| Bluegrass Home | Performers/Seminars | Program/Dates | Fees/Registration/Contact | Photos | Staff | ||||||||||
 |
|
|
|
The 21st Annual BRITISH COLUMBIA BLUEGRASS WORKSHOP 2010
Week 1: August 22 - August 27, 2010 |
 |
Chris Stevens plays banjo, guitar, and mandolin and also sings lead and harmony vocals. He has recorded for some of the industry's most demanding and accomplished producers, artists, and jingle houses. Chris composed and recorded a tune ("Cowgirl Pride") with kd Lang that was featured in the soundtrack of "Even Cowgirls Get the Blues," and his banjo can be heard in a Simpsons video game. He was a founding member of the highly successful group Tumbleweed and performed for years with Canadian Whitewater. His instrumental ability has earned Chris 5 nominations with the B.C. Country Music Association for Instrumentalist of the Year. Chris is also known as one of the funniest characters in bluegrass, and it's always a blast to have him around camp at the BCBW. His advanced rhythm guitar seminar covers a lot of territory, and it's sure to be an enjoyable week. Advanced Rhythm Guitar Description: Chris will be expanding on the fundamental (Boom-Ching) rhythm. You'll be developing strong and useful right hand techniques, fast and "cheater" chord changes, bass note walk-ups and general advanced level mayhem. This rhythm guitar workshop will be done "hands on" in Chris's legendary (minimal tab) fashion. Let Chris show you exactly what your favourite rhythm players are doing. Be a strong band player, and let this workshop help turn you into a "slammin` rythym machine." |
 |
Lee Watson is a dynamic guitarist who plays with the Vancouver-based bluegrass/roots music band, The Breakmen, whose album "When You Leave Town" was nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award and an Independent Music Award. Originally from Owen Sound, Ontario and now living in Victoria, BC, Lee has a classic bluegrass/country voice and is a versatile multi-instrumentalist. He's an expert at classic and modern bluegrass rhythm guitar, and he writes and sings many of the songs in The Breakmen's repertoire. Lee's 2009 solo album of original songs, "Northern Track," has been getting rave reviews and radio play throughout the U.S. and Canada. Lee studied music at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, and he's always a hit at the BCBW. Lee will also be leading our Slow Pitch Jam every night! Int. Rhythm Guitar Description: Players already familiar with the basics of bluegrass rhythm guitar who are looking to further develop their skills will find this to be the perfect seminar. The fundamentals of rhythm guitar will be reviewed and further built upon, covering the various styles encountered in bluegrass music. These will include variations on the basic bluegrass strum, G runs, waltz time playing, bluesy playing, country style playing, and up-tempo playing. You'll learn to properly use a capo while exploring rhythm guitar playing in different keys and playing positions on the neck of the guitar--all using a variety of classic bluegrass songs over the course of the week. You will also learn how to develop a song repertoire, back up a lead player, learn a song from a recording, and how to add some special spice to your rhythm playing using the techniques of the pros! |
 |
Anne Louise Genest emerged several years ago from the Yukon’s fertile crop of songwriters with two solo CDs that showcase her critically acclaimed songwriting. Since then she has delved into the world of bluegrass, old time and country roots music, and is a songwriter, vocalist and guitar player with Yukon-based stringbands Annie Lou and The Done Gone Stringband. Annie Lou’s debut album was nominated for a 2009 Canadian Folk Music Award as Ensemble of the Year, and Anne Louise was nominated as one of the songwriter finalists in CBC’s the Great Canadian Songquest. Anne Louise has toured nationally and internationally as a solo and ensemble performer and her music has been used in theatre and film. She's a great rhythm guitar player and one of our favourite musical friends. She's racked up a lot of workshop experience of late with plenty of great reviews from her students, so we're very happy to have Anne Louise here for our beginning rhythm guitar workshop! Beginning Rhythm Guitar Description: This workshop will focus on the fundamentals of bluegrass and old time rhythm guitar. We will start with the real basics such as pick grip and how to hold the guitar, chord shapes, working with a capo, and strumming patterns. Chord progressions, how to listen for chord changes in melody, bass runs, self-accompaniment, and how to look extremely sexy when playing rhythm guitar will also be covered. We will use songs from the bluegrass and old time standard repertoires in order to facilitate excellent experiences at late night jamming extravaganzas. You are encouraged to bring songs you wish to learn/work on/improve. A portion of the workshop will focus on working with other rhythm instruments in a band context. |
 |
***SEMINAR FULL WITH LONG WAITING LIST*** Russ Barenberg is hands down one of the most innovative and expressive flatpickers in acoustic music. In a series of beautifully crafted albums, this renowned acoustic guitarist, composer and GRAMMY nominee has created an original and enduring body of work that joyously integrates bluegrass, jazz, and American/Celtic fiddle and dance traditions. His latest release, "When at Last," which also features Russ's sparkling mandolin playing, was nominated for a GRAMMY for "Best Country Instrumental Performance" and for the International Bluegrass Music Association "Instrumental Album of the Year" award. Russ has also been tapped for collaborations by Bela Fleck, Alison Krauss, Mark O'Connor and legendary jazz bassist, Charlie Haden. "Skip, Hop & Wobble," the award-winning 1993 release by his long-time trio with Dobro master Jerry Douglas and acoustic bass virtuoso Edgar Meyer, influenced an entire generation of musicians. In addition to his amazing guitar and mandolin skills, Russ has been getting deeply involved in the instructional side of music, and we couldn't be more excited about Russ making his first appearance at the BCBW in 2010! Advanced Flatpicking Description: We will focus on how to:
|
 |
Dave Clarke, one of Canada's premier guitarists, is probably best known for his role with the acclaimed Montreal-based country-folk trio Steel Rail and his work with Juno-winning singer-songwriter David Francey, with whom he toured from 1997 to 2004. He co-produced three David Francey albums, including the Juno-winning "Far End of Summer" and "Skating Rink." Dave also tours with Penny Lang--whose latest CD won the "Contemporary Album of the Year" award at the Canadian Folk Music Awards--and appears with Tammy Fassaert and James Whittall in Shearwater. Int. 2 Flatpicking Description: This workshop assumes some familiarity with standard flatpicking fiddle tunes. We will focus on various aspects of right-hand technique, including playing "across" the strings and syncopation. We'll also look at soloing concepts for song and tune breaks: basic melody, melodic variation with fills, and basic improvisation using pentatonic and blues scales. Repertoire will include lesser-known fiddle tune gems, as well as selected standard songs. Most of the material will be in the standard bluegrass keys of G,C and D in open position, but we will also introduce the "CAGED" system to enhance knowledge of the fingerboard and start to unlock the mysteries of playing up the neck. |
 |
Garry Stevenson is one of British Columbia's premier flatpickers, with a tasteful and melodic style and superb tone and timing. He is a three-time winner of the Western Canada Flatpicking Championship at the Chilliwack Bluegrass Festival, and he leads guitar workshops at the BCBW every year. Garry is a long-standing member of the popular bluegrass band Five On A String. He also recorded on Sue Malcolm's CD "Highrise Lonesome" among other projects. Garry's here every year and with good reason -- he receives 100% positive evaluations all the time. Beginning Flatpicking Description: For this workshop, you should already be comfortable playing some rhythm guitar, and being able to "walk" bass lines between chord changes will be helpful but isn`t mandatory. We`ll work on flatpicking fundamentals, starting with timing and pick direction. We`ll start with picking each note, then introduce hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides through the week. We`ll play songs so you can sing the melody, then pick the melody, and finally add embellishments to build up to a flatpicking solo. We`ll play with slight changes to introduce the idea of improvisation. In addition to picking the song or break, we`ll spend one or two days on "Carter" style playing, continuing the rhythm while picking out the melody. And we'll spend a few minutes a day on things like guitar set-up, practicing, picks, great pickers to listen to, etc. |
 |
David Keenan is best known at the BCBW as the multi-instrumentalist and singer from The DownTown Mountain Boys, but he's also one of the most in-demand musicians in Washington State. He has shared the stage with the likes of Bill Monroe, Bela Fleck, and Garrison Keillor; toured and recorded with Sugar Hill recording artists Ranch Romance; and currently plays with several bands including Jo Miller and Her Burly Roughnecks, Mighty Squirrel, and The Buckaroosters. He has led seminars at the Puget Sound Guitar Workshop, the California Coast Music Camp, and The American Banjo Camp, and he's always a favorite at the BCBW. Adv. Banjo Description: There's a theme to this week's seminar: "Pick it like Earl!" Many banjo pickers have come along after Earl Scruggs, but when it comes to bluegrass, we all wish we could sound like Earl. We will look at several songs and Earl Scruggs tunes over the week with the distinct advantage of having DVDs of the Flatt and Scruggs Show. I will distill the licks that make it all Earl-y and good, and we'll learn how to play all of the essential Scruggs licks and fit them into songs. I will have tablature, and I recommend bringing a recording device. Expect to play a lot in this seminar. |
