Event

Harmony Singing Workshop

This "voices-on" workshop is designed for singers eager to improve their harmony skills (as opposed to a general singalong) and for musicians looking to get more deeply into singing early American country/old-time/bluegrass music. It will concentrate on chord-based, close vocal harmony. Small groups will work on duets and trios with other workshop participants. Recording devices are encouraged. Everything is taught by ear, with word sheets. Participants should be a step up from beginning singers, and feel comfortable matching pitch and holding a part against someone else (think "row, row, row your boat" as a round).

Val Mindel is a founding member of the Any Old Time String Band out of California (Arhoolie label) and has taught various aspects of bluegrass and country harmony for years at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music, Augusta Heritage Center, Puget Sound Guitar Workshop, etc. You can hear her online atwww.valandemmy.com.

Gene Yellin is well known in the NY bluegrass world as both a singer and guitar player. He's played and recorded with such luminaries as the late Hazel Dickens and Gene Lowinger and has been in a number of bands including Breakfast Special (Kenny Kosek, Tony Trischka, Andy Statman, etc.), Yellin Grass (with brother Bob), and American Flyer (Ben Freed, Ethan Kende, Phil Zimmerman) for many years.

For questions, call 718-965-4074