2006 Dulcimer Day in Duluth Workshop Descriptions

B: Beginner, AB: Advanced beginner, INT: Intermediate, Kids: Kids class, adults welcome, but space priority goes to youngsters.

MOUNTAIN DULCIMER

Join Greg Hodapp as we explore some beginner level styles of playing mountian dulcimer in DAD tuning. DAD is one of the most widely used, well know, and versatile tunings and lends itself easily to simple melodies and chords well suited for beginners. Come set down for a while, and learn the ins and outs of basic playing styles and mountain dulcimer itself.

Introduction to a crosspicking style of playing. Make your dulcimer sound in this new way.

Mark will teach two popular hymns in DAD tuning.

Learn chord structure, patterns, and fingering while learning a new song

This class will include learning about more about the bass string, above the 7th fret, capo, and playing in other keys.

Move beyond simple melody strumming and learn more about playing chords, keeping good rhythm, and efficient fingerings. Several fun songs will be taught to include these techniques.

Two familiar tunes will be used for two players to play together.

HAMMERED DULCIMER

This workshop for brand new players will give them the knowledge and confidence needed to continue playing. Basics such as the hammered dulcimer anatomy, its history, tuning techniques, and maintenance will be discussed, as well as questions from the students. This will be followed by playing scales and arpeggios which will increase the understanding of the instrument. A selection of fun and recognizable tunes will be played as time allows.

Scales, arpeggios, hand coordination exercises, followed with simple harmony ideas and arrangement ideas using chord note harmony, drones, and rhythm. Students will be amazed at what they can do!

Dulcimer music has been a part of Kendra's family since the 1800s! In this class Kendra will teach some obscure tunes and original melodies that have been passed down through the generations and some of the stories behind them.

Hymns are cherished and loved by almost everyone. In this class students will learn some beautiful hymns and work on embellishment ideas. These ideas can easily then be adapted to other hymns or tunes.

You'll be learning several old-time tunes that are popular in basic jams. Toe-tapping and fun. Help carry on the traditions by playing old time songs on this old instrument.

GUITAR

Guitarists will learn the fundamentals of chords and the best "licks", "chops", "bass runs", "chord progressions", "rhythm", etc for backing up melodies.

If you are sick of saying, "Oh, I just play rhythm," then take this class and take a solo at your next jam sessions! We'll discuss song structure, proper left and right hand technique, and flatpicking mechanics. Next we'll learn a simple fiddle tune and some embellishments to help dress it up.

JAMS FOR ALL INSTRUMENTS

This will be a working jam session designed for all folk instruments. With help from Bob, everyone will learn to work together as a group rather than showboating for all the attention. Let's have fun.

Bob will have everyone playing some old time Carter family tunes. Requests can also be taken from participants.

AUTOHARP

Start playing the autoharp today! Learn about tuning, holding and strumming chords to accompany singing. You'll also get an introduction to the fascinating techniques behind playing melodies on the autoharp. Besides your instrument, please bring a thumb pick and finger pick, any type.

Take the next step in your playing and begin to pick out simple melodies on the autoharp. This workshop is for you if you already know how to tune and keep time strumming basic rhythm patterns. Come with your instrument in tune and bring a thumb pick and two finger picks, any type.

MANDOLIN

The mandolin is a fun and versatile instrument. You'll be introduced to proper hand positions and using the pick while learning several two-finger chords to strum rhythms. You'll also learn to pick out melodies in several styles. Mandolin tab will be used, and explained, to teach the songs.

CLOGGING (Appalachian dancing)

Clogging dates back to the early settlement of this country.  It is one of America's oldest folk dances, originating in the region of the Appalachian mountains.  We define "folk dance" as a dance of the people, recognizing that it may change as each generation adds to the old traditions. With roots found in a variety of ethnic groups, the influences of English step dancing, Irish jigs, German high kicks, Indian ceremonial dances, and the buck dances of African Americans are all evident in clogging as it is done now. Today, cloggers wear taps on their shoes to produce the rhythmical sound that was originally created by early Americans who danced in heavy work shoes.  The intricate steps of clog dancing combine shuffles, kicks and stomps, with a rapid-fire double-toe to create an especially energetic and high spirited dance. Pam will take you through several steps. It's a great workout too. Please wear a pair of shoes that slide easy - no previous dance experience necessary - and all ages are welcome.  Glue-on clogging taps will be available for people to purchase (if interested). The taps glue on to a pair of sneakers. The cost is $15 for taps.

KIDS CLASSES

Ever wonder how folks entertained themselves if they didn't have any instruments around, and no way to get one? Well they made 'em! And one of the simplest and easiest instruments to make is the Mouth bow, a close relative of the jaw-harp. The name describes it all: its a bent piece of wood with a steel string attached (like the bow of a bow and arrow) you stick one end in your mouth and VOILA! Instant twang! Join us and turn your mouth into one of the neatest sounding and simplest instruments around.

Like lonesome ballads? Happy toe-tapping tunes? Funny, sad, and sometimes scary stories? Well aren't you in luck, we're having a demonstration, converstation, and recapitulation of stories and songs (hosted by Greg Hodapp) and you're welcome to set and listen, ask questions, or throw out some storie and songs of you own.

The harmonica, mouth harp, or mississipi saxophone is perhaps the most travelable, versatile, and great sounding instruments around. If your interested in learning this instrument or are just now getting into it, come on down. With Greg Hodapp we'll be exploring some basic playing styles like where and how to blow or draw breath, some simple scales and the difference between cross harp and strait harp.

Hey Kid's Wanna make some musical noise? Well allright let's go for it, Greg Hodapp is going to be there and he's going to have a big bag full of instruments for anyone who doesn't happen to have one. Just to be sure we'll have enough to go around bring your own instruments as well whatever they happen to be, and we'll see if we can't wrangle some rythms and tunes out of each other. We'll try out some musical games as well.