Bill Schilling's Workshop Subjects
Updated
Bill often presents workshops at
festivals, but has also found them to be a valuable way of sharing information
with classroom students, conference and seminar participants, church groups,
senior citizen groups, and others. The following subjects and descriptions will help you
decide on the best workshop(s) for your event. Check with Bill for other
specific subjects you would like him to cover.
Autoharp
Autoharp Accompaniment for Hymns
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the participants
to accompaniment playing styles on the autoharp which will allow participants
to quickly and easily accompany a variety of hymns by using simple strumming or
picking techniques on an in tune autoharp. Participants will play different
accompaniment patterns and sing along (if they choose). Feeling the beat and/or
counting will be emphasized along with chord changes.
Keys of D, G, and C. Advanced Beginner
Autoharp Melody Strum
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the
participants to the melody strum method for playing melody and harmony on the
autoharp by strumming up to the melody note (and recognizing it when it is
heard) using fingers, a flat pick, or a thumb pick. Since frequent smooth
changes of the chord bars are essential to melody playing, left hand technique
will be emphasized along with the right hand strum and listening.
Autoharp Pinch/Pluck Melody Playing
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the
participants to the pinch/pluck method of melody playing on the autoharp. Participants
will use fingerpicks and thumbpick (or bare fingers
and thumb) to play the melody while incorporating some backup and /or harmony
in this pleasing and useful style. Emphasis will be placed
on developing right hand accuracy and directionality as well as left hand
technique.
Autoharp Questions
The purpose of this workshop is to let the participants ask
questions they may have about autoharp playing. Subjects may include (but are
not limited to): holding the autoharp; left hand technique; right hand
technique; using bare fingers, fingernails, flatpicks,
thumbpicks, and fingerpicks; tuning; playing
accompaniment; playing lead; chord bar layout; setup and repair; reading and
writing tablature and music; playing by ear; chromatic and diatonic styles; amplification,
and other things participants are interested in. Hopefully,
answers will be provided by the workshop leader and/or the other participants.
The participants and leader will play a variety of things whenever appropriate
in answering the questions. If the questions run out, a variety of songs will
be available for all to play together.
Autoharp Tablature
The purpose of this workshop is to let the participants see
and use different styles of tablature for the autoharp and to learn how they
can create their own tablature using similar techniques to write in their strum
or picking patterns on standard music notation or on lyric sheets.
Autoharp Thumb Lead Melody Playing
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the
participants to the thumb lead method for playing faster tunes on the autoharp.
Participants will practice using an exact striking motion with the thumb and
one or two fingers to produce clean melody lines. Left hand technique for quick
changes of chord bars will be emphasized. Participants
are encouraged to have tight fitting thumb and finger picks for this workshop
since they are generally (but not always) used for this style of playing.
Autoharp Who, What, When, and Where
Vocal Accompaniment
We will use various vocal accompaniment styles for autoharp
(including instrumental breaks) that you can apply to other songs. Who, what,
when, or where occur in “Worried Man Blues,” “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,”
and “When You and I Were Young, Maggie.” Even with all the songs in 4/4 time in
the key of D, we will still find different intermediate autoharp accompaniment
patterns using consistency and variety.
Basic Autoharp
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the
participants to the autoharp, acquainting them with different harps, playing
styles, setups, simple repairs, practice hints, and/or resources. Participants
will hear and use different playing styles.
Beginning Autoharp Accompaniment
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the participants
to accompaniment playing styles on the autoharp which will allow participants
to quickly and easily accompany folk-style singing or lead instruments in a jam
by using simple strumming techniques on an in tune autoharp. Participants will
play different accompaniment patterns and sing along (if they choose). Feeling
the beat and/or counting will be emphasized along with
chord changes.
Beginning Melody Autoharp
The purpose of this workshop is to help participants
understand how to find melodies for playing leads on the autoharp. Participants
will be encouraged and instructed on playing by ear and on playing by finding
the notes from written music as we understand how our
chord bars are related to the notes of the scale.
