Past activities
| 8 May 2012 |
Continuing Ukulele Class
Joel Jacques Continuing Ukulele – Chords / Scales / Melody – Chord arrangements with Joel Continuing ukulele with Joel Jacques is for those who have already learned to play a few songs and can change easily between several basic chords and now wish to further explore the musical possibilities of our adopted four stringed friend. A certain amount of time each class will be dedicated to listening to the way various artists have used the ukulele in popular music throughout the 20th century. We’ll apply this to the repertoire we tackle together in class. We will begin to explore the relationships between melodies, scales and chord progressions and some basic fundamentals of music theory will be covered and applied to our arrangements. 4 weeks, Tuesdays 8:00-9:00pm, May 8-29, $68 members, $80 non. GUKE12.05N1 |
| 8 May 2012 |
Group Ùkulele for Beginners
Joel Jacques Introduction to Ukulele Song Accompaniment w/ Joel Come find your musical voice through learning to sing and play the ukulele. This introduction to the Ukulele is for those picking up the ukulele for the first time. Students will learn to play the ukulele as an accompaniment to voice and sing popular songs together in a group setting. We’ll cover a variety of accompaniment techniques to get you playing interesting and fun versions of songs you know and love. At least one song per week will be covered (yes, we can get you playing a song in a week!!!). Though the focus will be on playing songs together in order to learn the basic techniques of the ukulele, certain fundamentals of music will be introduced and worked through so that the ground is broken for future musical study, whether through further courses or through independent study. 4 weeks, Tuesdays, 7:00-8:00pm, May 8-May 29, $68 members, $80 non. GUKE12.05B1 |
| 8 May 2012 |
“Rise Up Singing” Uke-Style – 6 Week Course
Arthur McGregor This May and June, get ready for summer campfire season by joining Arthur McGregor for a six week “Rise Up Singing” ukulele class! Rise up Singing is a classic song book with over 1200 songs in it and Arthur knows them all…well a lot of them! He’ll pick a bunch his favorites and participants are encouraged to include a list of tunes that they’ve always wanted to learn how to play. Students ought to know their basic first position chords, but chord charts for each tune will be included and explained before getting into the playing. Each song will have two basic learning components to it. The first is to get comfortable with the chord changes and rhythm, followed by adding singing into the equation. Students will find that Arthur has a very gentle approach to teaching singing and playing, and no one will be left behind. This class looks to be a lot of fun! (note that students should be somewhat familiar with basic first position chords). RISE UP SINGING Book Special $20.00 regular format, $30 large format. Tuesdays, May 8-June 12, 6-7pm, 6 weeks, $102 members, $120 non-members. GURU12.05B1 |
| 3 May 2012 |
Blues Chord Substitutions (Uke-style)
Manitoba Hal “Substitution: a new twist on the World’s oldest progression”. Been playing the blues? Tired of repeating same 12 bar progression over and over and over again? You need to learn about chord substitutions and how they make the blues fresh and new again. The emphasis will be on blues progressions in the key of C. This workshop is accessible to players comfortable with the chords C, F and G7 but will challenge you with new chord shapes and when to use them. Thursday, May 3, 7:30-9pm, $20 members, $25 non mem. WKSHP12-08. |
| 3 May 2012 |
Beginner Ukulele Workshop
Manitoba Hal Beginner Ukulele. So you’ve got yourself a ukulele! You’re probably asking yourself, what now? It can be hard to learn the basics of playing an instrument on your own. The ukulele is an affordable, unassuming instrument and it’s very portable and social. Plus it’s a whole lot of fun to play. In this one and a half hour session you’ll learn to tune a ukulele, strum a ukulele and some basic chords. “One of the great things about the ukulele is that it can be learned quickly and be used to accompany practically any kind of music” (Hal Brolund). Thursday, May 3rd, 6:00-7:30pm, $20 members, $25 non-mem. WKSHP12-07. |
