This class is not currently being offered in our catalog.
This class is not currently being offered in our catalog.
Legendary banjo players and teachers Alan Munde and Bill Evans will each teach two 75-minute small group sessions and then come together for a final session with all students. This is a hands-on, “bring your banjo and let’s pick” event with topics designed for beginning, intermediate and advanced banjo players. Tab examples will be presented in all sessions.
Session I: 1:30 to 2:45 p.m.: The Phonetics of Bluegrass Banjo with Alan Munde.
A large part of bluegrass banjo is made up of roll patterns. Even though there are only a few readily learnable roll patterns needed that are at the heart of the style, understanding how each roll is used and the common sounds that each is capable of producing is an important step in learning the language of bluegrass banjo. In this class we will examine these roll patterns with several examples (musical gestures or "licks") of how they are commonly used with the goal of being able to place the various sounds together to create a bluegrass-style banjo solo. Depending on the skill level, a participant may or may not leave being able to play all that is presented, but one will leave with a good sense of what to practice.
Session II: 3:00 to 4:15 p.m.: Jam Survival Skills for New Players
If you’re looking to gain more confidence playing with others, this is for you! Topics include the role of the banjo in a jam, finding and developing a good “jam attitude,” using roll and vamping patterns to accompany others, using your ear to hear chord changes and learning to follow the guitar. We’ll also discuss using fill-in licks, negotiating kick-offs and endings, and using the capo to play in all keys. We’ll even figure out what to do when you get lost! Get ready for this year’s festival season!
Session III: 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.: Grand Finale with Alan and Bill.
With Alan, Bill and all students: general Q & A, comparing styles and approaches, playing your requests.