 |
Chris Quinn is the amazing banjo player for The Foggy Hogtown Boys. He has performed on more than 75 recordings as a side-man or featured artist--including 3 projects with The Foggy Hogtown Boys and the banjo compilation "Banjo Special," and he has performed at festivals and concerts all over the U.S. and Canada. Chris's former band Heartbreak Hill was the first bluegrass band to ever receive a JUNO nomination. Banjo Newsletter has published tablature and a featured article on Chris and his music. Chris has also performed with Luther Wright and the Wrongs, Vassar Clements, Kenny Baker, and Bill Monroe. Chris also used to work at a comedy club, so he's sure to keep you smiling while you're perfecting those rolls! Int. 2 Banjo Description: Are your rolls mostly pinches? Do you choke when you need to slide? Do you fear what lies beyond the key of G? Intermediate 2 banjo with Chris Quinn may be the cure for what ails you. We will focus on pulling out melodies, by ear, from standard bluegrass songs. We will work on building solos to standard bluegrass songs and we'll examine some classic Scruggs licks, back-up, and endings. We will work on making transitions from one picking pattern to another, examine how to produce good tone from your banjo, and look at other ways to improve your playing technique. We will also look at effectively using the capo to play in various keys. In addition to our group learning, I will ensure that I get around to everybody to address specific concerns and needs. |
 |
Jason Homey is the exceptional multi-instrumentalist from The Clumsy Lovers, who have gained a large international following with their busy and far-reaching tour schedule (often up to 250 shows per year). Though his music spans many genres, make no mistake, Jason flat out kills at traditional bluegrass banjo as well as old time clawhammer banjo. He has been playing banjo since the age of 10, and since 1995, performing, recording, and giving lessons on banjo, guitar, and mandolin has been his full-time occupation. Jason is a two-time 1st place winner of the Western Canadian Bluegrass Banjo Championships and a three-time finalist in the PNE Youth Talent Search. He was a huge hit at the 108 Mile Bluegrass Workshop a few years ago--he's very organized with detailed printed materials, and we're fortunate to have him at the BCBW this year! Intermediate 1 Banjo Description: We'll be focusing on several key techniques that will get your banjo playing to the next level: 1) efficiency in the use of the fingers of the right and left hands (economy of motion); 2) the primary applications and differing functions of the basic Scruggs-style rolls (alternating-thumb, reverse, and forward); 3) making 'the melody' stand out clearly from amongst the rest of the notes in the basic Scruggs-style rolls; 4) effective use of left-hand techniques (hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides) in the context of the rolls; 5) basic back-up techniques behind other instruments and vocals (vamping, playing rolls over chord progressions, 'tag' licks). Looking forward to picking with you! |
 |
Gene Bretecher began playing bluegrass in the early 60's--he's an expert on banjo and guitar and a regular at the BCBW for good reason. He has appeared in numerous CBC television and radio specials, recorded countless studio sessions, (including soundtracks for "Sesame Street"), as well as his own project "Banjo Holiday." Gene was voted "Instrumentalist of the Year" by the Manitoba Association of Country Awards and has shared the stage in opening concerts for acts such as Flatt & Scruggs, Don Williams, and Roy Clark. Beginning Banjo Description: Designed for the complete novice, this seminar presents the banjo as an exciting lead and background instrument. We'll be starting with some simple chords to have you picking songs and learning to play by ear. Topics covered will include essential rolls, chords, reading tablature, backup, timing and getting the maximum from your banjo as soon as possible. |
 |
Chris Coole has been a member of bluegrass bands such as One Horse Town, Crazy Strings and most recently The Foggy Hogtown Boys, who have released several CDs featuring Chris's powerful rhythm guitar, flatpicking, singing, and songwriting. In addition to being an outstanding guitarist, he has also become internationally known for his toneful and melodic clawhammer banjo style. Chris and Erynn Marshall recently released "Meet Me in the Music," nominated for multiple awards and even considered for a Grammy! Chris has led seminars at many acoustic workshops throughout the U.S. and Canada, and we're happy to have him back for his 5th time at the BCBW. Int./Adv. Clawhammer Banjo Description: This workshop will focus on some more advanced right and left hand techniques and how to use them to colour your playing. There will be a focus on vocal accompaniment and fiddle back-up. If you've ever wondered how people play tunes in jam sessions that they've never heard before this will be just right for you. If you've ever lamented the fact that you play the same tunes the same way all the time this is also the workshop for you. Prerequisite: you should already be fairly proficient with drop thumbing and double thumbing. |
 |
Ivan Rosenberg (The Breakmen, Mighty Squirrel) is back for his 8th consecutive year at the BCBW, and he has also led seminars at the CBA Music Camp, Sorefingers bluegrass camp in the UK, 108 Mile Cabin Fever, Camp He Ho Ha, and more. He also leads a monthly Dobro class called "The Dobro Dojo" in Portland, Oregon. Ivan has contributed to BluegrassCollege.org, Mel Bay's online magazine Guitar Sessions, and Banjo Newsletter. He has released 4 solo CDs and a DVD and has performed with Chris Stuart & Backcountry, Chris Jones, Mighty Squirrel, The Breakmen, and others. Donald Nitchie of Banjo Newsletter said his "Clawhammer and Dobro" CD was one of the best instrumental albums of 2006. Ivan and Chris Coole have a new duet album as well. Description: all new tunes for this year's seminar! Significant time will be spent on the basics of clawhammer banjo in a few common tunings. This style of banjo playing requires that you master the right-hand basics. We'll learn how to do the basic strum, drop thumb, and double thumb, while also learning how to find melody notes in a few different tunings so you can come up with your own clawhammer arrangements. We'll practice some good tunes over and over.... and over and over, until you can really play them. You'll leave the seminar knowing what to practice in order to become a bonafide clawhammer player in jams and bands! Some experience with the banjo in G or C tuning--and some time in advance spent with the clawhammer style--will be very helpful. If you've never played clawhammer, please practice with a clawhammer video or get at least one lesson on right-hand technique before you come to camp. |
 |
Andrew Collins of The Foggy Hogtown Boys and The Creaking Tree String Quartet is back at the BCBW for his 5th time. Andrew is renowned as a composer-arranger, multi-instrumentalist, and vocalist. He studied bluegrass music at South Plains College in Texas and jazz music at Toronto's Humber College. Andrew's knowledge of music reaches into many other genres including, classical, old-time, swing, and Celtic. Both The Foggy Hogtown Boys and The Creaking Tree String Quartet have released 3 CDs, and The Creaking Tree String Quartet earned a Juno nomination for one of them. Among other projects, Andrew released "Little Widgets," an album of mostly original instrumental compositions showcasing his abilities on mandolin, guitar, mandola, mandocello and fiddle. Advanced Mandolin Description: We will be primarily focused on improvisation, including learning how to create variations on fiddle tunes, playing the blues, moving licks and ideas around the fingerboard, creating harmonies (twin mandos!!) and adding swing voicings to your chords. All of this will be applied to simple, standard bluegrass fiddle tunes, to ensure that the new techniques that you learn can be easily applied to the music that you already play. The only prerequisite for this workshop is that you can play a handful of fiddle tunes and are interested in challenging yourself to learn how or improve on your ability improvise. |
 |
James Whittall is the ace mandolinist in Shearwater (with Tammy Fassaert and Dave Clarke), and he is well-known in BC as a top instrumentalist. James' passion and enthusiasm for the mandolin has taken him across the country. He has arranged hundreds of vocal and instrumental melodies and has pages of his own exercises for both mandolin and guitar. With a natural talent for improvisation he has numerous techniques for students to train, develop and connect their ears and hands to their instruments, along with a wealth of different material for all stages of development, whether rank beginners or semi-professional. James prides himself on his ability to encourage and challenge players of all levels. Int. 2 Mandolin Description: Each session we will look at technique for melody as well as rhythm and correct comprehension and interpretation of tablature. Moving on, we'll focus on improvisational scales and building more complex solos on vocal and instrumental melodies while also analyzing and refining right and left hand techniques such as crosspicking, playing and understanding doublestops, and shifting from 1st position thru 5th. Through application of these, each of you will be closer to playing at those breakneck bluegrass tempos with more tone, volume and clarity. You will learn how to play in a group more effectively and dynamically, whether soloist or accompanist. Please make sure you choose your ability level accurately and honestly--you should have at least a good idea of what the aforementioned techniques are and be interested in pursuing them. |
