2010 Traditional Song Week Classes

SONGS OF THE LOUVIN BROTHERS (Charlie Louvin)
With such classic songs as “The Knoxville Girl,” “Cash On The Barrelhead,” “When I Stop Dreaming,” and “You’re Running Wild,” Charlie Louvin and his brother Ira were one of the most influential musical acts of the ‘40s and ‘50s, defining close harmony duet singing for several generations of country music fans. In this course you will have the unique opportunity to listen to the legendary Charlie Louvin himself sing songs from the Louvin Brothers songbag as well as a few hits from his own solo career and even a few of their favorite Carter Family songs such as “The Worried Man Blues.” Get the real story behind the creation of their famous songs, how they worked them up, intimate “road stories” from their travels, and maybe ask some questions you’ve always wondered about! If you are a Louvin Fan, you won’t want to miss this once in a lifetime chance to sit at the feet of a star of the Grand Old Opry and a member of Country Music Hall of Fame!

INTRODUCTION TO IRISH MYTH & LEGEND (Dáithí Sproule)
Ireland is rightly known as a place with a rich store of myth and legends – of heroes and their feats, mysterious Otherworld figures, shape-changing, trickery and wild cattle raids. Dáithí will introduce the class to some of the oldest and most beautiful stories, to the various cycles of legends, and to the meaning of the Otherworld in Celtic tradition, something particular yet with universal meaning for all our lives. (Students should bring an audio recording device.)

TRADITIONAL IRISH SONGS IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE (Dáithí Sproule)
The emphasis in this class will be to look beyond the kinds of song arrangements we hear on commercial recordings of the last 40 years and to enjoy the songs free of the strait-jacket of rhythmic accompaniment. Dáithí will introduce students to the sounds of the old, unaccompanied singers, but will encourage students to keep the songs alive in the present by developing their own personal, authentic and unaffected style, and enjoying the beauty of the melody and poetry of the songs in their own homes and in their own lives. (Students should bring an audio recording device.)

AMERICAN ROOTS MUSIC: AN INTRODUCTION (Matt Watroba)
This class will use film, audio, and live presentations to create a picture of what has become known as American Roots Music. Matt Watroba will explore the history, the characters, the songs, and the styles that influenced generations of American music. From Native American flutes, to the traditional songs that migrated from West Africa, to the ballads that survived the ocean trip from Europe and beyond, we will discover the wonderfully twisted roots that shaped our musical heritage and culture, and continue to influence the music of today. Matt will show you how to dig the roots of American music!

CHOICES: HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF THE SONGS YOU SING (Matt Watroba)
Bringing traditional songs alive is all about choices. In this interactive class, Matt Watroba will show you the choices great singers make to get the most out of a song. Participants will then be encouraged to apply what they’ve learned to the songs they choose to sing. This workshop promises to be a safe, friendly place where beginners and professionals alike will benefit from the wisdom of the instructor and the group. Phrasing, style and performance techniques are just a few of the areas this class will explore on the way to wowing any audience with the power of traditional music. Students are encouraged to bring songs they are working on.

OLD MEETING-HOUSE SONGS (Sheila Kay Adams)
This class is all about singing the many “meeting-house” gospel songs – mostly by ear and full-voiced, “off-the-porch-strong” as Aunt Inez would say – that I grew up hearing in the churches in and around Sodom, NC. You’ll be familiar with most of ‘em, ones like “I’ll Fly Away,” “Where the Soul Never Dies,” and “Build Me A Cabin,” to name a few. We’ll also work together on some shape-note songs, but the majority can be found in The Baptist Hymnal. Please bring a copy if you have your own, but handouts will be provided as needed. And don’t go worrying about harmonies; trust me, you’ll find the one that works for you. These old hymns really do rock right along, and there’s a power to them that’ll grab your heart and spirit from the get-go ... no collection plate needed. But don’t expect to sit or even stand in one place as these old hymns will, quite literally, move you. (No class limit)

SONGCATCHING: SINGING TRADITIONAL
APPALACHIAN BALLADS (Sheila Kay Adams)
I started learning what my family called ‘them old love songs’ as a five-year-old. No one said I had to learn them, or pressured me to listen to and sing back, one at a time, twenty-seven verses. First, as a child I loved the stories of knights and ladies riding on snow-white steeds, or what all could take place in “her father’s great hall,” or why a bird perched in a willow tree would speak to a woman who had “just murdered your own true love.” I could go on and on but the stories were fantastic, mysterious, believable and I heard them every day. The people I learned from were born in the 1890s and early 1900s and had learned them from their parents and grandparents – generation after generation after generation had learned them and passed them on. The words aren’t a problem. They’re written down in more collections than you can shake a stick at. But, if the story was the initial reason my mind chose to learn, it was the way they sang that took my heart over fifty years ago: the odd phrasing, the choice of words and the way they put those words together. This is what I hope to share with you in this class. I promise you, the songs are wonderful, but what will keep you singing is the way I’m going to teach you to do it. I’ll provide you with the words; the rest I’ll help you with, and those that really “get it” by the end of the week will help me carry this beautiful, ancient tradition a bit further down the road.