Beginning Vocal Accompaniment for Autoharp
Combining consistency and variety, we will play several beginning autoharp accompaniment styles while singing
“Clementine” in D, “Jesse James” in D, and “Nine Hundred Miles” in Dm (using
just Dm and A7 chords). You can then apply these styles to other solo songs or
even as backup for singers or instrumentals.
Let’s Play and Sing Songs of the Old West
with the Autoharp
From cowboys gathered around
campfires on cattle drives to the music always being played on the piano in the
bar on B westerns, we’ll play and sing several songs
of the old west with our autoharps using different accompaniment styles as well
as trying some basic instrumental breaks. Everything will be in the key of D
with some E7, Bm, and Em chords included to keep our chording correct and
interesting.
Let’s Sing and Play Celtic Places with
the Autoharp
From “Cockles and Mussels” in Dublin to “Loch Lomond” to the “Skye Boat Song,” we’ll sing with our
autoharps using different accompaniment styles as well as trying some basic
instrumental breaks. Everything will be in the key of D with some E7, Bm, and Em
chords included to keep our chording correct and interesting.
Playing (and Singing) Rounds with
the Autoharp
We will play (and sing for those who choose to) several
rounds from easy and familiar ones to harder and less well
known ones with the autoharp. We will miss some of the beauty of the
rounds since you will only be able to hear your part and my part on Zoom, but
the methods and ideas will apply and work when you play (and
sing) live with more parts. Keys of D and G.
Skipping and Marching to Autoharp
Melody Success
We will play clear melody for “Skip to My Lou” and “When the
Saints Go Marching In.” We will work on playing by ear and by finding the notes
from written music and tablature. As we begin to become comfortable with the
basics, we will try different strumming or picking patterns and different keys.
We will discuss applying all of this to other tunes and songs. Keys of D, G, and C.
Twinkle Like
an Autoharp Melody Star
The purpose of this workshop is to help participants learn
to play clear melody for Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. Participants will be
encouraged and instructed on playing by ear and on playing by finding the notes
from written music and tablature. As participants begin to become comfortable
with basics, we will try other strumming or picking patterns and different
keys, and discuss applying all of this to other tunes. Keys
of D, G, and C.
Bowed Psaltery
Accompaniment with Bowed Psaltery
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the
participants to ways to use the bowed psaltery for accompaniment. Participants
will learn techniques to play bass parts including bass runs, harmonies,
descants, and arpeggios, as well as using two bows to play parts of chords.
Beginning Bowed Psaltery
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the
participants to the bowed psaltery, acquainting them with different psalteries
and bows, holding the psaltery, bowing techniques, simple melody playing, simple backup playing, and playing with two bows.
Participants will hear and use different playing styles.
Beginning Singing Accompaniment with
Bowed Psaltery
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the
participants to ways to use the bowed psaltery for singing accompaniment.
Beyond singing while playing the melody, participants will learn techniques to
play bass parts as drones, one and five notes of chords, and arpeggios. Songs
will include Skip to My Lou and The Crawdad Song. Beginner-Advanced Beginner
Bowed Psaltery Repertoire
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the
participants to various songs and tunes that might work well on the bowed
psaltery (and maybe some that won’t work well).
Participants will play several songs and tunes and may suggest some of their
own.
Crossing to the Other Side of the
Bowed Psaltery
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the
participants to playing in keys other than C on the bowed psaltery, which
requires crossing to the other side of the instrument for the sharps or flats.
Participants will play songs and tunes in at least the keys of G, D, and F.
