Little Neo & Dwight Diller banjo lessons

Subject: Little Neo & Dwight Diller banjo lessons
From: Little Neophyte
Date: 28 Feb 01 - 08:25 AM

Dwight Diller's West Virginia style banjo workshops were amazing!!!!!!
About Dwight The main focus of Dwight's beginner workshop is to get his students into a driving beat with their right hand in a clawhammer style.  The right hand motion takes time to learn because you have to be completely relaxed to strike the strings the way Dwight is teaching.  Eventually your right hand begins swinging like you would imagine a Black African dancing in a rhythmic hypnotic beat.  It is so hard to describe unless you see Dwight do it.
 
  During my 3 day break between workshops I had the pleasure of spending some time with Big Mick. He took me to Elderly where I got a chance to compare all the different banjos.  I tried fretless Ramsey and even a gourd banjo. Oy, so many banjos to put on the wish list. It is impossible not to empty your pockets in that store. Mick also gave me a walking tour through the store where he showed me the differences in guitar qualities. Mind you, even on the toy guitars, Mick sounded great.

  During the second workshop we got lots of new tunes to learn but I really didn't worry too much about learning them all.  I tried to focus more on the rhythm. I got better at driving the beat.  I was stomping my foot in time and throwing my body into the music.  Dwight started calling me 'Miss Metronome'.  Dwight felt that all I need to do now is learn a few tunes and throw that driving beat into them and my music will improve.  Good in theory but the minute I start thinking about the notes my left hand is striking, I tense up and although Miss Metronome is driving the beat, her hand stiffens up too much to really get that deep inner core rhythm flowing.  It will take time but I get what Dwight is trying to teach us.
 
  There were 8 fiddle students being taught by Doug Van Gundy upstairs and 10 of us banjo students being taught by Dwight downstair.

The workshops were so intense.  We had morning classes from 9:30 - 12:00 pm,  afternoon classes from 1:30 - 5:00 pm and then played in jam type sessions from 7:30 pm until after 1:00 am in the morning.  I felt immersed so deeply in the music I forgot what time of day it was.  I did not even remember to eat unless I was told which is totally not like me.  My thumb was so sore and swollen but some how it kept on whacking that 5th string.
 
There were people in the area who came around during the evening sessions who could play really, really well.  When they jammed with Dwight, I could not believe the music I was hearing.  I got a sense what people mean by 'making music with others'.  I can see how addictive it could be.  I would love to experience that depth of playing.

The workshop was held in a beautiful country home. Something you would find in Homes & Gardens.  With 3 bathrooms!  That was the best part.
I felt like I was staying at a charming country bed & breakfast being served not just Starbucks coffee and home-made breads and jellys for breakfast but home-cooked lunches and dinners too.  The food tasted so good because it was made with loving care.

I was in good company.  I felt relax with these folks. We laughed a lot!  The conversations were very interesting.  Yet, when I wanted time alone, it was there for me whenever I needed to take time out.  I went for long walks in the woods. They live by a river and I would watch the deer go by.

The trip felt like a magical moment in time. Guess who is going to be heading down to West Virginia this summer?

Bonnie  

Subject: RE: Little Neo & Dwight Diller banjo lessons
From: Gern
Date: 28 Feb 01 - 08:59 AM

Three bathrooms was the best part? I envy you for this opportunity, which I hoped to attempt last summer before complications arose. I guess the key question is, did you retain the lesson when you got home? I've left too many epiphanies in the classroom, finding at home the same problems I had before. Did this learning last?

Subject: RE: Little Neo & Dwight Diller banjo lessons
From: katlaughing
Date: 28 Feb 01 - 09:46 AM

There's no stopping her, now!! Great to hear about it, Bonnie; it does sound just magical! Goodonya!!

kat

Subject: RE: Little Neo & Dwight Diller banjo lessons
From: Little Neophyte
Date: 28 Feb 01 - 11:53 AM

Yes, having 3 bathrooms was the best part. With a house full of people I get worried about things like that. Mother nature gives me only one beckon call and if I do not get an opportunity to answer her right away, she says fine, I'll call on you tomorrow.

"Did I retain the lesson when I got home?"
Yes Gern, I would say I have. But the work is still up to me at this point. Dwight outlined clearly what I need to work on but no one can do the work for me. Kind of reminds me of counseling nutrition. I can give others the guidance they need but it is still up to them to follow through.

I have much to work on and look forward to moving beyond my blocks to get where I want to go with my music.

Bonnie

Subject: RE: Little Neo & Dwight Diller banjo lessons
From: JenEllen
Date: 28 Feb 01 - 04:24 PM

Ms Metronome....I like it!!

What a wonderful trip! Thanks for sharing!

~Jen

Subject: RE: Little Neo & Dwight Diller banjo lessons
From: Sorcha
Date: 28 Feb 01 - 06:13 PM

Sounds a wonderful treat, Bon. I would like to go to a fiddle workshop like that someday........before I get too old and decrepit. Ah, the "joys" of mundane life.......

Subject: RE: Little Neo & Dwight Diller banjo lessons
From: catspaw49
Date: 28 Feb 01 - 06:19 PM

Nothin' to say here but.....WOW!!! Di you have any idea of how far you've come???? Glad you had a good time in doing so too!

Spaw

Subject: RE: Little Neo & Dwight Diller banjo lessons
From: Big Mick
Date: 28 Feb 01 - 08:18 PM

Our gal is already a very good banjo player and will progress rapidly. It is obvious in her playing, but more importantly it is obvious in her searching. When she hopped into my car, the woman just leaped in and started telling me all about the workshop. I can't wait to sing with her sometime and being accompanied by her on the banjo. Get me a song, Bonnie, and I will start to work on it. Congrats on a great camp!!

