2007 Sing & Swing Week Classes

Please Note that the time and location for the classes listed below as ‘Tutorials’ are to be arranged on an individual basis with the instructor, and so, those classes do not appear in the class schedule. Contact your instructor on arrival to set up tutorials.

VOCAL CLASSES

TOPICAL TUNES FOR A MUSICAL LIFE (Velma Frye)
Did you ever wonder what song to sing in a certain moment? In this class we will collect songs for the seasons, friendship, love, peace, joy, meditation, birthdays, the time of day, births, deaths, healing, the sun and moon, giving thanks, etc., so that you are always ready with a song. You can serenade the stars or celebrate a friend by simply glancing at our compendium’s topical index. And you can add to this collection in the future, creating (drum roll, please).... A Songbook for the Soundtrack of Your Life! A recording device is recommended. (No class limit)

HARMONY SINGING:
A WORLD VIEW (Moira Smiley, Elise Witt, Leah & Chloe Smith)
Harmony in the world can be defined as people of many different cultures, customs, and beliefs recognizing and celebrating each others’ differences while also identifying with and sharing the traits common to us all as one human family. Likewise in music, harmony is the celebration of different sounds that, blended together, are pleasing to the ear and the spirit. However, “pleasing” to one ear may be strange to another. In this class, we will explore harmonies from many different cultures and traditions – from the familiar Triad Harmonies of folk, blues, bluegrass, spirituals, country, and gospel, to vibration-unifying chants from Africa and the Middle East, to the exciting tight harmonies of the Balkans and the Appalachians. Beginning with the concept “there are no wrong notes,” we will experiment with creating different kinds of harmonies to become confident and creative harmony singers. The class will also include a good individual and group warm up. Music reading is not a prerequisite, but some knowledge of theory can’t hurt. (No class limit)

PERFORMANCE TECHNIQUES (Peggy Seeger)
Don’t let the idea of foreign languages scare you away. Elise has a knack for making students fall in love with the sounds of music from around the world. Drawing from her vast linguistic experience and her love of melodies and rhythms, Elise might have the class singing everything from a Brazilian samba to a Turkish round, from a Spanish food song to four-part harmonies from Georgia (both of them!), and songs of her own composition, many in English! All of the songs are easy to learn and thrilling to sing in a group. With sign language interpreter par excellence Rachel Schlafer-Parton, we will also learn to sign several of the pieces we sing. The class will include a good warmup. Music reading is not a prerequisite. (No class limit)

EVERYBODY GETS THE BLUES (Maurice Turner, Mick Kinney)
Got the Blues? Be prepared to loosen up, clap your hands, stomp your feet, sway to the rhythms and sing from the depths of your soul in a fun-filled, educational exploration of the Blues. The history of music in the United States is deeply rooted in southern backyard traditions, and prime among these traditions is the Blues. It is full of the happiness and sorrow of the daily grind that we all go through. It is the root of all drama. Where would rock & roll, rhythm & blues, jazz, country, hip hop, and folk music be without the Blues? In this class we will explore the cultural context and the musical structures that birthed such a universal musical form, learn some traditional time honored Blues, and write our own versions of the Blues. So come ready to sing and play, laugh and cry, learn and create. (No class limit)

NO WRONG NOTES: SINGING FOR EVERYONE (David Roth)
You’ve always wanted to sing. Does it still bring up anxiety? Maybe your school music teacher told you to move your lips and not make any sound. Perhaps you were laughed at or made fun of by family members or friends. Does the car or the shower feel like the only safe place to express your vocal joy? Breathe deeply and join our instant angelic choir, where even the chronically timid (as well as the shamelessly brave) are encouraged to liberate the natural singing ability we all possess. In one short week we’ll put all other distractions aside to make sounds together, and the result is a song circle that goes deep, for though a sense of humor is helpful (and in full supply), the beauty of human voices raised together is filled with awe. Vocal exercises, breath, sighs, yawns, groans, guffaws, songs, and rounds will help us regain the permission that was somehow lost along life’s way, and turn fear from obstacle to ally. No prior musical experience, voice training, or performance experience is necessary. Bring a song or two that you know by heart, instruments if you’d like. (No class limit)

SONGWRITING FOR PERSONAL & SOCIAL CHANGE (David Roth)
Can we change the world three minutes at a time? Join us, and let the change begin. Music should not be left in the hands of professionals, and we’ll prove it, creating songs that empower, stimulate and transform. We’ll look at ourselves and the world around us to identify compelling themes, examine different song elements, engage in lively dialogue and exercises, sculpt inspiration, be honest, attentive, adventurous and build songs brick by brick from the ground up (whether you never written a song before, written many, or anywhere in between). We’ll also have fun in a safe, playful, supportive and powerful environment and come away with our own new songs – unique, personal and universal. Be prepared to surprise yourself....and the world! All levels welcome. (Class limit: 15)