Echo (Echo) Back (Back) Songs
(Songs) for Bowed Psaltery
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the participants
to some techniques for playing (and singing if desired) an echo part for songs
that lend themselves to that effect. Songs will include Sipping Cider Through a Straw with it’s variant, The Bear in Tennis Shoes,
and The Water Is Wide. Advanced Beginner
Flawless Pentatonic Improvisation
for Bowed Psaltery
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the
participants to methods for improvising on the bowed psaltery. To make it
flawless, we will be using only the “other” side of the psaltery and will be
confined to the keys of F# Major and Eb minor, but if
you can find someone to play and/or sing in those keys, you can be genius. We
will also talk about how to apply these ideas to other keys, but that’s harder than this flawless method. All Levels
Intermediate Singing Accompaniment
with Bowed Psaltery
The purpose of this workshop is for participants to continue
exploring ways to use the bowed psaltery for singing accompaniment. Beyond
singing while playing the melody, participants will work on techniques to play
bass parts as drones, one and five notes of chords with one or two bows, and
arpeggios, and perhaps some bass runs, harmonies, and/or descants for those who
can think of those parts while singing (although the instructor really can’t do
that). Songs will include
Let’s Play (and Sing) Harder Rounds
with the Bowed Psaltery
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the
participants to the melodies of some more complicated rounds. We will learn them together (sing only if you want to), and then
you’ll get a chance to try them as two part rounds. They won’t
sound as good as when all the parts are played together and everybody can hear
all the parts, but nobody else will notice if you have some trouble keeping
your part going. Songs will include Oh, How Lovely Is the Evening, Dona Nobis Pacem, and my original
Light Round. Intermediate
Let’s Play (and Sing) Minor Rounds
with the Bowed Psaltery
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the
participants to the melodies of several simple minor rounds. We will learn them together (sing only if you want to), and then
you’ll get a chance to try them as two part rounds. They won’t
sound as good as when all the parts are played together and everybody can hear
all the parts, but nobody else will notice if you have some trouble keeping
your part going. Songs will include Love (Round) with variants of
Singing Accompaniment with Two Bows
for Bowed Psaltery
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the
participants to ways to use two bows with the bowed psaltery for singing
accompaniment. Participants will learn techniques to play a bass part as a
drone with the melody, one and five notes of chords, and arpeggios with two
bows. Songs will include Aunt Rhodie and Boil Them
Cabbage Down. Advanced Beginner
Variations on All Through
the Night for Bowed Psaltery
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the
participants to ways to use the bowed psaltery to add variations to the basic
melody of a song, especially to make things more interesting than always
holding out half notes and longer notes. We will use the gentle lullaby melody
of All Through the Night from which to create the variations for participants
to add to the written music. Advanced Beginner-Intermediate
Bowed Psaltery
Christmas Workshops from Bill Schilling
Singing Accompaniment with Bowed
Psaltery – Part One
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the
participants to ways to use the bowed psaltery for singing accompaniment.
Beyond singing while playing the melody, participants will learn techniques to
play bass parts as drones, one and five notes of
chords with one or two bows, and arpeggios. Songs will include Silent Night and
Go Tell It on the Mountain.
Singing Accompaniment with Bowed
Psaltery – Part Two
The purpose of this workshop is for participants to continue
exploring ways to use the bowed psaltery for singing accompaniment. Beyond
singing while playing the melody, participants will work on techniques to play
bass parts as drones, one and five notes of chords with one or two bows, and
arpeggios, and perhaps some bass runs, harmonies, and/or descants for those who
can think of those parts while singing (although the instructor really can’t do
that). Songs will include Jingle Bells and Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus.
Variations on In the Bleak Midwinter
for Bowed Psaltery
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the
participants to ways to use the bowed psaltery to add variations to the basic
melody of a song, especially to make things more interesting than always
holding out half notes and longer notes. We will use the Gustav Holst melody of In the Bleak Midwinter from which to create
the variations for participants to add to the written music.
Unknown Christmas Repertoire – One
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the
participants to two unknown Christmas songs with music by Bill Schilling and
lyrics by Mac Kelly. This workshop will include God’s Hand Moved from 2000 and Perhaps from 2003 using bowed psaltery for playing the
melody.
