Volksmusikanten Study Groups at 21. Gaufest in Hershey

Submitted 29 Apr 2007 In response to a Gaumusikanten Survey conducted in 2006 Volksmusikanten Study Groups have been scheduled as part of the 21. Gaufest in Hershey, PA. This is something new and if it is successful we will continue it and expand on it at future Gaufeste.

Button Box Study Group Saturday, June 23, from 1:00 - 2:30 pm in Cocoa Suite #6. Directed by Joe Smiell with assistance from Peggy Mueller and Sally Ann Smiell. The study group will have three sessions: a.) for beginners, a demonstration, history, basics, solo-duo approach; b) intermediate: approach to learning melodies; and c) dynamic; to pull together an ensemble of button boxes. Sheet music will be available. Please bring a music stand if you have one.

Volkssänger Study Group Saturday, June 23, 3:00 - 4:00 pm in Cocoa Suite #6. Directed by Sally Ann Smiell and Idi Brown. There will be two sessions: a) overview: styles (e.g., Alpenlieder, Balladen, Yodeller), two-part and three-part harmony, demonstration; and b) learning a song, learning to yodel, language. Stringed instuments are welcome, including guitars, hackbretts, zithers, as accompaniment. Sheet music will be available. All levels and abilities are encouraged to attend.

Recorder/Okarina Study Group Sunday, June 24, 1:00 - 2:00 pm in Cocoa Suite #6. Directed by Rick Michels, Gaumusikwart, and Andrea Edelhauser. The study group will have two sessions: a) for all recorders -- Rick will teach a new song and demonstrate technique; b) Andrea will teach history and how to play. Sheet music will be available.

All Study groups will be held in Cocoa Suite #6, Hershey Lodge. The suite is available to us for the whole weekend. Volksmusikanten are welcome to use it.

For planning purposes please confirm by email or telephone which Study Group(s) you wish to participate in. RSVP to Erech Morrison, Gau Volksmusikanten Committee, (613) 825-4908 or (613) 954-3445, email erech@rogers.com