| 1 May 2012 |
NAC Fourth Stage
Gil’s Hootenanny Held each year on May 1st — May Day — Gil’s Hootenanny is an annual sing-along event that is organized by the Spirit of Rasputin’s Arts Society. The event was inspired by Gil Levine (1924-2009), the founding Director of Research at the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and a great lover of folk music. Gil’s vision of a better world included bringing people together to celebrate the stories, struggles and victories of working people through the collective power of song. Gil’s Hootenanny features an array of artists performing “songs of protest and songs of hope”. All attendees receive a souvenir songbook, and everyone is encouraged to join in and sing along. This year’s line-up includes: • Lynn Miles – Juno Award and CFMA award-winning singer-songwriter • Break Syndical – tri-lingual labour and social justice band from Montreal, www.breaksyndical.org • Eve Goldberg – Toronto-based singer-songwriter, www.evegoldberg.com • Ian Robb – CFMA award-winning traditional singer and member of Finest Kind, www.ianrobb.com) • Neema Mugala – Tanzanian-born singer-songwriter and choir director – Malaika, Cheza, Sifa Choir, Voices of Praise, The Mighty Popo and Élage) • Stephen Richer – banjo-playing protest song historian Tickets for Gil’s Hootenanny are $15, available at the Ottawa Folklore Centre (1111 Bank at Sunnyside) and the NAC box office. Tickets are also available through the Sprit of Rasputin’s website (www.rasputins.ca) and through TicketMaster. For more information about Gil’s Hootenanny, see the Spirit of Rasputin’s website at www.rasputins.ca or contact Chris White — chris@ckcufm.com, 613-327-9621. |
| 29 Apr 2012 |
Ukulele Techniques Workshop
Joe Crowley Intro to the George Formby Style. Come on out to the OFC on Sunday April 29, 2:30-4:30 to learn and practice George’s unique strumming techniques. Since there are many nuances to Mr. Formby’s style, we will focus only on two main areas of the general technique – 1) right hand strumming – the split, triple and fan stroke 2) left-hand chording distinctives – finger pull off’s, and hammer-on’s over the chords. We will practice over a couple of basic 2-3 chord chart progressions (or a simple G.F. song). So come out and add some ‘Formby spice’ to what you already know. I’m looking forward to see you there! Sunday, April 29, 2:30-4:30, $20 members, $25 non. WKSHP12-10 |
| 28 Apr 2012 |
Legion Hall, 330 Kent
Ottawa Grassroots Festival The Ottawa Grassroots Festival (OGF) is excited to announce that the date for their first annual mini-folk festival has been set for Saturday April 28, 2012. The festival (OGF) is an annual family-oriented celebration of folk music, dance and other participatory arts. The event will take place inside the Royal Canadian Legion, 330 Kent St. in Ottawa. The one-day festival consists of a number of different components which will take place in various parts of the building. In the afternoon, the downstairs area will offer a diverse range of participatory activities, including a ukulele singalong, contra dancing, yoga and a “playback” theatre performance. At the same time, the hall upstairs will feature several respected and talented performers, including the wonderful singer-songwriter Ana Miura, along with “open stage” performance opportunities for children as well as adults (the open stage is a Spirit of Rasputin’s presentation). All afternoon activities are free, with donations being accepted for CKCU FM, Ottawa’s long-running community radio station. The evening concert will feature Ottawa’s own Missy Burgess, as the opener,celebrating her latest CD, “Play Me Sweet”. Her performance will be followed by the award-winning, ever-popular singer-songwriters Rick Fines and Katherine Wheatley. Tickets are $24 in advance and $30 at the door. Also available at the Ottawa FOlklore Centre. |
| 23 Apr 2012 |
5-String Clawhammer Banjo / Advanced
