Good friends of mine are putting on what sounds like a sweet little traditional music camp in southern Vermont at the beginning of July. I can't make it, unfortunately, but I know there will be 'Catters interested, so here's a blurb.

Northern Roots Weekend
                July 8 -10, 2011
      at Green Mountain Camp, Dummerston, VT
                  w i t h
   
       Keith Murphy (guitar, mandolin)
          Becky Tracy (fiddle)
                Jean Duval (flute)
                     Jeff Warner (singing)

The second annual Northern Roots Weekend is quickly approaching. This is a wonderful weekend of traditional music with great instructors, including an expanded roster of singing classes.
We are excited to have Jean Duval bring his deep knowledge of French Canadian music, especially his repertoire of crooked tunes and his technical expertise on flute and whistle. And Jeff Warner, with his bottomless repertoire of great songs will be a wonderful addition to the singing side of camp this year. Singers will enjoy a full weekend of good song.


The Northern Roots Weekend features a series of intensive teaching workshops in traditional music with highly experienced and engaging instructors. Some classes will focus on technique specific to fiddle, flute, whistle, mandolin and guitar, but all instruments are welcome. There will also be many singing sessions. Some experience in traditional music required and a recording device is recommended.

In addition to other classes focusing on instrument technique or specific repertoire, there will be three 'ensemble' classes, each of which will meet three times - Dance Band Ensemble, French Canadian Ensemble and a Songs with Accompaniment group. These sessions are an opportunity to focus a little more in depth on a particular medley or song, perhaps working on an arrangement or some deeper issues of style. The groups will perform for each other on Sunday. It's not a high performance situation, just a chance to share what we've been working on.

The dance band workshop will review the basics of playing for contra dancing but will also be an opportunity to form mini ensembles and experiment with arranging. Jean will lead the French Canadian Ensemble and Jeff's singing group will encourage instrumentalists to come and work with them on song accompaniment.


In the evening, we will have something like an old style house party in a sweet little hall at the camp with some informal dancing of various styles and an open stage for campers to provide the music. There will be some singing and great food.

The Northern Roots Weekend will also be a wonderful chance to enjoy informal jam sessions and pub style singing in a lovely country setting (with swimming) in Dummerston, Vermont at Green Mountain Camp, located just 10minutes from downtown Brattleboro.

Camp begins Friday at 5pm through Sunday at 1pm with wonderful meals provided beginning with Friday supper through Sunday brunch. Rustic cabin accommodation is available and also good camping.


The website is here


Jerry