A SECOND Seven-week BLUEGRASS ENSEMBLE WORKSHOP

Thursday , April 14, 2005
06:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Elderly Instruments
workshop ($125)

The subtitle "You're not alone anymore!" in the syllabus provided by professional musicians Keith Billik and Alan Epstein is an apt statement, as it captures the essence of this 7-week, 10-hour ensemble workshop: the course is designed to provide ample opportunity for amateur bluegrass musicians to learn how to play with others. The first such ensemble course, held during January and February, was such a success that Keith and Alan are offering a second one beginning in mid-April.

Commencing on April 14 and running for six consecutive Thursdays through May 26, this second course offers extended hours--from 6:30 to 8:00 pm--in order to provide more ensemble-playing experience. The course culminates in an in-store performance by workshop students on May 26, giving them an opportunity to show off their recently-gained ensemble-playing prowess--and a chance to conquer that age-old problem of "stage fright."

NOTE: This Bluegrass Ensemble Workshop is NOT intended for "rank beginners," those who lack basic familiarity with their instrument or want to focus mainly on instrumental instruction. The course is designed for those who have a basic familiarity with both their instrument and bluegrass music. No prior stage or group-playing experience is necessary. That's what the workshop will provide.

"Are there 'rules' for joining a bluegrass jam?" "Is there such a thing as 'jam etiquette'?" "What is jam etiquette?" "Is 'noodling' allowed?" "How do I know if I'm welcome?" "Can I just play backup?" "How do I know when to step up to the microphone?" These are some of the questions asked by people who haven't played with others, and answered by Keith and Alan during the first six weeks--that's nine full hours of instruction before the in-store performance. Add an hour for performance-prep and their concert, and students are getting considerable 'bang for their buck.' (At $12.50 per hour, the Ensemble Workshop cost is less than half the going rate for music instruction in mid-Michigan!)

The course will offer ensemble-playing experience for up to 12 students. Alan and Keith realize that "it can be intimidating to find others to play with" and that "group playing is very different from solo playing." Experienced professionals, they will serve as coaches while offering the students "real-world" jam experience, ensemble interaction, and assistance in creating professional arrangements of standard bluegrass repertoire.

One main goal of the course, according to the syllabus, is to make you feel comfortable and confident playing with others, so that you're ready, willing and able to sit in at the next jam. "Comfortable and confident" includes confronting a problem affecting even professionals: stage fright! Thus, on the final evening of class, the students will take part in a concert in Elderly's showroom, for their families, friends, and an adoring Elderly "public." FYI, a second goal of the workshops is to "make sure you have fun!"

Speaking of fun, following the conclusion of Elderly's initial ensemble course, which culminated in an in-store concert in late February, the students completed questionnaires addressing the benefits and advantages of the course. (The photo seen here is that group--The Bluegrass Tenderfeet.) Here's a sampling of students' praises for the first ensemble course:

"Everyone got to play--very democratic.... It was great. A unique opportunity. The teachers were excellent--critical but supportive. I had almost no prior experience playing with others. It is very different and lots more fun and more nerve wracking than playing by yourself." - Jonathan Walton [editor's italics]

"This was one of the best group experiences I have ever had. I will definitely take this course again." - David Haggadone

"I came out of the closet to learn to play with others." - Bob Ashbaugh

Both Keith Billik and Alan Epstein have excellent credentials, and both offer instruction in Elderly's lesson program. Keith is Elderly's showroom supervisor and the sales floor's bluegrass banjo expert. While the banjo is his instrument of choice, he also performs on acoustic and electric guitar, upright bass, piano, saxophone, lap steel, and other instruments. He mastered many aspects of bluegrass banjo style while playing with Hot-Toe-Mitty, sharing a popular blend of bluegrass, swing, and folk music. Keith is in demand as a sideman on Michigan's live music scene and he has contributed to various studio projects.

Alan was the founder and director of the Pittsburgh Mandolin Orchestra. He has been playing bluegrass music for 25 years, and as a mandolin player and vocalist has played in bluegrass bands in Colorado, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. Alan studied mandolin with some of the country's top players, including Butch Baldassari, Tim O'Brien, and Charlie Rappaport. Alan has taught mandolin for years and for two years was on the "Bluegrass Week" teaching staff at the prestigious Augusta Heritage Workshops in Elkins, West Virginia. He is a welcome addition to Elderly's teaching staff.

Space is limited in the workshop. To do everyone--and the music--justice, there are only so many slots available for banjo, bass, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, and other [Dobro, harmonica, etc.], so sign up soon. If you have questions on whether this ensemble workshop is right for you, call Keith at Elderly during showroom hours (except on Wednesdays).

Here's a thought: if the idea of performing in a bluegrass concert--a "recital" of sorts--makes you feel apprehensive, then this course may be just the thing for you. You won't be alone!