Schedule
2026 Schedule
Pennsylvania Folk Gathering is full of great workshops, concerts, singing, and dancing.
Workshops are for all instruments unless otherwise indicated.
Numbers are levels: 1=beginner, 2=advanced beginner, 3=intermediate, 4=advanced
Letters are codes: S=singing, I=all instruments, D=dancing
ear=taught by ear, music=taught from sheet music
2026 Schedule
Friday, September 11, 2026
Friday 3:00 – 5:00 pm Pre-Event Intensive Classes
(separate registration required)
Begin your weekend with an intensive workshop that will energize and prep you for what is sure to be a memorable and fun few days. Each class offers an opportunity to spend a two-hour block of time exploring a topic in depth. Class size is limited, and a separate registration is required.
2026 Intensive Classes
Basics for Beginners – Jay Best & Karen Hirshon (Level 1-2)
In this special workshop designed for beginners and advanced beginners of all instruments, we’ll address basic folk music skills that will help you get the most out of the weekend. We’ll particularly look at how to learn by ear, how to jam, how to listen, and how to play well with other musicians.
Fiddle Techniques – Maddy Smith (Level 3-4)
A solid look at fiddle techniques, especially bowing and left-hand techniques.
Guitar Backup – Sarah Gowan (Level 1-2)
Learn to be a better rhythm section for your band or for your own voice.
Hammer Dulcimer for Absolute Beginners – Linda Littleton (Level 1)
For those who’ve never tried a hammer dulcimer, by the end of this workshop, you’ll be playing a couple of easy tunes and know the basics of how to play backup. Instruments will be provided.
Mandolin Melodies – Bill Quern (Level 2-4)
We’ll examine the art of melody playing on mandolin, using examples from a variety of genres, with special attention to the technical challenges of mandolin playing.
Old Time Banjo – Christy Lou (Level 2-4)
We will explore several different tunings, double thumbing and drop thumbing techniques, hammer-on and pull-offs, and learn some tunes using these techniques
Performance Band – Tom Krumm (Level 2-4)
Come join the band! Together as a group, we’ll choose a song, come up with an interesting arrangement, and then perform it during the Friday evening concert.
Playing Guitar Solos – Henry Koretzky (Level 3-4)
A high-level look at how to improvise a solo on guitar.
Singing & Chanting – Lynn Margileth & John Krumm (Level 1-4)
John will lead rounds and harmony singing. Lynn will introduce us to chants from Hindu, Tibetan, Yoruban and Native American traditions. Charts will be provided with lyrics and chords.
Songwriting – Diana Wagner (Level 1-4)
In this friendly gathering, we will invite you to share a song you are working on or a song you have written. We’ll discuss our handiest strategies for making great songs and our favorite strategies for overcoming songwriting challenges. We will also look at tried-and-true songwriting techniques. A handout of “big ideas” in songwriting will be provided.
World Drumming– Urie Kline (Level 1-4)
Learn drumming techniques from around the world, including Africa, Ireland, Japan, Balkan countries, the Middle East, Cuba, and more.
Pennsylvania Folk Gathering Begins
Friday 4:00 – 5:30 pm
Jamming – Laura Alexander and Holly Foy
This will be a fun, relaxed jam for all levels, also a good way to meet other attendees before things get going. All jams this weekend are inclusive, with all welcome and encouraged. Both songs and instrumental tunes will be played, and we’ll try to discourage playing difficult tunes that are hard for others to play or sing along. The goal is to be inclusive, have fun, relax, and enjoy making music with others.
Social Gathering – Steve Bronson
An informal time of meeting other attendees.
5:30 to 6:30 pm Dinner
Meals are provided for those who pre-paid.
7:00 pm Staff Concert
You’ll meet and hear all of the instructors. Each will play a song or tune for you, then all of the instructors perform together at the end. Immediately after the concert, you’ll have an opportunity to sign up for a 10-minute mini-lesson with one of the instructors.
