Celebrating Tradition Retreat Workshops
We'll begin each morning with our Celebrating Tradition Ensemble. Morning sessions will be more skill oriented, while the afternoon sessions will explore a wide variety of topics.
Let Go - Let’s Go Lyric & Melody improvisation for the singer/writer/poet - Sue
An improvisation workshop designed specifically for singer-songwriters or poets, Sue Demel will share improv tips and tricks for one's live performances as well as ways to employ improv tools to expand lyrics & melodies. Students are invited to bring their own songs in for in-class example. Sue has devised an 11 point Improvisation Checklist to take the fear out of leaving the melody and finding new inspiration. Vocal performance and risk taking tools as well as improvisational writing exercises are part of this class. Some principles discussed in class: warm-ups, dynamics, scat, call & response, and tempo. This is an interactive class that invites the students to challenge themselves and their music! "Find ways to break through your own glass ceiling without getting hurt a bit!”
An improvisation workshop designed specifically for singer-songwriters or poets, Sue Demel will share improv tips and tricks for one's live performances as well as ways to employ improv tools to expand lyrics & melodies. Students are invited to bring their own songs in for in-class example. Sue has devised an 11 point Improvisation Checklist to take the fear out of leaving the melody and finding new inspiration. Vocal performance and risk taking tools as well as improvisational writing exercises are part of this class. Some principles discussed in class: warm-ups, dynamics, scat, call & response, and tempo. This is an interactive class that invites the students to challenge themselves and their music! "Find ways to break through your own glass ceiling without getting hurt a bit!”
Traditional Country Today - Amanda
Despite all the glitz, many modern country songs have a lot in common with our traditional favorites. Even some of the biggest hits use classic themes and progressions. Join us as we peel back the layers and get at the roots of a few contemporary songs. We'll learn them together, then hear the modern versions!
Despite all the glitz, many modern country songs have a lot in common with our traditional favorites. Even some of the biggest hits use classic themes and progressions. Join us as we peel back the layers and get at the roots of a few contemporary songs. We'll learn them together, then hear the modern versions!
Beating the Bum Ditty - Jonas
Clawhammer banjo players, expand your right techniques. Learn how to play with rhythm and timing to give tunes/songs texture and life.
Clawhammer banjo players, expand your right techniques. Learn how to play with rhythm and timing to give tunes/songs texture and life.
3 String Guitar Chord Shapes in Folk and Rock Music - Mark (Lou)
A guitar specific workshop going over songs by bands like The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Cactus Blossoms (so far) where "little chords" are used. These little chords are criminally underutilized by guitar players. Showing examples of how these shapes are used in songs may encourage players to try to experiment with them in other songs. Something like "3 String Guitar Chord Shapes in Folk and Rock Music"
A guitar specific workshop going over songs by bands like The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Cactus Blossoms (so far) where "little chords" are used. These little chords are criminally underutilized by guitar players. Showing examples of how these shapes are used in songs may encourage players to try to experiment with them in other songs. Something like "3 String Guitar Chord Shapes in Folk and Rock Music"
Acoustic Trio for Guitar, Mandolin and Banjo - Peggy, Maura and Lou(Mark)
We'll learn a simple tune on our instruments and practice taking leads and keeping rhythm for each other. We'll talk about what the "job" of each instrument is when playing the melody and when playing rhythm, do we play on the "one and three" or the "two and four" beats? We'll practice getting a full sound with all three instruments. "The sound is the teacher".
We'll learn a simple tune on our instruments and practice taking leads and keeping rhythm for each other. We'll talk about what the "job" of each instrument is when playing the melody and when playing rhythm, do we play on the "one and three" or the "two and four" beats? We'll practice getting a full sound with all three instruments. "The sound is the teacher".
Take a Solo! - Luke
You’re in a jam. You know the song and are just fine hanging on the chords. Suddenly, Peggy looks at you and says “take one!” For some of us, that’s a nightmare, but Luke would like to help make this much less scary for you! In this workshop we will work on identifying the key, simple scales that work with most folk songs, picking up and simplifying the melody, hearing the meter and going for it! Yes, soloing can be intimidating but remember that less is more, the hardest part is getting started and you are by and far your harshest critic. In fact, this might be the least judgmental group you’ll ever play with!
