLD-TIME BANJO II A (Gordy Hinners)
For the advanced-beginner/intermediate clawhammer banjo player who knows some tunes in the clawhammer style, this class will focus on the rhythm of southern clawhammer playing and explore tunes and “licks” in several banjo tunings. The use of an audio recorder is highly recommended, as all tunes will be taught by ear in the traditional manner.

OLD-TIME BANJO II B (Brett Ratliff)
This class for advanced-beginner/intermediate players, will focus on variations in style as well as repertoire. We will work on breaking tunes down and learning by ear. Some of the styles that will be discussed are down-stroke style, up-stroke style, two-finger, and the overhand (clawhammer) style. Most of the tunes taught will be from the east Kentucky repertoire and appropriate for the class level. A hand-held audio recorder is recommended.

OLD-TIME BANJO II C (John Herrmann)
For the advanced-beginner/intermediate clawhammer banjo player, this class will concentrate on banjo as used mainly as an accompaniment to the fiddle, with emphasis on the techniques of the Round Peak style, rather than repertoire. Topics covered will include learning and playing tunes by ear, right-hand technique, how to get that rhythmic drive in your playing, and how to vary the melody line to adjust to different fiddlers.

OLD-TIME BANJO III A (Mac Traynham)
In this class for advanced banjo players, students will be shown how to play several dance tune melodies in a danceable style that uses a steady backbeat as its foundation, keeping a strong melody presence. Alternate tunings will be shown for several of the classic solo banjo tunes. Uncommon right hand techniques such as delayed drop-thumb, double thumb, and brush rolls will be introduced for rhythmic as well as melodic variation. The use of an audio recorder is highly recommended, as all tunes will be taught by ear in the traditional manner.

OLD-TIME BANJO III B (Rafe Stefanini)
This is a style class for more advanced players. We’ll explore 3 different playing styles: down-picking clawhammer, up-picking, and 2-finger picking. We’ll listen to some commercial recordings and field recordings of some of the great players, past and present, and examine and compare the playing of Kyle Creed, Wade Ward, Fred Cockerham, Roscoe Holcomb, and others. We’ll concentrate on techniques and tunings and listening for fiddle accompaniment, but also how to play solo. We may attempt some back-up to songs as well. Bring an audio recorder and a tuner.

FINGERSTYLE BANJO (Dave Leddel)
This class for intermediate and advanced players will help students develop a picking style of their own by teaching right- and left-hand techniques that are in the old-time music vocabulary. Elements of the picking styles of several old-time luminaries as well as some early bluegrass technique will be taught. To get the most out of this class, students should have a firm grasp of the scale in G and C near the peg head, as well as hammering-on and pulling-off techniques. Some experience with finger picking would be helpful, though it is not required.

GUITAR & MANDOLIN:

OLD-TIME GUITAR I (Jenny Traynham)
In this class for beginners, we will learn basic back-up techniques for traditional songs and old-time fiddle tunes: controlling a flatpick, finding the key, chords, and changing from one chord to another, the basic strum, bass runs, using a capo, and playing guitar while singing. There will also be a smattering of theory. We’ll be learning by ear so a recorder will be helpful.

OLD-TIME GUITAR II A & B (Brett Ratliff, Susie Goehring)
If you know a handful of basic chords, and can hold on to a flatpick, you’re ready for this class. Learn back-up guitar for string band tunes and songs. Topics will include: the boom-chuck rhythm, chord choices, bass notes and runs, keeping time, tuning, learning to listen, and putting it all together into a duo, trio, or band. Guitar students may get together with fiddle and banjo students during the week.

CARTER-STYLE GUITAR (Alice Gerrard)
We will learn Maybelle Carter-style guitar which is played mostly out of C position, so students will especially need to know how to make C, G, and F chords. Students should feel comfortable with a basic bass/strum lick and with changing chords. We will learn the basic Carter lick and the breaks to some of the familiar Carter Family songs as well as some of the more unusual ones. Since most of the Carter Family repertoire is built around songs, we will learn to sing them as well (hopefully) although singing will not be the primary focus of the class. We will spend a short time in each class listening to recordings of the Carter Family. Please bring an audio recorder.

INTRO TO FLATPICKING GUITAR (Paul Kovac)
Making the jump from playing chords, to “Maybelle”-style leads, to flatpicking fiddle tunes in eighth-note style, requires good fundamental right-hand rhythm, comfort with a flat pick, some knowledge of the fingerboard, and a good ear for melody. In this class, we’ll use a few common fiddle tunes/songs to address making the leap from quarter-notes to eighth-notes, pick direction and accenting (playing with a pulse), left-hand positions that put your fingers in the right spots, playing out of chord positions, using double stops to create leads, breaks and turnarounds, and good practice habits and exercises. If you can play “Wildwood Flower,” can kind of hear fiddle tunes in your head, and just need the skills to get to the next level, this is the class for you.

