Celebrating Tradition Retreat Workshops
We'll begin each day together, with yoga (optional), breakfast, and Celebrating Tradition. Then we'll have morning workshops, lunch, and afternoon workshops. Morning workshops will be more skill-oriented, while the afternoon workshops will explore a wide variety of topics.
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, blues, old-time numbers and 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, blues, old-time numbers and lyrical ballads.
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 will share improv tips and tricks for one's live performances as well as ways to employ improv tools to expand lyrics and melodies. Students are invited to bring their own songs in for in-class example. 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 will share improv tips and tricks for one's live performances as well as ways to employ improv tools to expand lyrics and melodies. Students are invited to bring their own songs in for in-class example. 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!”
Irish Jig Ensemble – Mark (Lou)
In this workshop we’ll work up an arrangement for a traditional Irish jig. We’ll discuss the jig rhythm and learn the melody and chords for a tune. No previous experience with Irish music is required, however you should be comfortable with learning melodies by ear.
In this workshop we’ll work up an arrangement for a traditional Irish jig. We’ll discuss the jig rhythm and learn the melody and chords for a tune. No previous experience with Irish music is required, however you should be comfortable with learning melodies by ear.
Joyful Noise: Gospel Choir - Mitzi & 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!
Quick Chords for The Banjo - Jonas
Ever heard them say “there ain’t no chords on a banjo?” Prove ‘em wrong! This workshop will show you how to use three movable chord shapes to quickly find EVERY major and minor chord in standard G tuning. Old time banjo players can often feel left behind in song circles using unusual keys or chord progressions. Now, feel confident about joining in on every song.
Ever heard them say “there ain’t no chords on a banjo?” Prove ‘em wrong! This workshop will show you how to use three movable chord shapes to quickly find EVERY major and minor chord in standard G tuning. Old time banjo players can often feel left behind in song circles using unusual keys or chord progressions. Now, feel confident about joining in on every song.
Safe Bass - Amanda
Come practice accompanying an ensemble on bass in a supportive setting. You’ll play side-by-side with Amanda. With two basses, the pressure is off to hit every beat and note and you’ll be free to play in new ways. This workshop is great for people new to bass, or who want to try it in a “real ensemble” setting, and experienced players who want to test out a few new moves.
Come practice accompanying an ensemble on bass in a supportive setting. You’ll play side-by-side with Amanda. With two basses, the pressure is off to hit every beat and note and you’ll be free to play in new ways. This workshop is great for people new to bass, or who want to try it in a “real ensemble” setting, and experienced players who want to test out a few new moves.
Making a Cover Your Own - Sue and Amanda
A workshop for singers, we’ll take a little dive into ourselves to identify what comprises our own, unique sound(s). Bring a cover you’re working on. Together, we’ll learn how to inject our songs with thoughtful singing choices that highlight our personality traits, and end with a (supportive!) show-and-tell.
A workshop for singers, we’ll take a little dive into ourselves to identify what comprises our own, unique sound(s). Bring a cover you’re working on. Together, we’ll learn how to inject our songs with thoughtful singing choices that highlight our personality traits, and end with a (supportive!) show-and-tell.
3 String Guitar Chords - Maura and 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 trying them out for yourself in a few different songs. 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 trying them out for yourself in a few different songs. The goal of this workshop is to give you the knowledge and confidence to incorporate these shapes in any song you play.
Harmony Fine Points & Frontiers - Ellen and Mitzi
Simple close harmony singing is basic to American roots music. But there are times to venture away from parallel harmony. Maybe a song has such a big vocal range that the singers can’t comfortably “stay in their lanes.” Or perhaps you just want to spice it up. Here’s the key: arrange the harmony to best serve the uniqueness of the song and its singers. We’ll explore how to do this, drawing from examples such as crossing harmonies, split leads, dissonances, unisons, counterpoint, and varied vocal stacks. Of course, we’ll practice what we learn by singing some great songs!
Simple close harmony singing is basic to American roots music. But there are times to venture away from parallel harmony. Maybe a song has such a big vocal range that the singers can’t comfortably “stay in their lanes.” Or perhaps you just want to spice it up. Here’s the key: arrange the harmony to best serve the uniqueness of the song and its singers. We’ll explore how to do this, drawing from examples such as crossing harmonies, split leads, dissonances, unisons, counterpoint, and varied vocal stacks. Of course, we’ll practice what we learn by singing some great songs!
