2011 ☼ Alaska City Folk Arts Camp

Class Descriptions

 

The classes described below are those that will be offered at this year's Alaska City Folk Arts Camp. They are divided into four categories: Performance Group, Folk Arts, Musical Styles and Instrument Instruction. These descriptions are intended to aid you in registering for camp classes (see “Class Selection Form”).

 

Performance Group

 

The Performance Groups are the heart of Alaska City Folk Arts Camp. Kids learn how to make their own music and play with friends. Select 2 Groups (in case your top priority is filled). All students will participate in one Performance Group and will play with that group in the Friday Festival on the last day of camp. Each student will need to decide which style of music suits his/her taste and instrument best. There are a couple of groups listed below that are non-musical (Emcee & Sound/Stage Managing). Students who choose either of those Groups will be helping to run the Friday Festival and probably won't perform musically on stage. If you are not sure about which group is right for you contact us and we will help you decide, or select “Not Sure, Choose For Me”. Please check the box for your Performance Group Skill Level on the “Class Selection Form”.

 

☼ Bluegrass Band: Bluegrass music began in Kentucky and has spread around the world! This style includes the music of its founder, Bill Monroe, with a band configuration of fiddle, mandolin, 3-finger style banjo, bass and guitar. In recent years dobro players have also appeared in bluegrass bands.

 

☼ Emcee (Master of Ceremonies): Learn about organizing a show, what goes on behind the scenes, and how to become a master of ceremonies. Develop stage presence, keep the audience engaged and the show moving along! Kids will help to organize Blackboard Concerts (after camp performances). Older students will help out with the Wednesday evening Faculty Concert and all class members will participate in the Friday Festival on camp's last day .

 

☼ Folk Music Band: Folk music is the music of the people. It includes all styles, from all cultures and eras, using whatever instruments are available! Songs and tunes will be chosen based on the technical ability of the participants.

 

☼ Improvisational Band: Students will explore the gamut of blues, jazz, swing, DAWG and other highly improvised styles.

 

☼ Irish Band: The Irish style includes the music of the Chieftains, Liz Carroll, Kevin Burke and Martin Hayes. A lilting style of folk music which originated in Ireland, but is also strong in the U.S.

 

☼ Old Time Band: Often a driving, square dance style of traditional music from America's Appalachia. Instruments include claw-hammer banjo, fiddle, guitar, bass, and occasionally other instruments.

 

☼ Sound/Stage Managing: For students 14 years and older. Students learn about basic audio theory and equipment, including microphones, monitors and soundboards. Students will receive hands-on experience setting up equipment and operating it for the daily Blackboard Concerts (after camp), the dances and evening events. Students should expect to be available Wednesday and Thursday evenings, as well as Friday afternoon. Class size is limited.

 

☼ Voice Ensemble: Your voice is an instrument you take with you wherever you go...tune it up, learn some new songs and how to sing with others. This group's performance is always memorable.

 

☼ Not Sure, Choose For Me: Our director will place you in a Performance Band based on your interests, instrument and skill level.

Folk Arts

 

The “Folk Arts” category includes classes that are related to music, but may not involve playing a musical instrument. They are intended to broaden the student's idea of “the Arts” and to provide variety (and often movement) into students' schedules. Please note: all new students between the ages of 8 and 11 are required to take our “Folk Arts Sampler” class. Please remember to indicate your Skill Level on the Class Selection Form wherever it is requested.

 

☼ Dance Calling: Help call dances in the mornings before classes, and on Thursday night at the camp dance. Learn some of the secrets to successful and fun dances. You might even get to create your very own dance!

 

☼ Dance ~ Contra, Square, Waltz: This class will introduce students to some of the basic elements of square dancing and the ins and outs of contra dancing. Where does the “first couple” begin? What is a “grand right”? Students will also trade-off playing in the band for dances. This is a class, as opposed to the daily 9:30 A.M. dance that is part of the week's All Campus Activities.

 

☼ Folk Arts Sampler: This class is designed for all first time students at Alaska Folk Arts Camp, 8-11 years of age. Students will be guided by their instructor through an overview of the folk arts, and of our camp. Each day will be different. One day the kids will tour camp and see the array of classes offered at Alaska City Folk Arts Camp. For two days students will learn about, hear, see and touch a variety of folk instruments. On other days kids will experience dance, vocal ensemble, juggling and other folk arts.

 

☼ Instrument Repair & Tuning: Learn how to make minor repairs on your stringed instrument and how to change the strings and get it in tune...all by yourself!

 

☼ Juggling: Don't just stand there...learn how to juggle. It's fun and might even help your musical timing!

 

☼ Knitting & Music Appreciation: No experience necessary. Students will learn what to do with their hands while listening to all of the great music happening around them. All levels are welcomed and it's relaxing!

 

☼ Song Writing: All levels of musicianship welcomed. Students will learn how to write lyrics and melodies, with or without an instrument. Students who are experienced songwriters (have written numerous songs) and wish to hone their craft should sign up for the “Experienced”  level class.

 

☼ Voice Ensemble: Learn new songs and make beautiful vocal music with your fellow campers.

 

☼ Teen Vocal Ensemble: Students 13 years and older will work on developing and finding harmonies in a song that will be performed at the Friday Festival. We will also explore being part of an ensemble and learn arrangement and performance techniques.

 

Musical Styles

 

These classes focus on learning a genre of music, or a style of playing. In some cases the instruments that make the music are specific, in other cases the style or genre is open to all instruments.

 

☼ Bluegrass/Old Time Jam Session: Jam every day. Learn the protocols and repertoire of bluegrass sessions: when to play, sing, take leads etc. Instruments: bluegrass banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, bass, dobro and voice. Indicate your musical skill level.