 |
***SEMINAR IS ALMOST FULL*** Bob Hamilton is a multi-instrumentalist based in Whitehorse, Yukon. He has been honoured with four Juno nominations and one Juno award for albums he has produced. His love for traditional bluegrass and the mandolin brought him together with Mark Thibeault, Jenny Lester, Ross Nickerson, and Nadine Landry to play in Hungry Hill. He also plays with Sarah & Patrick Hamilton, Nadine Landry, and Anne Louise Genest in The Done Gone Stringband. Bob has toured extensively throughout Canada, the USA, and Europe playing music, from atmospheric guitar with Jerry Alfred and the Medicine Beat, to mandolin and upright bass in the Undertakin Daddies. He is also co-owner of Caribou Records, and owns Old Crow Recording, the Yukon's premier recording studio. Bob is extremely talented when it comes to organizing and sharing information about the mandolin, and we're excited to have him back at Sorrento! Int. 1 Mandolin Description: We will be covering Mandolin technique relating to both bluegrass and old time music. This will include playing melodies in double stops (and leaning the scale patterns/chord shapes that will make that easier), developing strong tremolo, and exploring both the bluegrass and old time repertoire. We will work on the physical technique involved in mandolin playing and developing good tone and timing. Also we will be exploring the blues influence in both bluegrass and old time music and the basic soloing tools needed when approaching a new song. |
 |
Tom Moran of The DownTown Mountain Boys has been to the BCBW several times. Be it sweet tremolo on a ballad, soulful Monroe-style blues licks, or a lightning-fast instrumental, Tom has that rare gift of being innovative without ever losing touch with his pure bluegrass roots. He is the author of Mandolin Magazine’s bluegrass column and the founder of the Seattle Mandolin Orchestra. Tom also leads a bluegrass class at Shoreline Community College in Seattle. Beginning Mandolin Description: Getting it right from the very beginning is important so we’ll start with a review of basic right and left hand technique – hand position, pick motion, etc. From there we’ll branch out quickly into learning some simple tunes drawn from bluegrass and old time traditions, along with some basic chords for accompaniment. The ability to read musical notation and/or tab would be helpful, but is not by any means required. Bring a recording device if you have one, and get ready to have a fun week picking up some essential mandolin concepts and techniques! |
 |
***SEMINAR IS ALMOST FULL*** Max Heineman has been immersed in music since childhood. He played double bass in high school, both in the school orchestra and doing jazz gigs with his father. He's had a diverse artistic career, gigging everywhere from Toronto to New York, starting his own movie and television production company, and scoring music for independent films. Max has focused on bluegrass music since attending his first festival in 1999. He played with the Toronto-based bluegrass band Stuck in the City, and Max joined The Foggy Hogtown Boys in 2006. Max was hugely popular at the BCBW in 2007 and 2008, and it's great to have him back again! Adv. Bass Description: We will get the hard stuff out of the way and move from there to fun. We'll learn lydian, ionian, mixolydian, dorian, aeolian, phrygian, and locrian modes on single strings and across the fingerboard, with the goal of expanding our use of the fingerboard. It's time to get into 3rd and 4th position and develop proper left hand technique. We will also go through a series of major, minor and major/minor two-octave scale exercises (closed position and using open strings) to train your ear to different intervals. Next, we will apply these exercises to play melodies and solo over some of your favourite tunes. In this segment of the week, when the rhythm of what you're playing will be dictated by the melody and or the solo ideas you are developing, we will work on techniques to improve your right-hand speed and dynamics. It'll be a fun and challenging week! |
| Nadine Landry is best known for her playing and singing with the bands Hungry Hill and The Foghorn Stringband. She has called the west coast her home since January 2000 when she first set foot in the Yukon. Born and raised in a musical family in the Gaspe Peninsula in Quebec she has been singing as long as she can remember. Described as uniquely passionate and powerful, her voice has been capturing the hearts of audiences across Canada and the United States. Nadine is an excellent bass player with great tone and great taste. Int. Bass Description: The intermediate bass workshop will focus on improving tone and timing through playing lots of songs and fiddle tunes in different keys and speeds, using both open and closed positions, with a focus on providing solid rhythm for jams and band settings. You'll practice good left and right hand techniques to be able to play for a long time without getting hurt! Sure there's going to be lots of 1-5, and you'll learn some tasty bass runs too! |
 |
Terry Enyeart is a multi-instrumentalist and vocal virtuoso, and he's well known in the northwest as an acclaimed bluegrass and country performer. Terry has played in numerous Northwest bands, including The DownTown Mountain Boys, Rural Delivery, and Brother's Keeper.
Beginning Bass Description: In this workshop, we'll get you started with all the fundamentals you need to understand the role of the bass in bluegrass and to start adding some low end to your jams. We'll learn where the root-5 notes are to the most common chords (using open strings and closed positions), and we'll work through some common bluegrass chord progressions in several keys. We'll spend plenty of time in the workshop practicing tone, timing, and intonation so you know what to practice in order to become a great bass player! |
 |
***SEMINAR IS ALMOST FULL *** Paul Elliott of The DownTown Mountain Boys is one of the most versatile and respected fiddle players on the West Coast. He is a regular at the BCBW and has performed with the likes of The Good Ol' Persons, John Reischman, Michelle Shocked, Alison Brown, Buell Neidlinger. His recording credits span film, television, and radio, and a long list of CDs including Scott Nygaard’s "No Hurry" on the Rounder label.
Advanced Fiddle Description: We’ll spend a lot of time working on improvising. If you don’t know how to improvise yet, it’s not as scary as you might think, and if you do know how ,the things we’ll work on will help you get better at it. We’ll also focus on some of the techniques and styles that make fiddle playing sound bluegrassy: slides, double-stops, timing, and tone. To get the most out of this workshop, you should already be comfortable playing fiddle tunes (it doesn’t matter what style) at a pretty good clip. |
 |
SEMINAR IS ALMOST FULL John Showman is quickly making his mark as one of the most exciting and innovative live musicians around. John brings a hard-earned, hard-edged professional understanding to the music he loves to play. He played over 1200 shows with the band Nobody You Know, and still plays regularly with Skraeling. But John is best known for his other two bands, The Foggy Hogtown Boys and The Creaking Tree String Quartet, both of which have released acclaimed albums featuring John's soaring fiddle. John also released a solo CD in 2009. John is a master of many styles, and he's one of the finest bluegrass fiddlers anywhere. He's back for his 5th time at the BCBW and he's always good for some amazing music and excellent fiddle workshops. Intermediate Bluegrass Fiddle Description: Loosen up your bowing arm for real bluegrass tone and drive. Also, learn how to use double-stops for rich-sounding fiddle breaks! We'll get into the meat-and-potatoes of bluegrass fiddle through classic fiddle tunes and learning breaks and solos on well-known bluegrass songs. The focus of the workshop will be learning by ear to help you lift ideas from other players and from recordings. By week's end, everyone will be comfortable with trusting his and her ears to hear the right notes and play them. |
 |
***SEMINAR FULL*** Sammy Lind is the fiddler for the internationally acclaimed Foghorn Stringband out of Portland, Oregon. He also performs old time duets with Caleb Klauder and Nadine Landry in The Foghorn Trio. Foghorn has performed all over the globe, sometimes with old time luminaries Riley Baugus and Dirk Powell. In 2004, Caleb and Sammy collaborated with world-renowned Irish fiddler Kevin Burke for a concert series held on the Oregon Coast. As a duo they have been performing weekly since 2003, switching between guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, and intertwining harmonies similar to the Carter Family and Stanley Brothers. Great to have Sammy at the BCBW for his second year in a row--fiddle fans don't want to miss him! Intermediate Old Time Fiddle Description: This is Sammy Lind and I hope you all are excited about Sorrento this year. I had an amazing week there last year and feel very fortunate to be coming back! There's nothing like making great music in a great setting. In this workshop we'll jump right in and learn some new tunes--you'll be learning by ear (by listening, watching, and playing), rather than with sheet music, so bring a recording device if you have one. With old time fiddle, the bowing is probably the most important factor. There is a lot of syncopation in old time fiddling rhythm so this will be the focus of every tune. So I'll start with tunes that have a repetitive bowing pattern throughout both the A and B parts, and we'll move on to other tunes that just vary slightly in their patterns. After a few tunes are learned this way and certain bowing patterns are recognized, it should be easier to hear these rhythms in other tunes. We'll learn a lot of tunes during the week, but I will do my best to address the similarities between many tunes, tools that will be helpful in jam sessions, etc. You'll be learning tunes in standard tuning for G,C and F tunes, high bass tuning for D tunes, and A modal tunes and cross tuning for A tunes. Looking forward to August! |
 |
