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Northeast Concertina Workshop
Online Registration Form

If you would rather mail or fax your registration to us, you will find a PDF version of the registration form here.

System played:

 English
Anglo
Duet

If you would like to let us know the range, keys, or system of your concertina(s) you may indicate this in the "Special Instructions" section when you check out.		 Proficiency:

Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced		 Beginner: People who have a handle on the main notes of the instrument, have some knowledge of note names, and can find their way around a few tunes (at a slow tempo is okay).

Intermediate: People who can play in a few keys and meters (reels, jigs, etc.), have a fair sense of rhythm, and can play at a moderate pace.

Advanced: People who can play with fluency in several keys, modes and meters, have a good understanding of the layout of the instrument, and can play at tempo.



Period 1:
Class Level Staff Description 1st Choice 2nd Choice
English Concertina Arrangements Low Int, Int Jan Elliott
English concertina arrangements, with a bit of music theory, for those learning to arrange harmonies underneath a melody. We will look at several simple melodies and explore ways to add to them, using bass notes, chords and ornamentation, with the aim of increasing students' understanding of technical aspects as well as music theory. Students may bring a tune to arrange if time permits.

English concertina.
Advanced Irish Anglo with Claire Keville Int, Adv Claire Keville
A detailed look at style, phrasing, ornamentation and fingering while focusing on tunes that will benefit the student when playing in sessions. Requests for certain tunes also considered depending on their overall suitability for the class. Classes will be pitched at a level suitable for all participants.

30-button C/G anglo
Musicianship and Group Learning B, Int, Adv Jody Kruskal
Short individual lessons in a round robin setting. Each student, at his or her own pace, gets a turn to work with Jody on a tune, song, exercise or a playing issue of technique and style. As individual issues come up, the entire group will participate on their own instruments. We all learn from each other and offer gentle, constructive, and specific suggestions for expanded possibilities and musical growth.

All systems.
Traditional Jigs & Reels Int, Adv Mary MacNamara
As the title says, with style and embellishment.

30-button C/G Anglo.
Harmony & Improvisation Int, Adv Aaron Marcus
The class will explore different uses of sevenths and suspensions. We will learn about intervals, chords, and effective ways to use them to harmonize and improvise. We will try out our explorations on some simple tunes.

For all concertinas that can play in G, but non-Hayden players will need to be able to figure out their own fingerings.
Beginner Irish Anglo B Chris Stevens
Learn the absolute basics of the instrument and learn to play a simple tune in the Irish Style.

Bring a 20- or 30-button C/G Anglo and lots of questions!
Song Accompaniment I Int Jeff Warner
Find the tune, play the tune. Find the chords, learn to play the notes in the chord one or two at a time. It's easy! We'll explore how to find harmony in the bass as well as the treble; we'll figure out how loud or soft to play; how to handle ballads sung freely, and songs in 4/4 or jig or waltz time. If you want, bring a song you are working on and we'll help to make it as effective as possible.

English concertina. Players of other types might find the class useful, but you will be on your own for fingering.




Period 2:
Class Level Staff Description 1st Choice 2nd Choice
Early Consort Music Int, Adv Jan Elliott
Music reading is a must for this class, where we will play beautiful and elegant polyphonic pieces originally written for viols or recorders. We'll learn about phrasing, 'breathing,' articulation and ornamentation; develop ensemble skills; and explore musical devices (including my favorite: the hemiola).

English or Duet. Instruments that play in the bass range are especially welcome.
Irish Anglo with Claire Keville Int Claire Keville
Elements of technique and style in the context of tunes from the standard repertoire, ensuring that the tunes learnt will be useful when playing in sessions. After a brief general assessment, Claire will pitch the class at a level suitable for all participants.

30-button C/G Anglo.
Old-time Anglo Style Int, Adv Jody Kruskal
We'll take a close look at "Greasy Coat" in the key of Am in a standard AABB format. This great tune from West Virginia fiddler Edden Hammons works great on the concertina for contra dances or just to play. If there is time, we will also play through Puncheon Floor, an old time breakdown in G Major ('A' part) & D Major ('B' part), reputed to be from western North Carolina.