After the Concert
(starts 15 minutes after the concert ends)
Dance Party! – Bill Quern, Holly Foy, & Tom Krumm (D:1-4, I:3-4)
Bill will teach and lead a variety of dances. Holly and Tom will lead an open band, with music and chords provided. You can download the music at folkgathering.com/fridaydance.pdf. Come to play, to dance, or both!
Beginners’ Jam – Simple Gifts (SI:1-2)
People who’ve never jammed are highly encouraged to come. For all voices and instruments, using easy songs and tunes. The jam will be interspersed with discussion about how to jam.
Singing Jam – Diana Wagner & Lynn Margileth (S:1-4, I:2-4)
A good, relaxed time of singing and playing together. For all instruments and voices.
Instrumental Jam – Jay Best & Christy Lou (I: 2-4)
An easy-going jam where we’ll play a variety of instrumental (i.e. non-singing) tunes–anything goes!
Drum Circle – Urie Kline (1-4)
Fun with drums!
Friday After the Dance (approximately 10 pm)
Night Owl Jam – Maddy Smith
Jam till you drop!
Young People’s Gathering – Laura Alexander & Urie Kline
If you’re younger than most of the people in attendance this weekend, this is a chance to meet and jam with other young folks.
Saturday, September 12, 2026
7:30 to 8:30 am Breakfast
Meals are provided for those who pre-paid.
8:15 am Greetings & Introduction
Meet folks and hear what’s happening for the weekend. Toward the end of this meeting, you’ll have an opportunity to sign up for a 10-minute mini-lesson.
9:00 to 10:00 am
Music Games – John Krumm (SD: 1-4)
Get into the action with fun singing and dancing games. This is a great way to get to know your fellow Folk Gathering attendees, gather ideas for community events, or just kick back and have a blast!
Easy Three-Chord Songs – Diana Wagner (S:1-4, I:2-4, l&c)
Come sing and play easy songs that have no more than three chords each. Lyrics and chords will be provided.
Have No Fear, Learn by Ear – Jay Best & Laura Alexander (I: 1-2)
Learning melodies by ear is difficult for a lot of people. We’ll look at various approaches to learning melodies you want to play, using ears, eyes, voice, and brain.
Hearing Chord Changes– Henry Koretzky (I: 1-3)
Learn to hear and identify common chords and chord changes and to understand where and when they occur.
Philadelphia Tunes – Christy Lou & Maddy Smith (I: 2-4, ear)
Learn tunes that are commonly played in and around Philadelphia. The tunes will be taught by ear with music available if needed.
English Country Dance Tunes – Sarah Gowan (I: 2-4, music)
We’ll work from sheet music to learn instrumental tunes from the English Country Dance and Morris traditions.
Mini-Lessons: Fiddle, Mandolin, Guitar – Karen Hirshon
Sign up for a 10-minute one-on-one session with Karen on the instruments indicated or for feedback on general musicianship. Sign-up sheets will be available Friday night and Saturday morning.
10:15 to 11:15 am
Clogging – Sarah Gowan (D:1-3)
Clogging is a percussive dance form that began in the Appalachian Mountains. Join us as we learn elementary steps by making basic audible rhythms with our feet. While not required, clogging can be made easier with leather-soled or at least somewhat slippery shoes. No previous dance experience necessary; this workshop is for total beginners looking for fun.
A Capella Songs & Rounds – Diana Wagner & Lynn Margileth (S:1-4, l&c)
Join Diana and Lynn in a fun singing session, and learn some cool songs. This is just for voices (all levels), no instruments.
How to Jam – Henry Koretzky (SI:1-2)
Learn skills that will help you join in jams. How do you figure out what to play, and what do you do if you don’t know the song?
Easy Southern Tunes – Jay Best (I:2, ear)
We’ll learn a few easy tunes from the Southern repertoire, with attention to both melody players and rhythm players. Tunes will be taught by ear with music available if needed. For all instruments, advanced beginner level.