VERSATILE VOCAL IMPROVISATION (Moira Smiley)
From a simple break (solo) in a song, to an extended, emotional improv to an incredible dialogue with other singers and musicians – here are some super-fun, illuminating games and exercises and just plain supportive space for vocal improvisation. We will explore our wildly versatile voices – how to truly use all the colors in your voice. Get the gritty, technical, sensual sense of how the voice can draw powerfully on vocal wisdom from traditional Irish to Bulgarian solo song, South African choral improvisation to opera recitative. (Class limit: 18)

A MUSICAL SENSE OF PLACE IN KATUAH/SWANNANOA (Velma Frye)
Surrounded by the natural beauty of North Carolina, we will explore the geographical and musical terrain of this unique area. Katuah is the Cherokee name for Swannanoa's bio-region, sometimes called the Southern Appalachians. We will sing in response to where we are. What is under our feet? In which watershed do we find ourselves? What plants, animals, and soil are native to this specific place? Where are the four directions? And how do we feel when we are here? We will sing, laugh, breathe, sense, and sing some more about this beautiful place. And as we listen, the mountains and the air and the water may give us new songs. (Class limit 15)

SONGS FOR TODAY & TOMORROW (Peggy Seeger)
Some songs describe things as they are, and just that phrase ‘things as they are’ covers a multitude of exhilarating and/or depressing issues whether it be love or Iraq. These are DESCRIPTIVE songs, written for/about Today. Occasionally, if they are protest songs, there are some PRESCRIPTIVE verses containing promises of action, change, new attitudes – or perhaps the whole song is about ‘what we’re going to do’ about whatever is described in the songs. These are songs about/for Tomorrow. This is a simplistic definition, but so what? It helps us to decide what we’re going to say in a song and how and to whom we are going to say it. This isn’t a course in which you will have to write songs for today and tomorrow – it’s some sessions in helping you WANT to write songs for today and tomorrow TODAY. (Class limit: 15)

DANCE/MOVEMENT CLASSES

THE BEST BEGINNING SWING DANCE CLASS EVER (Leah Smith & Jesse Edgerton)
Do you often sway to the swinging sounds of Dorsey or Miller but feel too awkward to grab a partner and hit the dance floor? Do you wish you had more tricks up your sleeve when Ella and Billie start to sing their sultry songs? Come enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of a class based on fun movement and learn the essentials of East Coast 6-count swing dancing. We will teach fundamentals of leading and following with a focus on partner connection and standard swing steps, and get you ready for the evening dances. (No class limit)

UNDER THE BAOBAB TREE:
DANCING FOR PEACE & HEALING AFRICAN STYLE (Masankho Banda)
Africa has been and continues to be a continent in turmoil. From before Colonialism, wars were fought, slaves were captured and traded and people (mainly women and children) suffered. Through all of this turmoil, there have been some constants that have brought peace and calm to many areas and countries of Africa. One of these constants is dance. For thousands of years dance has been a medium for prayer and healing and overall creating sustainable peace. Come and explore dance as a medium for peace. You will have an opportunity to begin the creation of peace within and guide how it manifests to those around you. (No class limit)

BARTLETT’S NO-TALENT DRAWING SALON (Sam Bartlett)
The best music is made by loose, un-selfconscious people. Easier said than done, of course. Come to my salon and experiment with the joys of drawing shamelessly, and have this leak into your music. Or just draw. New projects everyday: autobiographical comics, self portraits, and more.
(No class limit)

QI GONG & T’AI CHI: MEDITATION IN MOTION (Cate Morrill)
A white crane spreads its wings; a lion shakes its fur. A golden rooster stands on one leg; a jade phoenix nods its head. But you are not the observer, standing idly by, watching these beautiful movements in nature. You are performing them, creating them, feeling their energy, your ‘inner-chi.’ You are taking in each deep breath with control, comfort, purpose, intention, filling yourself with a lightness, while opening the channels for your creativity to flow. You are experiencing the invigorating balance of Yin/Yang, the fluidity of balanced motion, the peacefulness of a still mind, and the joy of newly discovered sensations. Come to experience the flowing energy of T’ai Chi and Qi Gong, and carry away a set of refreshing exercises and ideas that are yours to use forever! For all ages and body types, physical conditions or abilities, these concepts and easy to follow movements will have you breathing deeply, smiling broadly, and feeling great! Somewhere near, a phoenix is rising. Is it you? (No class limit)

CHANTING & DANCING WITH THE ANCESTORS (Masankho Banda)
Dancing and singing are intertwined. In western culture, we tend to separate them. During our time together we will explore the combination of dancing and singing. Your voice and your body deserve to be together. With a focus on Africa and using the creative process InterPlay (www.interplay.org) we will explore the cultural wisdom that is contained in the dances, songs and rhythms of Africa. What do these arts say about our cultural lives and us? We will learn dances for healing, nature and community life. Join us on this powerful journey of dance and drums. (No class limit)