For all systems.
Not Jigs & Reels! Int, Adv Mary MacNamara
Learn about playing other kinds of tunes in the Irish repertoire.

30-button C/G Anglo.
Beginner/Intermediate Hayden Duet B, Int Aaron Marcus
We will learn some lovely basic tunes with a focus on basic technique, fingering, and bellows use.

Hayden Duet.
Advanced Beginner Irish Anglo B+ Chris Stevens
Learn a simple dance tune in the Irish style and discuss basic ornamentation and stylistic techniques.

Bring a 30-button C/G Anglo concertina and lots of questions!
Beginning English Concertina B, B+ Jeff Warner
We'll be exploring primarily how the concertina can be used to accompany songs--but tune playing can be an important part of that exploration. We'll find scales and chords, figure out how long to hold notes, think about how many fingers to use, how many notes to hold down at any time. We'll touch on some music theory (whether or not you can read music) and see how it can make the journey quicker and more fun.

English concertina. Players of other types might find it useful, but you will be on your own for finding the right buttons.




Period 3:
Class Level Staff Description 1st Choice 2nd Choice
Playing for Dance Beg, Int, Adv Jan Elliott
This class is all about putting lift, drive and rhythmic confidence in your playing, and understanding visual clues that will help you provide inspiring music for dancers' performance or social enjoyment. We'll learn by ear and also printed music; if you're a beginner you can learn on a single note! We will also dance to one another's music where possible.

All systems.
More Irish Anglo with Claire Keville Int Claire Keville
Elements of technique and style in the context of tunes from the standard repertoire, ensuring that the tunes learnt will be useful when playing in sessions. After a brief general assessment, Claire will pitch the class at a level suitable for all participants. Same structure as the earlier class, but different tunes.

30-button C/G Anglo.
2 English Jigs for Anglos Only B, Int Jody Kruskal
A quick look at two great and easy tunes, "Oscar Woods' Jig" in G, from the playing of Suffolk melodeon player Oscar Woods, and The Playford English country dance tune "Black Nag" in Am.

20- or 30-button Anglo.
Traditional Irish Airs Int, Adv Mary MacNamara
Learn to play a few of the many lovely slow airs.

30-button C/G Anglo.
Improvisation and Accompaniment on the Hayden Duet Int, Adv Aaron Marcus
Tired of playing the same oom-pah bass lines? We will discuss ways to evoke more varied feelings and textures on the Hayden Duet, and we will put them into practice through accompaniment and improvisation.

Hayden Duet.
Anglo Ornamentation in the Irish Style Int, Adv Chris Stevens
The nuances of several different styles of ornamentation and variation for Irish dance music.

Bring a 30-button C/G Anglo, a tune you've been working on, and lots of questions!
Song Accompaniment II Int Jeff Warner
Similar to Song Accompaniment I, but focusing on different tunes. The two classes are independent, so no need to attend the first to benefit from the second.

English concertina. Players of other types are welcome, but you will be on your own for fingering.


Optional catered lunch from Noble Feast Catering for $12.75:
Yes
No


The Fine Print:

Registration: The $120 (pre-registration or $130 on-site) fee is for the entire event (plus $12.75 for those who opt for the catered lunch). You are not required to attend all class periods or the evening concert, but there is no reduced fee for partial participation. Please note that meals and overnight lodging are NOT included.

Cancellations: Cancellations before March 22 will receive a full refund. Cancellations received between March 22 and April 12 will receive a 50% refund. No refunds after April 12.

Oversubscription: Most classes have a maximum limit. Please give a second choice for all class periods. Also, please let us know if you have any specific learning interests and concerns, and we will forward your comments to the staff.

Confirmation: We will send confirmation after we process your registration. We look forward to seeing you in April!