Tunes in A & E – Tom Krumm (I:3-4, ear)
Step outside of the common repertoire of tunes in D and G. Working by ear, you’ll learn a tune in A (3 sharps) and a tune in E (4 sharps).
Exotic Tunes – Karen Hirshon & Linda Littleton (I:3-4, music)
Add something really different to your repertoire! You’ll learn several tunes with an exotic background and sound. Sheet music and chords will be provided.
Mini-Lessons: Banjo, Guitar, Voice – Christy Lou
Sign up for a 10-minute one-on-one session with Christy on the instruments indicated or for feedback on general musicianship. Sign-up sheets will be available Friday night and Saturday morning.
11:30 am Group Photo
Meet outside the lodge. Bring your instrument and a smile! If it’s raining, we’ll postpone until Sunday just before lunch.
12:00 to 1:00 pm Lunch
1:15 to 2:15 pm
Honoring Pennsylvania Heritage John Krumm – Tom Krumm
An important initiative of the Pennsylvania Folk Gathering is to examine the musical traditions of Pennsylvania – to gain a better understanding of what Pennsylvania music is and to preserve and perpetuate this musical heritage. Each year we identify a musician with a unique musical background and perspective, invite them to the festival so that all can learn from them, and honor them as a Pennsylvania Heritage Musician.
This year we honor John Krumm, a Pennsylvanian who has performed for more than 55 years! John is best known as a caller of square and contradances, but he also has an international reputation as a composer of rounds. John has produced eight music books, all available for free on his website at johnkrumm.com. During this session, John will be interviewed by his son Tom Krumm.
Singing Jam – Diana Wagner (S:1-4, I:2-4)
This will be a relaxed, fun time of singing old favorites and perhaps some new favorites as well. For all voices and instruments.
Instrumental Jam – Christy Lou (I:2-4)
An easy-going jam where we’ll play a variety of instrumental (i.e., non-singing) tunes–anything goes!
Hiking – Ginny Mutti
We’ll explore the Blue Diamond grounds and the state forest that surrounds it.
2:30 to 3:30 pm
Hand Drumming How-To’s – Urie Kline (drummers:1-2)
Learn the basic techniques involved in hand drums. You’ll learn to perform both open and closed tones, basses, and slaps, and how to use them in musical applications. Drums will be provided, or bring your own.
Sing & Play with PA Heritage Musician John Krumm – Tom Krumm (S:1-4, I:2-4)
A fun jam featuring Pennsylvania Heritage Musician John Krumm. This will be mostly jamming, but also some chatting and hearing more of John’s stories.
Carl Sandburg Sing-Along – Holly Foy & Lynn Margileth (S:1-4, I:3-4, l&c)
About 100 years ago, Carl Sandburg published a collection of almost 300 American songs of the day. Learn about the book and sing some of the songs in it.
Very Beginning Tunes – Linda Littleton & Karen Hirshon (I:1-2, ear)
Working by ear with music available if needed, we’ll look at some very easy tunes that people typically learn as they start to play.
Contradance Band Practice – Bill Quern (I:3-4, music)
We’ll play through the music planned for this evening’s contradance and learn arrangements and approaches that make them come alive! Music and chords will be provided. Note: It’s ok to skip this workshop and play for the dance anyhow, or to come to this workshop but not play for the dance.
Intro to Music Theory – Bill Arden (SI:1-3)
Basic music theory that will help you understand your instrument and the songs/tunes you play on it. For any instrument or voice. Note: This is not a session on music notation, but rather the concepts behind notes, scales and chords. You don’t have to read music for this session.
Mini-Lessons: Banjo, Guitar, Fiddle – Jay Best (SI:1-4)
Sign up for a 10-minute one-on-one session with Jay on the instruments indicated or for feedback on general musicianship. Sign-up sheets will be available Friday night and Saturday morning.
3:45 to 4:45 pm
Bet Better Rhythm . . . Now! – Urie Kline (1-3)
Learn to develop your sense of rhythm and timing with exercises that require no equipment or special techniques. If you struggle with rhythm and want to improve, this class is for you.
