The banjo has a bad reputation, often thought of by the misinformed as a giddy, mindless, shallow, tambourine-on-a-stick.
Wrong. Very very wrong.
This quintessential American instrument has an unbelievably rich and tempestuous history, and is capable of tremendous sonic subtlety and emotional nuance.
C4A is very proud to be offering a weekly banjo class including instruction in 5-string clawhammer-style banjo, at all skill levels, for students aged 12 through adult.
Our curriculum covers basic "frailing" technique, old-time dance tune repertoire, instruction on playing with fiddlers, and more advanced techniques, including drop-thumbing, 5th string fretting, melodic style, and improvising variations. All students are strongly encouraged to bring a recording device to class!
Tom Faux will teach classes following this schedule:
Continuing repertoire and technique: Wednesdays, 6:30 to 7:30 pm
The classes are offered in six-week packages for as long as people want to sign up! The fee for each six-week session of classes is $90.
Start dates for upcoming session are: January 6, 2010. February 24, 2010
Beginning repertoire and technique: If you'd like to start playing banjo or don't have very much experience, then you should take some lessons. Once you're up to speed you can join the group class too! Contact Tom (see below) if you're interested in starting.
To register for the class, or for more information, please email Tom or phone 384-2946.