Paul Hornbeck Five-String Clawhammer Banjo for Advanced with Paul Hornbeck Not for the faint of heart! Contact the school to see if you’re ready for this one. We can also put you in touch with Paul, the instructor. Mondays 8:30-9:30 pm, Apr 23-Jun 18, 8 weeks $136 Members, ($156 non) GCB12.04A1 |
| 23 Apr 2012 |
5-String Clawhammer Banjo for Beginners
Paul Hornbeck Five-String Clawhammer Banjo for Beginners w/ Paul Hornbeck This course is designed for novice players with little or no previous experience playing the five-string banjo in clawhammer (or frailing) style. In eight weeks, students will learn the basic clawhammer strum; how to read tablature; basic chords for commonly used tunings and at least one song or tune in those tunings; left-hand techniques such as hammer-ons, slides, and pull-offs; and an introduction to modal and other tunings. Mondays 7:30-8:30 pm, Apr 23-Jun 18, 8 weeks $136 Members, ($156 non Members) GCB12.04B1 |
| 23 Apr 2012 |
5-String Clawhammer Banjo for Intermediates
Paul Hornbeck Five-String Clawhammer Banjo for Intermediates with Paul Hornbeck This course is designed for players who have mastered the basics of clawhammer banjo. The eight-week series of lessons will include such subjects as advanced double-thumbing, mastering some of the more complex fiddle tunes, techniques for accompanying songs and other musicians, non-standard tunings, and how to use “rolls” and other “hot licks”. Mondays 6:30-7:30 pm, Apr 23-Jun 18, 8 weeks $136 Members, ($156 non) GCB12.04I1 |
| 23 Apr 2012 |
Beginner Fiddle for Adults
Elizabeth Foster Beginner Fiddle for Adults with Elizabeth Foster If you’ve been looking to try your hand at the fiddle, but have no experience whatsoever, this is the course for you! Squeaks and squawcks are welcome. Here you will learn the basics of fiddling in a mellow supportive environment, from bowing technique and fingering to simple ornamentation. Students will also have the opportunity to try out a few basic fiddle tunes. This course is designed for the absolute, complete beginner. Mondays 5:30-6:30 pm, Apr 23-Jun 18, 8 weeks, $136 Members ($156 non Members) GFA12.04B1 |
| 22 Apr 2012 |
Folka Voca and Friends in Concert
Lee Hayes Join Folka Voca, the Sunday Jazz class, the Cuba Workshop gang, and the Disco gang (Polly, Esther, and the Groove Thang) for a fun evening of tunes at the Wesleyan Church, 58 Grosvenor Ave. (corner of Grosvenor and Sunnyside). $20. |
| 22 Apr 2012 |
Wesleyan Church (58 Grosvenor)
Folka Voca and Friends in Concert Benefit Concert Join Folka Voca and friends (the Sunday Jazz Class, the Cuba Workshop Gang, and the Disco gang – Polly, Esther and the Groove Thang) for our annual vocal concert to benefit the Ottawa Humane Society. Folka Voca has been working hard as always this year and have a bevy of new songs and arrangements by maestro Lee Hayes to offer up as entertainment. Lee’s other groups (with the cool names mentioned earlier!) will also be up for a number of short sets as well. Come one, come all! Sunday, April 22, 7pm at the Sunnyside Wesleyan Church, 58 Grosvenor. Tickets are $20. |
| 21 Apr 2012 |
Trinity United Church 1099 Maitland
Lynn Miles Join Juno award winner Lynn Miles in concert with Ottawa storyteller Dean Verger at the Trinity United Church Saturday, April 21, 7:00 pm. Tickets are $30 at the OFC and the Trinity Church. http://trinityjubileefoundation.com/events |
| 19 Apr 2012 |
OFC Group Djembe Class
Don Gibbons OFC Group Djembe Class with Don Gibbons This 8 week course focuses on two kinds of West African drums called Djembes and Djun Djuns and one other percussion instrument called Agogo. After learning the basic techniques of the instruments the class will learn and play a variety of primarily West African rhythms that are designed for and played on those instruments. Course participants are required to either bring their own djembe or rent one. Djun Djuns and Agogos will be supplied. Each rhythm learned will consist of four interrelated parts that are played together as a polyrhythm. As the course progresses participants will be encouraged to learn to improvise and take solos although this is not mandatory. Prior experience is not a prerequisite. Thursdays, 7-8pm, Apr 19-Jun 7, 8 weeks, $136 members, $156 non GDJ12.04B1 |
