The Workshops: Music Camp 2017
The list below provides a guide to our workshops, organized alphabetically, by 'instrument'.
The listing below, along with the Workshop schedule will help you decide on which workshops you want to sign up for. Registered campers can sign up for workshops here. If you just want to take one or a few workshops, sign up for A la Carte workshops here.
About Skill Levels:
Use these skill level ratings as a rough guide when selecting workshops that indicate specific 'Skill Levels'. To help understand what we mean by our skill level ratings, here is how we loosely define them:
Skill Level 0: Novice with this instrument, but knows some melodies
Skill Level 1: Basic competence with this instrument, can play 5+ tunes at slow tempo
Skill Level 2: Knows 10+ tunes and can play 5+ at performance tempo
Skill Level 3: Can play 20+ tunes at performance tempo
Workshop Codes:
Each workshop has a unique identification 'code' that works like this:
Example: F-1- AB
F (Instrument) - 1 (sequential number) - AB (Faculty initials)
This would be fiddle workshop #1, from Allie Bennett.
'Instrument' Codes:
AC Accordion
BG Bass Guitar
BL Band Lab
BO Bodhran
DA Dance
F Fiddle
GT Guitar
HA Harmonica
KP Keyboard/Piano
MA Mandolin
MC Music Composition
MR Music Reading
PE Percussion
SW Songwriting
TB Tenor Banjo
TW Tinwhistle
UK Ukulele
VC Voice
Faculty Codes (initials)
AB Allie Bennet
BW Barbara White
CD Chelsey Dakai
CG Colin Grant
CM Carol Martell
DM Darren McMullen
JS Johannes Sturm
KM Keith Mullins
KT Kelli Trottier
LC Leah Campbell
PD Paul Davis
RD Rachel Davis
RM Richmond MacAdian Ceilidh
Dancers
RS Roger Stone
RW Richard Wood
SB Squeezy Bob Woodley
SM Scott Macmillan
You can download a PDF file with the list of detailed workshop descriptions here:
Workshop listings indicate skill level, detailed descriptions, in some cases further resources and/or equipment needed for each workshop offered.
Workshop Description List.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [304.7 KB]
Or just read below...
Accordion
AC-1-SB: Introduction to the Accordion
Skill level: 0-1 (this is mainly a demonstration workshop)
The accordion is to Newfoundland what the fiddle is to Cape Breton. Specifically, we are talking about the two-row diatonic button accordion (rows tuned to C/F, G/C, D/G or A/D), as distinct from its many other relatives in the ‘squeezebox’ family. They are played to accompany songs and dances not just in Newfoundland, but across Europe and in particular the British Isles, where the instrument is called a 'Melodeon'. This workshop introduces the accordion, and describes its construction, maintenance, principles of operation and its variations. We will explore the range of the instrument using the treble and bass hands through demonstrations and examples. No music-reading skills are required and you are invited to bring your own instrument. Please note that this is an orientation session, not a 'how-to-play' lesson, although for those with an instrument of their own there will be an opportunity to explore playing techniques to take away and practice. This session is open to all Campers, to 'a la carte' participants, and to our Accompanists.
Bass Guitar
BG-1-DM: Basic Bass
Skill level: 0-2
The eyes in the room are all looking at the star, but the butts are all shakin to the bass guitar!" The bass can be a hard instrument to master, but with a couple hints, a few tricks, and some practice time, you'll be layin' down the groove in no time. We'll look at hand techniques apply them to some great bass lines you're sure to recognize. At the end of this session, the delegate will have learned techniques that make the instrument easier to play. We'll also look at some often-used patterns, how to use your ear to learn bass lines, and how to make up your own bass lines.
Darren invites you to send along any questions or specific styles/techniques you'd like to look at, in advance, and we'll incorporate them into these classes. Email to mcmullenmusic@gmail.com with subject heading Music Camp Workshop Request.
Bodhran
BO-1-RS: Bodhran Workshop 101
Skill level: 0-1 Equipment required: Bodhran & tipper (a few loaners may be available)
In this workshop novice and early-stage bodhran players will learn how to hold the drum and the tipper, and to keep rhythm in reel and jig timing. Roger will provide an overview of the history of this thousand-year-old traditional Irish instrument, and some resources for continuing your practice and development when you get back home.
Dance
DA-1-RD: Beginner Cape Breton Stepdancing
Skill level: 0 (For students over 19 yrs)
For the absolute beginner! This class will focus on learning the basic steps for Cape Breton dance. The goal will be for the student to leave knowing basic steps for dancing to jigs, strathspeys, and reels. Come on out to get your Cape Breton groove on and try something new!