Unknown Christmas Repertoire – Two
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the
participants to two unknown Christmas songs with music by Bill Schilling and
lyrics by Mac Kelly. This workshop will include Is
This the Child from 2001 and A King in
Unknown Christmas Repertoire – Three
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the
participants to two unknown Christmas songs with music by Bill Schilling and
lyrics by Mac Kelly and Bill Schilling. This workshop will include Joseph’s
Song from 2002 and Sleepless Dreams from 2005 using bowed psaltery for playing
the melody. These two come from a different approach than many other Christmas
songs.
Unknown Christmas Repertoire – Four
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the participants
to two unknown Christmas songs with music by Bill Schilling and lyrics by Mac
Kelly and Bill Schilling. This workshop will include Through the Darkness from
1999 and Crescent Moon and Shining Star from 2004 using bowed psaltery for
playing the melody. Although they end with major chords and feelings, these two
bring in more minor chords and feelings than many other Christmas songs.
Lesser Known Christmas Repertoire
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the
participants to some lesser known Christmas for their repertoire. Depending on
the desires of the participants, songs may include one of Bill’s Christmas
medleys or The Cherry Tree Carol; Mary Had a Baby; Hush, My Babe, Lie Still and
Slumber; or possibly even When Christ Was of a Virgin Born using bowed psaltery
for playing the melody.
Guitar
Basic Guitar Fingerpicking
Styles Workshop
The purpose of this workshop is to
introduce the participants to various pattern styles of guitar fingerpicking that can be used with different time signatures
for accompaniment and later modified (if desired) for more complex finger-style
guitar playing. Participants should feel comfortable forming and changing
several chords with their left hands. No previous fingerpicking
experience is needed, and those who have only used a flatpick for the right hand are welcome.
Basic Guitar Styles for Vocal
Accompaniment
The purpose of this workshop is to allow participants to
understand more about basic guitar styles for accompanying folk-style vocals.
Workshop participants will hear several guitar accompaniment styles and
combinations and get a chance to try adding their own guitars to the
accompaniment. The workshop is appropriate for most advanced beginner to
intermediate guitar players. Variations can be included for other folk
instruments attending.
Basic Twelve Bar Blues Accompaniment
Workshop
Participants in this workshop will learn to recognize and
play some standard blues accompaniment patterns including the typical 1 uh 2 uh 3
uh 4 uh beat and the typical
chord progressions for the most common 12 bar blues including a few example
songs.
Beginning Guitar Chords & Strums
The purpose of this workshop is to
introduce the participants to the left hand chord positions for a few basic
guitar chords (possibly in key of D, key of G, or key of C depending on student
needs) while maintaining rhythmic strumming in different ways with the right
hand in order to play basic accompaniment for many traditional folk songs and
tunes.
Beginning Melody Chord Style Guitar
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the
participants to ways to play simple melody chord style guitar
adapting the melody chord numbering system used for autoharps. Players will be
able to hear more melody in their playing (while still chording) by learning to
use more chord changes than are used for standard accompaniment chords. Singing
while playing may also be incorporated. Advanced
Beginner
Modified Travis Style Picking Guitar
Workshop
The purpose of this workshop is to
introduce the participants to a modified version of Travis style picking.
Participants will concentrate on establishing a pattern style of guitar picking
that can be used for accompaniment and later modified (if desired) for more
complex finger-style guitar playing. Participants should feel comfortable
forming and changing several chords with their left hands. No previous fingerpicking experience is needed,
and those who have only used a flatpick for the right
hand are welcome.
Hammered Dulcimer
Beginning Hammered Dulcimer
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce beginners to
the hammered dulcimer, concentrating on tuning tips, playing positions, hammers
& hammering, rhythm tips, practice hints, playing styles, playing
occasions, and playing melodies and/or chords.
Moving Basic Melodies on HD
The purpose of this workshop is to acquaint the participants
with one simple technique for adding variety while playing melody lines on
hammered dulcimer. Participants will try using basic patterns to move the
melody higher and/or lower depending on the ranges of their instruments and the
keys involved.