You’re in a jam. You know the song and are just fine hanging on the chords. Suddenly, Peggy looks at you and says “take one!” For some of us, that’s a nightmare, but Luke would like to help make this much less scary for you! In this workshop we will work on identifying the key, simple scales that work with most folk songs, picking up and simplifying the melody, hearing the meter and going for it! Yes, soloing can be intimidating but remember that less is more, the hardest part is getting started and you are by and far your harshest critic. In fact, this might be the least judgmental group you’ll ever play with!
Befriending the Metronome - Amanda
Working on your timing doesn't have to be drudgery! The metronome is a key part of the musician's toolkit and everyone can benefit from it. All instruments welcome as we try out playful ways to incorporate this disciplinarian.
Working on your timing doesn't have to be drudgery! The metronome is a key part of the musician's toolkit and everyone can benefit from it. All instruments welcome as we try out playful ways to incorporate this disciplinarian.
Play & Paint - Amanda
t's always interesting to see where music sneaks into our lives. Sometimes, it's not in our instruments at all. In this workshop we'll accompany each other with our voices and instruments, while taking turns making music via another media -- watercolors! No painting experience necessary.
t's always interesting to see where music sneaks into our lives. Sometimes, it's not in our instruments at all. In this workshop we'll accompany each other with our voices and instruments, while taking turns making music via another media -- watercolors! No painting experience necessary.
Mississippi John Hurt Fingerstyle Guitar - Luke
Let your thumb drive the train and get on board for some great songs like You’ve Got to Walk that Lonesome Valley, Spike Driver Blues, Louis Collins and I’m Satisfied
Let your thumb drive the train and get on board for some great songs like You’ve Got to Walk that Lonesome Valley, Spike Driver Blues, Louis Collins and I’m Satisfied
Celebrating Tradition - Peggy, Maura & All
Each morning the camp participants will come together to make music with each other as we create new arrangements of some core and surprising tunes and songs. Our focus will be playing together and we'll learn by ear. We’ll work on dynamics, rhythm, melodies, and harmonies, drawing from gospel to blues, old-time numbers to lyrical ballads.
Each morning the camp participants will come together to make music with each other as we create new arrangements of some core and surprising tunes and songs. Our focus will be playing together and we'll learn by ear. We’ll work on dynamics, rhythm, melodies, and harmonies, drawing from gospel to blues, old-time numbers to lyrical ballads.
Let's Sing Motown! - Mitzi and Ellen
The Supremes, The Jackson Five, The Four Tops, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Martha & the Vandellas … does their music immediately make you want to sing and sway? Did you ever imagine you were Diana Ross or a Supreme or a Temptation as you belted out their parts in your car or shower? Then this fun-filled session is for you! We’ll sing iconic Motown songs, break down the parts, and maybe even add a little choreography. Just bring your voice—let’s create some Motown magic together!
The Supremes, The Jackson Five, The Four Tops, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Martha & the Vandellas … does their music immediately make you want to sing and sway? Did you ever imagine you were Diana Ross or a Supreme or a Temptation as you belted out their parts in your car or shower? Then this fun-filled session is for you! We’ll sing iconic Motown songs, break down the parts, and maybe even add a little choreography. Just bring your voice—let’s create some Motown magic together!
Intro to Blues Fiddle - Jonas
For old-time fiddle players looking to jump in on the blues. Learn the basics of chord progressions, rhythms, scales and fills typical of the early blues genre.
For old-time fiddle players looking to jump in on the blues. Learn the basics of chord progressions, rhythms, scales and fills typical of the early blues genre.
Guitar Barre Chord and "F" shape study - Peggy and Maura
We'll take a beautiful old standard, Dream a Little Dream, to learn the relationship between 7, minor and major chords while practicing our barre chords and "F" shapes.
We'll take a beautiful old standard, Dream a Little Dream, to learn the relationship between 7, minor and major chords while practicing our barre chords and "F" shapes.
Heavenly Gospel Singing - Mitzi and Ellen
Rooted in the African-American tradition, gospel songs and spirituals have a way of touching our souls—regardless of our faith tradition. Get a taste of the exhilaration that comes from singing these powerful songs of survival, love, freedom, and transcendence. We’ll learn simple melodies and harmonies by ear, then join together as one voice to raise the rafters. Get ready to clap, sing, and sway in jubilation!