Mandolin Rhythm – Luke
The mandolin is a wonderful instrument for filling in rhythmic holes in ensembles and establishing groove in your songs. In this workshop, Luke will lead you beyond the “chuck” and demonstrate various rhythms you can use in backing with full and partial chords and also when playing melodies.
The mandolin is a wonderful instrument for filling in rhythmic holes in ensembles and establishing groove in your songs. In this workshop, Luke will lead you beyond the “chuck” and demonstrate various rhythms you can use in backing with full and partial chords and also when playing melodies.
Double the Strings, Double the Fun! - Jonas
Got a fiddle tune that's ready for some sauce? Learn how to add a second string into the mix with drones and double stops. Jonas will take you through some easy approaches to getting more than one note going in no time!
Got a fiddle tune that's ready for some sauce? Learn how to add a second string into the mix with drones and double stops. Jonas will take you through some easy approaches to getting more than one note going in no time!
Keep It Moving - Amanda
Let’s work on “walking” bass. With country music as our muse, we'll find a pace that fits our abilities and work on keeping things moving. We’ll identify "1" (root) and "5" (fifth) notes and learn multiple strategies to touch on them during our playing. Then, we’ll practice filling in the rest together!
Let’s work on “walking” bass. With country music as our muse, we'll find a pace that fits our abilities and work on keeping things moving. We’ll identify "1" (root) and "5" (fifth) notes and learn multiple strategies to touch on them during our playing. Then, we’ll practice filling in the rest together!
Acoustic Trio Ensemble - Peggy, Maura and Lou(Mark)
For guitar, mandolin and banjo: 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."
For guitar, mandolin and banjo: 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."
It’s Waltz Time! - Mitzi, Ellen, Amanda
Why do waltzes tug at our heart strings? What is it about sweet, sentimental, lilting songs and tunes in 3/4 time that make us want to dance? Why does a night of contra or square dancing usually end in a waltz? How can we play or sing in waltz time without dragging the beat? Let’s explore this together, as we learn some beautiful waltz time songs Dancers will learn a few basic moves. Whether you want to sing, play, dance—or do all three—you’re sure to have a waltzing good time!
Why do waltzes tug at our heart strings? What is it about sweet, sentimental, lilting songs and tunes in 3/4 time that make us want to dance? Why does a night of contra or square dancing usually end in a waltz? How can we play or sing in waltz time without dragging the beat? Let’s explore this together, as we learn some beautiful waltz time songs Dancers will learn a few basic moves. Whether you want to sing, play, dance—or do all three—you’re sure to have a waltzing good time!
Riffing on the Blues - Jonas
Join Jonas for a crash course in some standard blues licks that can easily be applied across multiple tunes. Impress your friends and make lots of money!
Join Jonas for a crash course in some standard blues licks that can easily be applied across multiple tunes. Impress your friends and make lots of money!
Mandolin For Guitarists - Mark (Lou)
If you know how to strum a guitar with a flatpick then you're already on your way to playing the mandolin. This workshop will take advantage of that head start to prepare you to play mandolin at the evening jam sessions and take other mandolin workshops at the retreat. If you don't own a mandolin we will have a few available to borrow for the weekend. If you need to borrow a mandolin, email Peggy (pegbrown7@aol.com) so we make sure to bring enough mandolins.
If you know how to strum a guitar with a flatpick then you're already on your way to playing the mandolin. This workshop will take advantage of that head start to prepare you to play mandolin at the evening jam sessions and take other mandolin workshops at the retreat. If you don't own a mandolin we will have a few available to borrow for the weekend. If you need to borrow a mandolin, email Peggy (pegbrown7@aol.com) so we make sure to bring enough mandolins.
Flatpicking Guitar Forever – Luke
Wherever you are in your guitar picking journey, there is always more to learn and refine! In this Q and A workshop, Luke will meet you at your level and help you identify issues or teach you new runs, licks, tunes, exercises, etc.!