Playing HD During
a Group Sing
The purpose of this workshop is to acquaint the participants
with some options they have for playing hammered dulcimer while they are part
of a group sing. Naturally, playing melody is an option, but there are other
options as well. Participants will be encouraged to listen for and experiment
with some of the options such as chords, arpeggios, trills, decorations,
harmonies, simple bass parts, and bass runs while playing some simple and
familiar tunes.
Simple Chord Accompaniment for HD
The purpose of this workshop is to acquaint the participants
with some options they have for playing hammered dulcimer while they are part
of a jamming group and they don’t know or want to play
the melodies. Participants will be encouraged to listen for and experiment with
some of the options like playing single bass notes, 1-5 notes, full chords
(including using the valley), arpeggiated chords, and
chords in various positions on the dulcimer or inversions within a 4-5 string
range. HD – All
Mountain Dulcimer
Advanced
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the learners to
DAA chording. Players will learn how to read dulcimer chord charts and
tablature, will play chords for accompanying lead instruments or vocals, and
will use chords along with melodies for a fuller sound than just drones
provide.
Advanced
The purpose of this workshop is to strengthen the learners
in DAA tuning and playing. Tuning questions will be addressed.
More complex songs will be played using basic
strumming and picking patterns with emphasis on playing the melody, using the
drones, and keeping the rhythm.
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the learners to
DAA tuning and playing. Several tuning methods will be
presented and used. Songs will be played using
different strumming and picking patterns. Emphasis will be
placed on playing the melody, using the drones, and keeping the rhythm.
From DAA to DAD for MD
The purpose of this workshop is to allow players who are
used to playing melody and drone accompaniment in DAA or other tunings to
understand how to read and follow standard DAD tablature working on some simple
tricks for recognizing and using typical fingering patterns.
Minor Mode Melody and Drone for MD
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the
participants to the plaintive sound of the Aeolian and/or Dorian modes on the
mountain dulcimer. Participants will be given
assistance in retuning to DAC and/or DAG (and back at the end of the workshop
if desired), will get to recognize and try some minor scales, and play some
common minor tunes with traditional drone accompaniment. Many think that this
simple woeful sound is one that should be in every player’s repertoire.
Playing Parts for MD
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the learners to
playing parts of a song with other players. Workshop participants will
concentrate on listening and working with others as they try different parts of
several songs. Since some players can simply play the melody or chords, the
workshop can be appropriate for most dulcimer players. Various tunings may be used with DAA as a beginning point.
Rounds as Parts for MD
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the learners to
playing in parts through the use of rounds. Workshop
participants will concentrate on listening and working with others as they play
rounds in DAA and other tunings. The workshop is appropriate for beginners, but
can also be geared for intermediate players.
Some Capo Thoughts for Mountain
Dulcimers
The purpose of this workshop is to give an overview of the
use of a capo for the mountain dulcimer including the advantages,
disadvantages, and limitations of a capo on a basically
diatonic instrument with example songs for different capo positions and
different ways to think about using the capo.
Through the MD Modes
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the learners to
modes beyond DAA Ionian. Tuning methods will develop as modes are changed to DAD Mixolydian, DAC
Aeolian, DAG Dorian, DAF Phrygian, and DAE Lydian. Appropriate songs will be played in some of the modes.
The purpose of this workshop is to allow players to
understand how the things they are doing on the mountain dulcimer relate to
music on the printed page with emphasis on understanding the whole and half
steps in some modal scales and understanding how transposing and changing keys
work. There is more discussion than playing in this intermediate level
workshop.
Ukulele
Very Beginning Ukulele Chording and
Strumming
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the
participants to ways to play simple accompaniment in the key of C on the
ukulele. Players will learn how to read ukulele chord charts, will learn some
basics of strumming, and will play chords for accompanying lead instruments or
vocals using songs that are simple to play. Participants will work on singing
while they are playing.