MEN IN SHIPS & MAIDS ON THE SHORE (Claudine Langille)
“Traditional songs from the Maritime Provinces of Canada and Newfoundland.” Claudine’s lifelong exploration of her Nova Scotia heritage has drawn her to the rich music of this area, which blends Irish, Scottish, British, European, black, native and American cultures. We’ll sing songs that tell stories of tall ships and pirates, of women who disguised themselves and snuck aboard, and of love and longing. Some of the ballads are familiar, with salty melodies spiced with mackerel, fog, and rum; great for building your repertoire. Audio recording device recommended.

LES CHANSONS EN FRANÇAIS – ACADIAN SONGS
FROM NOVA SCOTIA TO LOUISIANA (Claudine Langille)
Singing in a language other than your own can help you focus on the pure musicality of the song. It can also teach you the more poetic phrases in the language. Claudine has enjoyed singing in Greek, Balkan languages, and Irish, and now in French. Even if you are not fluent in French, don’t worry – lots of slang here! Haunting melodies, crooked rhythms, and a bit of ooh-la-la will be featured. Audio recording device recommended.

SHAPE-NOTE SINGING (Tim Eriksen)
Learn to sing “shape-note” music from the Sacred Harp tunebook in a workshop taught by one of the most acclaimed of singing instructors. First published in 1844 in Georgia, the Sacred Harp tunebook is at the heart of one of America’s most vital homegrown musical practices. Within its pages, “Amazing Grace” meets the toe-tapping “fugue-ing tunes” of early New England, all harmonized for four-part social singing and written in a unique and practical notation system. This workshop, addressed to absolute beginners and more experienced singers alike, begins with the basics of the human voice and group singing and includes an introduction to reading shape note music, notes on important aspects of traditional practice and lots of full-on singing. No prior experience required. (No class limit)

DUET HARMONY SINGING (Mark Weems & Julee Glaub)
Learn some of the specific techniques and nuances of duet singing. We will work towards choosing keys, finding parts, exploring different types of harmony, building harmony mathematically, blending voices, feeling and phrasing, and listening skills. We will learn how to adapt harmonies to different songs and various genres such as Appalachian, Irish, Gospel, and Traditional Country. The initial classes will focus on singing without instruments. This freedom from chordal structure will encourage experimentation with more diverse kinds of harmony. As the week proceeds, we will slowly introduce instruments, consider how they affect the overall harmonic sound, and discuss the creation of tasteful arrangements. It is not necessary to read music, as we will be learning by ear. Bring a partner or find one in the class! (Class limit: 14)

SONGS FROM THE NORTH (Tim Eriksen)
Old songs of love, faith and murder from Anglo-Celtic New England and the Maritimes with an emphasis on hardcore unaccompanied singing. A practical, in-depth study of songs ranging from “Barbara Allen” to “Oh Lovely Appearance of Death,” drinking songs to shape-note hymnody, and how to sing them so people will be glad they chose singing instead of going to the movies. The emphasis is on listening for detail, getting your vocal cords working overtime and learning to tell a story effectively without acting. No experience necessary, but a willingness to make some noise is helpful. Unaccompanied singing is the next big thing in American Roots music– get in on the ground floor!

THE CHILD BALLADS (Brian Peters)
The old ballads of the British Isles, some of them dating back more than four or five hundred years, were brought together in a monumental collection by the Harvard professor F. J. Child in the late 19th century. They also had a vigorous tradition in North America, having been brought by British settlers to the Appalachians, New England and the Canadian maritimes. Brian will present some of the best of the ballads, dealing with themes such as riddles, magic, ghosts, battles and female heroes, exploring their history, their evolution and some of the fascinatingly varied versions that oral tradition has created as the songs have passed through the centuries. He will also discuss ways to find ballads, to put together your own versions, and to perform them in the best way to get those wonderful stories across. Some word sheets will be provided, and recorders are welcome though not essential.