Wherever you are in your guitar picking journey, there is always more to learn and refine! In this Q and A workshop, Luke will meet you at your level and help you identify issues or teach you new runs, licks, tunes, exercises, etc.!
Befriending the Metronome - Amanda
Back by popular demand…practicing rhythm 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.
Back by popular demand…practicing rhythm 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.
Dynamics (for the singing, songwriting & spoken word voices) - 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, 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, and prose writing. Tap into your physical & metaphysical voices with Sue!
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 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 far your harshest critic. In fact, this might be the least judgmental group you’ll ever play with!
Harmony and Song-Building for the singer/songwriter - Sue
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 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 will be: breaking tradition, weaving lines, common-notes, and melodic themes. This class is specifically helpful to singer/songwriters and bands that are preparing to record.
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 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 will be: breaking tradition, weaving lines, common-notes, and melodic themes. This class is specifically helpful to singer/songwriters and bands that are preparing to record.
Close Harmony Duet Singing - Mitzi and Ellen
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.
Everybody Loves A Polka! - Mark (Lou)
Polkas are fun to play and relatively easy to learn which makes them well suited for a workshop. We’ll learn a polka set consisting of two or three tunes that you can play at a jam or an Irish session. No previous experience with Irish music is required and all instruments are welcome. Some experience with learning melodies by ear will be helpful.
Polkas are fun to play and relatively easy to learn which makes them well suited for a workshop. We’ll learn a polka set consisting of two or three tunes that you can play at a jam or an Irish session. No previous experience with Irish music is required and all instruments are welcome. Some experience with learning melodies by ear will be helpful.
Pete Seeger: Songs of Hope and Struggle – Peggy
Pete is a big subject! In this workshop we’ll do our best to celebrate his influence on music, the environment, and social justice. The only way to bring Pete to life is to play and sing our hearts out. Come join the fun!
Pete is a big subject! In this workshop we’ll do our best to celebrate his influence on music, the environment, and social justice. The only way to bring Pete to life is to play and sing our hearts out. Come join the fun!
Sandy River Belle & Whiskey Before Breakfast (Banjo Workshop) - Luke
Two for the price of one! Come learn Sandy River Belle & Whiskey Before Breakfast, both in the Sandy River Belle tuning.
Two for the price of one! Come learn Sandy River Belle & Whiskey Before Breakfast, both in the Sandy River Belle tuning.
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. (If you took this last year, we'll learn a different song to add to your Jug Band repertoire.)
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. (If you took this last year, we'll learn a different song to add to your Jug Band repertoire.)
Visual Writing for poets & songwriters - Sue
A one-time writing class using visual images to tell stories and find inspiration for poems or songs. Work with Sue as she provides pictures and leads you through in-class writing prompts to create verses for a song you will begin, then take a photo on your phone of your favorite scene at the retreat to use for the basis of your chorus.
A one-time writing class using visual images to tell stories and find inspiration for poems or songs. Work with Sue as she provides pictures and leads you through in-class writing prompts to create verses for a song you will begin, then take a photo on your phone of your favorite scene at the retreat to use for the basis of your chorus.
Intro to Bass Runs on the Guitar - Maura
We'll work on getting comfortable with different bass runs and incorporating them into songs. We'll focus on 2- and 3-chord songs, listening for spaces in which to put a bass run to work.
We'll work on getting comfortable with different bass runs and incorporating them into songs. We'll focus on 2- and 3-chord songs, listening for spaces in which to put a bass run to work.
Jump into Jamming - Amanda and Luke
The best way to improve is to play with others. Ditch the jam jitters at this workshop! We’ll cover jam etiquette, common styles of jams, and general tips to jump in and have a blast. All levels are welcome as we practice typical communication strategies (including body language cues, reading “hands,” Nashville numbers, and how to lead a song).
The best way to improve is to play with others. Ditch the jam jitters at this workshop! We’ll cover jam etiquette, common styles of jams, and general tips to jump in and have a blast. All levels are welcome as we practice typical communication strategies (including body language cues, reading “hands,” Nashville numbers, and how to lead a song).