Harmony Singing – Christy Lou & Lynn Margelith (S:3-4)
Learn to create and sing harmonies. We’ll look at common pitfalls and strategies for finding harmony parts and work on listening and blending.
Backup Bassics – Henry Koretzky (I:1-2)
Good backup glues a group together, making the music come alive, driving the music forward, and building a space for solo instruments to shine. Learn tried-and-true backup techniques.
Slow & Easy Jam – Maddy Smith (I:1-2, ear)
A slow-paced, supportive jam especially for beginners, also a good setting for more advanced musicians to experiment with improvisation.
Irish Tunes – Laura Alexander & Holly Foy (I:2-4, music)
Working from sheet music, you’ll learn a few Irish tunes, with tips for both melody and backup players.
Intermediate Music Theory – Bill Arden (all:2-4)
We’ll build on the earlier (Just Enough) music theory session and fill in some blanks to give you additional tools to understand the Circle of Fifths, keys, chord progressions, and how to analyze tunes.
Let’s Dance! – Sarah Gowan (D:1-4)
Barn dances, traditional dances, and playful dances that are super easy to learn and fun for all ages and skill levels.
5:00 to 6:00 pm Dinner
5:30 to 6:30 pm
Jamming – Jay Best
7:00 pm Concert
Simple Gifts & Box and String Trio
You’ll hear a short set by Simple Gifts, your musical hosts, and then a longer one by Box & String Trio, comprised of Sarah Gowan, Bill Quern, and Laura Alexander.
After the Concert
Community Dance: Circles, Squares, Contra, & More – John Krumm, Bill Quern, Sarah Gowan (D:1-4, I:3-4)
John will teach and call a variety of easy dances. Live music will be provided by an open band led by Bill & Sarah, with music and chords provided. You can access the music at folkgathering.com/saturdaydance.pdf. Come to dance, play, or both!
Rise Up Singing Jam – Diana Wagner (S:1-4, I:2-4)
We’ll sing old favorites and new favorites from the Rise Up Singing collection.
Instrumental Jam – Maddy Smith & Tom Krumm (I:2-4)
A jam that focuses on instrumental (non-singing) tunes.
After the Dance
Night Owl Jam – Laura Alexander
Really, who needs to sleep
Sunday, September 13, 2026
8:00 to 9:00 am Breakfast
9:15 to 10:15 am
Try an Autoharp – Larry Mutti
What other instrument can you cradle in your arms and strum next to your ear? Autoharp is a wonderful, versatile, and not too difficult instrument, so come give it a try! Autoharps will be provided, and we’ll start with the very basic beginnings.
Intro to Afro-Cuban Percussion – Urie Kline (drummers:2-4)
Discover the rhythms that propel the salsa orchestras and folk dancers all across the Americas! Learn the rhythms of Cuban percussion, with a special eye towards how the various rhythms all work together. Drums will be provided, or bring your own.
Gospel Favorites – Diana Wagner (S:1-4, I:2-4)
We’ll sing and play a variety of gospel hymns, with lyrics and chords provided. For all voices and instruments. Lyrics and chords will be provided.
Easy Versions of Common Tunes – Christy Lou (I:2, music)
We’ll look at some of the most common traditional tunes, the sort that “everyone” knows but perhaps you haven’t learned yet. We’ll work from sheet music, with easy versions of these tunes provided. There will be tips for both melody and backup players.
Old Time Hidden Gems – Maddy Smith & Holly Foy (I:2-4, ear)
Learn fantastic but lesser-known old-time tunes. We’ll work by ear with music available if needed.
Balfolk Band Practice – Bill Quern & Sarah Gowan (I:3-4, music)
Working from sheet music (available at folkgathering.com/balfolk.pdf), you’ll learn tunes from this beautiful French folk tradition and then have the opportunity to stay and play for dancers at the Balfolk Dance workshop that follows.