| 19 Apr 2012 |
I Got Rhythm (hand drums and percussion)
Don Gibbons I Got Rhythm with Don Gibbons I Got Rhythm is an 8 week group class for people of all ages who want to learn about rhythm and partake in group hand drumming. The course is geared towards beginners or those who are relatively new to playing hand drums/percussion but everyone is welcome. It will be of particular interest to those who purchased a Djembe and are having difficulty learning how to play it or are having trouble in finding a group of drummers to get together with and just enjoy the fun of drumming. The course will begin with Djembe rhythms from West Africa and then move on to include rhythms played on a variety of other percussion instruments, such as djun djuns, congas, timbales, cowbells, claves, guiros etc. depending on participant interest. The course will begin with an introduction to what a rhythm is as well as some of the ways rhythms are created. The group will then learn about how to hold drums, hand positioning and a few techniques to produce different sounds on the drum head. After that the group will move on to several standard rhythm patterns commonly used in West Africa and various Caribbean countries. The real fun will begin as the group learns to play several complimentary rhythms at the same time to create a polyrhythm, in which each individual will play a part in a much larger and more complex rhythmic structure. As the group progresses, participants will be encouraged to take short solos, although this will not be mandatory. The course is about learning but it is even more about having fun as individuals and as a group. Thursdays, 6-7pm, April 19-june 7, 8 weeks, $136 members ($156 non). GHD12.04B1 |
| 18 Apr 2012 |
Beginner Guitar for Adults
Kurt Walther Beginner Guitar for Adults with Kurt Walther. In Guitar for beginners part 1, Kurt offers a relaxed experience for adults who have always wanted to learn how to play the guitar. Kurt will cover the basics of chording techniques, scales, strumming patterns with songs chosen by the class. No musical experience necessary. Wed 8:00-9:00 pm, Apr 18-Jun 6, 8 weeks, $136 Members ($156 non Members) GGA12.04B1 |
| 15 Apr 2012 |
Beginner Harmonica Workshop
Catriona Sturton What harmonica key wards off alligators? Why can you bend the notes on a harmonica? Catriona Sturton answers all your harmonica questions with practical and entertaining tips. While introducing the basics of harmonica technique (how to hold the harmonica, play notes, chords, trills, bends, riffs and improvised melodies), she also demonstrates some advanced skills and songs for everyone to enjoy. “It’s surprising how many people dream of being able to play the harmonica,” says Sturton, “but are not sure how to get started.” After attending Sturton’s harmonica workshop, not only will you be able to play a simple song, but you will also have a better appreciation of harmonica virtuosos. To participate, bring a diatonic (10-hole) harmonica in the key of C, or you can purchase one from the Folklore Centre. Catriona Sturton has been playing the harmonica for 19 years and got her start as a teenager in Ottawa, studying from Larry “The Bird” Mootham. She has taught harmonica in Toronto and Guelph, and given workshops for libraries and folk festivals across Canada. Catriona has studied harmonica in New Orleans, Mississippi, and currently studies with Carlos del Junco, one of Canada’s best harmonica players. Sunday, April 15, 2:30-4:30, $20 members, $25 non. WKSHP12-06 |
| 14 Apr 2012 |
The Mercury Lounge
OFC Jazz Band Afrobeat Project Fundraiser Friday April 13+14 – A weekend tribute to Fela Kuti, Nigerian musician and activist. Prepare to dance…. a lot! Saturday features the stylings of the OFC Jazz Band and members of the local drum community performing tunes from the Fela repertoire. Both evenings are fundraisers to support the 3rd Annual Ottawa International Drumming Festival which will be held on August 4th, 2012, on Parliament hill. Tickets are $8 Friday and $10 Sat. The Mercury Lounge, 56 Byward St. Market Square, Ottawa. |