Advanced Beginning Ukulele Chording
and Strumming
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the
participants to ways to play simple accompaniment in the keys other than C
(probably G, F, and D) on the ukulele. Players will learn how to read ukulele
chord charts, will learn some basics of strumming, and will play chords for
accompanying lead instruments or vocals using songs that are simple to play,
but use increased numbers of chords or chord changes. Participants will work on
singing while they are playing.
Beginning Melody Chord Style Ukulele
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the
participants to ways to play simple melody chord style
ukulele adapting the melody chord numbering system used for autoharps.
Players will be able to hear more melody in their playing (while still
chording) by learning to use more chord changes than are used for standard
accompaniment chords. Singing while playing may also be
incorporated. Advanced Beginner
Playing Melody Chord Style Ukulele
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the
participants to ways to play melody chord style ukulele for
some of the classic songs that people are playing on the ukulele these days.
Players will use chord charts that show increasing numbers of quick changes for
the left hand combined with more precise right hand strumming or fingerpicking to play melodies along with some chords
to back up the melodies. Singing while playing may also
be incorporated.
Ukulele Jam
Ukuleles are the little big
thing these days, and playing and singing with them in a group can be great
fun! We will have sopranos to baritones (and maybe bass) with standards, banjo ukes, taropatches, and more
(including several loaners for those who have never played before or who don't have their ukes with them).
We will start with instruction on a few chords and strumming as needed. Then we
will go from simple to more complicated songs that everybody can play (or try
to play) and sing including simple songs, folk songs, and ukulele standards
projected from a computer so that all can see words and chords to play and sing
along. Other instruments are welcome as long as the emphasis stays on the ukes. We will start in the key of C and may go to G, F, D,
or others. Others may help Bill Schilling lead this one.
Other Instruments and Other Subjects
Basic Rhythm Accompaniment for
Folk-Style Music
The purpose of this workshop is to
introduce the participants to accompaniment possibilities with rhythm
instruments for folk-style music. Emphasis will be placed
on listening to and feeling what is appropriate for the song while acquainting
participants with some ways to use various rhythmic and playing techniques to
provide variety as they play various instruments along with some familiar
songs. Information on jam etiquette will also be provided.
Campfire Songs, Skits, and Stories
Participants will hear, learn, and take part in a variety of
campfire songs, skits, & stories. There will be old favorites, new
directions, and ideas on planning, presentation, and programming. Participants
will be encouraged to present their favorites for group enjoyment and/or for
critiques. This should be a lively workshop. Come set to participate!
Children's Songs
Keeping children entertained these days can be a very
serious business. This workshop can be presented
simply as a concert for children, their families, and others giving folks a
chance to observe one style of working with children; or it can be presented as
a session for adults who want to start or to improve their skills in working
with young people. Come prepared to participate on sing-alongs
and rhythms since most of the fun of the workshop comes from the participants.
Early Acoustic Songs of Bob Dylan
The purpose of this workshop is to share some of the early
acoustic songs written by Bob Dylan (who won the 2016 Nobel Prize for
Literature). Many of Dylan’s songs have made their way into the common folk
repertoire and have been covered by others in many
genres over the years. Come prepared to sing and play along on old favorites
and less familiar early Dylan songs (handouts provided), or choose to lead one
of your favorites of Dylan’s from any time period with
the group.
Folk Revival Songs
The 1950s and 1960s brought a resurgence in folk and
traditional music with collectors finding old recordings, old books, and (maybe
more importantly) going out to find and bring to the attention of others
musicians who had learned the music through the oral (or aural) tradition
rather than from the media. A young generation started performing and writing
in those styles and many say that the music affected the conscience of that
generation. Participants will sing and hear some songs that came back or
started during the folk revival, will share reminiscences, and will discuss the
times and process.