How to Improvise – Tom Krumm & Jay Best (SI:3-4)
Improvisation makes music SO MUCH FUN! Tom and Jay will share tips about how to improvise, and then we’ll give it a try.
10:30 to 11:30 am
Percussion Toys – Urie Kline (drummers:1-3)
While often viewed as “toys” or afterthoughts, handheld percussion represents some of the oldest and most important rhythm instruments in the world. Learn good habits for triangle, tambourine, cowbell, shakers, and more from a working percussionist.
Harmony Singing by Ear – John Krumm (S:2-4)
A workshop on how to sing harmony, using John’s special method that he calls “The Three Stooges teach the Carter Family how to sing Country Harmony.”
Labyrinth Chanting– Diana Wagner& Lynn Margelith (S:1-4)
We’ll chant and sing as we walk the labyrinth. Several people commented that last year’s impromptu labyrinth chanting was the highlight of their weekend.
Easy Pennsylvania Tunes – Karen Hirshon & Linda Littleton (I:2, music)
Learn easy versions of some of the best tunes collected in Pennsylvania. Sheet music will be provided.
Crooked Tunes – Tom Krumm (I:3-4, ear)
A crooked tune is one where the rhythm doesn’t line up in the way that dancers (and other musicians) usually expect. They can be tricky but also lots of fun to play!
Balfolk Dance & Play – Bill Quern & Sarah Gowan (D:1-4, I:3-4)
Come learn interesting dances from the French Balfolk tradition. Music will be provided by those who attended the Balfolk Band Practice session that precedes this one. Or if you’re a good sight-reader, it’s fine to just come and play.
Mini-Lessons: Mandolin, Guitar – Henry Koretzky
Sign up for a 10-minute one-on-one session with Henry on the instruments indicated or for feedback on general musicianship. Sign-up sheets will be available Friday night and Saturday morning. Please be ready with a problem or question to ask Henry.
11:45 am to 12:45 pm
Bones & Jawharp – Bill Quern (for all)
Wow, you’ll learn two instruments in one workshop! Bones will be provided. For jawharps, since they go in your mouth, we’ll have inexpensive ones to buy.
Singing for Non-Singers – John Krumm (S:1-2)
About a third of all Americans have been told not to sing. This is an atrocity. Singing is your right and your first language. Learn how humans learn to sing. Maybe even give it a go.
Singing Pennsylvania Songs: Colerain Collection –Lynn Margileth (S:1-4, I:3-4, l&c)
Learn compelling songs that were sung and played at historic Colerain Mansion in Huntingdon County, PA. These intriguing songs were composed pre-Civil War, circa 1830 – 1850, and give a musical view of life in that era. Lyrics and chords will be provided.
Awesome Easy Tunes – Maddy Smith & Karen Hirshon (I:2, ear)
Tunes don’t have to be challenging to be awesome! In this class, we will work by ear to learn some absolutely awesome tunes that happen to be easy. For all instruments, with tips for both melody and backup players.
Sheet Music Jam (Portland Collection) – Laura Alexander (I:3-4, music)
Has it been a while since you learned some new tunes out of a book? Let’s have a sight-reading party! We’ll be picking tunes out of Portland Book 1 and noodling through them together. Bring the book if you have it, but extras will be available.
Musical Survival Skills – Henry Koretzky & Jay Best (I:3-4)
There are plenty of situations where we need to look, sound, and act like we know exactly what we’re doing musically, but we’re actually flying by the seat of our pants.
Bass Runs for Old Time Guitar – Christy Lou (guitar:2-3)
Learn to fancy-up your guitar backup by adding bass runs, which are notes that connect chords and help to guide your melody players.
1:00 to 2:00 pm Lunch
1:30 to 3:00 pm
Singing Jam – Henry Koretzky
Let’s wrap up a fantastic weekend by singing together.
Instrumental Jam – Maddy Smith, Christy Lou, & Laura Alexander
One last jam of the weekend, with a focus on instrumental tunes.
* Schedule subject to change