NEW! WE'VE ADDED A SECOND INTERMEDIATE OLD TIME FIDDLE WORKSHOP! Miriam Sonstenes of Victoria BC plays bluegrass and old time fiddle with Victoria based bluegrass band Flash In The Pan, and regularly leads workshops at fiddle camps on the west coast and in the North West Territories. Having started as a classical violinist she earned a music degree at the University of Victoria and currently performs with the Victoria Chamber Orchestra. Her diverse musical talents are apparent in recent performances at the Victoria Fracophone Festival, the Sooke Bluegrass Festival and the Islands Folk Festival. Working with beginning players is one of her true passions and it shows in her full lesson schedule and desire to pass on to students all the subtleties of excellent technique and beautiful tone, which will give them a lifetime love of fiddle playing. Intermediate Old Time Fiddle Description: In this workshop we will learn some of the predominant bowing patterns and "licks" in old time fiddle music, which will improve learning by ear and memorization. The tunes we will explore will highlight some of these bowings! We'll also work on how to practice efficiently so that you are not just learning more tunes but imroving tone, bow arm technique, intonation and timing. And last but not least, droning and a few doublestops! These essentials will help you get the most out of your old time fiddling. |
 |
***SEMINAR IS AMLOST FULL*** Mike Witcher has a long list of credits as a session player and sideman. Now living in Nashville, he has performed with Missy Raines and the New Hip, Laurie Lewis, Peter Rowan and Tony Rice, Laurel Canyon Ramblers, Dolly Parton, Sean and Sara Watkins (of Nickel Creek), and more. He can also be heard on recordings by Dwight Yoakam, Fernando Ortega, Joan Osborn, and Todd Phillips. He has recorded for Universal Studios Tours, CMH Records and The History Channel's "History's Mysteries." Michael is a regular at top workshops including Nashcamp, ResoSummit, and the CBA Music Camp. His instructional books have gained world-wide acclaim from fellow slide players and students alike. Description: We'll cover effective ways to practice and get good quickly, with exercises for rolls, scales, damping, bar control (intonation), hammer-ons and pull-offs, slants and more. We'll map out the fretboard and find multiple scale patterns for every key, and find shortcuts for gliding over chord changes. We will talk about improvising, finding simple melodies, and embellishing them. We'll learn the Nashville number system and some simple music theory that will make improvising easier. We'll do ear training exercises, discuss how to figure out your favorite solos, address rhythm techniques, and learn bluegrass tunes each day to apply these techniques and concepts. Tab provided. Bring an audio recorder and something to take notes with. Be prepared to ask questions, do a lot of playing, and have a whole lot of FUN! |
 |
BCBW veteran Stacy Phillips is a highly respected instructor and performer who's created more instructional material for Dobro and fiddle than anyone could ever process. He's a rich source of musical knowledge, and beginning/intermediate Dobro players are lucky to have this opportunity to learn from him. He was a featured Dobroist on the Grammy-winning album "The Great Dobro Sessions," and his solo recordings and CDs with guitarist Paul Howard showcase his incredible approach to making Dobro music. He also does slants and stringpulls that defy physics. Stacy will be joining us all the way from Connecticut, and this is probably the first time he's done a beginning/intermediate workshop in ages, so don't miss this great chance to get started on the Dobro with one of the coolest guys in acoustic music!
Beg./Int. Dobro Description: This week will prepare you to star at the next jam session! Depending on the level of the group, we will start with basic note production and blocking, and move immediately to a tune. The fundamental techniques will be covered in detail: back up and chords, hammer-ons and pull-offs, rolls, slants, using major and blues scale patterns to create melodies and licks, and how to "fake" at jam session; all for the beginner as well as the intermediate level players. You will need either a guitar set up for lap-slide with raised strings, tuned to (from bottom to top: GBDGBD), a solid metal slide bar (not one for bottleneck style), 2 finger picks and a thumb pick. You will be learning both by ear and using tablature. Bring your audio tape recorders. You can have input into the material, so please email me at archduke@stacyphillips.com and let me know what you wish to learn (techniques, tunes and licks). |
 |
Harmony Workshop Description: Do you enjoy singing with others? Wish you could harmonize easily without needing someone else to tell you what notes to sing? Come learn our proven method for figuring out vocal harmony by ear. No note reading, no bogging down in music theory—you’ll learn to hear harmony intuitively, both above and below the melody. We’ll solve some of the mysteries of the high lonesome sound and how to harmonize bluesy and spooky songs. You’ll also learn techniques, licks, and tricks to blend better and find your part faster. Bring your band-mates or singing buddies and prepare to have fun!
Prerequisite—ability to sing a melody reasonably in tune. Sue Thompson has played and sung for over 30 years in bluegrass, old time, country, Balkan, and Irish bands, including Seattle's legendary Tall Timber and the All Star Cowgirl Revue. She's an accomplished flatpicker, and she has led guitar seminars at the Puget Sound Guitar Workshop, California Coast Music Camp, British Columbia Bluegrass Workshop, and Port Townsend's renowned Fiddle Tunes festival. Her recordings include Mike Seeger's GRAMMY-nominated Third Annual Farewell Reunion, The Washington Traditional Fiddler's Project, Volume 2— Generations, and the recent Western music extravaganza, "Tall Boots," where her fellow musicians nicknamed her "Harmony Part Wizard." Along with Don Share and Keith Little, she recently released an excellent CD series titled "Harmony Singing by Ear." |
 |
Don Share from The DownTown Mountain Boys is an accomplished lead singer and a harmony singing ace, and he's one of our long-time favourites to bring to the BCBW. Don has been a respected musician around the Northwest bluegrass scene for many years, and was a founding member of the popular bluegrass bands Who’s Driving? and Rainy Pass. Don just completed a harmony singing instructional CD series with Keith Little and Sue Thompson. Don and Sue have a great system for demonstrating harmony techniques, so if you're pretty good at holding a note, you should have a great time in their harmony singing seminar.
|
 |
Tammy Fassaert has released 2 acclaimed solo CDs and an instructional bass DVD. She has performed recorded with the likes of Laurie Lewis, John Reischman, Jeff White, Sally Van Meter, and Scott Nygaard. Tammy is recognized as one of the top folk/bluegrass performers in BC, and she's recently gained accolades with her current band Shearwater, which features Dave Clarke and James Whittall. Tammy is with us at the BCBW almost every year--she's very knowledgeable and a great person to have around camp. She's such an amazing singer, and those of you who are interested in making the leap to singing will learn a world of information from one of the best in the business. Beginning Singing Description: In this workshop, we'll practice the fundamentals of bluegrass singing and get accustomed to singing in front of others. We'll explore what makes the bluegrass singing style sound different from other styles such as jazz, folk, and country, with lots of listening to and singing of standard bluegrass songs. We will try to demystify what creates that bluegrass "edge", by playing with vocal onset, vibrato, vowel shapings, timing, and tension. We will also try a few vocal techniques, in order to enhance tone production, pitch accuracy, range appropriateness, and to save your voice. We might even have time for some basic bluegrass harmony. Repertoire will be provided, but if you wish to try particular songs, please bring recordings and lyrics! Everyone's welcome in this workshop--hope to see you there! |
|
|
Chris Stevens plays banjo, guitar, and mandolin and also sings lead and harmony vocals. He has recorded for some of the industry's most demanding and accomplished producers, artists, and jingle houses. Chris composed and recorded a tune ("Cowgirl Pride") with kd Lang that was featured in the soundtrack of "Even Cowgirls Get the Blues," and his banjo can be heard in a Simpsons video game. He was a founding member of the highly successful group Tumbleweed and performed for years with Canadian Whitewater. His instrumental ability has earned Chris 5 nominations with the B.C. Country Music Association for Instrumentalist of the Year. Chris is also known as one of the funniest characters in bluegrass, and it's always a blast to have him around camp at the BCBW. His advanced rhythm guitar seminar covers a lot of territory, and it's sure to be an enjoyable week.
