The Swannanoa Gathering :: Mando & Banjo Week - (828) 298-3434

August 4-10, 2013. The Swannanoa Gathering is a series of week-long workshops in various folk arts held in July and August on the campus of Warren Wilson College just east of Asheville in the heart of North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains.

Mando & Banjo Week features classes in two of the instruments that are at the core of several of the most popular folk genres, including bluegrass, old-time, Irish and Scottish, as well as some of the more adventurous blendings of traditional and jazz flavors known variously as 'newgrass' or 'new acoustic' music. For the mandolin students, we also offer classes in Brazilian choro, classical mandolin, improvisation, and traditional swing/jazz, while the banjo students can sample a variety of classes in three-finger plucked or clawhammer styles. Mando & Banjo Week has been paired with Fiddle Week, offering classes in similar styles, to encourage students from both programs to jam with each other, and with guitar classes in both programs to provide rhythm players, the possibilities for impromptu bands and jam sessions are rich indeed. There will be concerts throughout the week featuring our world-class staff, and the optional student showcase at week's end will be an opportunity for students to show what they have learned. Most classes are taught at the intermediate or advanced level, but we continue to offer a few introductory classes for students who want to gain confidence in learning and playing by ear, and for those who are newer to the instrument. For the intermediate classes, it is recommended that students have mastered beginning skills, be able to tune their instruments, keep time, play principal scales cleanly, and know how to play a few tunes with confidence. This level is also appropriate for advanced players who would like to explore a style that is new to them, or for experienced players who need to get more fluent playing by ear. The advanced classes are designed to build on previous experience in the style. Advanced students should be able to easily learn by ear, have a basic repertoire in the style, and be comfortable playing in more difficult keys. During the last hour of the day, there will be a special class time for students of any skill level to form bands, along with students from Fiddle Week. Mando & Banjo Week runs concurrently with Fiddle Week, and students may take classes in either program.

Tags: al Camp,Music Lessons & Instruction,College & University