DA-2-KT: Ottawa Valley Step Dance
Skill level: 0-3 Equipment required: hard soled shoes are helpful
Let’s get our feet tapping and off the ground as we study the art of Ottawa Valley Step Dancing. I will cover all of the basics of this dance and show you how it relates to your East Coast style. We will expand from there to develop further rhythmical ideas and foot techniques. Come prepared for a fun and energetic workout as we bring the music to life with our feet as our percussion. At the end of the session students will have learned basic, solid step dance techniques and have a few new moves to add to their dance repertoire.
DA-3-LC: Beginner Highland Dancing
Skill Level: 0
This class is an introduction to highland dancing where you will learn all the basic movements, positions, and techniques. Come prepared for an energetic session as we will be getting in a good workout while dancing. You will also be listening/dancing to a recording of the traditional Scottish bagpipes as we learn a simple choreographed routine. You will leave this class with further knowledge on the Scottish culture and extra rhythm in your feet.
DA-4-LC: Beginner Cape Breton Stepdancing
Skill Level: 0
This class will teach younger students the basics of our Cape Breton style stepdancing. You will be taught fun techniques and routines to get you engaged in the culture of dance. The goal of this class is to learn the traditional steps for dancing to jigs, strathespays, and reels. Come dance with us and keep our Cape Breton style alive!
DA-5-RM: Richmond MacAdian Ceilidh Dancers
Skill level: 0-3
This year we feature a brand new dance genre: Ceilidh style Scottish Country Dancing. The session will begin with an instructional workshop on the 'elements', and once everybody is in step, the group wll dance to Cumberland Reel and maybe the Gay Gordons. This session is open to all Campers, to 'a la carte' participants, and to our Accompianists.
the workshop program looks something like this:
1.Setting Step; 2 Four hands across; 3. Casting off; 4.Travelling Step; 5.Leading down the dance
Enjoy!
Fiddle
F-1-AB: Ornamentations for Cape Breton Style Fiddle
Skill level: 2-3
A workshop designed for advanced players exploring the various ornamentations and embellishments that give tunes in the Cape Breton style their “flavour”. There will be instruction on how to play grace note combinations as well as trills, warbles, use of fourth finger and bowing techniques. A few tunes will be chosen which implement these aspects of playing in detail. Participants should be able to read notation at least on an intermediate level. Those who play by ear are welcome, but the pace of the class won’t be adjusted.
F-2-AB: Winston “Scotty” Fitzgerald in the Easy Keys (part 2)
Skill level: 2-3
Winston “Scotty” Fitzgerald in the Easy Keys, Part 2. Skill level 2-3. Arguably the best fiddler of all time, the late, great Winston Fitzgerald was a true pioneer in tune selection and recording. Some of the well-known tunes that were part of Winston’s repertoire will be explored with emphasis on those in the easier fiddle keys of A, D and G. This workshop is designed to suit players in the intermediate to advanced category.
F-3-AB: Brenda and Jerry
Skill Level: 2
A workshop for players in the intermediate level, this class will feature some well known tunes by Cape Breton composers Brenda Stubbert and the late Jerry Holland. Both individuals have contributed many tunes to the modern day era of Cape Breton fiddling. Different types of tunes will be covered, including jigs, marches, strathspeys and reels.
F-4-AB: Dan R’s Greatest Hits (part 2)
Skill level: 2-3
A continuation of last year’s tribute to Cape Breton composer/fiddler Dan R. MacDonald who contributed over 2000 tunes to the repertoires of fiddlers everywhere. Another group or two of Dan R’s classic compositions will be taught, again with emphasis on those in the easier keys. This workshop is for players in the intermediate to advanced category.
F-5-AB: Celtic Melodies at a Slow Pace
Skill Level: 1
This workshop will feature songs (as opposed to tunes) in the Celtic genre, including Scottish, Irish, Gaelic and Cape Breton melodies that work well played as instrumentals. The tempos will be kept slow to accommodate those at this skill level. Please note this workshop is not for beginners who haven’t played before.
F-6-RD: Beginner Fiddle 101
Skill level: 0
This class will teach students how to hold a violin and a bow, as well as the notes of each string, and how to move your fingers on the string. The goal for this class will be to hopefully have an interest in playing the fiddle, give you the foundation to continue to learn, and have a tune or two to play for your friends. Come and try something new!