Rooted in the African-American tradition, gospel songs and spirituals have a way of touching our souls—regardless of our faith tradition. Get a taste of the exhilaration that comes from singing these powerful songs of survival, love, freedom, and transcendence. We’ll learn simple melodies and harmonies by ear, then join together as one voice to raise the rafters. Get ready to clap, sing, and sway in jubilation!
Arranging Songs to Make Them Your Own – Amanda, Peggy
Intros, verses, choruses, bridges, outros and back again! Join us as we mix up our own recipes of components to make songs our own. We’ll have fun playing with song structure and learning how to make thoughtful choices when arranging.
Intros, verses, choruses, bridges, outros and back again! Join us as we mix up our own recipes of components to make songs our own. We’ll have fun playing with song structure and learning how to make thoughtful choices when arranging.
Visibility Writing - Sue
Using Sue’s handy dandy Visibility writing chart, writers will construct a 2 verse, 1 chorus song. Students will free write for each verse using different visual settings at the retreat - then using a personal photo from a phone will construct a chorus to tie the mini-song together.
Using Sue’s handy dandy Visibility writing chart, writers will construct a 2 verse, 1 chorus song. Students will free write for each verse using different visual settings at the retreat - then using a personal photo from a phone will construct a chorus to tie the mini-song together.
Recognizing & Loving What Others Bring - Amanda
Ever find yourself in a jam not quite able to connect with someone musically? Whether it’s differences in playing style, song choices, technical ability, or genre, sometimes it is just not hitting. Yet unexpected collaborations can unlock potential. This workshop will help us all let loose to explore what it really means to make music together (instead of “correctly”).
Ever find yourself in a jam not quite able to connect with someone musically? Whether it’s differences in playing style, song choices, technical ability, or genre, sometimes it is just not hitting. Yet unexpected collaborations can unlock potential. This workshop will help us all let loose to explore what it really means to make music together (instead of “correctly”).
Accompanying Folk Songs - Mark (Lou), Maura
Do you play guitar or mandolin and are looking for ideas other than strumming chords? Do you play fiddle and wonder what to play while someone else is singing? This workshop will provide some answers to those questions. We’ll cover a few different strategies that you can use to become a valued accompanist. An ability to keep an even rhythm on your instrument and a desire to play well with others are the only prerequisites.
Do you play guitar or mandolin and are looking for ideas other than strumming chords? Do you play fiddle and wonder what to play while someone else is singing? This workshop will provide some answers to those questions. We’ll cover a few different strategies that you can use to become a valued accompanist. An ability to keep an even rhythm on your instrument and a desire to play well with others are the only prerequisites.
Close Harmony Duet Singing - Ellen and Mitzi
Experience the joy of singing with a partner! It’s the sound of the famed brother and sister duets of early country and bluegrass music, from the Louvin Brothers to the Everly Brothers, from the Davis Sisters to siblings-in-song such as Hazel and Alice. We’ll listen to examples, talk about how they did it, and then dive right in, breaking into small groups to sing and practice what we’ve learned. Increase your confidence and expertise in both lead and harmony singing, and have fun in the process! No note-reading is necessary, as we’ll learn by ear. If you can hold a melody part on your own and want to experience the joys of singing in harmony, this workshop is for you.
Experience the joy of singing with a partner! It’s the sound of the famed brother and sister duets of early country and bluegrass music, from the Louvin Brothers to the Everly Brothers, from the Davis Sisters to siblings-in-song such as Hazel and Alice. We’ll listen to examples, talk about how they did it, and then dive right in, breaking into small groups to sing and practice what we’ve learned. Increase your confidence and expertise in both lead and harmony singing, and have fun in the process! No note-reading is necessary, as we’ll learn by ear. If you can hold a melody part on your own and want to experience the joys of singing in harmony, this workshop is for you.
The Thrilling World of Vocal Trios - Ellen and Mitzi
When all three notes of a chord ring out in glorious vocal harmony, chills run up your spine, the sun bursts from behind the clouds, and grateful bluebirds land on your shoulders to join in song. In addition to their ineffable joys, trios bring unique challenges. Unlike duos, where singers have a bit more room to move around, in trios, each singer must stay in their own “lane” to avoid unwanted collisions in notes. We’ll listen to examples from some of the best, such as Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt. Then we’ll break into trios to try it out. All learning will be by ear. If you can hold a melody part on your own and want to experience the joys of singing as a threesome, this workshop is for you.