 

☼ Bluegrass Tunes ( for fiddle, mandolin, guitar and other lead instruments): This class will help you learn classic bluegrass tunes. Become bluegrass savvy, improve your playing and make your band sound better! The focus will be on lead playing, but expect to learn rhythm too. Indicate your skill level.

☼ Fiddle Tunes (all styles, all instruments): The tunes are called “fiddle tunes” because they are easily played on fiddles and are often written for that instrument. Any instrument, however, can play a fiddle tune, including oboe, flute, tuba and cello! All instruments, styles and abilities are welcome, class divided by skill level.

 

☼ Improvisation (blues, jazz, swing) – Beginner: For those with no improvisational experience and who are relatively new to their instrument.

 

☼ Improvisation (blues, jazz, swing) – Intermediate: For those with some improvisational experience and with a knowledge of chord structure and scales. You should be at an intermediate or advanced skill level on your instrument.

 

☼ Improvisation (blues, jazz, swing) – Advanced: For those with advanced skills and some experience in improvisation outside of the classroom. Must come with an understanding of chord theory and multiple scale proficiency. For Alaska Folk Arts Camp veterans who want to go beyond technique. It is helpful to be able to read music, but it is not required if you have experience with improvisation.

 

☼ Irish Jam Session: Beginners play and learn Irish tunes and learn session protocol. 

Intermediate and Advanced students should be able to play at least five Irish tunes from memory.

Instruments: fiddle, guitar, piano, bodhrán, flute, penny whistle, accordion, mandolin and tenor banjo. Other stringed instruments please inquire.

 

☼ Irish Repertoire: Students will gain an understanding of Irish culture and learn reels, jigs, polkas and hornpipes from the Irish tradition. We will cover rhythmic devices and variations including grace notes, appropriate ornamentation, rolls and double stops. The focus in this class will be on learning new tunes. (Singers and bodhrán players might prefer the Irish Jam Session class, and/or the Irish Performance Band as the focus there is on playing tunes.)  Instruments & Skill Levels identical to Irish Jam Session.

 

Instrument Classes

 

In these classes students learn how to play specific instruments. On the “Class Selection Form” please note if you have any instruments to loan.

 

☼ Accordion: For Beginning and Experienced students. Basic technique, various genres.

 

☼ Banjo – Bluegrass: Three-finger (Scruggs) style playing technique. Basic rolls, chords, rhythm and repertoire. Beginner and Experienced skill level classes offered.

 

☼ Banjo – Old Time: Students learn to frail and claw-hammer the five string banjo. This class will cover the chords, scales, tunings and right-hand essentials needed to get that Old Time-y sound! Classes offered at Beginning and Experienced levels.

 

☼ Bass: Students will learn chord theory, basic chord patterns, scales and the role of the bass in an ensemble. Classes offered at the Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced level.

 

☼ Bodhrán: Learn to play this Celtic hand-held drum, which is often used in traditional music from Ireland, Scotland and Cape Breton. Beginning and Experienced classes offered.

 

☼ Cello: In the past 10-20 years cellists have added their voices to numerous musical styles. This class will cover a variety of techniques and explore several genres and styles. Classes offered at the Beginning and Experienced levels.

 

☼ Fiddle: Classes are offered at all skill levels. Beginning classes start off from scratch (how to hold a violin and bow) and take off from there. Intermediate and Advanced students who have experience playing the fiddle will expand their repertoires and improvisational techniques.

 

☼ Guitar ~ Beginner: No experience necessary. Students will learn basic open chords and traditional folk style strums. The instructor will teach beginning chord theory and show students how to play with their own vocal accompaniment, or with other folk instruments.

 

☼ Guitar ~ Intermediate: Students must be proficient in all open chords and be able to play in different rhythms. Students will learn flat-picking and uses for barre chords.

 

☼ Guitar ~ Advanced: Read the requirements for the Intermediate Guitar class. If you have those skills and are ready for more challenges, Advanced Guitar is the class for you!

 

☼ Mandolin ~ Beginner: Guitar or fiddle experience is helpful, but not required. Students will learn to hold and tune their mandolins. They will work on basic chords, scales, melodies, open string and double-stop techniques. A few basic tunes will be taught. Please let us know if you have experience with other instruments, or if this is your first instrument.

 

☼ Mandolin ~ Intermediate: Student must have experience with the mandolin and understand how to create chords and play at least some solos. You will further your knowledge of the mandolin,

 

☼ Mandolin ~ Advanced: This class will pick up where the Intermediate Mandolin class left off. Contact us if you are unsure of your skill level.

 

☼ Penny Whistle ~ Beginner: No experience necessary. Basic playing is simple. Instructor will take the student through scales and easy, familiar tunes.

 

☼ Penny Whistle ~ Experienced: Students in this class have been playing penny whistle for several years and are looking for new challenges and ways to embellish tunes.

 

☼ Piano: Playing for Vocalists: Student must have at least two years of piano instruction. You will learn how to accompany vocalists, approaching the piano from a chords perspective, rather than from note reading. Students will learn how support the singer and and the song, making everyone shine! Please indicate your skill level.

 

☼ Piano: Playing with Bands: Student must have at least two years of piano instruction. You will learn how to accompany a band, approaching the piano from a chords perspective, rather than from note reading. Students will learn how to back up a band and techniques for carrying the melody and supplying rhythm and percussion. Please indicate your skill level.

 

☼ Ukelele: This small, four-stringed Hawaiian instrument has in recent years found its way into many musical genres and repertoires. Everyone loves its sweet sound AND it's portable! Indicate your skill level.