6th Annual Heart of the Alleghenies
Folk Music Festival in Bradford, Pennsylvania.
August 7 - 9, 2009

Folk Music, Singing & Dance Workshops for 2009

Attendance to ALL workshops is included in an "All Weekend" pass (pre-registration required to guarantee workshop space)

Admittance to each workshop (without "All Weekend" pass) is $15/workshop at the door.

NOTE: Registering for the workshops AFTER arriving at the festival may (or may not) be possible. Workshop space is limited, so the only way to GUARANTEE a spot in ANY WORKSHOP is to pre-register & pay the $50. Folks arriving @ the festival without workshop pre-registration will be admitted to workshops for $15 each ONLY if there is space available. Some of the workshops WILL BE FULL, some may not. If you arrive at the festival without pre-registering we will do our best to get you into the workshop(s) of your choices, but we may not be able to do that.

Levels

Beginner: You’re just starting out on your instrument.

Beyond Beginner: For all levels of musicians.

Advanced Beginner: You know a few tunes, but still have some difficulty getting around on your instrument.

Intermediate: You learn music easily by ear or from sheet music.

Advanced Intermediate: Not quite a professional, but you know your instrument well.

Advanced: You’re a seasoned musician, performer, or professional.

Presentations: These are appropriate for everyone, even if you don’t play an instrument.

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BRING A RECORDING DEVICE TO GET THE MOST OUT OF THE WORKSHOPS!

Workshop Descriptions

PDF SCHEDULE

Instrumental Workshops

Playing Celtic Tunes for Contras-
Fiddler Randy Miller will teach several jigs and reels from the Irish and Scottish Celtic traditions. His patient, phrase-by-phrase teaching method provides an ideal setting for learning tunes, with added commentary on tempo, dynamics, bowing and phrasing. Music will be provided, although learning by ear will be emphasized. Randy has been designated a Master Teacher of Contra Dance Music by the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts. He also collects and publishes fiddle tunes under the imprint, Fiddlecase Books.Intermediate through Advanced Randy Miller

Practice Makes Perfect…Sense-
New Hampshire fiddler Randy Miller will lead a workshop for fiddlers interested in improving their playing. Whether your interest is in Irish, old-time, Cape Breton, or New England style, there are key fingering and bowing skills that can be broken down into simple exercises. Using his book, The Fiddler’s Friend - Forty Fiddle Exercises, Randy will guide you through an intense one-hour practice session designed to improve your playing, with a focus on how to practice. Note: other melody instrument players are welcome! Beginner through Advanced Randy Miller

Behind the Tunes - How to Provide Effective Accompaniment for Contra Dances-
Gordon Peery will lead a workshop that will focus on how to listen between the notes. There is no single formula for how to provide chordal accompaniment for the fiddle or other melody players for contra dances. Clearly keeping a steady driving tempo is important, but you want to be more than a metronome. We will talk about - and demonstrate - how to weave a creative weft into the warp of the melody, using a blend of notes, rhythm, and dynamics. Advanced Beginner through Advanced Gordon Peery

Piping workshop-
Bill Thomas has been playing Irish music on uilleann pipes for twenty-five years. He will offer a workshop in technique. Working with specific tunes, Bill will show the intricacies and subtleties of Irish embellishments for the pipes. Learning proper technique is important to the understanding of true Irish piping style as well as for developing accuracy and fluidity in playing. Advanced beginner through advanced Bill Thomas

If You Can't Fly - You Can Chord & Sing!
Claudia Schmidt will reveal her secrets of how to become a "creative noisemaker" - using basic chords - in this extraordinary mountain dulcimer chord workshop. She will share the techniques she's used in her rich repertoire, touching on the songs of her extensive folk, blues & jazz career. After thirty-two years as a touring professional 12-string guitar and mountain dulcimer artist throughout North America and Europe, her musicality is astonishing. Claudia's joy and love of performing are contagious, and she will certainly inspire these dulcimer workshop participants with the full impact of her talent! All Levels (Beyond Beginner) Claudia Schmidt

Diatonic Autoharp Workshop
Todd Crowley’s workshop will introduce new and experienced musicians to the wonders if the Diatonic Autoharp, as exemplified by the playing of Autoharp Hall of Famer Bryan Bowers. Todd was first introduced to the Autoharp as a Diatonic instrument more than 25 years ago when he met and lived with Bryan Bowers. The Diatonic Autoharp affords rich new chord possibilities and a much fuller sound than the traditional chromatic. We will learn the basics of song accompaniment and melody using the full range of a diatonic ‘harp. Loaner ‘harps in the keys of G/D will be provided, but players with chromatics will also be welcome. . ToddCrowley. Beyond Beginner.