When all three notes of a chord ring out in glorious vocal harmony, chills run up your spine, the sun bursts from behind the clouds, and grateful bluebirds land on your shoulders to join in song. In addition to their ineffable joys, trios bring unique challenges. Unlike duos, where singers have a bit more room to move around, in trios, each singer must stay in their own “lane” to avoid unwanted collisions in notes. We’ll listen to examples from some of the best, such as Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt. Then we’ll break into trios to try it out. All learning will be by ear. If you can hold a melody part on your own and want to experience the joys of singing as a threesome, this workshop is for you.
Into to Jug Band - Jonas
Take a crash course in America’s happiest musical genre. Get the basics of washboard, spoons and bucket bass, all while learning a little history and repertoire. Oh, and kazoos.
Take a crash course in America’s happiest musical genre. Get the basics of washboard, spoons and bucket bass, all while learning a little history and repertoire. Oh, and kazoos.
Yoga & Breathing - Alma
Greet the morning with gentle, joyful movement, breathing and meditation. Feel free to bring a blanket or mat along. No experience necessary and all bodies welcome.
Greet the morning with gentle, joyful movement, breathing and meditation. Feel free to bring a blanket or mat along. No experience necessary and all bodies welcome.
Dynamics for singing, playing & writing - Sue
This is a workshop that helps you delve into dynamics as a writer & performer. With these in-class exercises, you can find & expand on all the colors of your writing and performing palette based on volume, emotions, intent, and prose writing. Tap into your physical & metaphysical voices with Sue!
This is a workshop that helps you delve into dynamics as a writer & performer. With these in-class exercises, you can find & expand on all the colors of your writing and performing palette based on volume, emotions, intent, and prose writing. Tap into your physical & metaphysical voices with Sue!
Doublestops on the Mandolin - Mark (Lou)
Doublestops occur when a pair of strings are played at the same time (as opposed to a full chord or a single string). They can be useful for playing chords up the neck, playing in unfamiliar keys, adding harmony to your solos, playing licks that fit with the underlying chords and more. In this workshop we’ll learn a handful of doublestop shapes and then see how to apply those shapes using examples from recordings.
Doublestops occur when a pair of strings are played at the same time (as opposed to a full chord or a single string). They can be useful for playing chords up the neck, playing in unfamiliar keys, adding harmony to your solos, playing licks that fit with the underlying chords and more. In this workshop we’ll learn a handful of doublestop shapes and then see how to apply those shapes using examples from recordings.
Ear Training for Folkies: Harmony Edition - Ellen and Mitzi
In the folk tradition, we don’t have to read music to make music. But a little understanding of how music works can help us more easily pick out harmony parts, hear chord changes, play leads, and communicate in a common language with other musicians. In this on-your-feet workshop, we’ll have a special focus on how harmony notes worktogether, getting them into your brain and body so that you can talk music and harmonize like a pro. Impress your friends!
In the folk tradition, we don’t have to read music to make music. But a little understanding of how music works can help us more easily pick out harmony parts, hear chord changes, play leads, and communicate in a common language with other musicians. In this on-your-feet workshop, we’ll have a special focus on how harmony notes worktogether, getting them into your brain and body so that you can talk music and harmonize like a pro. Impress your friends!
Creating Tune Variations - Jonas
Strategies and techniques for creating your own tune variations on the fly. Keep your repertoire feeling fresh and fun no matter how many times you’ve played the same tunes. All instruments welcome.
Strategies and techniques for creating your own tune variations on the fly. Keep your repertoire feeling fresh and fun no matter how many times you’ve played the same tunes. All instruments welcome.