F-7-RD: Intermediate Cape Breton Fiddle
Skill level: 1-2
This class will help those at the advanced intermediate-intermediate level with the next step of their learning. We’ll work on practicing to learn tunes by ear (don’t be scared, we’ll work with sheet music as well!), as well as bowing techniques that make this style of fiddle playing so unique. We’ll focus on tunes that are common to Cape Breton style players, and common to local jam sessions!
F-8-RD: Advanced Cape Breton Fiddle
Skill level: 3
This class is for those who have mastered playing all types of tunes in most keys. We’ll dive into different types of grace notes, as well as bow ornamentations common to this tradition, with a few of my favourite tunes of the last few years. We’ll be learning mostly by ear, but moving at a pace that will be comfortable for everyone (and there will be sheet music supplied as well).
F-9-KT: Ottawa Valley-style Jigs
Skill Level: 1-3 (note reading helpful but not mandatory)
Equipment required: fiddle, music stand
In this class, we will focus on adding lilt and lift to jigs! Using a few jig examples, we will look at how the Ottawa Valley approach compares to that of East Coast fiddlers. There is beauty in both styles and we will look at where the differences lie. We may also have a chance to get our feet moving in 6/8 time! At the end of the session, students will have learned how to create lift and lilt in their jigs.
F-10-KT: Ottawa Valley Fiddle Groove (reels)
Skill Level: 2-3 Equipment required: fiddle, music stand
We will study a couple of reels in this class in order to determine what gives our tunes “groove” and where they may be lacking. I welcome you to bring in some of your own tunes that we may use as examples as well. We will work on playing “in the pocket” of the rhythm, adding accents and building our tempos while achieving a nice groove. At the end of the session students should be able to play at faster tempos without sounding or feeling rushed.
F-11-RW: Beginner Class with Richard Wood
Skill level: 0
In this session, the participants will learn about the different parts of the fiddle and the bow, how to tune the instrument and how to set up the bow for playing. We will learn how to hold the fiddle and bow and explore bowing techniques. We will discuss the differences and similarities between the music of PEI and Cape Breton and make a start on learning a simple tune, such as Westphalia Waltz.
F-12-RW: Fiddle - Intermediate Class
Skill level: 1-2
This session is all about learning the difference between different types of tunes, i.e.: Jig, Reel, March etc. and the different fingering and bowing techniques they use. We will introduce ornamentation (meaning vibrato, triplets, double-stops) as a way of adding individuality to a tune. We will then practice these techniques as we learn to play a new tune of the class’s choice.
F-13-RW: Fiddle - Advanced class
Skill level: 2-3
In this session, we focus on more performance-related aspects of playing the fiddle. We will introduce improvisation and its use. And, because it happens to all of us, how to work your way out of a mistake you make within a tune. We will do some more work on ornamentation and learn how to put a medley of tunes together, i.e.: March, Strathspey, Reel.
F-14-CG: Fiddle - High Bass Tuning
Skill level: 2-3
F-15-CG: Cape Breton Session Tunes
Skill Levels 1-2
For intermediates: There are many fiddle tunes in this neck of the woods that have found their way to and from the traditional Scottish and Irish music canons. We'll be playing some of these favourites at 'session-friendly' tempos in medleys with other popular tunes you might know. And we'll explore some things to keep in mind when joining a typical Cape Breton session. We will also talk about the 'bridging' of tunes, in both session and individual contexts.
F-16-CG: Buddy MacMaster Square Dance Tunes
Skill Levels 1-2
For intermediates: Buddy was among the top dance players and had a beautifully distinct style and repertoire that we'll explore from his 1991 recording "Glencoe Hall". We'll try to cover a few jigs and a reel and touch on a few of Buddy's techniques.
F-17-CG: Pipe Tunes and Techniques on Fiddle
Skill Levels 2-3
Advanced class: Pipe tunes and techniques on fiddle (repertoire & technique) levels 2-3
We'll listen to some recordings of Theresa MacLellan who was known for her ability to translate the tone and stylings of traditional Cape Breton piping and learn a March, Strathspey, and Reel to try out some of her snappy ornaments and bow techniques.
More fiddle workshops to be announced!