Beginning Contradance Piano
Focusing not on piano technique but on rhythm for dancing, this workshop will start you on the path to playing rhythm in a dance band. Eric will talk about the piano because it's the easiest instrument to learn, but the principles apply to any rhythm player and instrument. Phrasing of common dance moves, the special role of the balance, techniques for building excitement and drama, all as expressed through the music. Assumes no proficiency at an instrument, though it helps if you dance. All levels. Eric Anderson


Open band workshop
Get ready for the open mike dance band sessions. Learn two tune sets, of two tunes each, good for contra dancing but simple enough to pick up quickly, so we can focus on making the music danceable and lively. Rhythm players equally welcome. Don't let the professionals take over and leave you behind -- we'll make sure you've got the chops to play at least these two sets, front and center. Eric Anderson Advanced Beginner/Intermediate.

Open Band Dance
Come one, come all, and experience the thrill of playing for dancers! We'll incorporate the tunes learned in the Open Band Workshop, and other common and popular contra dance tunes. Chord charts provided for the rhythm players. You've been practicing forever, now find out why! Get up there and make the dancers whoop with delight! Eric Anderson

Intermediate Claw Hammer Banjo
While all are welcome, this session will be geared toward banjo players who have learned a handful of tunes and are looking to expand their repertoire or master a certain lick. Depending on the class’s ability, I might teach drop-thumbing or some more advanced licks, and you can be sure to pick up a new tune or two, no matter your level. Tunes taught will be of a Southern or Midwestern influence. Please bring a recording device. - Amanda Manfredo Intermediate

Traditional Tunes Workshop
focusing on tunes from western New York and northern Pennsylvania. This will include a bit of history, but will mostly emphasize playing (with some quick teaching) a sampling of tunes linked to old-time dances in these regions. For fiddle, hammered dulcimer or just about any other instrument. JimKimball - Everyone.

Arranging tunes for multiple instruments as well as multiple dulcimers
This will be a hands-on participatory workshop led by MitzieCollins and The StrikingStrings. We’ll play an arrangement for you and discuss the elements of an arrangement. Then we will create an arrangement, on-the-spot, with all the musicians at the workshop!. Striking Strings and Mitzie Collins. All Levels

Lap Dulcimer Basics Gentle teachers for beginners will start with simple chords, rhythms, and melodies. Mountain dulcimers will be available for beginners to try out. This workshop offers TLC in the key of D and is ideal for the person who “just came along” and wants to try out some simple music. We have several cardboard dulcimers to use as loaners for this workshop and for the weekend. So there is no need to bring an instrument. Barb Nagle Beginner

Early Bird Instant Musician.....All instruments/people welcomed........Music can be a part of your everyday life. Don't just play the radio, come and play an instrument. In fact up until the invention of the radio/television/recordings with easy home playback ordinary people routinely "made" music for their entertainment.......Learn how easy this is to do in this workshop and make music all weekend! We will teach basic cords and rhythms , especially the chords/rhythms we will be using in the next workshop (Let's Rock) and then we will reinforce this in the "half fast " jam.......Larry Spencer and Gayle Sheets - Beginner

LETS ROCK!
Come and learn two "rocking" tunes and start HOTA rocking! We'll teach two songs: Rock the Cradle Joe and Rock All My Babies to Sleep. All instruments. Music provided. Larry Spencer and Gayle Sheets - Beyond Beginner