ENGLISH FOLK SONGS & SINGING STYLE (Brian Peters)
The rich tapestry of English traditional song encompasses topics such as love, rural life, crime, work and the sea. We’ll be looking at examples of all of these, with some illustrations from recordings of classic ‘source’ singers like Phil Tanner and Walter Pardon, from which we can learn a lot. There will be an opportunity to take home some great songs, but also to work on aspects of style: from simple matters such as selecting a good singing key, to more subtle arts such as storytelling through song, and also more technical aspects of vocal performance such as ornamentation (who said the English don’t do it?!). If there’s time and interest we might even get around to things like harmony and accompaniments. Some word sheets will be provided, and recorders are welcome though not essential.

TRADITIONAL COUNTRY AND HONKY-TONK SINGING (Mark Weems)
This class will study various country vocal styles that emerged in the South after 1945. We will discuss the styles and techniques of several influential country music voices and learn a batch of classic songs by the likes of Hank Williams, Lefty Frizell, Wanda Jackson, Buck Owens, Leona Williams and George Jones. Special attention will be paid to phrasing, pitching your voice, ornamentation, and feeling and communicating a song. We will also spend some time creating an actual honky-tonk band with which to put all this knowledge to practice. Maybe even put on some harmony! Sounds fun to me! I am bringing an upright bass and drum kit. Guitars and basic knowledge of chords are encouraged. Let’s go honky-tonkin’!

SINGING BLUEGRASS LEAD (Don Rigsby)
Learn the elements of singing lead in the styles of the early masters such as Carter and Ralph Stanley, Lester Flatt, Bill Monroe and Bobby Osborne. Topics covered will include following the melody and when to embellish on it; making new songs sound old; singing effectively for your harmony singers to follow and more. Participants should have experience in singing the melody in standard traditional songs. Ability to play guitar is a plus.

SINGING BLUEGRASS HARMONY (Don Rigsby)
We will explore all elements of bluegrass harmony singing from duets and trios to quartets and all of the variations contained within. Participants will be separated into different groups and learn songs from the repertoires of the first generation masters of the genre. Each day will focus on a different artist and style of harmony singing. Participants should have a basic knowledge of part-singing, and knowledge of guitar or another instrument is helpful.

TRADITIONAL DANCING STYLES (Brian DeMarcus)
This class will provide a pleasant diversion for you when your voice needs a break and you can let your feet take over for a while. This class will have a daily focus on various dance styles from traditions around the country. This will include squares, contras, Cajun waltzes and two-steps, swing, and a taste of zydeco. The almost lost stylings of the Creole Baisse Bas will also be demonstrated. No experience necessary, just come prepared to have fun. (No class limit)

DANCE CALLING 101 (Brian DeMarcus)
This class will cover how to unleash your beautiful singing voice to call square, circle, contra and community dances. We will explore all the nuances of calling; including singing calls, regional styling, anatomy of a dance, working the microphone, working with bands, and most importantly, working with dancers. This class is open to all levels of interests and abilities. No experience necessary, just come prepared to have fun. Dance calling is a great way of getting your voice out there and getting rid of those butterflies.

PETE SEEGER SONGS: FROM CIVIL RIGHTS TO CIVIC DUTY (Peter Siegel)
There are so many sides of Pete Seeger; an academic who revitalized folk traditions, a pioneering banjo picker, a quintessential song leader, a radical patriot, an avid environmentalist, and a musical revolutionary. In this class, we will honor Pete’s joyful folk tradition. We’ll take original and revived songs from the many periods of his life and sing them in the multiple parts they deserve. We’ll discover some of his lesser-known songs and celebrate the ones we all know. (No class limit)

FAMILY SONGS FROM AROUND THE WORLD (Peter Siegel)
Every culture has a body of music that generations young and old can appreciate. In this intergenerational singing class we’ll take singing games, rounds, and songs in single and multiple parts from around the world and sing our hearts out. It’s a big plus if you like to laugh. Both children and adults are encouraged to attend this community singing class. What’s a good family song without kids? (No class limit)

BLUES VOCAL TECHNIQUES (Gaye Adegbalola)
To sing the blues is to lay your soul bare to tell a PERSONAL story which is simultaneously a UNIVERSAL story. This class will focus on techniques which might enhance the telling of the story – starting with “freeing up” and “energizing.” Other techniques will include breathing, phrasing, repertoire, shading, growling, slurring (up and down octaves), dialoguing, squeezing notes, nasal sounds, personalizing, and more. This class will NOT address pitch or rhythm. This class is open to all levels – the more the merrier. Some of the songs will be “mature” in content and often with double entendre. We will dissect the meaning of songs and place emphasis understanding what one is singing about. If time permits, there will be listening sessions to hear examples of the techniques studied.