OLD-TIME MANDOLIN I (Ellie Grace)
Old-time mandolin for beginners. We will learn simple scales and basic chords, how to play backup to other musicians, and some old-time tunes and songs.

OLD-TIME MANDOLIN II (Jesse Wells)
In this intermediate-level class, we will start with an overview of the fundamentals: the simple things that hold players back from playing more challenging music. We’ll address playing chords and soloing with rhythm, improving tone, accompanying singing, kickoffs, fills, tremolo, and practicing. We’ll explore how to inject more life into fiddle tunes and different ways to approach playing the mandolin in an old-time tune session, and we’ll spend some time unlocking the double-stop mystery. Students will learn a number of two-note chord positions that move and connect all over the fingerboard. This approach is where the mandolin really shines. It will have you playing in new keys, finding new voices for your instrument, and will give you some tools to create your own solos on old-time songs.

OTHER INSTRUMENTS:

BASS BASICS (Meredith McIntosh)
This class will cover the basics of old-time bass technique, including tuning, noting, listening, finding chord changes on tunes, songs and waltzes and most importantly, playing in the old-time groove. We will also talk about good body mechanics. It is strongly suggested that you bring your own instrument. If you don’t own one please investigate the possibilities of borrowing or renting one for the week. No experience necessary.

OLD-TIME STRING BAND I (Ellie Grace)
This class is for novice old-time musicians who are ready for a group playing experience and the fun of playing with other musicians in a no-stress stringband. Students should to be able to play a handful standard old-time tunes or songs at a slow pace. Bring what you know, and we’ll learn more and play and sing together. All stringed instruments and singers welcome! (No class limit)

OLD-TIME STRING BAND II (Meredith McIntosh & Dave Leddel)
Students in this class will form string bands and learn, with a little coaching, how to play together and achieve a cohesive band sound. We will consider each individual’s responsibility in a band, how to start and end tunes, tempo, rhythm, lead, back-up, chord choices, singing, band dynamics, and playing for dances or concerts. Bands will have the opportunity to perform at a student showcase or play for a dance at the end of the week. It is expected that students already know how to play their instrument, and that lead instrument players know a few tunes and/or songs in several keys with the accompanying chords. (No class limit)

MOUNTAIN DULCIMER (Don Pedi)
Old-time music on the mountain dulcimer. Learn traditional tunes and songs as well as the methods of playing them, including natural strumming, rhythm and timing, three-finger rolls, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and other noting techniques, tuning in different modes, playing all the notes, playing by ear, and more. Dulcimer tablature and music notation will be available. Audio recorders recommended. All levels are welcome.

AUTOHARP I (John Hollandsworth)
The autoharp has been a part of mountain culture since the early 1900s and since then has played a prominent role in old-time and early country music with the original Carter Family, Pop Stoneman, Kilby Snow, and others. Drawing on tunes from the old-time repertoire, topics in this beginner-level class will include right- and left-hand techniques, finger memory, tuning, timing, playing in 3/4 and 4/4 rhythms, basic chord progressions, playing in major and minor keys, harp setup, and playing scales that will lead you into melody playing. Ability to read music or tablature is not necessary, but handouts on the tunes and techniques covered will be provided. Students must have an autoharp in good playing condition, one thumb pick, and two finger picks. A music stand and audio recorder might also be helpful.

AUTOHARP II (John Hollandsworth)
During the past twenty years the autoharp has had a huge revival, with some major performers and landmark recordings. This class will provide insight into what top players are doing and how to expand the role of the autoharp as a melody instrument. Drawing on tunes from the Appalachian tradition, we will cover both chromatic and diatonic playing, rhythm changes, syncopation, chord substitutions, playing in 3/4 and 4/4 time, arranging, alternate tunings, and how to interact with other instruments in a group situation. Students will refine their playing skills and gain a good understanding of clean melody playing on the autoharp. Some basic knowledge of melody playing would be helpful, but ability to read music or tablature is not required, and handouts on the tunes and techniques covered will be provided. Students must have an autoharp in good playing condition, one thumb pick, and two fingerpicks.