Lets explore the key of G
We will explore two manageable ways to play a tune on the dulcimer in the key of G. One way requires a 10 second retuning of the middle string. The other way requires using a capo at the third fret. So bring your dulcimer, tuner and capo. Larry Spencer and Gayle Sheets

Intermediate/Advanced Fiddle
This class is for the fiddler who already has a few tunes under their belt and wants to improve their repertoire. This class will discuss different bowing techniques such as the shuffling technique used in many fiddle tunes and fingering techniques commonly used in fiddle tunes. The class emphasis will focus on teaching tunes that include the varying methods of bowing and fingering. Another focus of the class is to train the individual how to use outside sources to improve ones playing abilities and to further learn new tunes. Feel free to bring a note pad, a pen, and a recording device. Cathy Pearson

Rhythm Guitar for Backing up Fiddle TunesFrom the classic song “I’ve got rhythm, I’ve got music, Who could ask for anything more!!!!” That statement could not be truer. This class will focus on improving your techniques in playing rhythm guitar. Often overlooked, there is probably nothing more important than great rhythm in backing up a tune. We will work with improving the right hand strumming techniques from the classic boom chuck to the alternating picking techniques used in some rhythm situations. There are many ways to play a chord in the same position by just changing the right hand strumming/picking techniques. The class will also focus on the left hand from working with classic chord structures to incorporating standard licks, lead in notes, moving chords, and bass lines while playing rhythm. We will work on practicing techniques while promoting good timing. Students must be able to play chords and have basic knowledge of how to play a guitar. Feel free to bring a note pad, a pen and a recording device. Please bring a list of anything you want to learn or improve upon during this class. Advanced Beginner Scott Pearson

Rhythm & Solo Mandolin techniques This class is for the mandolinist who wants to expand their knowledge of the fretboard and the various fingering methods that can be used in rhythm and solos. Different rhythm techniques will be shown how they can be utilized in bluegrass, old time, and other forms of music. We will focus on chord positions with the left hand and will focus on right hand strumming techniques that can achieve different percussive sounds. Students should have a basic understanding of how to pick some standard bluegrass or fiddle tunes. Please bring a list of anything you want to learn or improve upon during this class. Feel free to bring a note pad, a pen, and a recording device. Advanced Beginner Scott Pearson

Bass Fiddle-The Folk Basics
Experience the joy of playing stand up bass fiddle. Learn how to be the heart beat of the band. Learn to accompany a few folk songs in a couple of keys (D & A?) No need to read music. Beginner-all levels, must be able to count to 4 without hesitation, repeatedly. Annette Ieda. Beginner.

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Workshops for the Young Folkies

Drum Circle & Rhythm Fun for All
Peggy Shutes invites you to participate in creating the infectious rhythms of a drum circle. The focus of the session will be on discovering and improvising your own rhythms, while maintaining the steady beat pulsing through the circle. A variety of drums and rhythm instruments will be available, but please feel free to bring your own. The more the merrier! PeggyShutes All

International Folk Songs for the Young and Young at Heart : a 2 part workshop (but you need not attend both!) - International kids folk songs - only a teensy bit of info and lots of singing -bring your instrument if you have one. Bring your silly side and put your shyness in your back pocket for the hour. We'll sing songs from Ireland, France, America, Canada, Scotland, Germany and perhaps a few more! You'll learn a few foreign phrases you'll be able to use if you're chosen to be on Jeopardy! And most of all - you'll have fun using your primary instrument - your very own Voice! It's portable, inexpensive, unique, and fairly easily maintained. - PamVerity Beginner +

Part Two: We're Folks! Let's write a Folk Song! Now that we've sung some story songs - let's write one! Maybe we'll write one as a group - or maybe we'll each write one! Let's see what our group can do. Bring your insights, your vocabulary, your stories, your imaginations! I'll bring a rhyming dictionary. Our song(s) might be long or short - it might be sad or silly - it migt be accompanied or not! But most of all, we'll have fun writing it and passing it on.PamVerity Beginner +

Music Games
Have you ever attended a workshop that was really fun but you look way and notice another workshop that looks like even more fun? That happenend to me don't let it happen to you. Rachel Bell's music games workshop is a MUST DO! Great for kids and people who work with kids. A fabulous way to get to know your fellow festival participants, take a break from all the tune-learning, and just HAVE FUN! All ages and levels. Rachel Bell