| 31 Mar 2012 |
Ukulele Techniques Workshop
Joel Jacques Uke Techniques Workshop #2 – Fingerstyle accompaniement In the last techniques class led by Joel Jacques we focused on the full right hand strum. This workshop will focus on another, extremely important right hand technique – FINGERPICKING. Joel will walk you through a variety of fingerstyle picking patterns useful for accompaniment, such as the ‘banjo-type’ rolls, ‘clawhammer’, flamenco ‘tremolo’ playing and others. We will then apply each of the techniques to popular (and easy to play) songs and make them useful ‘in the real world’. Saturday, March 31, 2:30-4:30, $20 members, $25 non. WKSHP12-09. |
| 24 Mar 2012 |
Overview of Post War Chicago Blues
Tony D Join local award winning and Juno nominated guitar legend Tony D. for a practical discussion of post war blues guitar players, their influences, and a whole slew of their turnaround tricks, and signature solos. The class is a loose discussion-guitar-in-hand class based around the stylings of Hubert Sumlin, Magic Sam, Jimmy Rogers and of course, Freddie King. The whole thing will lead us post war into the evolution of R+B. Bring your guitar, a notebook and as many questions as you can muster. March 24: Start with Hubert Sumlin… March 31: The Short But Sweet Life of Magic Sam April 7: Jimmy Rogers and Country Blues April 14: The one and the only, Freddie King $25 ea. Members, $30 ea. Non-members,. Not recommended for beginners. Take em all or just one. GTD12.03I1A (B) (C) or (D). |
| 21 Mar 2012 |
Beginner Guitar for Adults, Part 2
Kurt Walther Beginner Guitar for Adults, Part 2 (for students who have taken part 1 or equivalent) This is a follow up course for those who have the “basics” of guitar playing. Further exploration of chording, strumming, fingerpicking, and the exploration of new tunes will be covered. Wednesdays 7-8 pm, Mar 21-May 9, 8 weeks, $136 Members ($156 non Members) GGA12.03B2 |
| 6 Mar 2012 |
Group Ùkulele for Beginners
Joel Jacques For the total beginner – Introduction to Ukulele Song Accompaniment. Come find your musical voice through learning to sing and play the ukulele. This introduction to the Ukulele is for those picking up the ukulele for the first time. Students will learn to play the ukulele as an accompaniment to voice and sing popular songs together in a group setting. We’ll cover a variety of accompaniment techniques to get you playing interesting and fun versions of songs you know and love. At least one song per week will be covered (yes, we can get you playing a song in a week!!!). Though the focus will be on playing songs together in order to learn the basic techniques of the ukulele, certain fundamentals of music will be introduced and worked through so that the ground is broken for future musical study, whether through further courses or through independent study. 4 weeks, Tuesdays, 7:00pm, March 6-27, $68 members, $80 non members. GUKE12.03B1 |
| 25 Feb 2012 |
Ukulele Techniques Workshop
Joel Jacques Join Joel Jacques and the occasional special guest for a Ukulele techniques class on the last Saturday of every month. This Saturday will feature strumming. Beginners will get something out of this as well but is designed for people who have been playing for a bit. WKSHP12-04 |
| 22 Feb 2012 |
Continuing Ukulele Class
Joel Jacques Continuing Ukulele – Chords / Scales / Melody – Chord arrangements. Continuing ukulele with Joel Jacques is for those who have already learned to play a few songs and can change easily between several basic chords and now wish to further explore the musical possibilities of our adopted four stringed friend. A certain amount of time each class will be dedicated to listening to the way various artists have used the ukulele in popular music throughout the 20th century. We’ll apply this to the repertoire we tackle together in class. We will begin to explore the relationships between melodies, scales and chord progressions and some basic fundamentals of music theory will be covered and applied to our arrangements. 4 weeks, Wednesdays 8:00-9:00pm, February 22nd to March 14th, $68 members, $80 non members. GUKE12.02N1 |
