Posted by dbrooks on Saturday, June 26, 2010
Just finished teaching and learning at Kentucky Music Week, an event orgamized by Nancy Barker and friends in Bardstown and Boston, KY. Enrollment jumped to 350 or so this year, and the Boston Elementary School was packed with classes and students. There were classes in lap dulcimer, hammered dulcimer, music theory, fiddle, guitar, clawhammer banjo (my focus), basket making, PA setup for musical performances, steel drum, etc. Evening events included instructor concerts, jamming, and open mike performances.
I taught an introductory and intermediate clawhammer banjo class, and students were enthusiastic and eager. I also participated in a contra dance class at the end of the day. This was a great way to end the day and a great opportunity to learn about contra dancing. I have played music for contra dances for 8-9 years, but I had never danced myself. People whom I admire say that you should know how to dance to be a better contra dance musician. We'll see how that works out. I certainly had fun and appreciated the gracious efforts of Les Gustafson-Zook to instruct us noobies as we tried to turn our awkward efforts into rhythmic, graceful dance moves.
The instructor performances were quite special. The music possible from a 3- or 4-string lap dulcimer is astounding when that instrument lands in the hands of an artist. Yet, I heard several kids playing some of these same phrases and tunes during the week as well.
This was the 28th year for KMW, I think. And maybe the most successful in a good while. More information is available here:
1 comment on “Kentucky Music Week 2010”
badfoof Says:
Saturday, June 26, 2010 @11:09:09 PM
Hey David,
Steve Kenny here (student in your 4th period class at KMW). Just wanted to thank you for all your hard work, time and effort you expended on our behalf. I had a great time, learned a lot and appreciate the tab you provided for Soldier's Joy. I'll have that drop thumb business down sooner or later -- sooner, I hope.
Steve
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