Fiddle Music from the Ozarks -Luke
Learn popular fiddle tunes played around the Southern Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas region that draw from Texas Contest Fiddling, riverboats, Arcadian, Appalachian and other regional styles
Learn popular fiddle tunes played around the Southern Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas region that draw from Texas Contest Fiddling, riverboats, Arcadian, Appalachian and other regional styles
Irish Fiddle Ornamentation - Mark (Lou)
Harmony Through The Backdoor - Sue
Sue Demel, known for her original harmonies in the trio Sons of the Never Wrong, offers this fun and helpful workshop for Singer/Songwriters looking to add harmony & new arrangements to covers or original songs. This hands-on class invites students to bring their songs, share them, and then with Sue's specific help, break each song down and rebuild with new tips to expand on the song’s layer potential. Sue will demystify the harmony building process and invite the students to try the ideas on for size one at a time. Some principles discussed in-class will be: song-building, breaking tradition, weaving lines, common-notes, and melodic themes. This class is specifically helpful to singer/songwriters and bands that are preparing to record.
Sue Demel, known for her original harmonies in the trio Sons of the Never Wrong, offers this fun and helpful workshop for Singer/Songwriters looking to add harmony & new arrangements to covers or original songs. This hands-on class invites students to bring their songs, share them, and then with Sue's specific help, break each song down and rebuild with new tips to expand on the song’s layer potential. Sue will demystify the harmony building process and invite the students to try the ideas on for size one at a time. Some principles discussed in-class will be: song-building, breaking tradition, weaving lines, common-notes, and melodic themes. This class is specifically helpful to singer/songwriters and bands that are preparing to record.
Old Time and Monroe Style Mandolin - Luke
Bill Monroe’s revolutionary mandolin playing style is steeped heavily in the old time fiddling tradition. In this workshop we’ll explore the similarities and differences and experiment with mixing a little of each into the other.
Bill Monroe’s revolutionary mandolin playing style is steeped heavily in the old time fiddling tradition. In this workshop we’ll explore the similarities and differences and experiment with mixing a little of each into the other.
Pop-Up Choir! - Ellen and Mitzi
Ready to join your voice with others to create spine-shivering and transcendent harmonies? Pop on over to Pop-Up Choir! Choir singing is the ultimate experience of being better (and more joyful) together. We’ll mix classical choral pieces and pop selections in a friendly session that welcomes all skill levels. No prior music reading required, although you’ll learn how to follow written music and explore deep and musical listening and blending. Hallelujah!
Ready to join your voice with others to create spine-shivering and transcendent harmonies? Pop on over to Pop-Up Choir! Choir singing is the ultimate experience of being better (and more joyful) together. We’ll mix classical choral pieces and pop selections in a friendly session that welcomes all skill levels. No prior music reading required, although you’ll learn how to follow written music and explore deep and musical listening and blending. Hallelujah!
3 String Guitar Chords - Mark (Lou)
Adding 3 string chords to your guitar skills is a great way to spice things up. We’ll learn some of the theory associated with these shapes, but most of the workshop will be devoted to studying real life examples of their use by bands such as The Beatles, Bob Dylan and The Cactus Blossoms. The goal of this workshop is to give you the knowledge and confidence to incorporate these shapes in any song you play.
Adding 3 string chords to your guitar skills is a great way to spice things up. We’ll learn some of the theory associated with these shapes, but most of the workshop will be devoted to studying real life examples of their use by bands such as The Beatles, Bob Dylan and The Cactus Blossoms. The goal of this workshop is to give you the knowledge and confidence to incorporate these shapes in any song you play.
Feedback Open Mic - Sue
Have a new song or spoken word piece? Looking for a bit of feedback from Sue & your fellow troubadours?
Join the class, sign up for a slot, perform - get a little loving feedback to help your piece grow AND expand your writing tribe. It’s like a mini workshop focused on your & your fellow songwriter’s work. Closes with a Q & A with Sue about your performing questions.
Have a new song or spoken word piece? Looking for a bit of feedback from Sue & your fellow troubadours?
Join the class, sign up for a slot, perform - get a little loving feedback to help your piece grow AND expand your writing tribe. It’s like a mini workshop focused on your & your fellow songwriter’s work. Closes with a Q & A with Sue about your performing questions.
Supporting The Sound - Amanda
When we're not playing or singing the melody, we can make thoughtful choices to support our ensemble. Support players can help keep things on track (or not!). All instruments welcome as we practice ways to make backup playing interesting and helpful.
When we're not playing or singing the melody, we can make thoughtful choices to support our ensemble. Support players can help keep things on track (or not!). All instruments welcome as we practice ways to make backup playing interesting and helpful.