MANDOLIN CAMP NORTH

List of Classes and Workshops

 

Darol Anger

  1. Diatonically occurring arpeggios as a solo vocabulary builder - A way to increase your key awareness and improvisational confidence without working that hard. (I-A)

Richie Brown

  1. Right hand basics - learn proper pick position to get better tone. Improve timing and rhythm. (I-A)
  2. Introduction to Bill Monroe - Learn to play “Lonesome Road Blues”. This version does not strictly follow Monroe’s version, but several elements of his style are used in this arrangement. (AB-A)

3.       “Weird keys” - soloing in keys such as Bb, B, Eb, and F without open strings.  Some strategies for accomplishing the solo somewhat painlessly! (Knowledge of chords is essential) (I-A)

  1. Tasteful Back-up - What to do and what not to do when others are singing or soloing. (AB-A)
  2. Bluegrass Band Development - A bluegrass band is as intricate as a classical chamber ensemble. Add vocals to that and the challenges increase exponentially! Veteran players will explore and demonstrate the complexities of bluegrass band performance. Among the topics: dynamics, vocal harmonies, lead and backup ettiquette, PA setup, arranging, hiring and firing. (B-A)

6.       Introduction to Chord shapes for bluegrass - play rhythm: the other 90% our playing time- what to play when not playing a solo or lead part. (B-AB)

Rich DelGrosso

1.       Blues mandolin for beginners - Introduction to the basic elements of blues melody, harmony and rhythm, including scales, seventh and ninth chords, slides, smears and bends.

2.       Blues and Bluegrass - The Linthead Stomp: Phebel Wright’s mandolin classic has all the elements of the blues and how they put the “Blues” in Bluegrass.

3.       Jug Band Mandolin - examples from the repertoire of 20s era jug band mandolinists, including Vol Stevens, Will Weldon and Charlie McCoy. These quirky and fun arrangements are designed to get attention.

4.       Urban Blues - From New York to Chicago: At the time of the Great Depression musicians moved north, from the eastern Piedmont to New York, and from Mississippi to Chicago, bringing their distinctive blues from the country to the city. We’ll play arrangements from the music of Al Miller, Charlie McCoy and Johnny Young.

5.       The Mississippi String Bands - Here we explore the music of black string bands of Mississippi; the Sheiks, the Mudsteppers and the Black Snakes. We’ll play “Sittin’ on Top of the World” the way it was originally recorded.

6.       Classic Rags and Stomps - The dance music of the african-american community in the 20s and 30s. We’ll explore a variety of arrangements.

7.      The Music of Yank Rachell: 60 years of mandolin blues - The best known blues mandolinist whose recording career spans six decades. We’ll explore his unique phrasing and techniques while playing a variety of arrangements, from jug band to low-down urban blues.

Sharon Gilchrist

  1. Turn Arounds - The well-known mandolin turn-around is an essential part of many a kick-off to songs or short solo between chorus and verses. This is often found in gospel songs for instance. We'll take a look into some of the most masterful turn-arounds ever performed by Ricky Skaggs on the Skagg's & Rice album - a 1980 Rounder Record Release. (I-A)
  2. New Acoustic Music - We'll examine a few tunes from the New Acoustic world and talk about what sets these tunes apart from the more traditional bluegrass cannon and discuss the soloing on these tunes as well. (I-A)
  3. Beyond I-IV-V - We'll look at songs that have chords progressions outside of the standard I-IV-V chord progression and look at arpeggiation of those progressions and learn to better hear these chord changes. (I)
  4. Improv Basics - We’ll discuss how to use three magic tones that comprise the most basic chord structure in Western music to create lead lines, double stops, improv and more. We'll also see how they can help open up knowledge of the fretboard by looking at how to practice them up and down the neck. (B-I)
  5. Beyond Chopping: Chord Inversions and other options - This is a look into back-up methods including moving chord inversions, open strings, and varying chord tones to provide counterpoint lines to one's accompaniment. We'll look also look at chord-voicings that work well for backing up a solo performance. (I-A)
  6. Packed to Travel - Preparing for and surviving life as a touring musician - getting the gigs, traveling with instruments, road food and health issues, etc. (I-A)