SONG & FOLKLORE:

SHAPE-NOTE SINGING (Ron Pen)
We will recreate a rural nineteenth-century singing school by singing from the Sacred Harp (1991 edition). This book features intoxicating harmonizations of colonial psalmody, camp meeting songs, and white spirituals written in a unique four-shape notation of triangles, squares, circles, and diamonds that makes learning to read music easy and enjoyable. The class will include some background history and social context for the music. We will also explore songs from other tune book traditions including the Southern Harmony, Christian Harmony, and the Colored Sacred Harp. The class will accommodate both total beginners and veteran singers. Books will be available to borrow for class use. At the end of the week, members of the class are invited and encouraged to participate in the fourth annual Swannanoa Singing with dinner on the grounds. This will be held on Saturday, July 24 from 10:00 AM-3:00 PM at the Warren Wilson College Pavilion. (No class limit)

HISTORY OF OLD-TIME MUSIC (Ron Pen)
What IS old-time music? How is bluegrass different from old-time? Who are the Kentucky Corn Crackers? What is dropthumb, frailing, clawhammer, two-finger, and rapping? Where are Galax, Clifftop, and Mount Airy? Can you dance a Tobacco Hill? What is a ‘crooked’ fiddle tune? The answers to these and other clandestine mysteries will be revealed in the History of Old-Time Music class. Focused presentations on Bonaparte’s Retreat, the Georgia Fiddle Contest of 1924, moonshining, and the Red Rocking Chair will provide windows on the style and culture. Discussion, recordings, videos, and guest presentations will nurture an overview of the history and context of old-time ballads, fiddle tunes, hillbilly music, and string bands from the Skillet Lickers to Uncle Earl. (No class limit)

APPALACHIAN BALLADS & FOLKSONGS (Bobby McMillon)
This class is an introduction to the unaccompanied ballad and folk song traditions of Appalachia. Students will learn Appalachian versions of British ballads that were brought to western North Carolina at the end of the 18th century as well as 19th century native American ballads. In addition to singing, students will learn about the history of the ballads, their cultural context in Appalachia, and the “songcatchers” (ballad collectors) who came to the region in the early 20th century. (Class limit: 20)

STORYTELLING (Bobby McMillon)
This class will explore the Appalachian tradition of storytelling. Bobby McMillon will share his passion for this oral tradition with stories from his childhood collected in his native mountains, but participants will also learn how to tell their own personal stories. (Class limit: 20)

OLD-TIME GOSPEL REPERTOIRE (Carol Elizabeth Jones)
Gospel songs are some of the best old-time singing songs in the repertoire and this class will be a chance for you to learn some. We’ll cover some standards but move on to lesser-known gems you can sing from the heart. We’ll touch on harmony and style as we learn each song, so no prior singing experience is necessary. (Class limit: 20)

SINGING WITH A COUNTRY BAND (Carol Elizabeth Jones & Paul Kovac)
What songs suit your voice? What’s the best key for each song? How do you figure out the arrangement? Learn the answers to these and other singing questions here in this class. You’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with a band to arrange and sing country songs and perhaps sing back-up for other class members. You’ll sing with the band and – just as important – listen to your classmates do the same. This will not be a repertoire class, so participants should come prepared to sing at least three country songs (1940s to the present). (Class limit: 20)

SINGING IN AN OLD-TIME BAND (James Leva)
We will work on including singing as an integral part of the music of an old-time band and explore how vocals can enrich the rhythmic and harmonic textures of band music. As singers we’ll work on tone, phrasing, harmony, and dynamics, and we’ll consider how to make the various instruments in the band enhance (rather than compete with) the vocals – and vice versa. We’ll cover a range of styles from breakdowns to waltzes and ballads, drawing our ideas and inspiration from traditional singers such as Tommy Jarrell, Roscoe Holcomb, Hobart Smith, Doug Wallin, and the Stanley Brothers. While the focus will be on singing, we will discuss and work on how instrumentalists can work with and support the vocals to best effect, harmonically, rhythmically, and dynamically. (Class limit: 20)

HOW TO SING A SONG: FINDING YOUR VOICE IN THE TRADITION (Alice Gerrard)
What are the elements that go into traditional southeastern singing? We will explore styles, improvisation, backup choices, feeling, etc., to make a song your own without losing the style – getting that sound – with a focus on learning to listen and hear. We will be singing both unaccompanied and accompanied songs, and we will spend a little time in each class listening to recordings of singers. Please bring an audio recorder. (Class limit: 20)

OLD-TIME COUNTRY DUETS(Mac & Jenny Traynham)
Participants in this class will learn the basics of old-time country duet singing as popularized by singers from the Golden Era of country music including the original Carter Family, the Delmore Brothers, and the Blue Sky Boys. Students will learn to find lead and harmony parts in the proper keys and pitch in order to sing comfortably and with confidence. Vocal pairs will be formed and coached to perform duets effectively. Back up instruments such as guitars, mandolins, and autoharps are welcome. (Class limit: 20)

DANCE:

