For students, teachers, alumni, and anyone else interested in banjo at Mars Hill Blue Ridge Old-Time Music Week

26 Members, Created 3/5/2011 -

Administrators: ChuckJo (owner)

Mars Reunion

From ChuckJo on 6/12/2012 7:57:24 PM

Hey Gang,

It was a special pleasure to see so many of you back at MHBROTMW this year.  Looking at last year's photo, It looks like more than half of you returned!  Great (although I missed Hilarie).  How was your week?   How has your year been?  Do any of you find it hard to return to ordinary life after the week is over?

Here is a description of my experience.  I look forward to our next reunion!  Stay in touch!

Had a wonderful time at the Mars Hill Blue Ridge Old-Time Music Week last week, where I led “Advanced Clawhammer Banjo 2”.  I was lucky to have a class of willing and eager banjoists as we tackled Dead Man’s Piece and Big Scioty in Last Chance tuning (gDGDE or fCFCD), explored bass and up-the-neck variations of Mississippi Sawyer, deconstructed Roustabout, and aided Santa Anna in his retreat.  One of my favorite moments was when with fifteen minutes left in class on Friday, at the end of a long and intense week, I asked if the class would like to learn another tune.  Usually at this point, everyone is ready to kick back.  To my surprise, there was a quick consensus that of course another tune was in order, and off we galloped with Jack Limberlegs.  By this time we had developed trust and camaraderie, seasoned with a week’s worth of work and laughter. 

Outside of class were jams, mini courses, single-session “pot-lucks”, concerts and more.  I got to participate in Curly Miller and Carol Ann Rose’s grand and heroic banjo orchestra and I got to reunite with my old music buddy from Columbus, Mike Eberle, and see up close (and sometimes play with) a bunch of musicians I admire.

My thanks to Ann Whitley, Jane Huffman, Lewis and Katie, and the crew.  In another week or so, I expect that my feet will touch down back on earth.