Skip Gorman

  1. Waltzes Bill Monroe Liked to Play - We'll concentrate on double stops , tremolo and sliding in waltzes like  Bill's Waltzes in G and C  , Roxanna's  Waltz ,  and others. (I-A)
  2. Simple, Lovely Cow Camp Melodies - Stephen Foster melodies, cowboy song melodies and some roots Celtic. for  beginners (bluegrassers and non-bluegrassers). (B-I)
  3. Chording Patterns and Off-Beat Chops (The Old Time Way) Bill Monroe played chords the streamlined way  and his offbeat chop was done without a bow to the plugged in new music. (B-I)
  4. Fiddle Tunes on the Mandolin in the Key of A - The key of A has a special feel in the Bluegrass. Using the little finger. (A)
  5. Fiddle Tunes… Bill’s Way – An exploration of Bill Monroe’s reductionist approach to fiddle tunes – well-known traditional tunes as well as his own compositions (A)
  6. Old Time Cowboy Songs and Fiddle Tunes on the Fiddle - We'll sing some (non- Hollywood)  numbers and I'll cross tune the fiddle. (B-A)

Martin Grosswendt

  1. Beginner/fresh start track - Here’s the chance to make music on your mandolin for the first time, or dust off the case that was at the back of the closet, take out that lonely mando, and start fresh. All the basics – holding and using the pick, simple melodies, simple chords, simple strategies for playing and loving it!
  2. Bluegrass Band Development - A bluegrass band is as intricate as a classical chamber ensemble. Add vocals to that and the challenges increase exponentially! Veteran players will explore and demonstrate the complexities of bluegrass band performance. Among the topics: dynamics, vocal harmonies, lead and backup ettiquette, PA setup, arranging, hiring and firing. (B-A)
  3. Freddie Green Rhythm for the Mandolin - Freddie Green, long-time rhythm guitarist for the Count Basie Orchestra, was a master at driving an entire big band using three-note chords. We’ll take a look at some simple, moveable chord shapes you can use on mandolin to emulate Green’s compelling voicings, as well as left- and right-hand technique to get that swinging rhythm. (AB-I)

Lorraine Hammond

  1. Beginner/fresh start track - Here’s the chance to make music on your mandolin for the first time, or dust off the case that was at the back of the closet, take out that lonely mando, and start fresh. All the basics – holding and using the pick, simple melodies, simple chords, simple strategies for playing and loving it!
  2. Singing with strength - Informal musicians often take singing for granted. They just do it. Or they just leave it to other folks. There are basic techniques that will strengthen your voice, sharpen your ability to match pitches, and help you enjoy singing. Come learn some of them. (All, participatory)
  3. Just play along - not quite a jam session, but a chance for less experienced players to play in a group with the support of solid instrumental backup, plenty of coaching. Students will be encouraged to ask questions, and share observations. With Bennett Hammond (B-AB)

David Harvey

  1. Beginner Basic Techniques & Psychology - Right/Left hand coordination, scales, & exercises. (B-AB)
  2. Instrument Care & Feeding - Includes inspection of instrument and set up recommendations with a discussion on construction. (Demo)
  3. Bluegrass Band Development - A bluegrass band is as intricate as a classical chamber ensemble. Add vocals to that and the challenges increase exponentially! Veteran players will explore and demonstrate the complexities of bluegrass band performance. Among the topics: dynamics, vocal harmonies, lead and backup ettiquette, PA setup, arranging, hiring and firing. (B-A)
  4. Mandolin Rhythm - What you will do most of the time! - Perfect your chop and visit passing chords.  Listening and backing soloists and vocalists.  (I)
  5. Fiddle Tunes on the Mandolin - Fiddle tunes are fun and great for your chops! (AB-A)
  6. Two Approches to Soloing – Should you construct solos based on the melody, or the chordal harmonies of a tune? Here’s an exploration of both approaches. With Stiernberg (I-A)
  7. Harmony mandolin: Playing harmonies with another mandolin or other lead instrument - How to construct a twin part. With Reiner (I)

Dave Howard

  1. Classic rags and Stomps - with DelGrosso and Reiner (Demo)
  2. Getting the Most from a Fakebook - Review of chord symbols. Demystification of "nasty" chords. Reducing tunes to groups of tonalities. Making your own charts. With Stiernberg (I-A)
  3. Jazz Standards for Mandolin - An introduction to playing jazz and pop standards on the mandolin. We’ll talk about melodies, scales and using two notes to “suggest” a more complex chord, and demonstrate all these points in the context of some well- and lesser-known tunes. With Walach (I)