Advanced Rhythm Guitar Description: Chris will be expanding on the fundamental (Boom-Ching) rhythm. You'll be developing strong and useful right hand techniques, fast and "cheater" chord changes, bass note walk-ups and general advanced level mayhem. This rhythm guitar workshop will be done "hands on" in Chris's legendary (minimal tab) fashion. Let Chris show you exactly what your favourite rhythm players are doing. Be a strong band player, and let this workshop help turn you into a "slammin` rythym machine."
|
 |
***SEMINAR IS FULL*** Pharis Romero has been a festival favourite since she was four years old. She is a seasoned stage personality, a noted songwriter, and a respected member of the B.C. music community. She was as a founding member of western Canadian roots band, Outlaw Social, and more recently she has been performing with her husband, noted banjo maker/player Jason Romero, and fiddler Erynn Marshall in The Haints Old Time Stringband. She's a phenomenal rhythm guitar player who puts a lot of energy into creating fun and informative workshops. Pharis is a regular at the BCBW, and she's led workshops at Fiddletunes (WA), Daniel Lapp’s House of Music (BC), Dusty Strings (WA), and the Winnipeg Folk Festival (MB) among others. She currently directs The Old Time Vocal Choir just north of Victoria, and has a real passion for group workshops. Intermediate Rhythm Guitar Description: Here's where we work on being a great bluegrass, country, and old-time accompanist. We'll start on chord progressions in different keys, with some alternate chord voicings we can use, and move into bass notes, G-runs, and good right-hand technique. We'll develop a few different rhythm patterns for different time signatures and tempos, and learn some songs to play them in - some bluegrass standards, and maybe a few new songs to stretch our bass run vocabulary. And the whole week we'll be working on the rhythm guitar's job in a bluegrass band - and developing your rock solid sense of timing to keep that beat! |
|
|
Gene Bretecher began playing bluegrass in the early 60's--he's an expert on banjo and guitar and a regular at the BCBW for good reason. He has appeared in numerous CBC television and radio specials, recorded countless studio sessions, (including soundtracks for "Sesame Street"), as well as his own project "Banjo Holiday." Gene was voted "Instrumentalist of the Year" by the Manitoba Association of Country Awards and has shared the stage in opening concerts for acts such as Flatt & Scruggs, Don Williams, and Roy Clark. Beginning Rhythm Guitar Description: The goal of this workshop is to introduce you to playing bluegrass rhythm guitar in a style that can carry and cohere an entire band. Topics will include forming bluegrass chords, closed chords, using a flatpick, various rhythm strums, proper timing, alternating bass notes, using the capo, and the Nashville numbering system. It'll be a fun week, and you'll leave with all the tools you need to start accompanying yourself and others on rhythm guitar! |
 |
***SEMINAR IS AMLOST FULL*** Kathy Barwick has played bluegrass music since 1977. The founder of the All Girl Boys, Kathy has also performed with Bill Grant and Delia Bell, Mountain Laurel, and Nine-8ths Irish among others. Kathy has been giving lessons (banjo, dobro, guitar and bass) since 1979, and her popular articles in "Flatpicking Guitar Magazine" recently led to a prestigious faculty slot at Steve Kaufman’s Acoustic Kamp in Tennessee. She's a regular at the California Coast Music Camp, Bill Evans' Bluegrass for Beginners Camp, and the CBA Music Camp, and she always gets rave reviews, so it's a pleasure to finally get Kathy at the BCBW this year! If you're an experienced flatpicker who's been in a rut playing the same old stuff, you're guaranteed to get some great new ideas in Kathy's workshop! Description: "Secrets of the Fingerboard/Crosspicking"—This workshop will present an easy and systematic way of organizing the guitar fretboard that helps you construct your own arrangements and improvise in a jam. Not only will you be able to more easily incorporate crosspicking into your leads, it will also help you find that melody note you’re looking for, whether crosspicking or not. We will use the fingerboard analysis to see how it can be used to create Carter-style leads up the neck, and incorporate crosspicking into your playing. Using the systematic fingerboard approach, you can combine fretboard (left-hand) patterns with crosspicking (right-hand) patterns that will really spice up your arrangements. Prerequisites: Bring a guitar, flatpick (heavy gauge recommended), and a capo, as well as a recording device if you have one. Be comfortable changing basic chords (G, C, D, F, E, Em, Am, etc.) in time. You should be familiar with basic bluegrass repertoire and be able to play a few songs or tunes from memory. We will use familiar material on which to apply workshop concepts. Some very basic knowledge of music theory will be helpful. |
 |
David Keenan is best known at the BCBW as the multi-instrumentalist and singer from The DownTown Mountain Boys, but he's also one of the most in-demand musicians in Washington State. We've all seen Dave tear up the stage with his amazing guitar technique, so we thought it was about time we had Dave lead a guitar workshop. Dave has shared the stage with the likes of Bill Monroe, Bela Fleck, and Garrison Keillor; toured and recorded with Sugar Hill recording artists Ranch Romance; and currently plays with several bands including Jo Miller and Her Burly Roughnecks, Mighty Squirrel, and The Buckaroosters. He has led seminars at the Puget Sound Guitar Workshop, the California Coast Music Camp, and The American Banjo Camp, and he's always a favorite at the BCBW. Int. 2 Flatpicking Description: "Life past the 5th fret." Ever wonder what's up there and where? In this seminar, you will learn the 'framework' of the fingerboard. We will learn all of the left-hand 'shapes' and some scales that move through them, and how to find melodies and licks using this expanded view of the fretboard. We will also address picking technique along the way. I will have tablature to hand out and plenty of tunes arranged, and we will go through them over and over and over until you can really play them. Bring a recording device, and expect to play a lot in this seminar! |
 |
Ryan Roberts is an award-winning songwriter, born and raised in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada. His songs have been recorded in the styles of bluegrass, country, jazz, and R&B. He has composed instrumental scores for film as well as jingles for commercial radio. At the Eastern Canadian Bluegrass Awards, Ryan was awarded Songwriter of the Year five consecutive years (2005 through 2009) and his solo recording was awarded Bluegrass Album of the Year in 2009. Ryan joined The Special Consensus in the fall of 2009, and he's making his first appearance at the BCBW this year. Int. 1 Flatpicking Description: Looking forward to Sorrento and to picking guitar with everyone! This workshop will focus on constructing solos for both vocal and instrumental selections, which will include study of how to find the melody and basic principles of improvisation. We'll also discuss hand positions, pick positions, picking techniques, and rhythm playing. We will look at various concepts of rhythm styles and relate this to playing backup, beginning and ending tunes and songs and basically “setting the groove” when playing in an ensemble. We'll touch on guitar setup as well. |
|
|
James Whittall is the ace mandolinist in Shearwater (with Tammy Fassaert and Dave Clarke), and he is just as talented on guitar. His unbounded enthusiasm for the mandolin has taken him across Canada and as far south as Nashville, Tennessee. James is an expert at bluegrass and new acoustic music and gives lessons regularly at Old Town Strings in Victoria, BC. James consistently receives among the best evaluations we've ever seen at the BCBW, so we're happy to have him back to share his flatpicking expertise! Beginnning Flatpicking Description: We'll start by learning proper technique and correct interpretation of tablature. We will then look at some of the termenology you need to know, and the guitar's role in bluegrass music. We will review playing in different keys and using a capo as well as the "Nashville Number System" and how to apply it when playing with others. We will cover constructing a simple solo for a voclal melody as well as a learning a handfull of some of the most poular instrumental standards. By the end of the week, you will have the tools to be able to progress on your own without developing any bad habits. You will also better understand your instrument's role in bluegrass and some of the easily overlooked subtleties of this fun and exciting form of music! – I hope to see you there! |
 |
***SEMINAR IS FULL*** Tony Furtado is one of the most impressive musical forces you'll ever hear. By the age of 19, he had earned himself a reputation as a young banjo prodigy, winning two National Bluegrass Banjo Championships. He released several acclaimed banjo albums and toured with Laurie Lewis and other top bluegrass acts. He has also become an unparalleled master of bottleneck slide guitar, as well as an amazing songwriter and singer. He has toured tirelessly for over two decades and has garnered a great deal of respect from his peers, and has opened for and toured with acts such as Greg Allman, Susan Tedeschi, Taj Mahal, and Leftover Salmon, and he has shared the stage with Sonny Landreth, Keith Richards, David Lindley, Derek Trucks, and Norah Jones. Like his vast catalogue of recordings, a Tony Furtado show has something to offer everyone. Tony's also a heck of a nice guy, and though he hasn't done bluegrass workshops in many years, he has plenty of workshop experience under his belt. Get ready for a memorable week with a real master of the banjo! Advanced Banjo Description: Here are a few of the topics we'll get to during the week:
|
 |
***SEMINAR IS FULL*** Greg Cahill is the founder of The Special Consensus, one of bluegrass music's best and longest-running bands. He is one of the true banjo innovators, and he has been featured in every imaginable bluegrass and banjo-related magazine. The Special Consensus has released 12 recordings, and in 1984 the band created the Traditional American Music (TAM) Program to introduce students of all ages to bluegrass music. Greg has released four instructional videos and is the former Chairperson of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) as well as its "Bluegrass In The Schools" Committee, and he is now President and Chair of the IBMA Board of Directors. Intermediate 2 Banjo Description: We will have a very enjoyable week doing what we all wish we could do in “the real world”– playing our banjos for hours every day! We'll begin by reviewing right and left hand positions, which will lead us into an overview of Scruggs-style playing that will include right hand (rolls and patterns) and left hand (hammer-on, pull-off, slide, etc.) techniques, common licks, tone and timing. We will then have a look at melodic-style playing (including melodic and chromatic licks), single-string style playing, playing in closed positions and discussion of basic chord theory. There will be tablature handouts for all segments of these presentations. We will then apply this information to work on creating solos for instrumental and vocal selections. This will include analyzing intros and endings in different keys/positions, playing backup behind vocals and other instruments, using classic backup licks, and playing in minor keys and in different tunings. All of these topics will help us venture into the wonderful world of improvisation. I look forward to meeting everyone and to making good bluegrass music throughout the week! |
 |
Nick Hornbuckle is a master of both Scruggs-style bluegrass and old-time music, which informs his unique playing style showcased on recordings by John Reischman and the Jaybirds. Nick has played banjo for 34 years and been featured in Banjo Newsletter. He has also written two banjo books: one of his own compositions and another of old time fiddle tunes for 5-string banjo. The Los Angeles Daily News called his banjo work "Downright spine-tingling." Nick has led workshops at Rockygrass, the CBA music camp, and the Alaska Bluegrass cruise, as well as the BCBW several times.
