Vinland Music Camp 2024
Workshop Descriptions
Accordion 1 (Jim Payne)
This class will start with getting to know your accordion. As we focus mainly on the melody (right hand) side, you’ll learn to play a couple of tunes from charts that will be supplied. We’ll find out how the diatonic nature of the instrument is an ideal fit for playing our traditional tunes. We’ll also learn the difference between single and double jigs and reels, as well as the techniques for playing them. Note: You will need to have an accordion that plays in the key of D in order to take this class.
Accordion 2 (Jim Payne)
This class will start with learning to strengthen your rhythm within tunes through use of the bass side, finger work on the right hand, use of the diatonic keyboard that gives you two notes from each button on the melody side, and bellows action. We’ll also work on using the accordion as accompaniment, both in playing for our traditional dances and also for accompanying songs. Note: You will need to have an accordion that plays in the key of D in order to take this class.
Fiddle Techniques 1 (Christina Smith)
Come learn or review the basic skills that will help you be a better player – how to hold the instrument comfortably, how to make a good sound, how to get your fingers to play in tune. We’ll learn a couple of easy tunes to try your new skills out on!
Fiddle Techniques 2 (Christina Smith)
Improve your skills on the fiddle! This class is about developing some comfort with things like playing faster, using your pinky, string crossing, playing double stops and drones, freeing up your bow arm and left hand, and sounding authentic (playing “stylistically”). Maybe we’ll even get to improving our shifting or vibrato! At the beginning of the session, we’ll make a list of technical things participants would like to learn or improve upon, and let that be our guide for the week. Along the way we’ll learn a couple of fun tunes to show off our new and improved abilities!
Guitar 1 (Madison Mouland)
An introduction to guitar accompaniment focusing on basic chords, strumming techniques and easy songs.
Guitar 2 (Eric West)
This class is for those who have been playing guitar for a while and have mastered the basics. We'll cover advanced strumming, fingerstyle technique and melody playing.
Harmonica For Beginners (Gary Green)
An introduction to playing traditional music on the diatonic harmonica. We will discuss instrument care, instrument layout, playing single notes and chords, harmonica tablature, and learn a few familiar tunes. Note: You will need a ten-hole diatonic harmonica in the key of C to take this course. If you don’t already own a harmonica and you are planning to buy one for camp, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Mandolin/Tenor Banjo 1 (Dave Panting)
This is a class is for anyone with an interest in starting to play these instruments. The course will include exploring the fingerboard, basic chords and learning to pick at least two tunes.
Mandolin/Tenor Banjo 2 (Dave Panting)
In this class we will learn more complicated pieces as well as accompaniment strumming techniques. Advanced chord structure and melody/chord playing will also be covered.
Mandolin /Tenor Banjo 3 (Dave Panting)
A class for advanced players who have mastered the basics.
Newfoundland Tunes (Christina Smith)
Open to intermediate and advanced players on melody instruments, in this class we will be learning tunes from the repertoires of notable Newfoundland musicians including Mrs. Belle Fennelly, Emile Benoit, Rufus Guinchard, Jack Fitzpatrick, John Brown and more. Tunes will be in keys that can be accommodated on the fiddle, mandolin, D whistle, and D accordion.
Recitation (Gary Green)
Recitation has been a loved form of storytelling throughout the province for generations and has seen somewhat of a resurgence in recent years. Stories, real or imagined, told in rhyme, often times funny, are usually hits with an audience. This workshop will introduce participants to the basics of rhyming and story construction through a series of hands-on exercises leading to participants creating their own recitation for performance. No previous experience in storytelling or recitation is required.
Set Dance 1 and 2 (Jane Dennison)
In these dance classes we focus on a style of group folk dance from Newfoundland and Labrador known as set (or square) dancing. In both classes all moves are taught and no prior experience with any style of dance is necessary. We’ll look in detail at the movements so that you’ll finish the week feeling like you know one or more of these beautiful dances quite well. The difference between Dance 1 and Dance 2 is that we might do slightly more complicated dances in Dance 2. Take whichever one fits into your schedule. If you love dancing, take them both and join us for the evening dances!
Songs of Newfoundland and Labrador (Jean Hewson)
In addition to learning a variety of folksongs, participants will be introduced to the basics of traditional singing, harmony singing, and storytelling through song. The workshops will also include some discussion on the history and social context of traditional songs. This session is for singers of all ages and levels.
Songwriting (a & b) (Hugh Scott)
In this class you will learn song construction, techniques in finding subject matter, and how to write the right melody to fit your lyrics. We also discuss arranging songs and how to get your songs played publicly. And, of course, you will write a song.
Stepdancing (Jim Payne) New!
This class will start with learning a basic 4/4 dance rhythm for step-dancing to reels which traditionally have been the most commonly used tunes for step-dancing. We’ll then work on learning more complex steps to that rhythm, as well as speeding up and improvising steps. As the week progresses we’ll also learn steps for single and double jigs, which are used mainly in group dances such as square sets and cotillions. We’ll also examine how these dance steps differ from those used for reels. Other topics covered include keeping time with your feet while playing music and duo step-dancing. f you want a head start on this class, check out this Introduction to Stepdancing video which Jim did for the NL Folk Festival a couple of years ago while sidelined by Covid.
Storytelling (Gary Green)
A hands-on introduction to the art of Newfoundland and Labrador storytelling – including tall tales, ghost stories and the famous ‘Jack’ tales. Through a series of exercises, participants will learn the basics of how to select, learn and perform stories. Among the topics explored will be story types, voice, gesture, audience interaction and story adaptation.
Tin Whistle 1 (a & b) (Gerry Strong)
This is a class for anyone starting to play the instrument. The course explores the fingerings of the G and D scales. You’ll learn to hold the tin whistle correctly, and how to make a good sound. You’ll also learn to play an easy tune or two. Note: You will need to have a ’D’ tin whistle in order to take this class.
Tin Whistle 2 (Gerry Strong)
For those students who already have some experience on the tin whistle, this class will concentrate on building your repertoire and improving technique. We'll be aiming to learn two new tunes and look at some ways to "dress up" tunes with various ornaments. Note: You will need to have a ’D’ tin whistle in order to take this class.
Ukulele 1 (Eric West)
An introduction to playing ukulele, focusing on basic chords, strumming techniques and easy songs.
Ukulele 2 (Eric West)
For those who have been playing ukulele for a while, this workshop will explore more advanced chord accompaniments and instrumental playing techniques. Low ‘g’ tuning is recommended for this workshop.
Vinland Camp Choir (Jean Hewson and Maddy Mouland)
The Vinland Camp Choir is open to all campers and will be directed by Jean Hewson with assistance from Maddy Mouland. Participants will learn songs arranged for three parts: melody, high harmony and low harmony. All you need is the ability to listen and the desire to heave it out of you – and no one named Sister Rose will tell you to mime the words!
Vinland Folk Orchestra (Christina Smith and Jean Hewson)
This class is open to intermediate and advanced players on any instrument – as long as you can play it in the key of D! We will learn a couple of easy tunes and explore harmony, bass lines, counterpoints and descants. We’ll have a couple of dandy arrangements by the end of the week!
Wooden (Irish) Flute (Gerry Strong)
Private lessons for any level can be arranged on this instrument at no extra cost.
Note:
Workshops that are designated as ‘a’ and ‘b’ (e.g. Tin Whistle 1(a) and Tin Whistle 1(b) – are at the same level. They are repeated in different time slots so that there will be fewer scheduling conflicts.
