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Music Workshops
Music is a big part of what makes Mendocino English Week so special. We have a tremendous line-up of musicians to play for daytime workshops and evening dances (see the staff page for the full list with bios). But it’s much more than the inspiring dance music. There are several workshops tailored to musicians, plus many chances for playing together including camper band for the evening dance Wednesday evening. Weíll also have several opportunities to gather together and share songs and rounds. Says Jessie Modic, a camper in 2006, "I learned so much every day — SO MUCH! I’ll bring what I learned to our community here, and up to Arcata, and we'll all be the better for it. I just want you to know that I appreciate so much all the AMAZING teaching that I got — and I will share it and help spread the musical ideas and the spirit and the love of that beautiful music. The classes were so great — I learned so many new things that I want to incorporate into my playing, and that I want to share with people here." This year’s music workshops include: |
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| Band Class with Peter Barnes |
A hands-on investigation of the many tools available to spice
up, tighten, vary, arrange, improvise, harmonize, and generally have fun
with traditional dance music in a group setting. All levels of players are
welcome. We’ll cover such things as beginnings and endings, dynamics,
phrasing and harmony. |
| Beyond Melody with Jon Berger |
The original title of this class was “What To Do When
It’s A Triple Minor That’s Gone On For Twenty Minutes Already
And The Caller Shows No Signs Of Stopping It Any Time Soon” but we
thought that was a little too long. If you want to learn and practice all
sorts of tricks for harmonizing, melodic improvisation, and more, this class
promises to be loads of fun. |
| Playing Backup with Debbie Jackson |
Learn how to play innovative back up styling for English country
dance music. We'll experiment with various approaches to over 25 traditional
and new tunes that will make our rhythm playing become ‘one with the
dance’. All keyboard, guitar and other non-melody players welcome. |
| Music Grab Bag (will not meet Wednesday and Friday) |
•Sunday Lisa Scott and Earl Gaddis will give a lecture/demonstration
on how to play for Scottish country dance and the similarities and differences
between playing for ECD and SCD •Monday and Tuesday you will have a chance for slow jams to learn Campers’ Night tunes as well as coaching and individual feedback for camper bands •Thursday will depend on the needs of the camper musicians |
| Voice Capers: Rounds, Ballads and Madrigals with Shira Kammen |
Explore a variety of English rounds, ballads and not-difficult-yet-beautiful
madrigals. All who like to sing are welcome. You will get pointers on how
to sing well and improve the performance of individual pieces as well as
history of the music, all delivered with Shira’s wonderful sense of
humor. |
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Scottish Sing-a-Long |
Join Alistair after lunch for a half-hour of traditional and
contemporary Scottish song. Not only will you learn and sing some great
songs, you’ll get info on dialect words and hints on proper pronunciation. |
| Singing Grab Bag (will not meet Wednesday and Friday) |
Fifth period is available for organized or spontaneous gathering
of singers – swap rounds, Balkan singing, Shape Note, singing circle… |
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