It will be quite a treat for banjo players to get a chance to spend a week with one of the best pickers around. Intermediate 1 Banjo Description: In this seminar, Nick will cover ideas and techniques used to create solos for tunes and songs. Using his proven method, Nick will guide you through the steps of taking a basic melody and turning it into a great Bluegrass solo. The workshop will focus on playing a few well known melodies in open G, also in the up the neck second position G, and finally in the Key of C in the first position. Basic back up concepts will also be covered, and you'll learn how to use them in the songs you learn. Bring a recording device, and tablature will be provided. |
|
|
Chris Quinn is the amazing banjo player for The Foggy Hogtown Boys. He has performed on more than 75 recordings as a side-man or featured artist--including 4 projects with The Foggy Hogtown Boys and the banjo compilation "Banjo Special," and he has performed at festivals and concerts all over the U.S. and Canada. Chris's former band Heartbreak Hill was the first bluegrass band to ever receive a JUNO nomination. Banjo Newsletter has published tablature and a featured article on Chris and his music. Chris has also performed with Luther Wright and the Wrongs, Vassar Clements, Kenny Baker, and Bill Monroe. Chris also used to work at a comedy club, so he's sure to keep you smiling while you're perfecting those rolls! Beginning Banjo Description: Whether you have been playing for five months or five minutes, Chris Quinn will get you moving on your way to playing that dang banjo! Here is what we’re gonna do! We will focus on getting some rolls, or picking patterns, going. We will work on integrating those rolls with smooth chord changes. We will learn Earl Scruggs’ classic licks including his “Shave and a Haircut” ending. All in all, we'll be working towards being able to play music with other instruments and singers, and we will spend plenty of time on banjo back-up techniuques. In addition to our group learning, I will ensure that I get around to everybody to address specific concerns and needs. |
 |
Jason Romero is well known for building among the finest old time and bluegrass banjos available. He built for several years for world-renowned Wildwood Banjos, and you may have heard his instruments being played on recordings by the likes of Dirk Powell and The Foghorn Stringband. As we've found out since he moved to BC, Jason is also an amazing clawhammer (and bluegrass) banjo player. He performs regularly with Pharis Romero and Erynn Marshall in "The Haints," and Jason was a fixture of the old time and bluegrass music scene in Northern California for many years with the popular Striped Pig Stringband. We're really pleased to have him at the BCBW for his 3rd consecutive year to lead the intermediate/advanced clawhammer banjo seminar. Int./Adv. Clawhammer Banjo Description: Those who register for this workshop should be comfortable with the basic right hand techniques of clawhammer (including drop and double thumbing) and the idea of exploring different banjo tunings. We'll work on four or five tunings, with a tune and chords for each of these tunings. We'll examine backing up a fiddler versus playing alone, how to accompany an unfamiliar tune, and finding your place in an old time jam or band as a clawhammer player. Tone and timing will be addressed, as well as some tried and true patterns that you can play in most any tune. Set-up and 'banjo health' will be included. |
|
|
Chris Coole has been a member of bluegrass bands such as One Horse Town, Crazy Strings and most recently The Foggy Hogtown Boys. Chris has become internationally known for his toneful and melodic clawhammer banjo style. Banjo Newsletter wrote, "Chris Coole plays some of the cleanest, most melodically fluid and inspiring clawhammer one could hear." Chris has been a finalist in the banjo contests at Clifftop (Appalachian Stringband festival) and The West Virginia State Folk Festival. Chris performed and recorded with fiddler Erynn Marshall, who released "Meet Me in the Music," nominated for multiple awards and even considered for a Grammy. Chris released a solo CD in 2009 and collaborated with Ivan Rosenberg on a duet CD to be released this Spring. Chris has pristine clawhammer technique, and there's no one better to get you started on this increasingly popular style of banjo playing! Beginning/Intermediate Clawhammer Banjo Description: This workshop will introduce (or re-introduce) you to the basics of the right hand technique in the clawhammer style. The "basic strum", "double thumbing" and "drop thumbing" will be layed out and put into the context of some simple (but pleasing) old-time tunes and songs. You'll walk away with everything you need to go home, practice for the winter and then emerge as "the next big thing" at camp next year! |
 |
John Reischman is one of the acoustic world's top-ranked mandolin players and composers, renowned for his exquisite taste, tone and impeccable musicianship. John currently fronts John Reischman and the Jaybirds, and he also performs with guitar legend John Miller. As an original member of the legendary Tony Rice Unit, John helped define the 'new acoustic' instrumental scene, appearing on the band's Rounder albums Still Inside and Backwaters. He toured and recorded years with the Bay Area's eclectic Good Ol' Persons before moving to Vancouver in the early 1990s. In addition to his solo albums, CDs with The Jaybirds, and recordings with John Miller, over the years John's distinctive signature has graced a long list of impressive recordings by other top artists including bassist Todd Phillips' 1996 Grammy winner True Life Blues: The Music of Bill Monroe. John's workshops always fill up fast, so remember to sign up early. Advanced Mandolin Description: We will work on learning how to play and improvise solos for bluegrass songs and instrumentals in several keys (including B!), with an emphasis on using various applications and types of double stops. We’ll also discuss basic technique, with an emphasis on tone production. Prerequisites--to get the most out of this workshop, you should already know all the standard bluegrass closed chop chords, and know some fiddle tunes and be able to play them at a reasonable tempo. |
|
|
Andrew Collins of The Foggy Hogtown Boys and The Creaking Tree String Quartet is back at the BCBW for his 5th time. Andrew is renowned as a composer-arranger, multi-instrumentalist, and vocalist. He studied bluegrass music at South Plains College in Texas and jazz music at Toronto's Humber College. Andrew's knowledge of music reaches into many other genres including, classical, old-time, swing, and Celtic. Both The Foggy Hogtown Boys and The Creaking Tree String Quartet have released 3 CDs, and The Creaking Tree String Quartet earned a Juno nomination for one of them. Among other projects, Andrew released "Little Widgets," an album of mostly original instrumental compositions showcasing his abilities on mandolin, guitar, mandola, mandocello and fiddle. Intermediate 2 Mandolin Description: We will be focusing on the technical essentials of mandolin such as double stops, cross picking, good left hand/right hand synchronization, developing volume and clarity of tone, the tremolo and building your speed. We will look at some simple fiddle tunes and songs, and learn how to get comfortable playing in keys such as B, Bb and F. If you can already play some standards and want to learn how to get more out of your practice time for the purpose of making your jamming time more fun, please join me! |
 |
Rick Faris was better known in the world of bluegrass music as an award-winning guitar player, but he's just as talented on mandolin, which he currently plays with the Special Consensus, and he also is accomplished on dobro and banjo. Born in Iowa, raised in Arkansas and Missouri, Rick and his family moved to Kansas in 1991 and he started playing with the Faris Family Bluegrass Band in 1998. The Faris Family band toured extensively throughout the USA and Canada and was awarded Traditional Bluegrass Group of the Year, Instrumental Group of the Year, Vocal Group of the Year and Entertaining Group of the Year several times by the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America (SPBGMA). Rick was awarded the SPBGMA Midwest Guitar Performer of the Year in 2005 and 2008. He spent 5 years as an instructor at the Americana Music Academy in Lawrence, Kansas. When not on the road, Rick spends his “spare time” as an excellent luthier, building guitars, dobros and mandolins. We're happy that Rick will be making his first appearance at the BCBW this year! Intermediate 1 Mandolin Workshop Description: Get ready for a great time learning more about your mandolin, the way it works and the music you call your own! We'll start with the mandolin itself on what is a desired setup and maintenance for your particular instrument! We will then follow up with the “chop” technique and all of its intricacies and functions. Techniques for both the right and left hand and the coordination of them together will also be discussed. Quite a bit of time will be spent on the three T’s which are timing, taste and tone. You will learn how to find a melody and work around it using a few scales which will unlock your solo building techniques. Afterwards we will get into playing with a band and the roles you would be expected to learn or know. You will also learn the secrets of playing fast and clean! Sure can’t wait to see everyone and have a great first time at the BCBW! |
