Betse Ellis - Fiddle Tunes
Saturday, March 20, 2021 - 11am to 12:50pm CDT
Let’s dig into some lesser-known Ozark tunes to sweeten up our repertoire. You’ll learn the tunes by ear, and in particular, you’ll learn how the iconic elements of bowing inform the notes and phrasing in a tune. It’s a bit different approach than the “up-down” type of learning tunes: more focus on how the notes are made with both hands, rather than the left hand first and then the right. Skill Level: Intermediate or beyond is ideal, but all are welcome. If you feel you are almost at intermediate level, you will get plenty out of this class too.
Minimum of 4 Participants
Maximum of 10 Participants
Betse Ellis - Howdy Theory for Fiddles and Friends
(including: mandolins, violas, cellos - instruments tuned in fifths)
Saturday, March 20, 2021 - 2pm to 3:50pm CDT
Let go of your theory worries... we have a secret weapon with our instruments tuned in fifths! It's fun and exciting to develop your fingerboard/fretboard knowledge and understand how the notes fit together in various keys, plus super cool ways to build double stops (mandolins included). Learn the hit song that started the idea of Howdy Theory, and impress your family and friends with your theory superpowers!
Skill Level: from beginner-mediate to beyond. All levels are welcome, really - advanced players may gain new insights, and beginner players will get lots of great practice ideas along with everyone else.
Minimum of 4 Participants
Maximum of 10 Participants
Betse Ellis - Singing with the Fiddle
Sunday, March 21, 2021 - Noon to 1:50pm CDT
Explore the possibilities of singing while you fiddle. We’ll look at the old time approach of playing melody with drones while singing, and we’ll explore some rhythm backup approaches you can use for all musical genres, whether you are singing and playing solo, in a group, on lead or harmony. (Hint: Howdy Theory class will be helpful for this session, or a good knowledge of your double stops in common keys.) Skill Level: All levels are welcome, really – advanced players may gain new insights, and beginner players will get lots of great practice ideas along with everyone else.
Minimum of 4 Participants
Maximum of 10 Participants