VAUDEVILLE FOR ABSOLUTELY EVERYONE (Rodger French et al.)
Heck, here’s a workshop for anyone regardless of age, gender, or ability. Or experience. Or anything else, for that matter. We will construct an All-Star Vaudeville Extravaganza and present it “for the cultural edification of an astounded aggregation.” Participants will have ample opportunity to sing (solo and/or ensemble), dance, tell jokes and generally recognize/unleash their Vaudeville impulses. If you want to perform, you certainly shall. But if you’re more comfortable behind the scenes (props, gags, crowd control, etc.) we have lots of opportunities there as well. Everyone gets to play a part – none of which are small – while having tons of fun. But wait.... there’s more. All participants will also be given the opportunity to learn to juggle (Yes! Juggle!), a highly-prized and most useful skill. What more could one ask? Plenty, actually, but this is my best offer and I’m sticking with it. (No class limit)

STUNTOLOGY (Sam Bartlett)
Every day, Community Gatherings will begin with some fun stunts taught by Master Stuntologist Sam Bartlett. Participatory and for all ages, Stuntology is based on Sam’s book of the same title. Topics covered: parlor tricks, the perfection of useless technique, and the art of avoiding boredom with the use of everyday objects. Typical stunts include picking a shopping bag off the floor with your teeth, 15 ways to amuse yourself with a straw, and how to sign your name backwards and forwards simultaneously. In Bartlett’s words, “A good stunt is something you can learn in a few minutes and then spend ten years perfecting.” Stuntology is a way of life! (No class limit)

FREESTYLE SPONTANEITY ON THE DANCE FLOOR (Leah Smith & Jesse Edgerton)
Based in but not limited to the fundamental footwork of swing, this intensive dance study will help you discover internal dance and allow you to establish dance partnerships as well. We will begin each day with a yoga-based warm-up. Then we will go over several partner exercises to familiarize everyone with the multifaceted dance arena available. We will cover musicality, the pulse and rhythm of a song, turns and dips, and a general sense of fun on the floor. You will need a good foundation in movement and a good sense of rhythm to keep up in this class. Also a general knowledge of some couple dancing is recommended. (No class limit)

PERCUSSIVE MOVEMENT (Abby Ladin)
Percussive movement: Shake your bones, slap your thighs, beat your feet, pound your chest, move to the rhythms of the phrase of a song. Speak and breathe and jump and roll. Patterns, partners, and your body is the instrument, the soloist, the band. (No class limit)

INSTRUMENTAL CLASSES

JOIN A BAND! (Mick Kinney, Jeff Hersk, Maurice Turner & Bruce Lang)
Have you ever dreamed of being in a blues band? Or how about playing in a country, swing, bluegrass or jazz ensemble? Are you looking for an opportunity to sing with stellar accompaniment? Playing in a band is a great experience that can help develop musical skills that are invaluable to any musician. This is an opportunity for those who have already achieved some proficiency on their instrument or voice, to test the waters of group playing. In this class, we will assemble several ensembles of various styles (you choose your favorite), and learn what makes a band tick. Staff will be available for coaching and guidance as needed. (No class limit)

TUTORIALS: MANDOLIN (Sam Bartlett)
Beginners: I will get you up and running on basic chords, pick technique, and an Irish polka. Intermediate: Students will get farther into pick control, study tremolo, scales, and learn a rag. Everything taught by ear.

TUTORIALS: 5-STRING BANJO (Sam Bartlett)
Beginners: I will get you up and running on basic chords, pick technique, and an Irish polka. Intermediate: Students will get farther into pick control, study tremolo, scales, and learn a rag. Everything taught by ear.

TUTORIALS: FIDDLE (Mick Kinney)
Mick will be available by appointment for private sessions to work on technique, a favorite song, or any problems or questions you might have. Specialties include old-time, Irish, Cajun, and swing.

TUTORIALS: GUITAR (Bruce Lang)
Bruce will be available by appointment for private sessions to work on technique, a favorite song, or any problems or questions you might have. Specialties include swing, country, Beatles, and more.

TUTORIALS: PIANO ACCORDION (Rodger French)
Rodger will be available by appointment for private sessions to work on technique, a favorite song, or any problems or questions you might have. The accordion is cool, it’s versatile, it’s fun, and it’s back. Learn more about playing this marvelous instrument from someone who began taking lessons in the Year 3 B.E. (Before Elvis). Students at all levels are welcome, but a working knowledge of basic music theory is a big plus. And yes, you have to bring your own instrument, preferably a piano accordion.