Folk-Style Songs & Instruments
Workshop participants will sing choruses of and/or play
rhythm or homemade instruments with various folk-style songs. They will be
encouraged to discuss and ask questions about how the folk song process
connects broadsides, ballads, traditional songs, old-time songs, and folk songs
to religious, seasonal, satiric, blues, country, hillbilly, western, cowboy, political,
topical, protest, and contemporary singer/songwriter songs. They will learn
about the history, setup, playing techniques, similarities, differences, and
scientific sound principles of various folk and homemade instruments.
Hymn/Gospel/Spiritual Sing
People get involved on a Sunday morning (or other time) at a
festival – or any time as a special event at a church, club, or community
function – by singing songs that people have grown up with in church and heard
or sung at other events. Participants are encouraged to choose songs and to
sing along using specially prepared song sheets. Chord sheets allow others to
help make the music with folk instruments (and possibly a piano or organ if the
situation is right).
Humorous Songs
The purpose of this workshop is to enjoy a few of the songs
that some people think are funny. There will be chances for participants to
sing several choruses, to suggest or perform songs for/with the other participants, and to rate and to discuss how well the humor
in the songs works.
Jugs, Tubs, Kazoos, Whistles,
Washboards, Shakes and More
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the
participants to a variety of backup and rhythm instruments, acquainting them
with playing styles and giving them an opportunity to play various instruments
along with some familiar songs. Information on finding or constructing the
instruments and on jam etiquette will also be provided.
Multimedia Programs
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce participants to
some of the ways to put together multimedia presentations. Emphasis will be placed on the slide shows combined with folk-style
music that are used in Schilling's Slides, Songs, & Stories presentations.
Topics will include: planning the overall
presentation, developing the visual presentation, creating the audio portion,
adding dance or movement, combining prepared and live media, involving the
audience, and evaluating the overall presentation.
Pete Seeger
Song Leading Singalong
Participants will join in leading, singing, and listening to
songs to celebrate the life of Pete Seeger who passed
away on
Playing Parts in Folk-Style Music
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the learners to
playing parts of a song with other players. Workshop participants will concentrate
on listening and working with others as they try different parts of several
songs. Since some players can simply play the melody or chords, the workshop
can be appropriate for most instruments. Songs planned are in the keys of D and
Em.
The purpose of this workshop is to help participants work
with standard written music so that they can better use the established
language to learn songs and tunes or to put their own songs and tunes into the
established language. Correct terminology for note names, note values, and
parts of the staff will be mentioned, but the
emphasis will be on how to go from sheet music to hearing and playing or
singing the music and vice-versa. The workshop is at a beginner to advanced
beginner level.
The purpose of this workshop is to have participants work
with tablature for a given instrument so that they can better use the written
page to play music or can have a way to write down the things they are playing
to share with others. Since tablature varies from instrument to instrument,
this workshop will usually need to be for specific instruments rather than for
tablature in general. The workshop is at a beginner to advanced beginner level.
Shaker Songs
The purpose of this workshop is to have participants sing
and hear some Shaker music while introducing them to some of the history of
that music, some Shaker beliefs, Shaker communities, and Shaker letteral notation.
Singer/Songfinders
Some singers find more great songs than they write.
Participants will hear (and may share) songs from various sources and find out
about some of the resources they may use to find similar songs.
Singing and/or Playing Rounds
The purpose of this workshop is to sing and/or play songs as
rounds. Participants will work on simple and/or familiar rounds sung and/or
played ensemble and then in increasing number of parts. As time allows, more
rounds with more words and/or more complex melodies
will be attempted. Participants will be encouraged to lead and/or teach their
choices of rounds with the other participants.
Songs & Stories of
The purpose of this workshop is to share some of the songs
and stories written by, sung regularly by, or told by Utah Phillips (who passed
away in 2008) including subjects like trains, hobos, unions, cowboys, and love.
Bill can present this one alone, but prefers to present it along with Linda Sigismondi and/or Rich & Kathy Small when possible.
There will also be some personal reminiscences since Bill saw Phillips in
performances from coast to coast over many years.