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Little Neo & Dwight Diller banjo lessons
From: GUEST,Fortunato
Date: 28 Feb 01 - 09:24 PM

Rare and magical times, how lovely. Glad you made it Bonnie!

chance

Subject: RE: Little Neo & Dwight Diller banjo lessons
From: GutBucketeer
Date: 01 Mar 01 - 01:12 AM

All I can say is ManOMan! (Catspaw already said WoW).

I'll go to sleep tonight dreamin' of Banjo Moments in the hills of West Virginia with the driving rhythm of the jams led by Miss Metronome in the foreground supported by the syncopated back beat (wash) of the 3 seat bathroom percussion. :-)

Did you get any sleep at all? Just to be able to watch, much less participate in those sessions would keep me floating for days!

In another group I participate in we once had a discussion about attaining a musical "zone" where everything magically converges. When it happens it is rare and wonderful (like the VW commercial last year when everyone falls into a musical groove). Then it's gone and people back on earth wonder why they find you staring into space with a slight foot tap or right hand strum, and a whistful upturn of each corner of your mouth for days afterwards. People have been known to forget to eat and disappear into their practice rooms for days at a time as they master the Diller wrist snap, and percussive head tap. Or they go on oldtime walkabout as they hunt for the "zone" again. Sightings filter back on occasion... "Yes I jammed with Bonnie at Old Songs"....or "Bonnie said to say Hi when I saw her at Winfield: She took first place you know", or "Bonnie and I played all night together at ....".

It is also a well known Medical Fact that once you have experienced the "zone" a person is addicted for life.

Welcome!!!

But beware, there are those around you that will not see this as a good thing! They will not understand the musitical experience that you have had, or the new level of conciousness that you have attained. They may try to convince you that painting the house, or mowing the lawn is more important than learning how to double thumb, or fixing the air conditioner in the car is more important than that new fretless. When desparate they have been known to resort to re-programmers specially trained to subltely sway you back to the world of Superbowl Commercials, and Oscar nominated sound tracks.

Therefore, you must proceed with caution. First, look for the signs of fellow addicts: finger callouses, modal singing in the halls, Brother Where For Art Thou Screen Savers on their computers.... When asked by the un-initiated appear ho-hum. Say "it was a nice time", or "I learned a little". Anything more and they may become suspicous. Second, recognize your addiction and immediately seek help. Remember, it is dangerous to your health to remain alone. There are support groups in little out of the way corners of communities all across North America. Seek them out, and they will welcome you, and help teach you how to "pass" in the outside world invisible to the mass culture police. Look for their signs and code words such as "song circle", "old time jam", or "sessun". Be wary of "open mike's" for some of them have been known to be MCP traps. Join the support group and attend regularly. If emergency support is needed the musical hotline chat "Mudcat.org" is always open.

Can't wait to hear how you have progressed.

JAB

Subject: RE: Little Neo & Dwight Diller banjo lessons
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 01 Mar 01 - 01:54 AM

Way to go Bonnie. You should collect all your banjo postings (including your first) and put 'em in a thread. Might give some encouragement to someone who wants to learn to play an instrument from scratch. (and who's......well, ummm.....over 16!!)

I'm proud of ya Gal. Remember I told you on your second lesson that you'd be making your own CD?

Rick

Subject: RE: Little Neo & Dwight Diller banjo lessons
From: Little Neophyte
Date: 01 Mar 01 - 07:53 AM

Thanks Guys!

JAB, loved your posting. You have me pegged. Guess I am a 'clinical gonner' eh?. I do not talk too much about my experience with Dwight because I figure people will think I am totally off my rocker.

Rick I sure do like your idea about organizing all those questions I had from the beginning of my Mudcat days about learning music and playing my banjo. I would have a blue clicky guide to each thread discussion. That would be a keeper.
I'll work on that.

Mr. Mick I would love for you to work on a song of mine. Okay, I'll send you a few songs and you could pick one that suits your fancy. When I come back down in June we could play the song together in Elderly and the Mudcat Folks could watch us on the Elderly Website video camera.

Speak to you later,
Miss Metronome

Subject: RE: Little Neo & Dwight Diller banjo lessons
From: Jim Krause
Date: 01 Mar 01 - 05:27 PM

Bonnie,
Will you be going to Clifftop? It's great!
Jim

Subject: RE: Little Neo & Dwight Diller banjo lessons
From: Little Neophyte
Date: 01 Mar 01 - 05:55 PM

I think so Jim. I would like to go to one of Dwight's banjo camps and maybe attend Augusta in the Fall but how could I miss Clifftop? I have heard so much about it. So yes, I have a feeling I will be going.
I would love to have your thoughts on Clifftop.

Miss Metronome

Subject: RE: Little Neo & Dwight Diller banjo lessons
From: Rich(bodhránai gan ciall)
Date: 01 Mar 01 - 10:11 PM

Glad to hear you're doing so well and having so much fun at it. If you're passing through Pittsburgh on your way to either Augusta or Clifftop, give me a shout.

Rich

Subject: RE: Little Neo & Dwight Diller banjo lessons
From: GUEST,Pete Peterson at work
Date: 02 Mar 01 - 09:24 AM

Bonnie! PLEASE come to Clifftop! It should not be missed. I've managed to be at every one so far. It is an old-time music, all-camping festival that is the FIRST weekend in August and the days immediately before (this year, I think August 1-5) in Babcock State Park, Clifftop WV. It is the one chance a year I get to see and make music with many friends from lots of places.