TUTORIALS: ELECTRIC OR ACOUSTIC BASS (Jeff Hersk)
Jeff will be available by appointment for private sessions to work on technique, a favorite song, or any problems or questions you might have. Instruction will focus on how the bass player works with the rhythm section to make any style of music ‘swing.’ According to the interests of the student, topics may include swing, jazz, blues, old-time and/or bluegrass styles; creating walking-bass lines, practical music theory, the Nashville number system, right-hand technique, equipment and amplification, playing with vocalists, improving tone, and soloing.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

COMMUNITY GATHERING & SING (All students & Staff)
Right after lunch we will all gather as a community. This is an opportunity to showcase student and staff talents, so bring a song (or special skill) to perform or teach. We will also catch up on any news of the day, schedule changes, or additions. The Community Gathering is always full of fun surprises and is for everyone involved with Sing & Swing Week as well as interested Dulcimer Week folks. Be sure and get there on time, as each day will begin with Sam Bartlett’s Stuntology! (No class limit)

THE SWANNANOA CHORUS (All students & vocal staff)
Each afternoon after Community Gathering, the entire Sing & Swing community (Dulcimer Week students welcomed as well) will meet to join their voices in glorious song, led each day by a different member of the Vocal Staff. If you just weren’t able to squeeze in every single class you wanted, this is an ideal opportunity to sample the music of each of our talented singing staff. All songs will be easy to learn and hugely satisfying to sing in a large group. This will be a wonderful opportunity to just sit up and sing – don’t miss a single session! (No class limit)

BEATLES SINGALONG (Bruce Lang)
As we have done for the last three years, after the pond picnic on Thursday evening, we will make our way to the Pavilion and have a “smashing” time going through the seemingly endless supply of great Beatles songs. It’s amazing we all remember so many of them, from forty or more years ago! (No class limit)

CRASH COURSES, ETC.

Note: No advance signup required for Crash Courses, Etc.

CRASH COURSE: CONTRA DANCE (Mon.) (Cis Hinkle et al.)
Come find out why contra dancers are always smiling! This American dance form requires no special footwork, just a smooth walking step, a few basic moves, and a willingness to have fun. It has been described as “a form of dance that thrusts a different person of the opposite sex into your arms every 30 seconds or so” – which isn’t always true, but is a feature worth mentioning. You’ll be dancing before you know it, and you’ll have a chance to practice what you learn at the evening dances. We’re obligated to tell you one thing, though: contra dancing can be addictive. Consider yourself warned. (No class limit)

CRASH COURSE: SWING DANCE (Tues.) (Leah Smith & Jesse Edgerton)
Open to all levels of dancers, this pot luck will be a mini-version of the Swing Dance class. Come learn how to communicate with your partner on the dance floor and get ready for the evening swing dancing. (No class limit)

CRASH COURSE: MUSIC THEORY
FOR MERE MORTALS - PART I (Weds.) (Mick Kinney)
Ever feel daunted by terms like “diminished” or “augmented”? Looking for that perfect chord to put in the song you’re working on? Relax! This course puts the “hear” back in “theory.” Your ears can already recognize a variety of scales and harmonies. Here’s a way to make sense of it all. Vocalists, instrumentalists, and songwriters in any idiom can benefit from this method and there is no music reading prerequisite. (Class limit: 15)

CRASH COURSE: MUSIC THEORY
FOR MERE MORTALS PART - II (Thurs.) (Mick Kinney)
This section is for people who already have some basic knowledge of theory. (Class limit: 15)

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.
Hear Ye, Hear Ye, Calling all kids who wish to join the Kingdom of the Gathering! This year’s Children’s Program will be of all things magic and medieval. With Princes & Princesses, Lords & Ladies, Knights, Knaves and a Jester or two, we will have fun creating our Castle and Empire through crafts, songs, music, stories, games and role-playing. In our realm we will craft bejeweled crowns, damsel & jester hats, velvety capes, knight’s shields, faery wands, and more! The royal treatment will also include a small feast for all to partake in (daily snacktime.) We will have a music teacher come each day for one period and as a special treat we will be visited throughout the week by wandering minstrels (Gathering Staff) who will perform just for our kids! Guest jugglers and entertainers may visit our Kingdom and provide merriment as well! With the Queen’s blessing, the kids of our Castle with enough bravery and courage can participate in our annual traditions of a watermelon-eating contest and can venture out to complete the Sing & Swing/Dulcimer Week Scavenger Hunt. Plus there will be new challenges and adventures to go on! Lest we forget... be forewarned that there may also be a Dragon in our midst, but you will have to venture to the misty mountains of Appalachia to find out. We will close each very busy day with free swim time in the moat of our Kingdom (also known as the college pool). Non-swimmers must be accompanied by a parent to swim. There will be a $20 art/craft materials fee for this program, payable to the instructor on arrival.