CLOGGING I (Rodney Sutton)
Let Rodney prove to you that everyone can learn Appalachain clogging steps. This class covers beginning southern Appalachian clogging and buckdancing from “step one.” Learn the basic steps and how to put them to use with live old-time music. Wear smooth-soled shoes – leather is best, and no taps. (No class limit)

CLOGGING II (Rodney Sutton)
In this intermediate class, Rodney will teach additional precision clogging steps from both the Green Grass Cloggers’ and the Fiddle Puppets’ repertories. We will also explore techniques from other forms of step-dancing that will allow you to start to develop your own “style.” While a lot of this class will focus on learning stylized steps, he will also teach the “Tennessee Walking Step,” which will help you begin to unravel the mysteries of learning the joys of flatfooting! Not for beginners – you must be able to dance the Green Grass Clogger basic step up to tempo. Taps are ok, “IF” you know how to keep time! (No class limit)

FLATFOOTING (Gordy Hinners)
This class will focus on traditional flatfooting, buckdancing, and clogging techniques, for intermediate-level dancers, with an emphasis on using the feet as a musical instrument involving intricate rhythms, ‘dancing out the tune,’ improvising rhythms and steps and free-styling. Wear smooth-soled shoes – preferably leather and no taps please. (Class limit: 20)

SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN SQUARE DANCE & DANCE CALLING (Phil Jamison)
This class, open to dancers as well as dance callers, of all levels, will focus on the traditional square dances of the southern Appalachian region. No prior experience is required. We will learn about, and dance four-couple squares as well as Southern big circle dances, and students will have the opportunity to try their hand (or voice) at calling out the dance figures. Dance callers of all levels will have the opportunity to expand their repertoire and receive feedback to improve their calling skills. Mainly though, we will have fun dancing and learning about the traditions of southern Appalachian square dances. (No class limit)

OTHER ACTIVITIES

T'AI CHI (Don Pedi)
Start the day with a smile with these ancient, gentle, easy to learn rejuvenation exercises. Reduce stress. Focus on breathing, balance, and gentle stretching. Includes: T’ai Chi, Chi Kung, Standing Meditation, Eight Pieces of Brocade, and more. No experience necessary. (No class limit)

POTLUCK SESSIONS
In addition to the regular class sessions, Potluck Sessions are offered most afternoons. These one-hour mini-classes give students access to the entire teaching staff, and provide a wide variety of class offerings to choose from. No advance registration is necessary.

SLOW JAMS & SINGING
After supper each night, students have the opportunity to participate in slow jams and singing sessions. At the slow jams, common tunes are played at a speed that is accessible even to beginners. The singing sessions are a chance to share your voice and songs.

YOUNG OLD-TIME
Each evening, after supper, teenaged musicians get together for Young Old-Time, a staff-guided jam for young players, and on Wednesday night, following the staff concert, this group will have the opportunity to play for the post-concert square dance.

EVENING DANCES
Evening dances will be held throughout the week, providing plenty of
chances to dance a variety of traditional Southern Appalachian squares and circles. Thursday night features our valley’s long-standing weekly dance, the Old Farmers Ball.

CHILDREN’S PROGRAM

We offer a full-day program, taught by Denisa Rullmoss for children ages 6-12. Children must have turned 6 by July 1st to participate. No exceptions please. Evening childcare for ages 3-12 will be provided at no additional cost.

It’s going to be a real CREATURE FEATURE this summer at the Swannanoa Gathering Children’s Program. Lions, tigers and bears....OH MY! Animals, animals everywhere. Creatures both big and small, slimy and furry, sweet and scary, IMAGINED and REAL, will be celebrated. We will have fun with everything from soft kittens and slithering snakes to fuzzy Muppet monsters and one-eyed, one-horned, flying purple people eaters! A grooooowling great time will be had each day, as we make crazy crafts, (like “wild thing” horns, paper maché dragons, and strange animal puppets ), sing critter songs, and play animal games. All creatures great and small will have the chance to make noise as they become part of a Kid’s Rhythm Band, taught by Sue Ford (singer, songwriter, percussionist). And for extra excitement we will have visitors throughout the week, tamed and untamed! A few of them will be musicians and artists from the Gathering staff who will perform just for our kids. Our “beastly” traditions will continue as usual: The Gathering Scavenger Quest, shaving cream hair-dos, peanut butter/cereal faces, jelly bean joke jar and water balloon fights. We will close each busy day with free swim time in the college pool. So find your inner “Wild Thing” and join us for week of barks, howls, roars and maybe a few squeaks.... Non-swimmers must be accompanied by a parent to swim. There will be a $25 art/craft materials fee for this class, payable to the coordinator on arrival.