Meadowlark - Schedule

Focusing on arranging and playing techniques, including chording, ornamentation, hand separation, melodic runs, phrasing, rhythm, and dynamics.

A supportive, non-threatening introductory workshop starting from \"this is a fiddle.\" Covers tuning, noting, bowing, and simple tunes.

A beginning workshop that strengthens your fiddle repertoire with tunes from a broad array of genres, including old-time, Celtic, & other traditions.

Beginning-level instruction on Celtic harp, starting from scratch. Loaner harps will be available on a first come, first-served basis; please be sure to request a loaner harp on your registration form, or write to Jerry or Curt about it well before camp starts.

An easy-going introduction to basic folk guitar. Includes tuning, stringing the guitar, chords, fingering, strumming, and simple repertoire.

An introduction to hammered dulcimer with emphasis on tuning, simple scales and chords, warm-up drills, hammer control, locating notes, and simple tunes.

For beginners, an introduction to basic harmonica techniques with emphasis on breathing, rhythm, and group playing. You'll be amazed at what you find yourself doing! For int/advanced players, techniques for rhythmic, multi-genre playing from a master mouth-harpist.

A gentle introduction to the 5-string banjo. Includes tuning, noting, right-hand technique, and basic old-time repertoire.

An introduction to tinwhistle, with Kary Johnson. Fingering, ornamentation, breath control, tonguing, and basic repertoire.

For those who have the very basics under their belt, but who still want to work on developing their technique and repertoire in a slow, supportive fashion.

An introduction to mountain dulcimer technique and repertoire, including tuning, noting, strumming, & playing by ear.

An advanced-level workshop to develop your expertise in playing for contra dances. Building a repertoire, learning by ear, and rhythmic bowing to quicken a dancer's pulse.

Uplifting group singing with an emphasis on FUN! Warm-ups, blending, rounds, and harmony by ear.

Each day at breakfast, selected staff announce workshops that will be offered on a one-time basis during the fourth period. Topics vary depending on the interests of the staff and participants. In the past, these have included bawdy sea songs, old-time or Celtic repertoire, and \"how do you do that!\" sessions with staff.

For those who have already mastered the basics. Repertoire from various genres, depending on interest; Grey will most likely focus on old-time and Scandinavian styles. Note that Becky also teaches an intermediate fiddle workshop first period, in the coliseum.

For those who have already mastered the basics. Repertoire from various genres, depending on interest. Note that Grey also teaches an intermediate fiddle workshop during third period, in the coliseum.

Intermediate-level instruction in various guitar styles; the specifics are up to you!

Focusing on arranging and playing techniques, including chording, ornamentation, hand separation, melodic runs, phrasing, rhythm, and dynamics.

An intermediate to advanced-level workshop that strengthens your fiddle repertoire with tunes from a broad array of genres, including old-time, Celtic, & other traditions.

Various guitar styles, tunings, and repertoires in various genres, suitable for contra dance music and performances.

For beginners, an introduction to basic harmonica techniques with emphasis on breathing, rhythm, and group playing. You'll be amazed at what you find yourself doing! For int/advanced players, techniques for rhythmic, multi-genre playing from a master mouth-harpist.

One or more 4th period workshops, depending upon interest, for those who have already mastered the basics, with more advanced techniques including multi-part pieces.

For more experienced players, Grey will provide more challenging master classes.

Andy Reiner is one of our own Meadowlark Family members whose star is rapidly rising on the string-music scene. He's offering this beginner-intermediate level workshop to introduce you to the basic ins and outs of the Magic of Mandolin.

Intermediate to advanced keyboard techniques and repertoire, with emphasis on contra dance and band back-up. Please bring your own keyboard with you.

Plumbing the depths of songs and tunes, finding previously hidden possibilities in vocal and instrumental arrangements. Lots of experimentation, harmony, small and large group work.

Easy and fun dances so all can participate! Meadowlark staff band & caller.

This is a chance to reserve some time alone with Gordon during a fourth period session, in which you can get personalized advice on how to bring the best out of your singing techniques. Specific times to be announced; durations will be approximately 20 minutes apiece.

Easy-going and informal group percussion sessions with Luke.