| 22 Feb 2012 |
Intro to Ukulele
Joel Jacques For the total beginner – Introduction to Ukulele Song Accompaniment. Come find your musical voice through learning to sing and play the ukulele. This introduction to the Ukulele is for those picking up the ukulele for the first time. Students will learn to play the ukulele as an accompaniment to voice and sing popular songs together in a group setting. We’ll cover a variety of accompaniment techniques to get you playing interesting and fun versions of songs you know and love. At least one song per week will be covered (yes, we can get you playing a song in a week!!!). Though the focus will be on playing songs together in order to learn the basic techniques of the ukulele, certain fundamentals of music will be introduced and worked through so that the ground is broken for future musical study, whether through further courses or through independent study. 4 weeks, Wednesdays, 6:00-7:00pm, February 22nd to March 14th, $68 members, $80 non members. GUKE12.02B1 |
| 13 Feb 2012 |
Blues Ukulele Workshop
Manitoba Hal Feb 13 – Blues Ukulele Workshop Think you can’t play blues on a ukulele! Well Manitoba Hal says you can and he wants to show you how. For those who don’t know Manitoba Hal is one of the top ukulele players in Canada and he loves playing the blues on his ukulele. He has been a featured performer at several international ukulele festivals and appeared in the ukulele documentary The Mighty Uke (www.mightyukemovie.com). He has two international ukulele endorsements and is one of a handful of authentic blues performers performing with the ukulele today. “People often think of the ukulele as a happy instrument and they’re not wrong, but it is also capable of delivering the mojo that makes the blues so interesting” says Hal. “There are many blues performers like Edgar Winter and Otis Taylor who began on the ukulele before migrating to guitar so the instrument certainly can carry the weight of the blues.” The workshop will lead participants through a basic blues song from simply playing the song to “pimping it out” with lead licks and other tricks of the blues. Participants should be familiar with all chords in the key of C and have a solid grasp on the basics. Monday, Feb 13, 8-10pm, $20 members, $25 non. WKSHP12-02 |
| 13 Feb 2012 |
Beginner Ukulele Workshop
Manitoba Hal Feb 13 – Beginner Ukulele Workshop So you got a ukulele for Christmas. You’re probably asking yourself, what now? It can be hard to learn the basics of playing an instrument on your own. The ukulele is an affordable, unassuming instrument and it’s very portable and social. Plus it’s a whole lot of fun to play. “One of the great things about the ukulele is that it can be learned quickly and be used to accompany practically any kind of music” says Manitoba Hal Brolund, who will be leading this beginner ukulele workshop. Brolund is one of the top ukulele players in Canada and he loves playing the ukulele. He has been a featured performer at several international ukulele festivals and appeared in the ukulele documentary The Mighty Uke (www.mightyukemovie.com). He has two international ukulele endorsements and is one of a handful of authentic blues performers performing with the ukulele today. If you’ve ever had a desire to learn this wonderful instrument then come down to the OFC on Feb 13th at 6pm for a Beginning Ukulele workshop. In this two hour session you’ll learn to tune a ukulele, strum a ukulele and some basic chords. The workshop even includes a FREE chord chart for all participants. Monday, Feb 13, 6-8pm, $20 members, $25 non. WKSHP12-01 |
| 26 Jan 2012 |
I Got Rhythm 2
Don Gibbons This is a continuation of the group one class with more drumming, new rhythms and techniques from around the world. Participants absolutely must have taken the group one course before signing up for this one. 8-9pm, Jan 26-Mar 15, 8 weeks, $136 members ($156 non). GHD12.01I1 |
| 26 Jan 2012 |