Be in a Band--- especially for Kids!
Learn a tune on your favorite instrument and become a band with other kids! We'll take an accessible (but cool) tune and arrange it so that it sounds like a real band! Required: basic level playing skills on an instrument. Rachel Bell

Autoharp Intro for kids & beginners
Come learn how to make "instant beautiful music" on the autoharp. You will learn how to hold it, how to strum, and how to change chords so you can sing and accompany yourself. I will teach with a FUN & EASY method that uses colored lyrics. (I have standard size 'harps as well as some smaller ones esp for kids.) All ages and levels LindaHuber

Rhythm workshop
Peter Blue, percussionist for TuneScape will demonstrate how various instruments ( Djembe, feet, bongos, bones, dumbek, bodhran, Foot Percussin ..) can change the mood for the dancers. It's "the betweens" that make all the difference! In addition Peter will have some extra bones & will teach you to play them! All levels Peter Blue

Fiddle Tunes from the South and Midwest for Contra Dance
Increase your tune repertoire by adding some contra dance friendly tunes from the Appalachian and Ozark states in the down bow style of fiddling used in those parts of our country. Enlarge your bowing vocabulary. Bowing for a dance tune will be taught a bow lick at a time. Other contra dance friendly tunes will be played at dance speed and then at a slower speed. Bow licks elemental to each tune will be called out and demonstrated. So that you can take the lesson and the tunes home with you, bring your fiddle and a recording device. Mike Manfredo. Beyond Beginner, Intermediate

Dulcimer Choreography
( What's my next step?) We will play and work through the Sunflower Dance (a three part rag in three different keys). Key issues will involve decision making on such things as which hand to use first, in which instance, why. Which bridge to start on, why? When to use double hits (2 rights in a row, 2 lefts in a row, why?) When is the best choice to cross the bridge, why? The object is to play it smoothly without those "dead ends", without those cross hands etc. In the end tablature will be provided. Curt Osgood. Intermediate

The Art of Scottish Fiddle
This workshop will focus on what "makes" one a Scottish Fiddler. There will be a brief overview of regional styles. We will learn as many tunes as possible along with a chance to try bowings and ornaments unique to Scottish fiddle. The tunes will be taught by ear. Sue Tillotson Music will be available to take home. Intermediate/advanced.

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Singing Workshops

Open sing
Share a song you like, or one you've written, with or without paper copies, or just listen. Choruses/refrains are good, but not required. Susan Hegelsberg

Close Harmonies
This workshop will provide fun and innovative ways to find close voice harmonies and add color to your music with interesting harmonies. No experience necessary. Bring your voice and an ear for music. Simple Faith. All levels

Shape Note Singing
Come Sing in the oldest choral tradition native to the United States. Shape note singing (also called Sacred Harp singing, after the common songbook) is a tradition started in the colonial period, and has been continuously practiced up to the present day in parts of the south. The songs, mostly written by self-taught musicians, are sung with vigor, and contain striking harmonies not found in most western music. It's fun and deeply moving. Shape note music gets its name from the musical notation: noteheads have shapes that designate the location of the scale, as an aid for singers who can't read music in standard notation. Gerry Hoffman. All levels

Song Circle: What is the Soul of a Man
Folk Songs to Celebrate the Human Spirit (song sheets provided) An old blues song says: I want somebody to tell me/Answer if you can/I want somebody to tell me/What is the soul of a man? In this song circle we may not find the answer to this age-old question, but we will sing songs that will explore the question and hopefully uplift the spirit. ToddCrowley. All Levels.

Songwriting
Let Claudia help you "follow the thread" of a story to watch your song unfold. Claudia Schmidt All levels

Gospel Sing
Sunday Morning Gospel singing and playing. Old favorites and more! Bring your favorite hymn and share a tune or two with Simple Faith. a round robin chance for anyone that want to lead a song can. It will NOT be performance based....everyone can pitch in, we'll go right around the group that gathers doing as many songs as we can. All levels All Welcome.

