This late-afternoon, popular workshop has been affectionately dubbed the “Swedish Orchestra”. Large numbers of us gather around the Camp One campfire to serenade early diners. Any instrument and any level of player is invited to join us, though some skill and proficiency on your instrument is recommended. Some of the music will be relatively easy, but we also venture into some more difficult and challenging music. Participate as best you can whatever your skill level. There is no judgement, just encouragement.
Each day you will learn 1-2 Swedish, Norwegian, or Finnish “gems” – demonstrated on the nyckelharpa, but available to any instrument. We review the previous day’s tunes at the beginning of each class. We will first learn the music as in the tradition, by ear, phrase by phrase, slowly. After learning the tune by ear, I will distribute the music for those who want it. The written music includes chords and “seconds” – i.e., harmony parts. We will also discuss some very basic concepts to make the tune sound more idiomatically Scandinavian: rhythms, ornaments, bowing and phrasing, though not in depth.