If the evening \"slow\" jam is a bit over your head, try this excellent alternative; a super-slow jam session for raw beginners. All the songs are REALLY easy and are played REALLY REALLY slow so you can keep up even if you just started playing yesterday.

Shortly after supper, folks gather in the dance studio for an informal, laid-back jam. Staff help to guide the sessions on a level accessible to all who have a basic command of their instrument. All instruments welcome. It's a great opportunity to try new skills, play in groups, build your repertoire, and have lots of fun.

This workshop will focus on composing words and melodies with which to create your own songs. Primary emphasis will most likely be on ballads. All instruments welcome.

A massive, memorable, stand-up group jam led by Chris & Rachel, with festive setting, great songs and tunes, and high spirits. All instruments and voices welcome.

An easy-going gathering of people who love to sing and to share great traditional songs. Bring your voice and your favorite trad singables to share, preferably those with a very simple chorus and that don't require sheet music to follow.

Intermediate-level techniques for performing with guitar and voice. Emphasis on arranging songs. Repertoire drawn mainly from American folk traditions.

Andy Reiner is one of our own Meadowlark Family members whose star is rapidly rising on the string-music scene. This summer he's offering a beginner-intermediate level workshop to introduce you to the basic ins and outs of the Magic of Mandolin.

Camden resident, former folk music radio host, and noted recording artist Anne Dodson excels at bringing out the creativity and musicality in people. She plays guitar and mountain dulcimer and has a lovely, resonant voice that can give you chills. She has performed nation-wide in original, contemporary, and traditional genres, both solo and with the group Different Shoes, Matt Szostak, and other Maine folk stars.

Becky records and plays world-class fiddle in the dance band, Wild Asparagus, and the trio Nightingale. With these top-flight bands, Becky has performed and/or taught at major venues, camps, and dance events all over North America and Europe. She draws inspiration from many traditional music fields including Celtic, Scandinavian, and French-Canadian.

Born in England and residing in Providence, RI, Chris Turner has wowed audiences around the world with his wizardry on the harmonica. With 20 recordings to his credit, his musical influences include blues, Celtic, classical, old-time, and improvisational styles. Chris has won the European Harmonica Championship and has played on stage with Ian Anderson, Big Boy Henry, the Rolling Stones, and the Rhode Island Philharmonic.

Mid-coast Maine resident Cindy Kallet is a prominent figure in the world of folk music. Her Folk Legacy recordings, full of memorable original and traditional songs, are folk classics. A superb fingerstyle guitarist, Cindy is also a renowned singer and songwriter with a long list of performance credits including an appearance on A Prairie Home Companion, and an engaging, playful, supportive, energetic teaching style that draws the best out of all who meet her.

Meadowlark's founder and director, Curt is an accomplished guitar player and banjoist. On guitar he is equally at home with Celtic, blues, bottle-neck, folk and classical styles; his influences range from Roy Bookbinder to Hot Tuna to Leo Kottke. His wild side shows when he picks up the banjo, however, as you will observe at The Whomp.

Raised in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York, Dan writes songs that are rooted in mountain tradition. He has released over a dozen albums during 35 years of collecting, writing and singing music of that region, while also teaching audio production. In addition to his own performances, Dan plays for dances and loves to harmonize with Peggy Lynn and Dan Duggan as "Jamcrackers." Check out his website at http://www.berggrenfolk.com

Ellen is a 25-year veteran of the dance and folk music scene in Maine and beyond, best known for her masterful and spirited fiddling in the Celtic, Franco-American and Maritime traditions. She has toured and recorded with Trillium, Childsplay, Ladies of the Lake, The Gawler Family and most recently with acclaimed guitarist Maggie Ericson, perfoming at countless dances and concerts, festivals and weddings, school and fairs . Ellen is a well seasoned Suzuki violin/fiddle instructor of 17 years who has direced and taught fiddling at workshops, camps, and at her home in Belgrade.

Gordon's deep, rich voice and exquisite 6- and 12-string guitar playing have made him an established icon of New England folk and sea music for many years. He has produced numerous recordings, performed all over the country, and has a warm, supportive approach to teaching that makes him a treasured addition to the Meadowlark staff.