Guitar
GT-1-SM: Guitar Intro Workshop
Skill Level: 0
How to tune the guitar
Names of strings
Intro to finding names of notes on fingerboard
Basic open position chords
Intro to reading chord charts
Intro to reading tab and notation
Strumming and picking techniques
GT-2-SM: Guitar Basics Workshop
Skill Level: 1
Intro to working with a metronome
Basic theory, (number) names of chords in a key
Continuing playing picking and strumming techniques
Practice techniques
Major and minor scales
Learn a tune
GT-3-SM Advanced Guitar Techniques
Skill level: 2 & 3
Alternate voicings for basic chords
Chord substitutions
Playing with a capo in differing positions, using drop D, and DADGAD tunings
Creating bass lines and passing lines between chords
Continuing working with a metronome
Learn two tunes, (jig and a reel)
Using the ears, accompanying tunes that one has not heard before (putting theory to use)
GT workshops 1 through 3 are presented using a pick, which is most common in Celtic guitar playing. All these workshops apply to finger style players as well.
GT-4-DM: DADGAD Guitar
Skill level: 1-3
DADGAD is a popular tuning style used for folk and Celtic guitar players. This open-style tuning uses open strings to create more lush, colourful sounding chords while making the chord shapes easier to move around the neck. Used by songwriters like Dougie MacLean, Dave Gunning, rhythm players like John Doyle, DADGADd is a quick and easy way to add a whole new style of playing to any guitarist's repertoire. At the end of this session, the delegate will have learned how to use DADGAD chord shapes, and some strumming ideas for both songs and for chording traditional tunes.
GT-5-RS: Cape Breton Guitar
Skill level: 2-3 (also open to Level 1)
This workshop will focus on the present day styling of Dave MacIsaac, who has taken the influential styles of Estwood Davidson and other great pioneer guitar players to the stages of the world. We will discuss Bar Chords, backing up Strathspeys, Reels and Jigs, as well as passing chords in the Cape Breton guitar style. This course is designed for Intermediate to advanced players, but beginners are welcome to join in.
GT-6-SB: Beginner's Guitar
Skill Level: 0 (this workshop geared for our young campers, all welcome to attend)
You'll need to bring a guitar, a capo and a pick. You are also advised to bring a spare set of strings. If an accident happens, it will be an opportunity to learn how to restring - a much-needed skill for any guitarist. You won't need to be able to read music for this Workshop.
We will begin with a quick tour of the guitar, naming the parts and describing their function. We'll then learn a couple of different techniques for tuning the guitar to the Standard EADGBE tuning. We'll discuss a tiny bit of chord theory before learning some simple chords and exploring the proper way to hold them down. We'll try a couple of strumming patterns and then put it all together to play a simple song. You'll leave with a set of additional chord sheets and some exercises to work on at home.
Harmonica
HA-1-KM: Harmonica for Beginners
Skill Level: 0 Equipment required: bring a C harmonica
No experience necessary but you would benefit from knowing some songs, in particular one or two songs you would like to learn to play. You’ll need to bring a C Harmonica. Keith will take the group through a few ‘major key’ songs and talk about reading in order to get you set up to play and learn independently.
HA-2-KM: Blues and stuff
Skill level: 1-2 Equipment required: bring your harmonicas
For people who already know their way around the harmonica, Keith will focus on blues techniques such as bending notes and cross-harp. We will explore the differences between playing cross-harp and playing in a major key, leaving with a few songs and some ‘blues licks’ that you can later bring to a jam. We will also talk about and explore appropriate times to play and 'not play' during sessions with other musicians.
Keyboards/Piano
KP-1-RW: Piano Beginner Class
Skill level: 0
We begin by learning about the keyboard and introducing scales and keys. We will explore the structure of chords and learn how to make them. After learning the difference between jigs, reels, marches, we will learn how to chord along to a simple tune.
KP-2-RW: Piano Intermediate/Advanced
Skill level: 1
We will continue learning to make different chords and how to progress from one to another when accompanying a tune. We will work on bass hand vs. right hand (e.g. syncopated rhythms) and learn how to follow a simple chord chart. We will then learn to accompany different types of tunes, i.e.: reel, jig, march etc.
KP-3-CD: Basic Keyboard Workshop
Skill level: 0-1 (Youth Workshop)
This workshop is geared towards young campers with very little keyboard experience. We will focus on basic scales, fingering, and making chords on the keyboard.
KP-4-CD: Youth Piano Workshop
Skill level: 2 (Youth Workshop)
This workshop is geared towards young campers who have previous experience on the keyboard. We will discuss chord patterns and inversions. We will also explore different styles of Celtic piano accompaniment and take a look at some new tunes.
Luthier
L-1-JS: Building a Violin Talk and Demo
Skill Level: N/A
In this workshop Johannes will demonstrate how a fiddle is built, using examples of his own work including tools of the trade.