I Got Rhythm (hand drums and percussion)
Don Gibbons I Got Rhythm with Don Gibbons. I Got Rhythm is an 8 week group class for people of all ages who want to learn about rhythm and partake in group hand drumming. The course is geared towards beginners or those who are relatively new to playing hand drums/percussion but everyone is welcome. It will be of particular interest to those who purchased a drum and are having difficulty learning how to play it or are having trouble in finding a group of drummers to get together with and just enjoy the fun of drumming. The main focus at first, will be on learning Djembe rhythms but will also include a variety of other percussion instruments, such as congas, timbales, cowbells, tambourines, etc. depending on participant interest. The course will begin with an introduction to what a rhythm is as well as some of the ways rhythms are created. The group will then learn about how to hold drums, hand positioning and a few techniques to produce different sounds on the drum head. After that the group will move on to several standard rhythm patterns commonly used in West Africa and various Caribbean countries. The real fun will begin as the group learns to play several complimentary rhythms at the same time to create a polyrhythm, in which each individual will play a part in a much larger and more complex rhythmic structure. As the group progresses, participants will be encouraged to take short solos, although this will not be mandatory. The course is about learning but it is even more about having fun as individuals and as a group.Thursdays, 7-8pm, Jan 26-Mar 15, 8 weeks, $136 members ($156 non). GHD12.01B1 |
| 26 Jan 2012 |
Intro to Snare Drum Technique (Stick Control)
Don Gibbons This course introduces the fundamentals of snare drum technique in a group setting by introducing the basic concepts used in the book, Stick Control, written by George Lawrence Stone, acclaimed as one of the three greatest drum instructors of all time. The book is officially endorsed by Joe Morello, Vic Firth, Steve Gadd, Jim Chapin, Terry Bozzio, Chad Smith, Jojo Mayer, Dom Famularo, Steve Smith, Cindy Blackman, Billy Cobham, Virgil Donati, David Garbaldi, Colin Bailey, Tommy Igoe, Carmine Appice, Thomas Lang, Dennis DeLucia, Gregg Bissonette, Rod Morgenstein, Kenny Aronoff, Danny Gottlieb, Jim Petercsak, Morris Lang, Chis Deviney, Bob Becker and unofficially by almost every major drummer in decades. It has been the mainstay of hand and foot development of drummers since 1935. The course focus is based on the idea that playing a drumset begins by learning how to play the snare drum first. However the course is also designed for those who want to pursue playing the snare drum alone. Both paths have the same beginning. Participants require a pair of comfortable drumsticks, a practice pad, a snare drum stand or other method of holding a practice pad at waist height while standing and a copy of Stick Control. The course begins with an overview of various grips used to hold the drumsticks, the importance of knowing how and when to use fingers, wrists, elbows and shoulders in different situations and the absolute importance of relaxation and precise time. Each weekly session will begin with standard warm up exercises and last one hour. Thursdays, 6-7pm, Jan 26-Mar 15. $136 members, $156 non-mem. GSC12.01B1 |
| 25 Jan 2012 |
Group Beginner Guitar
Kurt Walther Beginner Guitar for Adults with Kurt Walther. In Guitar for beginners part 1, Kurt offers a relaxed experience for adults who have always wanted to learn how to play the guitar. Kurt will cover the basics of chording techniques, scales, strumming patterns with songs chosen by the class. No musical experience necessary. Wed 7:00-8:00 pm, Jan 25-Mar 14, 8 weeks, $136 Members ($156 non Members) GGA12.01B1 |
| 23 Jan 2012 |
5-String Clawhammer Banjo / Advanced
Paul Hornbeck Five-String Clawhammer Banjo for Advanced (or close to it) with Paul Hornbeck. If you can play a dozen or so fiddle tunes, at standard performance tempo, this one is for you. The course will focus on complex tunes, syncopation, rock-solid rhythm, and some very interesting tunings. We’ll also examine how to learn new tunes without relying on tablature. Mondays 8:30-9:30 pm, Jan 23 start, 8 weeks $136 Members, ($156 non). GCB12.01A1 |