Songs from Canal Days
Many songs have been written
describing life on the
Songs from the
The purpose of this workshop is to acquaint the participant
with some of the variety of the songs and instruments that have roots in the
Songs of Land and Water
The natural world has been the inspiration for many artistic
creations. This workshop will explore several songs influenced by various
features of land or water in many different places. Participants will be
encouraged to become a part of the workshop by singing or playing along on some
of the songs, leading or choosing some of the songs, or sharing thoughts or
memories inspired by some of the songs.
Songs of Leonard Cohen
The purpose of this workshop is to share some of the songs
written by Leonard Cohen (who passed away in 2016). Many of Cohen’s songs have
made their way into the common folk repertoire and have been
covered by others in many genres over the years. Come prepared to sing
and play along on old favorites and less familiar Cohen songs (handouts
provided), or choose to lead one of your Cohen favorites.
Songs of Love
It would probably be safe to guess that more songs have been written about love and lost love than any other
subject. Bring some of your favorites about either subject, and we'll see if we can share some laughter (and maybe some
tears) as we join in songs from many times and places all celebrating (or
bemoaning) love. We'll try to make sure to end with a
positive feeling, no matter how many tribulations we go through.
Songs of Peace
Songs that celebrate peace, that bring peace within us, or
that make us aware of the horrors of war can all be among the most powerful of
our songs. Participants will get a chance to be a part of the peace process as
we share some songs of each type and find out the effects they have on the
participants.
Songs of Tom Paxton
The purpose of this workshop is to share some of the songs
written by Tom Paxton (who stopped full-time touring during 2015). Paxton’s songs have been covered by many others over the
years. Come prepared to sing and play along on old favorites and less familiar
Paxton songs (handouts provided), or choose to lead one with the group.
Songs with Good Choruses
A shared group of voices is something really
special. We'll try some rounds, some harmonies,
some simple words to remember, some old favorites, and some challenges to the
memories. We'll use instruments and we'll sing a
cappella. Participants may suggest or lead songs during the workshop, but
everyone should come prepared to join in the singing!
Traditional Songs
Songs in the public domain that we don't
know an author for come from all over the world and from many times.
Participants in this workshop will get a chance to play, sing, or listen to
songs from many traditions and will have the opportunity to suggest or perform
songs for/with the other participants. Stay alert! See if you can discover when
a composed (or even a copyrighted) song sneaks its way in masquerading as a
traditional song. There may even be a contest to see who can identify the
traditions and can find the ringers.
Using Recorder/Whistle/Flute in
Folk-Style Music
Participants will learn some ways to use wind instruments in
folk-style music with examples of using melody, harmony, pentatonics,
embellishments, and bass lines considered. Working primarily in the key of D
with most instruction focusing on recorder, but applicable for those who play
other instruments, similarities and differences in the instruments and playing
styles will be considered. Please bring your wind instruments along.
Variations on All Through the Night for Melody Instruments
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the
participants to ways to use your favorite melody instruments to add variations
to the basic melody of a song, especially to make things more interesting than
always holding out half notes and longer notes. We will use the gentle lullaby
melody of All Through the Night from which to create the variations for
participants to add to the written music. Advanced Beginner-Intermediate
Vocal Accompaniment for Chord
Folk-Style Instruments
The purpose of this workshop is to allow participants to
understand more about beginning instrumental styles for accompanying vocals (or
melody instruments) playing chords on any folk instrument that can play chords
(guitar, ukulele, autoharp, banjo, mandolin, dulcimer, etc.). Workshop
participants will hear accompaniment styles on several instruments and get a
chance to try adding their own instruments to the accompaniment. The workshop
is appropriate for most folk instruments. Advanced Beginner-Intermediate
Vocal Styles
Sometimes a song demands a certain style of singing due to
subject matter, area of origination, or a singer's interpretation. Participants
will hear (and may share) songs in different voices and explanations of why
they seem appropriate.
Woody Guthrie Celebration Singalong
Participants will join in singing songs to celebrate the
life of Woody Guthrie (born
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