Besides this workshop, Johannes hosts an open luthier studio welcoming drop-in visits to discuss 'care and feeding' of your stringed instrument - and he is available for instrument assessments, tuning and minor repairs during the weekend.
Mandolin
MA-1-DM: Inter-Advanced Mandolin
Skill level: 2-3
Studies show that the Mandolin is indeed the best instrument in the world. If you've already got a few songs and tunes under your belt, this workshop will help you get to the next level. We'll look at some left and right hand techniques, strumming and the bluegrass "chop". Time will be allotted for all your mandolin questions. At the end of this session, the delegate will have learned how to sit in better with other players, be more versatile,and how to take their playing up a notch.
MA-2-DM: Mandolin for Fiddlers
Skill level: 0-3
The mandolin is perfect for fiddlers who want to try a new instrument. The tuning and scale length is the same, so all the tunes you know on fiddle, you also know them on mandolin. The big advantage of the mandolin is that you'll be able to play chords, something you don't do on the fiddle. We'll look at some very important pick techniques, to make the transition smooth and easy. At the end of this session, the delegate will have learned how to apply the knowledge and experience of the fiddle onto the mandolin, as well as what the similarities and differences are to approaching both instruments.
Darren invites you to send along any questions or specific styles/techniques you'd like to look at, in advance, and we'll incorporate them into these classes. Email to mcmullenmusic@gmail.com with subject heading Music Camp Workshop Request.
MA-3-SB: Mandolin 101
Skill Level: 0 (this workshop geared for our young campers, all welcome to attend)
You should bring a mandolin, a pick, and you might want to consider bringing a spare set of strings in case an accident happens while tuning. You won't need to be able to read music for this workshop.
We will begin with a quick tour of the mandolin, naming the parts and describing their function. We'll then learn a couple of different techniques for tuning the mandolin to the Standard GDAE tuning. We'll discuss a tiny bit of chord theory before learning some simple chords and exploring the proper way to hold them down. We'll try a couple of strumming patterns and then put it all together to play a simple song. If there is time, we will learn to play some Major scales with a pick. You'll leave with a set of additional chord sheets and some exercises to work on at home.
Music Composition
MC-1-SM: How to write a fiddle tune that a fiddler would like to play
Skill level: 1-3
Learn a few rules
Intro to improvisation
Notation layout
Basic theory, info to call upon when you can't come up with ideas
Writing a melody from a chord progression
Writing a chord progression from a melody
Creating bass lines
This workshop will take place over two periods of 75 minutes each. The first will take place on Saturday, second on Sunday, allowing time for a bit of homework in between.
Music Reading
Music Reading MR-1-BW: A Quick Start at Reading Music
Skill level: 0-3 for people age 17+ Equipment required: any instrument (or voice)
Why is a waltz in 3 and a jig in 6—or two?! Why is a tune with one sharp sometimes in G and sometimes in A minor? What are those dots after the notes for? This nuts-and-bolts workshop is designed for musicians of all levels who play by ear. We’ll cover the staff, pitches, rhythms and key signatures, and we’ll also make time to talk about those nagging questions you wonder about. Notation can open up new opportunities: as a memory aid, as a way to access more tunes, and as a tool to share your favorite tunes with others.
MR-2-BW: Notation for Young Musicians
Skill level: 0-3 (this workshop geared for our young campers)
Equipment required: any instrument (or voice)
This workshop is designed especially for young musicians: all skill level, through age 16. We’ll begin by playing a tune by ear, and then we’ll see what happens when we write it down. The main focus will be on reading tunes; time permitting, we’ll also spend some time on notating tunes ourselves. Content and pace will be tailored to the group, and there will be ample time for questions.
Percussion
PE-1-KM: Hand Percussion 101
Skill Level: 0-1. Equipment required: bring a drum (djembe, cajón, etc.)
Keith will have a small selection of hand drums with him, but campers are encouraged to bring their own drum. The focus will be on rhythms from West Africa, in particular from Ghana and Guinea. Keith will focus on techniques for getting the right sounds, and campers will leave having learned a few simple rhythms.
PE-2-KM: Multi-part Rhythms
Skill level: 1-2. Equipment required: bring a drum (djembe, cajón, etc.)
Continuing on from the previous workshop, Keith will explore further the rhythms from Ghana and Guinea, before moving west to Cuba. This session will cover more in-depth playing with different parts for different players.