Old Time Country Song Sing Around with Jessi Combs Jessi is famous (in this area anyway) for her amazing voice and deep appreciation for Old Time Country Music. She will lead a sing around; bring some songs & your voice! Jessi will explore Country from the Carter Family to the present. Jessi Combs All levels

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Dance Workshops

Dance Basics Workshop Dance Basics Workshop: Step-by-step, we’ll learn the basics of contra and square dancing, from do si do and down the hall to circles, stars, and swings. It’s easier than it looks--and more fun than you can imagine! Fern Marshall Bradley plus staff band. Beginners.

Easy Dances for All Ages:
Join us for dances that are like simple games set to music--they appeal to everyone from toddlers to grandparents. We’ll clap, circle, sashay, and stomp, and have a wonderful time! No previous dance experience needed. All dances will be quick to learn and fun to dance. Fern Marshall Bradley plus staff band. Beginners.

Regional Country Dances Two & Three Step, Polkas, Waltes & maybe a schotische!
Your chance to glide around the floor to Classic Country Songs & Waltzes. The Crook Farm Dancers will help teach the dances that have been popular in this area for many years. Waltzes, Two(three) step and Polkas. Jessi Combs will form a country band around the Crook Farm All-Stars for your dancing pleasure. This session will get you ready for the Old Time Round & Square Dance at 3:30. Jessi Combs & the Crook Farm AllStars. All levels

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Presentations

Autoharp
Dia'Todd'Nics Autoharp and Dulcimer Play Station features Todd Crowley's collection of autoharps and mountain dulcimers. The Play Station features autoharps built by notable luthiers, such as George Orthey and Tom Fladmark, and dulcimer builders, Keith Young and Carl Gotzmer, among many others. Todd's booth will be open throughout the festival in the Vendors' Area. The Play Station is a fun, hands-on, and informative exhibit where Todd will be able to answer questions about the various builders. He can also diagnose and repair most autoharp problems on -site or take orders for his special customized Oscar Schmidt autoharps.
On going throughout the festival. All levels.

Ready, set, FRET!!!!!
Is it time for Mountain Dulcimer players to fret? YOU BET!!A demonstration of the use of a 4 1/2 fret added to a mountain dulcimer. A disscussion of why the addition of more frets may be in the future of the Mountain Dulcimer. Larry Spencer - Beyond Beginner

Western NY and Northern PA Old-time Music Workshop_
This informative workshop will include a sampling of tunes themselves, but also some history/sources/reasons, for these tunes and the instruments they were played on. This will include reference to old tune manuscripts/historical sources and dance programs as well as distinctive tunes (and style) from local traditional players like Mark Hamilton, the Van Arsdales and others - also noting that tunes might be linked to any of several instruments traditionally played in the area (fiddle, hammered dulcimer, harmonica, etc.). A good workshop for anyone interested in the history of this music in our area. Presentation JimKimball - Everyone.

It’s a Set Up!
Luthier Jim Holler of Trinity Guitars in Jamestown NY will conduct a workshop on the set up of a steel string guitar. The complete process of inspection, neck relief, fret check, nut set, and saddle height will be covered. Materials and tools used for the process will be demonstrated. The workshop will start with a brief talk about the set up process. Questions are encouraged.

Jim primarily builds concert classical guitar but has built steel string guitars as well. He will have some of his guitars to demonstrate his innovations in guitar construction. Trinity Guitars is a dealer for C.F.Martin, Larrivee, National Guitars, Baden Guitars, Recording King Guitars, and Weber Mandolins to name a few.

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Special Guests

Sterl Van Arsdale
We are pleased that Sterl will be with us this year. He learned to play the hammered dulcimer from his maternal grandfather. Though he won't be presenting any workshops, be sure to stop and play a tune or two with him.

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“We wanted to thank you once again for the great experience. We went to college for a weekend, something we never had a chance to do before.” M. and R.

Click here to read what people have said about previous HOTAfests.

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Links to publicity Info:

Read the PressRelease
PLEASE print & distribute at your local event! PDF FLYER