Schedule

7:30 to 8:30 am Breakfast

Meals are provided for those who pre-paid. 

8:15 am Greetings & Introduction

9:00 to 10:00 am

In a session designed for people with little or no musical background, we’ll start at the very beginning. This session is part of the Beginners’ Intensive, but all are welcome.

Songwriters’ Circle – Gwen Stimely & Steve Crawford

Bring an original song to share with the group, or come to listen and learn.

How to Learn Melodies By Ear – Jay Best

Learning melodies by ear is difficult for a lot of people. We’ll look at various approaches to figuring out how to play back what you hear, and also approaches to remembering what you just played back. We’ll focus on melodies rather than chords or backup.

Exotic Tunes – Henry Koretzky

Morning Jam– Howard Blumenthal

There’s nothing like a jam first thing in the morning!

How to Run a Sound System – Jeff Parker

Mics, cables, monitors, speakers, and all those knobs to twiddle! Learn the basics of being a sound tech.

10:15 to 11:15 am

Try a Ukulele – Holly Foy & Gayla Mills

Easy Three-Chord Songs – Steve Crawford & Bill Stetz

We’ll sing and play well-known songs that have easy chords, with no more than three chords per song. Lyrics and chords will be provided. For singers and all instruments.

How to Jam – Karen Hirshon & Linda Littleton

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?

Hammons Family Tunes (old time) – Jay Best

The Hammons Family of is a family of West Virginia traditionalists whose knowledge of music, storytelling, and woods lore have made them cultural guides and mentors since the 19th century. Learn about the family and learn some of their tunes. We’ll work by ear with music provided at the end of the session. For all instruments, all levels beyond beginner.

Arranging Traditional Tunes – Henry Koretzky

Learn how to take a simple melody and mold it into an interesting performance piece. For all instruments, all levels beyond beginner.

How to Play into a Sound System – Jeff Parker

You’ve shown up at a gig or open mic, and they’ve got a sound system for you to use. Now what? Learn the basics that a musician needs to know in order to play or sing into a sound system.

11:30 am Group Photo


Meet outside the lodge. Bring your instrument and a smile! If it’s raining, we’ll postpone until Sunday right before lunch.

12:00 to 1:00 pm 
Lunch

1:15 to 2:15 pm

Honoring Pennsylvania Heritage Musician Rusty Frye – Terry Troxell

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 Rusty Frye, a nearly-nonagenarian who has played music most of her life and who hosts several jam sessions per week.

Instrumental Jam – Laura Alexander

An easy-going jam where we’ll play a variety of instrumental (i.e. non-singing) tunes–anything goes!

Singing Jam – Gene & Gayla Mills

This will be a relaxed, fun time of singing old favorites and perhaps some new favorites as well. For all voices and instruments.

Hiking – Ginny Mutti

We’ll explore the Blue Diamond grounds and the state forest that surrounds it.

2:30 to 3:30 pm

Try an Autoharp – Larry Mutti & Gayla Mills

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.  

Townes Van Zandt Songs – Gene Mills

Learn about Townes Van Zandt, and learn some of his songs. Lyrics and chords will be provided. For all voices and instruments.

Intro to Soloing – Henry Koretzky

You’re at a jam and it’s your turn to play a solo. What do you do? In this workshop, Henry will show simple techniques to help you get started with soloing. For all instruments, all levels beyond beginner.

Easy Old Time Tunes – Jay Best

We’ll learn a few easy tunes from the old time 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.

Chord Theory – Ken Shafranko

We’ll look at the basics of how chords are built, using both major and minor chords. Then we’ll look at how to use that information on your instrument or with your voice. For all instruments and voices, all levels beyond beginner.

Contradance Band Practice – Steve Buckalew & Holly Foy

We’ll look over the music that the open band will play at the evening dance. Music and chords will be provided. For all instruments, intermediate/advanced level. Note: If you miss this session, it’s still ok to play for the dance. It’s also ok to attend this session but not play for the dance.

Jamming with PA Heritage Musician Rusty Frye – Simple Gifts

A fun jam featuring Pennsylvania Heritage Musician Rusty Frye. This will be mostly jamming, but also some chatting and hearing more of Rusty’s stories.

3:45 to 4:45 pm

Singing for Non-Singers – Gene & Gayla Mills

This workshop is targeted to people who don’t usually sing, including those who insist “I can’t sing.”

Harmony Singing – Gwen & Bill Stetz

We’ll sing common songs that have easy harmonies, teach you the harmony line, and then sing together. Lyrics and chords will be provided.

Introduction to Clogging– Cathy Petrissans

Want to impress your co-workers at the next departmental meeting? Well then – learn to clog. 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.

Easy Irish Tunes – Holly Foy & Friends

We’ll learn a few easy-to-play Irish tunes. We’ll work by ear with music provided at the end of the workshop.

Playing Swing – Steve Buckalew

For many who are used to playing folk tunes, the world of swing represents a daunting leap into the dark. Learn the basic tools necessary to begin exploring and developing your own style. Sheet music and chords will be provided. For all instruments, all levels beyond beginner.

New England Tunes – Henry Koretzky

We’ll learn a few jigs and reels from the New England repertoire, with attention to both melody players and rhythm players. We’ll work by ear, with music available if needed. For all instruments, all levels beyond beginner.

Jamming – Howard Blumenthal

Anything goes at this jam–singing, instrumentals, whatever you want to suggest.

5:30 to 6:30 pm Dinner

7:00 pm Concert

Simple Gifts & Tussey Mountain Moonshiners

After the Concert

Contradance – Bob Nicholson, caller, Steve Buckalew & Holly Foy, band leaders

Bob will teach and call the dances. Live music will be provided by an open band led by Holly and Steve, with music and chords provided. Come to dance, play, or both!

Singing Jam – Cathy Petrissans & Jeff Parker

This will be a relaxed, fun time of singing old favorites and perhaps some new favorites as well. For all voices and instruments.

Start Your Own Jam 

Various locations will be available for you to start your own jam with no faculty leader.