| 23 Jan 2012 |
5-String Clawhammer Banjo for Beginners
Paul Hornbeck Five-String Clawhammer Banjo for Beginners w/ Paul Hornbeck This course is designed for novice players with little or no previous experience playing the five-string banjo in clawhammer (or frailing) style. In eight weeks, students will learn the basic clawhammer strum; how to read tablature; basic chords for commonly used tunings and at least one song or tune in those tunings; left-hand techniques such as hammer-ons, slides, and pull-offs; and an introduction to modal and other tunings. Mondays 7:30-8:30 pm, Jan 23-Mar 12, 8 weeks $136 Members, ($156 non Members) GCB12.01B1 |
| 23 Jan 2012 |
5-String Clawhammer Banjo for Intermediates
Paul Hornbeck Five-String Clawhammer Banjo for Intermediates with Paul Hornbeck This course is designed for players who have mastered the basics of clawhammer banjo. The eight-week series of lessons will include such subjects as advanced double-thumbing, mastering some of the more complex fiddle tunes, techniques for accompanying songs and other musicians, non-standard tunings, and how to use “rolls” and other “hot licks”. Mondays 6:30-7:30 pm, , Jan 23-Mar 12, 8 weeks $136 Members, ($156 non) GCB12.01I1 |
| 23 Jan 2012 |
Beginner Fiddle for Adults
Elizabeth Foster Beginner Fiddle for Adults with Elizabeth Foster If you’ve been looking to try your hand at the fiddle, but have no experience whatsoever, this is the course for you! Squeaks and squawcks are welcome. Here you will learn the basics of fiddling in a mellow supportive environment, from bowing technique and fingering to simple ornamentation. Students will also have the opportunity to try out a few basic fiddle tunes. This course is designed for the absolute, complete beginner. Mondays 5:30-6:30 pm, Jan 23-Mar 12, 8 weeks, $136 Members ($156 non Members) GFA12.01B1 |
| 22 Jan 2012 |
Special Open Guitar Tunings and Rhythm Techniques Workshop
Don Ross Don Ross has become a major influence on a generation of guitarists. His uses of altered tunings, percussive techniques, and a rhythmic melodicism influenced by the grooves and harmonies of urban music have helped him carve out a one-of-a-kind sound. His style is less concerned with revisiting where the guitar has been than in taking it to new places. In this two-hour workshop, Don will examine some of the secrets of his unique approach. He’ll delve into his use of new (mostly original) tunings and his fascination with polyrhythm and rhythmic syncopation and percussive approaches. Bringing a guitar of your own is optional, but may help if you would like to try some of the tunings and techniques first-hand. Sunday, Jan 22, 2:30-4:30, $40 members, $45 non-members. WKSHP12-03 |
| 22 Jan 2012 |
Vocal Harmony: Advanced – Jazz Standards
Lee Hayes Vocal Harmony class with Lee Hayes, January 2012. Theme for the winter session; JAZZ! This session we will focus on torch, swing, and old faves of Jazz, in 4-5 part harmony. Think Billie Holiday, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank and Tony, Sarah Vaughn…Jazz harmony is challenging, so this is an advanced class. Not for novice singers. ***All participants should contact Lee prior to signing up. lee@leehayes.ca Get comfortable with your voice, and learn to blend with other vocal parts. Singing is one of the best stress reducers, and this class is FUN! Be creative within the safety of numbers, and with the guidance of a well-rounded and experienced teacher. Lots of camaraderie and laughs! No musical training necessary; this class is taught by ear. Warning: Addictive! Start date: January 22nd, 2012. Classes are 1½ hours long and run for 12 weeks. Sundays 12:30-2:00 pm at the Ottawa Folklore Centre, (1111 Bank at Sunnyside, 613-730-2887) Maximum 15 participants. Cost is $270 (payment can be made in two installments). Lee Hayes can also be found at www.leehayes.ca, www.cantarra.ca GVHA12.01A1 |