Songwriting
SW-1-KM: Songwriting Workshop
Skill level: All
No instruments are needed for this workshop – just your heart and soul. The class will write a song in one hour. The only skill you need is to be able to say what is on your mind, and be willing talk about how best to turn it into a great line for the song. Keith will talk about song form and structure, and discuss the basic rules that are, of course, there to be broken.
Tenor Banjo
TB-1-DM: Tenor Banjo
Skill level: 0-2
Playing fiddle tunes on the banjo has become quite popular in the past few decades. In this workshop, we'll play a few jigs and reels to get you started, and we'll also look at some techniques for playing tunes, and the all important "triplet"! At the end of the session, you will have learned techniques for both left and right hands, and a couple jigs and reels to practice on.
Tin Whistle
TW-1-PD: Intro to the Tin Whistle
Skill Level: 0 Equipment required: D whistle
Some of you have asked, what is a tin whistle? Here is the wiki definition. Please come back after looking at it. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tin_whistle
Working in one octave from lowest D to middle D, Paul will show you the basic note fingering, and discuss breath control. He will give you two simple tunes to play with sheet music, and audio samples which will get you on the right path for this workshop.
TW-2-PD: Advanced Tin Whistle
Skill level: 1-3 Equipment required: D whistle
Students should be proficient with scales on D whistle and ready to learn tunes. We will work on ornamentation used on whistle: cuts, taps, rolls, slurs, crans, vibrato. We will discuss some of the valuable online resources for learning. Sheet music for several options of Jigs, Reels, and Airs will be brought for students to choose to learn depending upon student preference.
Ukulele
UK-1-RS: Ukelele Techniques
Skill level: 0-2 Equipment required: Any kind of ukelele. Loaners will be available.
This workshop is designed for students who can strum a few chords, and want to take their playing a little further. I will focus on Travis Style (finger picking) and a few interesting strumming exercises. We will also focus on chord progression and scales for composing your own songs and we will discuss tuning and regular care of the Instrument.
Voice
VC-1-RS: Singing 101
Skill level: 0-2
This workshop is designed to introduce the student to basic vocal techniques, harmony, breathing and music theory, for the person who wants to understand just how performing and singing in a group or solo setting works. This year I will focus on group singing, using the Rita MacNeil classic Working Man. This program is designed for beginner to intermediate students.
VC-2-KT: Singing Creatively
Skill level: 0-3
If you like to sing, join me for some vocal creativity in this class. After exploring some vocal ‘warm-up’ exercises, we will look at songs from various genres and experiment with vocal phrasings. Let’s think outside of the box and work together to create the sounds that we want! At the end of the session students will have learned how to project and bend their vocals as well as how to experiment with any melody.
----------------------------------------
Interested in learning to sing traditional Acadian songs?
VC-3-CM: Sing Partons La Mer Est Belle - La Viré
Skill level: 0,1,2,3
VC-4-CM: Sing Viens voir l'Acadie - Donat Lacroix
Skill level: 0,1,2,3
Carol Martell offers 2 fun, interactive and informative workshop on traditional Acadian music. Each workshop features a different song. Carol will offer some insight on life growing up in a truly Acadian Family, and describe how the songs they sang gave them a solid appreciation of their Acadian culture. By example of old family recordings, Carol will illustrate how French acappella songs would have been sung some 80 plus years ago and will soon have you singing and playing along to a couple of them.
You will benefit from being able to read and speak the French language (but it's not necessary). If you play an instrument, bring it along and add to the fun!
VC-5-SB: Sea Shanty Session
Nova Scotia has strong Celtic roots, sure – but it is just as strongly connected to the sea via generations of seafarers. Sea Shanties are working songs – they were sung to provide the pulse to which rhythmic tasks, such as hauling up sails or weighing anchor were performed. They were also used to blow off steam, and a good shantyman would often add verses complaining about the rations or the injustices meted out by the bosun or mate. Easy to learn and fun to sing – come and heave away with our jolly crew!
Band Labs
The Band Labs are well known to veteran Music Campers. We offer this program which fills your last two workshop slots (Sat pm and Sun am). When you sign up for Band Lab, we will ask you to fill out a 'resumé' when you arrive on Friday evening, then we sign you up to a new band. You will work with your band to select a leader, pick a name for your band, and learn a tune or two. You will have mentorship from our faculty who will rove among the Band Lab practice sessions to give advice, and help to get you ready for your performance at the Band Lab Showcase that closes Music Camp after lunch on Sunday. You get to deal with a lot of things that real-life bands have to deal with: the pressure, the politics, stage-fright, and all the glory!