BLUES VOCAL PERFORMANCE (Gaye Adegbalola)
This class will be very student-centered. Students will perform and will be given immediate feedback in specific areas – stage presence, pitch, rhythm, body language, believability, projection, appropriateness of the song (for class, for the singer), the “goosebump” factor, etc. Students will be taught how to critique performances by isolating strengths and weaknesses. By so doing, the student learns how to effectively evaluate her/his own performance. Gaye will create an environment to receive and give constructive criticism. students must prepare (know the words and his/her own key) one or two traditional blues songs for performance. (Please, don’t select “Summertime”). The tunes should be fairly simple, without a lot of chord changes, otherwise, the student should bring sheet music. Our piano accompanist will be able to work with the students to maximize their performances, and it’s preferred that students do NOT play their instruments unless the instrument is truly second nature. We want to focus on vocals. If time permits, topics such as stage fright, voice care, sound equipment, microphone & mic stand selection/usage, preparing the set list, monitors and monitor mixes, feedback, etc., will be discussed. Ideally, this class is for intermediate and advanced students who are already performing on stage or have the desire to work toward public performance. There will be some handouts, and there may be time for one-on-one coaching. It’s preferable that students attending this class should also take the Blues Technique class. (Class limit: 12)

TRADITIONAL GOSPEL (Roddy Barnes)
The main objective of this choral class is fun. It is open to all levels of singers and will have an emphasis on learning to feel at ease with group harmonizing. We will be focused primarily on traditional gospel music but will also touch on some spirituals or “code songs” from the underground railroad. Bring your voice and your heart and let’s sing some beautiful music together. (No class limit)

SPECIAL EVENTS

Note: There is no advance registration necessary for the following events. A highlight of the day’s schedule is when we gather together as a singing community each day after lunch for the following special events:

THE POWER OF SONG: PETE SEEGER
A special showing of a new PBS film celebrating the life and music of Pete Seeger. A superbly done documentary and the only authorized biography of his amazing life story. The film will be followed with open discussion, stories, and songs led by Peter Siegel who has been a family friend of Pete’s since Peter’s childhood.

CHARLIE LOUVIN PRESENTS: SONGS OF THE LOUVIN BROTHERS
Join Charlie Louvin on his 82nd birthday for a LIVE interview with Matt Watroba (producer and host of the nationally syndicated Sing Out! Radio Magazine and Folks Like Us Radio, WDET-Detroit). Charlie will be accompanied by Nashville guitarist Ben Hall, as they perform old favorites from the Louvin Brothers song collection up to present day songs of Charlie’s. Come and hear how Elvis Presley opened for the Louvin Brothers in 1955, about their 12 country hits between 1955 and 1962, and stories of the road from mid-century American music history. The Louvin Brothers are known as the best brother country music duo of their time and their classic songs have been covered by such folks as Johnny Cash, Emmylou Harris, Gram Parsons and Uncle Tupelo to name a few. You don’t want to miss this celebration of the life and work of living legend Charlie Louvin!

PANEL DISCUSSION ON TRADITIONAL SONG
We will all gather to culminate the week’s musical journey through all the classes and hear the entire staff sing and participate in an organic round table discussion about various ballad and song traditions. We will compare and contrast themes and styles from various genres such as blues, Irish, Scottish, English, northeastern, southern, Appalachian, American Roots, gospel, shape-note, etc.

THE CHILD BALLADS
Join English singer and song collector Brian Peters for a special presentation on the Child Ballad Collection of the British Isles, many of which date back four- and five hundred years. Most of the songs found in the Child Collection came to this country with the early settlers and became the core of traditional American song.

FREE TIME OR BAND SESSIONS
A great time of day to practice what you’re learning either on your own or with a band. In response to student requests, in the last period of the day, students will have the opportunity to sing and play in informal bands under the guidance of various staff members in conjunction with Fiddle Week participants.

SINGING SESSIONS BY GENRE
After supper each night, students have the opportunity to participate in themed singing sessions led by various staff members. We will vary the format each night from community sings to a focus on individual voices within a community context and a particular style/genre. It is a great time to share and collect songs, build vocal confidence, develop listening skills, and experiment with harmony and the nuances of both community singing and individual voices.

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.