|
|
 Ensembles
are an integral part of the CCMC experience. Students will spend almost
four hours of the weekend in ensemble rehearsals, followed by a
performance on the Grange Hall stage early Sunday afternoon.
Students
may wait until the camp to choose an ensemble, or they may choose in
advance. Some ensembles will rely on students' advance preparation,
while others will not. Both reading and non-reading approaches will be
used. For students who do not read standard notation or tablature,
"by-ear-only" ensembles are offered -- although these ensembles may
also appeal to readers.
Students who
are interested in advance preparation of written music should
email the instructor. Ensembles directed toward these students
will be of varying levels. All of the written arrangements will
contain easy parts as well as more difficult parts -- so don't
hesitate to choose the ensemble that interests you most! Once
you've chosen an ensemble you'll receive more music, in standard
notation and/or tablature (if you've chosen a reading ensemble!).
|
|
Ensembles CCMC 2011
|
|
|
Italian Ensemble
Leader: Carlo Aonzo
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
|
In Italy, the
worlds of classical mandolin and folk mandolin are close together, and
often entwined. This ensemble will explore both concert and folk music
traditions of the Italian mandolin.
Carlo Aonzo,
unsurpassed virtuoso of the Italian mandolin, will direct this group.
Come work with Carlo as we explore music from the various traditions of
Italian mandolin. Written parts will be made available in standard notation and tablature well in advance.
|
|
|
|
Old Time Bluegrass Band
Leader: Seth Austen
Level: Beginning to Advanced
|
Seth Austen will lead the bluegrass band this year.
We'll work on melody, harmony parts, improvisation, and ensemble
playing skills. All tunes will be taught by ear, so no notation will be
available in advance.
Guitar, banjo, fiddle and bass players are welcome in this ensemble (and some others, just ask).
|
|
By-Ear Ensemble for Beginners
Leader: Beverly Woods
|
These ensembles
will learn to play tunes and songs in various styles by ear,
with each participant taking an active role in creating their
own parts, as is typically done in performing acoustic bands.
There will be plenty of guidance and coaching from the instructor
on how to come up with your own parts, improvisation, creating
solo breaks, fills, harmonies, bass lines and chordal accompaniments;
how to listen and respond to what everyone else is playing, and
how to blend in effectively as a band. Repertoire may include
Appalachian, Celtic, bluegrass, blues, klezmer, Scandinavian,
Balkan, etc., depending on interest of the participants. Previous
experience or expertise in playing by ear isn't required to take
part in these ensembles, just a willingness to try.
|
|
Western Swing Ensemble
Leader: August Watters
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
|
Berklee faculty mandolinist August Watters returns with the ever-popular Wetsern Swing Ensemble!
Participants will work on group dynamics, blend, and accompaniment
skills. Harmony arrangements too.
Written parts will be made available in standard notation and tablature well in advance.
|
|
|
A Note about Guitar
(and other instruments):
There
is some room in most of these ensembles for guitarists. Other
instruments such as fiddle, banjo, dulcimer, autoharp, pennywhistle and
bass are also welcome in some ensembles. Not all the workshops are
mandolin-specific, so these other instrumentalists will find
opportunities to study theory and style. In addition, many of our
faculty are multi-instrumentalists, and can help with fitting these
instruments into the ensembles. If you have questions, please
|
|
