Bluegrass Ensemble 2 with Ian Thomas

note: there will be no class on Tuesday, June 23nd

In Bluegrass Ensemble 2, we will work on our bluegrass jamming and performing skills. Lead singers will memorize their lyrics, and soloists will be encouraged to play their breaks without tab or notation. We will take risks in a safe and supportive environment as we develop the skills to attend bluegrass jams or join a band!

In addition to learning and playing plenty of bluegrass, each class will discuss how and why it is arranged in a particular way. We will also cover the practical music theory needed in bluegrass. Our sources range from Bill Monroe, The Stanley Brothers, and Flatt & Scruggs to Del McCoury, Larry Sparks, Hazel & Alice, Molly Tuttle, and Billy Strings.

Students should bring their voice for singing, picks, tuners, capos, extra strings for their instrument, a writing implement, and a recording device (a phone works great!). All bluegrass instruments are welcome: fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, Dobro, and upright bass.

Prerequisites:

• For chordal instruments, the ability to play common chords and easily transition between them is required. 
• For fiddlers, the ability to lead at least 5 standard fiddle tunes at jam speed is requested.
• The willingness to play & sing without notation.

This is an adult class open to singers and bluegrass instrumentalists aged 13 and up.