Ben Pearce

  1. Learning the Numbers: I, IV, V - a look the most common bluegrass and folk progressions and the mandolin as a great medium for playing rhythm along with them, and we’ll unlock a fundamental secret to navigating the mandolin fingerboard (AB-I)
  2. Dissecting Doublestops - understanding doublestops in terms of scales as well as partial chords, how to effectively use doublestops in both lead and backup playing. This approach helps underscore the harmonic underpinnings of commonly used doublestops and their place in the chords over which they are played. (I)
  3. Chord Crackin' - mandolin chords are often very convoluted and difficult to decipher due to the large interval between strings. This workshop examines common chord shapes and explains the role of each note to the larger chord. This knowledge can then be used to understand chord inversions as well as modify the chord to include 7th's 9th's and other less common intervals. (I-A)
  4. Bluegrass Licks in closed shapes - Using the Bluegrass Grip as a departure, this class will look at some licks that exist inside the "grip" and are sure to expand your arsenal, in any key (I-A)
  5. Major and Minor Chords and Scales - a look at the differences (and some similarities) between major and minor keys, their scales, and the chords that derive from them. Why do some chords just sound better together than others?  Why do some scales not sound good over chords? We will look at a fiddle tune that contains both modes, and use it compare and contrast the emotive qualities of each. (I-A)

Dave Reiner

  1. Easy Irish tunes for the mandolin - (B-I)
  2. Second breaks on mandolin: Cool variations and improvising on tunes - (I)
  3. Harmony mandolin: Playing harmonies with another mandolin or other lead instrument - How to construct a twin part. With Harvey(I-A)
  4. Classic Rags and Stomps - with DelGrosso and Howard (demonstration)
  5. Fiddle for mandolin players - What's different about the fiddle? Bowing, double stops, etc. (B-I, bring your fiddle)
  6. Fiddle and mandolin duets - What are the possibilities? What can the mandolin player do? With Stiernberg (I-A)
  7. New England dance tunes for mandolin (I-A)

Mike Rivers

  1. Getting the Most From Your Hand-held Recorder - These things are in their third or fourth generation so it’s already time to buy a new one. Some smaller than ever, some bolt on to your iPod, some record video, some are really more music workstations than just recorders, and some are really excellent recorders. In this workshop we’ll discuss some fundamentals of recording as well as some of the useful and wacky features available today that you might not expect.  (Demo)
  2. Microphone Options for Studio and Stage - Condenser, dynamic, ribbon, cardioid, hypercardioid, omni, figure-8, What’s the difference? Which should you use and for what? Is my SM-57 good enough? We’ll discuss and demonstrate microphone applications for stage performance, studio recording, and portable recording applications.  (Demo)
  3. Guitar Backup for Fiddle Tunes - Essentials include knowing the chords and when to change, playing runs in between chords and in lieu of chords, faking it without sounds like you don’t know the tune or the chords, why what’s appropriate for playing in a band may not be appropriate for playing in a jam. With Rossi (Demo)
  4. Making Your PA Work for You and the Audience - Part 2, or maybe Part 1 of Microphone Options. We’ll review microphone types and pickup patterns; review various PA system configurations (separated parts, powered mixers, powered speakers) and how they’re connected, and what all of those knobs and buttons do. (Demo)

Neil Rossi

  1. Simple Chords - Simple 2- and 3-note movable chords.  Guided practice in switching from one to another. (B-I)
  2. Playing In Those "Awkward" Keys - E, F, B, Bb and beyond.  Using closed positions to play breaks. (I-A)
  3. Bluegrass Band Development - A bluegrass band is as intricate as a classical chamber ensemble. Add vocals to that and the challenges increase exponentially! Veteran players will explore and demonstrate the complexities of bluegrass band performance. Among the topics: dynamics, vocal harmonies, lead and backup ettiquette, PA setup, arranging, hiring and firing. (B-A)
  4. The Right Hand, The Right Way - Getting comfortable with holding and using the pick.  Exercises in switching strings, up and down strokes, and tremolo. (B-I)
  5. Practical Music Theory For Mandolin - Elements of music theory applied to reading, playing and chord construction. Staffs, clefs and ledgers lines. Sharps and flats.  Scales, keys, intervals and triads.  Measures, time signatures, rests.  Lots of guided practice with voice and mandolin. (B-I)
  6. Guitar Backup For Fiddle Tunes - Playing rhythm guitar behind fiddle tunes is an art.  You can provide a dependable "boom-chick" style backup, while also adding some interesting syncopated bass runs that make an old fiddle tune sound new.  We'll provide examples of fills, chord transitions, and "hot licks", along with some guided practice.  You should know some simple guitar chords and be comfortable with a flat pick.  With Rivers (I-A)