A world-renowned musician of many talents and accomplishments, Grey performs, records, composes, teaches, publishes, and produces, a virtual Renaissance Man of music. He plays numerous instruments, including fiddle and tinwhistle, but he is perhaps best known as one of the world's foremost players and "promoters" of the Irish flute; his recordings are widely considered to be classics in the field.

Jerry was born and raised in coastal Maine, though he's now an "Outah Staytah" based in Massachusetts. Jerry is a recognized authority on traditional music of the sea, and has appeared on numerous stages across the country. He sings and plays guitar, concertina, bones, tinwhistle, ukulele, banjo, and accordion, and he writes great songs. Some of his tall tales are even funny (well, sort of).

Kary studied classical music at Crane School of Music, but her interests are wide-ranging, encompassing folk, blues, and celtic traditions. In addition to tinwhistle, she plays guitar, bass, keyboards, french horn, and more, and is a talented and supportive teacher. She lives in the Adirondacks of upstate New York.

Keith is a superb guitarist, pianist, singer, and foot-percussionist in the Vermont-based trio Nightingale, an influential band whose recordings cover a wide range of genres from folk to celtic to French-Canadian. His childhood home, Newfoundland, also inspires much of his repertoire. Keith is a master at using guitar, feet, and keyboards to enhance and drive dance music and to turn the potentially mundane into the sublime.

A renowned hammered dulcimer star (who also taught himself fiddle and is a epidemiologist on the side), Ken has written, recorded and toured widely with the trio Helicon, and has also launched a successful solo career on an instrument that is not often heard performed or recorded on its own. His vast teaching experience includes many stints at the Swannanoa Gathering, John Campbell, Common Ground, and numerous festivals.

Lorinda is a multi-instrumentalist who teaches and performs Appalachian and Celtic traditional music on both the mountain dulcimer and Celtic harp. Lorinda is also a part time instructor at the University of Louisville, KY, teaching the music therapy practicum courses, runs a private practice in music therapy, and also plays oboe, tinwhistle, and autoharp. She has presented popular music workshops in diverse venues ranging from grade schools to Augusta Heritage Center, performs widely, has produced five recordings, and has published several instructional books on mountain dulcimer.

Luke has spent many years recording, songwriting, and touring with major bands such as "Tangleroots" and "Livingstone". He enjoys working with kids as well as adults, and often combines his music with dance and theater, and sometimes fireworks!

Malke is a noted percussive dancer and multi-instrumentalist whose impressive laurels include dance performances in Riverdance, Celtic Connections, and the Winnipeg Folk Festival. Her dance interests range from Cape Breton step dance to clogging and body percussion. She also plays Irish flute, tinwhistle, and bodhran, performed and recorded with the group Cucanandy, and is much sought after for her focused but fun teaching style. This year she will be accompanied by a new Meadowlarker as well; her daughter Izzy.

A musical ambassador for the Adirondack Mountain region of upstate New York, Peggy is a prolific songwriter and recording artist who artfully blends personal life experiences with American folk and blues traditions. She is particularly known for her musical portrayals of Adirondack women and her nature-oriented kid songs.

Fiddler, teacher, and theater artist Rachel Maloney's musical life has taken her from her roots in Virginia to Europe, North Carolina, and most recently to Providence, RI. Formerly with the Nee Ningy Band, she performs and teaches at the Providence Music School. Rachel's fiddle repertoire is vast, eclectic, and full of rare musical gems, and her musical energy is both prodigious and inspiring.

Richie's high-energy, deeply creative innovations on 5-string banjo, most widely known through his performances, movie sound tracks, and recordings with The Horseflies, have elevated him to the status of a "living banjo god." Firmly rooted in the traditions of southern old-time banjo music, he also brings refreshing, often surprising twists to music.

Ron has played dance music on the fiddle for over 20 years with contradance bands including the influential group, Swallowtail, and the new Moving Violations. Based in Massachusetts, in the heart of contradance country, he also plays mandolin, flute, and other instruments. He's taught at several camps, and has numerous recordings under his belt. He particularly enjoys improvising and helping mold the energy that happens between the dancers and the music. According to Ron, "It's like making a sand castle at the beach with a talented and creative group of friends; delightful while it lasts, and washed away with the next tide, with nothing to clean up!"