Ensemble - Old Time Band Class
Instructor(s): Karen Celia Heil
In this class, we will explore what makes a band magically more than the sum of its parts. This will include hand-on topics such as each individual’s role in an ensemble, rhythm, tempo, chord choices, singing, choosing tunes, band communication and dynamics, and the all important listening skills. If playing for dances, gigs and concerts is a goal, we will explore those as well. From duets to a whole class ensemble, we will mix, match, make sure to play a lot and have fun! All this in a supportive, community environment where everyone can develop their skills and connections.
Prerequisites:
Bring your String Band instrument(s), these being but not limited to… fiddle, banjo, guitar, and bass, set up to your liking. Bring the usual stuff such as a tuner, extra strings, a mute, and a recording device. For this “all levels” class, know a few tunes in the basic keys, and be reasonably comfortable, or want to be reasonably comfortable, playing with others.
About Karen Celia Heil
Karen is an intense and soulful fiddler, also known for her powerful guitar playing and singing with the Bucking Mules. Nearly twenty years ago, Karen began making pilgrimages to southern fiddlers’ conventions and visiting the region’s master musicians, thus firing up her passion and study of Old Time fiddle music. With her work both in the West and Southern U.S., she has been privileged to know and play with many of these tradition bearers. Karen performs in the Bay Area with Plaid Strangers, the Knuckle Knockers, and KC & the MooNshine Band, and also plays Cajun music with the Midnight Ramblers, the Aux Cajunals, and Ann Savoy and her Raggedy Anns. She hosts the monthly Feral Friday San Francisco Square Dance. Karen has taught at some of the best traditional music camps around the U.S. and internationally, and serves on the board of the California Bluegrass Association as a voice for Old Time music.
Karen is a skillful, fun and enthusiastic teacher, with a special love of Old Time Southern American fiddle music, who likes to create a relaxed and fun environment for her students. A few years back, Karen held group fiddle classes privately and at the Freight and Salvage in Berkeley. She’s been on the teaching staff at the Festival of American Fiddle Tunes, Swannanoa Gathering Old~Time Week, Ashokan Southern Week, Augusta Old-time Week, NimbleFingers BC, Austin String Band Festival, the Gainsborough Festival in the UK, Grass Valley CBA Camp, the Berkeley String Band Class, Lark In the Morning Music Camp, the Minnesota BG and OT Festival, the Hiawatha Traditional Music Festival, the Handmade Music School, and Fiddle Kids Camp.