Don Stiernberg

  1. Two Approches to Soloing – Should you construct solos based on the melody, or the chordal harmonies of a tune? Here’s an exploration of both approaches. With Harvey (A)
  2. Improving the Improv - Soloing over any type of chord. Chord substitutions. Linear activities for well known tunes in several styles:swing, grass, fiddle tunes. (I-A)
  3. Getting the Most from a Fakebook - Review of chord symbols. Demystification of "nasty" chords. Reducing tunes to groups of tonalities. Making your own charts. With Howard (I-A)
  4. Fiddle and mandolin duets - What are the possibilities? What can the mandolin player do? With Reiner (I)
  5. Chord Melody Playing and Arranging - Basic shapes to get started stating melodies in chords, "Jethro style". Chord soloing. Arrangements to play. (A)
  6. Non-Bluegrass Rhythm Playing - Spice up your rhythm parts. Use more of the fretboard. Add color tones. II-V-I in major and minor (Demo)
  7. The Book of Jethro - Tunes, licks, and anecdotes from and about Kenneth "Jethro" Burns, 20th Century Mandolin Master (Demo)

David Surette

  1. CBOMs: big mandos - Come and check out the world of the bigger members of the mando family. (Demo)
  2. Ornamentation for Irish tunes - This class will focus on the techniques used to ornament traditional Irish dance tunes. Triplets, drones, and rhythmic and melodic variation will be addressed, using tunes both familiar and unusual (I-A)
  3. Jig picking basics - This class will explore the down/up/down, down/up/down pick technique, the foundation of the jig. Simple tunes, basic chord strums, and lots of playing. (B-I)
  4. Open-string chording - This class will look at some nice-sounding and easy voicings for chords using open-string chord positions. We will also play some cool chord progressions that can be applied to a number of different styles. (B-I)
  5. Song Accompaniment - We will cover a variety of different ways to accompany songs, both from the perspective of a solo mandolin/bouzouki rhythm part and that of a sideman's role. (I-A)
  6. Classic Rock for mando - Beatles, Grateful Dead, Allman Brothers, you get the point. (I-A)

Bill Walach

  1. Common dance and party tunes from late 60's and 70's in New England - This is a chance for some newer players to play and learn some of the simpler tunes old timers take for granted. The sources of the tunes include French-Canadian, old-time, Irish, Scottish and American (I-A)
  2. Building Simple Chords - Learn to build the chords you need and at the same time develop your ear by combining the notes that “sound right” with a tune or song. We’ll learn how to build and name chords and develop progressions for some familiar selections. (AB)
  3. Tone and Picking Styles - Do you listen to how you sound when you play—to your tone?  It’s a neglected area for many, but thinking about and developing your tone can make a big difference in the quality of your playing. We’ll talk about various aspects of tone, including the position where you pick the string, finding the “sweet spot” on your instrument and the different types of pick you can use to find the tone that’s “just right.” (AB-I)
  4. Jazz Standards for Mandolin - An introduction to playing jazz and pop standards on the mandolin. We’ll talk about melodies, scaless and using two notes to “suggest” a more complex chord, and demonstrate all these points in the context of some well- and lesser-known tunes. With Howard (I)
  5. Jigs:  Playing with Power in 6/8 - Learn to play in 6/8 to develop the facility and strength of your right hand, on the upstroke as well as the down. (I-A)

 

Staff (see individual listing)

Bluegrass Band Development - A bluegrass band is as intricate as a classical chamber ensemble. Add vocals to that and the challenges increase exponentially! Veteran players will explore and demonstrate the complexities of bluegrass band performance. Among the topics: dynamics, vocal harmonies, lead and backup ettiquette, PA setup, arranging, hiring and firing. With Harvey, Brown, Bruce and Kelly Stockwell, Rossi, Grosswendt (B-A)