CAMP CLASSES AND SCHEDULE

Class Descriptions

Intermediate/Advanced Old-Time Fiddle — Classes will focus on techniques and approaches that can help students discover their own unique old-time sound. Bowings, tunings, inflections, rhythmic pulses and drives, the natural bluesiness of American traditions…… all these things can help you “speak the language” of old-time music. The Kentucky and North Carolina traditions tied to Dirk and Riley’s backgrounds will be something of a focus, but, with over half the staff playing fiddle, there will be plenty of opportunities to explore diverse approaches that can help students meet their goals.

Intermediate/Advanced Old-Time Banjo — Banjo is unique in its ability to cover so many elements of music at the same time — melody, chords, percussion, harmony, drones. Riley and Dirk each learned banjo from older players in Appalachia, and each will share his rooted approach to the instrument. This will focus primarily on what is often called the “clawhammer” style, though in Dirk’s family the same style was known as “overhand.” There will be a lesser focus on finger-picking styles, though in talking about the history and feel of the instrument those subjects are likely to pop up. We’ll talk about playing solo, supporting a fiddle, and playing in groups.

Intermediate/Advanced Old-Time Song (with Harmony) — Caleb and Reeb are known for their creative harmony blends and wide repertoire of traditional and old-time Country songs, as well as originals that sit right in the timeless center of the tradition. In this class they’ll present a variety of songs — from classics to hidden gems — and explore ways to discover the soul of each one. They’ll help you find your voice, get creative with harmony, and dig into the kind of intention it takes to achieve that magic expression and blend we all love so much.

Intermediate Old-Time Guitar — The guitar in an old-time setting can be deceptively simple. The chords are often relatively straightforward, but getting the right kind of rhythmic feel is essential to any stringband or jam setting. The placement of the offbeat, the sense of drive versus holding back the pulse, the methods of playing bass notes versus chords…. many of these things are more about feel than analysis, and are often lost when slowed down for teaching purposes. This class will delve into the feel, hands-on, and will merge with other classes in moments in order to share the backing up of tunes and songs.

Intermediate/Advanced Old-Time Mandolin — As a member of Foghorn Stringband, Caleb brought old-time mandolin to a new and vibrant place by digging into the roots, finding ways to match and enhance the feel and pulse of fiddle tunes despite having a pick in his hand instead of a bow. He has an expansive repertoire of tunes and techniques that make him the favorite of many mandolin players because he comes from the percussive and expressive place that made the instrument a popular American instrument in the first place.

Beginners classes

Beginning Guitar — If you have a strong desire to strum and sing your favorite songs on the guitar, but don’t know how, or if you already know a few chords but want to really solidify your foundation and learn a bunch of songs, well then this class is for you! We’ll be learning the basic chords and chord progressions of folk, country and old-time songs, working the rhythm, strumming patterns and the classic “boom-chuck” pattern, as well as understanding and internalizing simple 12 bar and 16 bar forms. Starting with only two or three chord songs, students will play music right off the bat. By the end of the week we’ll have a good foundational repertoire of songs to sing and chords to play.

Beginning Fiddle — Fiddle is a challenging but deeply rewarding instrument. Some say it most purely imitates the human voice. Learning how to hold the instrument and draw an even, full tone with the bow will help create the kind of foundation on which you can build and grow. Even if you have some experience on the fiddle, this will be a great opportunity to work on and fine-tuning your bowing, posture, and intonation. We’ll familiarize ourselves with the major scale pattern in different open keys, learn simple but memorable fiddle tunes, and jam with guitar accompaniment. It might be squeaky at first but it’ll be squeaky fun!

KIDS PROGRAM

Little Folkies Ukulele Jammers,
Guitar Pickers & Fiddlers

A program for kids ages 7 to 12 wanting to learn how to sing and strum classic folk songs on the guitar or ukulele. Beginners and experienced students welcome! We’ll delve into the vast repertoire of folk, gospel and old-time songs perfect for beginners from the American canon, and learn the basic chords and strumming patterns of easy 1, 2, and 3 chord songs. You’ll be amazed at how much music you can make with just one chord and some heartfelt singing.

Afternoon Band Classes

The social aspect of making music is one of the most precious things we have as human beings. In the afternoon classes, we’ll explore the different elements of the traditions at hand in a full, participatory way, defining and working on each role so that the whole ends up far more than the sum of its parts. There will be a performance at the end of the week celebrating what all the bands have worked on and created together.

Appalachian Stringband — Led primarily by Riley Baugus and Dirk Powell, this class will cover all the elements it takes to create a driving, powerful string ensemble like those that exist in the heart of the mountains.

Honky Tonk Harmony — Cahalen Morrison will lead this class, which will delve into old-time and early modern Country music, both instrumentally and vocally. The class is for instrumentalists and singers…… and those who do both!

Traditional Cajun Band — Led by Amelia Powell and Simon Leonie, this class will dig into one of the most unique and engaging traditional forms in the U.S. Participants will learn a few Cajun French songs, some vocals, no matter what language they speak, and dig into the special feel of the music.

Texas Style Fiddle and Guitar Band — with Nokosee Fields and Luke Price

Soul Harmony Band — With Rachael Price and Rainy Eyes, this band will do some old soul songs, learning them on their instruments and singing 3 part harmonies. Think Aretha Franklin and Motown with acoustic instruments

Daily Schedule

8:00 AM | Breakfast

9:00 AM | Yoga, meditation, prep, or warm-up time

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM | String/Vocal Class 1

10:50 AM - 11:50 AM | String/Vocal Class 2

12:00 PM | Lunch

1:30 PM - 2:50 PM | Band classes

3:00 PM | Day camper pick-up

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Quiet time, relaxation, guided nature walks to garden/tide pools/beach/forest/butterfly grove

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM | Workshop/Concert of the moment

6:00 PM | Dinner

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Teacher concert by the fire pit

9:30 PM | Jamming and hanging

11:30 PM | Sleepy time

In addition to the daily classes, activities will include:

Hearty home-cooked meals with guest local chefs at dinner
Outdoor-based nature exploration and guided walks
Dancing - many styles to share, from Cajun to Square Dancing
Songwriting - Select workshops with top writers
Jamming - Many opportunities to make some spontaneous music!
Art creation from recycled material and found objects
Conversations about music, friendship, equality, contributing in a positive way to your community, and more
Camping!