 |
Greg Spatz is best known for his work with John Reischman and the Jaybirds and with the world music stringband Mighty Squirrel. In addition to his top-notch fiddle skills, he's also a great mandolinist, and he'll be leading the Beginning Mandolin seminar this year. Greg has also performed and/or recorded with Rob Ickes, High Country, The Good Old Persons, Frank Wakefield, Tony Furtado, Kathy Kallick, Mighty Squirrel, and many others. You can hear him on all of the Jaybird's recordings: The Road West, Field Guide, and The Jaybirds, and his debut solo CD, "Fiddler's Dream" is scheduled for a 2008 release. Greg is a well published author with two novels, a book of short stories, and numerous individual fiction and nonfiction pieces to his credit. Greg's latest novel, Fiddler's Dream, has been praised as being the best novel about bluegrass music ever written. Beginning Mandolin Description: This seminar is for anyone who's just getting started on the mandolin...and anyone who's just been thinking about it but hasn't gotten up the gumption yet. We'll cover all the mandolin basics from beginning chord shapes, how to chop and strum, plectrum basics (how to hold the pick and how to start building some speed and picking skills), some beginning music theory and basic reading skills. Along the way, we'll have a great time covering several bluegrass standards, including both melody and rhythm. |
 |
Mick Nicholson hasn't been to the BCBW in a few years, but he's one of our all-time favourites to lead our advanced bass workshops, and we're really glad he'll be at Sorrento in 2010. Mick has played with artists ranging from Vince Gill to Dizzy Gillespie, and is at ease with a great variety of musical styles. In 1995 he retired from the U.S. Navy's premier country and bluegrass band, "Country Current" in Washington DC and returned to his native Washington state. He is presently a member of Pacific Northwest bands "Me and the Boys" (bluegrass), the "Gangbusters" (Django jazz and swing), the "Ramsey/Collins/Nicholson Trio" (eclectic/acoustic), and the Rhumba Kings (latin). Mick is known for his love of the bass as a melodic and expressive musical instrument, and he shares that love with great joy and humor. Advanced Bass Description: Make your bass sing! Take the next step beyond I - V or "pump-handle" bass lines by creating linear lines that "go somewhere." By opening up the left hand we'll be able to develop wonderfully melodic bass lines. This technique will reduce the possibility of injury even as you gain more strength and facility. We'll also build up your bluegrass repertoire by working on recognizing song forms and common chord progressions. This will make it easier to memorize songs. Finally, we will begin to solo by learning the melody of the song itself and developing it for the bass. Let that uniquely low voice of the string bass take root in this class! |
|
|
Max Heineman has been immersed in music since childhood. He played double bass in high school, both in the school orchestra and doing jazz gigs with his father. He's had a diverse artistic career, gigging everywhere from Toronto to New York, starting his own movie and television production company, and scoring music for independent films. Max has focused on bluegrass music since attending his first festival in 1999. He played with the Toronto-based bluegrass band Stuck in the City, and Max joined The Foggy Hogtown Boys in 2006. Max was hugely popular at the BCBW in 2007 and 2008, and it's great to have him back again! Int. Bass Description: Timing, tone and taste. We will review working with the metronome and the importance of the bass as "time keeper". We will continue with this theme by examining all the different ways the bass can influence the feel and timing of the music. We will experiment with the subtleties of playing "on top" and "behind" the beat. Runs, turnarounds, walking, hammer-ons and slapping all fall under the domain of timing and we will address them all in depth. We will play a variety of different "feels" in 3/4 and 4/4 time. We'll work on tone and proper technique for both right and left hands, and how to prevent repetitive strain injuries to ensure many years of pain-free picking. With good habits at the intermediate stage, you'll have a foundation for advanced bass when you are ready to explore the nether regions of the fingerboard. We will also address taste by analyzing songs for opportunities to add to the song without bringing attention to the bass. We will also be looking at playing the same number of notes but making interesting choices for passing tones, getting beyond playing root/five all night. |
 |
David Thomas plays bass and sings lead, baritone, tenor, and high baritone vocals with The Special Consensus.
David was born and raised in Alabama and his interest in music was sparked by listening to the country band of his uncle and great uncles in the 1980s. David began playing the guitar at the age of twelve and his grandfather, an avid fan of bluegrass music, began taking him to bluegrass music concerts when he was in his early teens. David began playing the mandolin at the age of seventeen and bass at nineteen. He played guitar, mandolin and bass in regional Alabama-based bands throughout his teenage years and he co-founded a bluegrass band (playing mandolin) called Roanoke in 2003. Roanoke competed in bluegrass band contests throughout the southern states, winning several in Alabama and Tennessee, until David joined The Special Consensus in 2006. Beg. Bass Description: We are going to work a lot on basic technique for both the right and left hand. We will discuss practice habits and routines to help you build stamina in jam sessions for long periods of time without getting tired! There will be a lot of emphasis on tone and timing. We will be going over the "Nashville Number System" (using numbers in place of chords, a common jam technique) and how it is applied. We will also be working on left hand positions that will help each of you discover the most comfortable hand position for you. Later we will get into playing songs in different timings (including waltzes) and keys (even some of the hard ones) as well as some tricks of the trade for hearing chord changes on the fly. We will be playing the same song at different speeds, learning how to change your technique to create the appropriate tone for the variations. I will be passing out handouts periodically throughout the week containing an overview of the things we discuss, as well as some things to work on after you get home from camp, and back in to the real world. Looking forward to another great year at BCBW--it's sure to be a blast. See you all soon! |
|
|
John Showman is quickly making his mark as one of the most exciting and innovative live musicians around. John brings a hard-earned, hard-edged professional understanding to the music he loves to play. He played over 1200 shows with the band Nobody You Know, and still plays regularly with Skraeling. But John is best known for his other two bands, The Foggy Hogtown Boys and The Creaking Tree String Quartet, both of which have released 3 acclaimed albums featuring John's soaring fiddle. John is a master of many styles, and he's one of the finest bluegrass fiddlers anywhere. He's back for his 5th time at the BCBW and he's always good for some amazing music and excellent fiddle workshops. Advanced Fiddle Description: Learn how to improvise in bluegrass! Using a mix of basic and advanced bowing techniques and double-stops, you'll learn classic breaks on tunes and songs from the Stanley Brothers and Bill Monroe era as well as some modern backup, rhythmic and chopping techniques. If you feel that you've progressed to the point where fiddle tunes are coming more and more easily and you want to take the next step to being a good bluegrass band player, this is the workshop for you! Most people are initially nervous about improvising on fiddle, but we will break it down into simple units and make it easy to grasp for everyone. Hope to see you there! |
 |
Megan Lynch has played and sung with bluegrass luminaries Roland White, Larry Cordle, Jim Hurst, and Chris Jones, as well as country legend Pam Tillis. She has played on
the Grand Old Opry 4 times, including once at the
historic Ryman theater. Now living in Nashville, Megan is author of the FiddleStar Instructional Series and has been contracted to continue the
Mel Bay American Fiddle Method Series. Always a favourite at
traditional music camps such as the
Augusta Heritage Bluegrass Week and Vanderbilt University's
International Fiddle School, Megan is the founder and
director of FiddleStar Youth and Adult Fiddle Camps. A contest fiddler for over 20 years, Megan won her first National Fiddle Championship
at age 8 and followed that with three consecutive wins
at ages 10, 11, and 12. She captured two more National