Songs from the Trio Albums - Ellen and Mitzi
Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton, and Linda Ronstadt’s “Trio” albums helped introduce mainstream audiences to traditional country music, winning a Grammy in the process. They’re a gold mine for singers, with loads of three-part close harmony goodness. We’ll pick a couple of our favorites to teach and sing, exploring old-time harmony style and the vocal techniques of these three incredible singers so that you can create that spine-tingly sound.
Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton, and Linda Ronstadt’s “Trio” albums helped introduce mainstream audiences to traditional country music, winning a Grammy in the process. They’re a gold mine for singers, with loads of three-part close harmony goodness. We’ll pick a couple of our favorites to teach and sing, exploring old-time harmony style and the vocal techniques of these three incredible singers so that you can create that spine-tingly sound.
The Blues is the Truth - Peggy and Maura
Come with guitar in hand to break down the blues riffs, lines and chords of some of the greats we celebrate: Big Bill Broonzy and Brownie McGhee! This will be a two-day exploration, come to one, come to all. We’ll have a guitar focus but other instruments welcome.
Come with guitar in hand to break down the blues riffs, lines and chords of some of the greats we celebrate: Big Bill Broonzy and Brownie McGhee! This will be a two-day exploration, come to one, come to all. We’ll have a guitar focus but other instruments welcome.
Songs from the Singing Butcher – Luke
Adam Yount was only 42 when he passed away in 2002. He was a prolific songwriter, a terrific flatpicker and everyone in the Steelville, Missouri area’s favorite butcher. In this workshop, Lukas Simpson will share a few of Adam’s songs and maybe a story or two.
Adam Yount was only 42 when he passed away in 2002. He was a prolific songwriter, a terrific flatpicker and everyone in the Steelville, Missouri area’s favorite butcher. In this workshop, Lukas Simpson will share a few of Adam’s songs and maybe a story or two.
Vocal Deep Dive: Mockingbird - Ellen and Mitzi
If you’re looking for a genre-bending vocal duet extravaganza, look no further than the R & B duet “Mockingbird,” based on the traditional folk tune, “The Mockingbird Song.” Covered by artists as varied as Aretha Franklin, Dusty Springfield, and James Taylor & Carly Simon, it packs a wallop of harmony techniques to try out, with call & response, traded parts, rhythm and key changes, parallel harmonies, and a bit of scat to boot. We’ll listen to different versions for inspiration, and then we’ll break into duos and let ‘er rip. The guitar part is easy, so bring an instrument if you want to play!
If you’re looking for a genre-bending vocal duet extravaganza, look no further than the R & B duet “Mockingbird,” based on the traditional folk tune, “The Mockingbird Song.” Covered by artists as varied as Aretha Franklin, Dusty Springfield, and James Taylor & Carly Simon, it packs a wallop of harmony techniques to try out, with call & response, traded parts, rhythm and key changes, parallel harmonies, and a bit of scat to boot. We’ll listen to different versions for inspiration, and then we’ll break into duos and let ‘er rip. The guitar part is easy, so bring an instrument if you want to play!
Feedback Open Mic - Sue and Jonas
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.
Chicago Roots Music – Maura
Explore the incredible variety of music and the musicians who have roots and connections to Chicago. Chicago's music has flourished and continues to be shared and celebrated. It'll be fun to take a look at some remarkable and intriguing connections between folks and the songs that came out of them. We'll delve further into the links and the legacy of the Old Town School of Folk Music.
Explore the incredible variety of music and the musicians who have roots and connections to Chicago. Chicago's music has flourished and continues to be shared and celebrated. It'll be fun to take a look at some remarkable and intriguing connections between folks and the songs that came out of them. We'll delve further into the links and the legacy of the Old Town School of Folk Music.
Old-Time Revival - Jonas
The beautiful sounds of traditional American music are being revived and reinvented by contemporary bands like Uncle Earl, David Rawlings, Gillian Welch, The Be Good Tanyas, Abigail Washburn, Old Crow Medicine Show, the South Memphis String Band, and more. We’ll look at a few of these in an ensemble setting.
The beautiful sounds of traditional American music are being revived and reinvented by contemporary bands like Uncle Earl, David Rawlings, Gillian Welch, The Be Good Tanyas, Abigail Washburn, Old Crow Medicine Show, the South Memphis String Band, and more. We’ll look at a few of these in an ensemble setting.