titles in 2003 and 2004. Intermediate 2 Fiddle Description: In this seminar, we'll have lots of fun working on several techniques and approaches that will help you get your fiddle playing to the next level. We'll analyze chords and chord changes and find out what they mean to you as a fiddler. We'll cover double stop patterns, slides, and bowing patterns; how and when to play fills; ear training, jamming on new songs, and creating solos on the fly; emulating your favourite fiddlers; using the right vibrato for the right situation, making the metronome your friend, and much more! |
 |
Caridwen Irvine-Spatz is fluent in many fiddle styles from bluegrass and old time to Celtic and Klezmer. Currently based in Spokane WA, Caridwen has played fiddle since age 13, and she has lived and played music in almost every province and territory of Canada. She studied violin at the Freiburg Hochschule fur Musikk, and currently repairs violins and bows at Violinworks in Spokane. In addition to performing and recording with the stringband Mighty Squirrel, she recently recorded on Greg Spatz's CD "Fiddler's Dream." Caridwen is always a favourite at the BCBW and it's great to have her back in 2010! Int. 1 Fiddle Description: We'll cover essential basics like how to hold the bow for sweet and easy tone production, and how to hold the fiddle in a way that won't hurt your back or neck, but still improves intonation and speed. We'll also cover some basic music theory so you will feel confident finding notes on the fingerboard, and you'll learn how to play standard chord progressions in a variety of keys. We'll work primarily on bluegrass, but we'll touch on some old-time songs and more common cross-tunings if the group is interested. You'll leave knowing what to practice to get good tone and intonation, and you'll have a fuller concept of what lies ahead as you continue to progress on the instrument. |
 |
Ivan Rosenberg (The Breakmen, Mighty Squirrel) is back for his 8th consecutive year at the BCBW. Ivan has led Dobro seminars at the CBA Music Camp, Sorefingers bluegrass camp in the UK, the Puget Sound Guitar Workshop, 108 Mile Cabin Fever, Camp He Ho Ha, and more. He has contributed to BluegrassCollege.org and Mel Bay's Guitar Sessions. Ivan has released 4 solo CDs and a DVD and has performed with Chris Stuart & Backcountry, Chris Jones, Mighty Squirrel, and The Breakmen among others. Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine recognized Ivan as "one of the more prolific masters of the resonator guitar" and Donald Nitchie of Banjo Newsletter said his CD, "Clawhammer and Dobro," was one of the best instrumental albums of 2006.
Int./Adv. Dobro Description: This year's Dobro seminar has about 80% NEW material (the other 20%: there are some things we all need to work on forever to make our Dobros sound good!), so if you've taken one of Ivan's workshops in the past, you're in for a fun and interesting week of hands-on learning. Last year's workshop focused on finding a melody by locating chord notes and then embellishing that melody. This time around, you'll spend more time learning essential fretboard pockets for hammer-on/pull-off/open string licks in different keys, and plenty of time will be spent in non-G keys that work well with open strings. If you want to improve your approach to fast instrumentals and expand your ideas for playing in the key of D, Bm, Em, and other great Dobro keys without a capo, this workshop is for you! Many Dobro players get stuck at a certain level not because they lack fretboard knowledge, but because their picking technique is limited or inefficient. So we'll also spend some time doing an elaborate picking workout that will train your hand to find the right string faster and more accurately. Note: We're sorry there's no beginning/intermediate Dobro seminar Week 2--if you're leaning towards the beginner side of the spectrum, please try to take the beg./int. Dobro seminar with Stacy Phillips Week 1, as this int./adv. seminar will move too fast for you. |
 |
Intermediate/Advanced Harmony Singing Description: This workshop is for those
who really like to sing, and want to learn how to blend their voices
with others. We will work on bluegrass-style harmonies in duet style (two part),
and trio (three part). Along the way, you'll learn how to find the harmony line above and below the melody. You will get the experience of hearing your own voice in harmony with others and learn how to make your voice "blend" in a harmony setting, and acquire the tools to create harmony lines on your own! Be ready for a full week of learning, singing, and plenty of fun! Trisha Gagnon from John Reischman and the Jaybirds is one of the northwest's most talented and compelling vocalists. Sing Out! magazine described Trisha's voice as "Irresistible." Her many roles in the band — vocalist, bassist, and song-writer — all are informed by the same personal, homespun touch. Trisha also toured and recorded with the award-winning band Tumbleweed, and she wrote several Jaybird songs that have become northwest jam standards, including "Blackberry Bramble." Trisha and Jim led our harmony singing seminar a couple of years ago, and we had a lot of requests to get them back again this year! |
 |
Jim Nunally is the lead and harmony singer with John Reischman and the Jaybirds, The David Grisman Bluegrass Experience, and Due West. A San Francisco Bay Area-native, he is a musician, composer, and record producer, and he's always a big hit at bluegrass workshops. Jim recorded Snoopy's guitar tracks for the Peanuts animated television special "Snoopy's Reunion" in 1991 and was the guitarist on the theme song of "The Beverly Hillbillies" movie. Jim received two Grammy award certifications and two IBMA awards for his performance on the 1996 Bluegrass Album of the Year "True Life Blues: The Songs of Bill Monroe." He recorded with David Grisman and Sam Bush on the much anticipated album "Hold On, We're Strummin" which was nominated for two IBMA awards. Jim released "Gloria's Waltz," which received a Highlight Review in Bluegrass Unlimited in 2007, as well as several "brother duet" style recordings with Dix Bruce. Jim is also a two-time Western Open Flatpicking and Master Picking Champion.
|
 |
Sue Malcolm has been a mainstay of the Vancouver folk and bluegrass scene since 1980 as a performer, jam leader, and organizer. She is a regular at the BCBW and the Georgia Strait Guitar Workshop, and she has released 3 CDs--her most recent a bluegrass and swing project called "Highrise Lonesome." Sue currently fronts the Vancouver bands Rhythm Roundup and Highrise Lonesome. Recognized for her ability to help beginners gain confidence and enjoy making music in a group setting, Sue will be leading the Slow Pitch Jam during Week 2. Book/CD sets of popular jam songs can be ordered in advance from Sue's website if anyone wants to get a head start. |
|
Students pre-register for one seminar only and attend it each morning and late afternoon. Most seminars are limited to 10.
GUIDELINES FOR SELECTING YOUR SEMINAR: Please read through these guidelines. They are very general, but will give you some idea of what level seminar to choose. Choosing your seminar level is probably the most important decision you'll make at the BCBW, and changing seminars during the week can be chaotic. If you have any questions, please contact Jay Buckwold or the seminar leaders. Combined level seminars (i.e. Beginning/Intermediate) will have a range of abilities/skill levels--just try to be in the ballpark somewhere. BEGINNING LEVEL: It's expected that you're a beginner with a few basic skills. You can strum, pick or bow, and change basic chords or scales slowly but have little experience playing with others. Reading tablature will be helpful, and it will be helpful to know what a major scale is. You really should have the most basic skills prior to arriving at your seminar. If you're brand new to playing an instrument, maybe get a few lessons or work with an instructional video before camp starts. Having a few basics down will greatly improve your experience at BCBW. For Beginning Singing, there are no prerequisites. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL I: You can generally keep rhythm and play a few basic melodies in slow jams. You know some basic chord shapes and have some understanding of what chords are common in a few keys. A beginning seminar would move too slowly for you, and Intermediate 2 might be too fast. Or you may be solidly an intermediate player but want to brush up on fundamentals in Intermediate 1. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL 2: You are comfortable maintaining good rhythm and taking breaks while jamming with others, even if the breaks don't always turn out the way you planned. For workshops on creating instrumental solos, you should know some major and minor scales and be able to put them to some practical use. Your seminar leader is likely to assume everyone knows the Nashville Number System. At this level, you may be hoping to take your playing up to the next level of performing with a group or band. ADVANCED LEVEL: For players who already have performance experience. You should be able to play solos and backup in a band or jam setting--in time and generally up to speed. You should know the chords that are common in several keys, the Nashville Number System, scales, etc. For harmony singing classes, you should be able to hear a note and match it with your voice--that is, hold a tune. |