Old Songs, Inc. is a not-for-profit, educational, 501(c)3 corporation
Virtual Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 11 am–4 pm.
PO Box 466 • 37 S Main • Voorheesville, NY 12186-0466
(518) 765-2815 • info@oldsongs.org
Past Events
Events List Navigation
September 2016
$15
Azo Bell, Ukulele Workshop & Concert
Azo Bell was already a professional musician with over 25 years experience as a guitarist when he began playing ukulele in 1992. Since then he has played around his homeland (Australia) and the world as Musical Director for the Theatre group Stretch MK1, with his trio The Old Spice Boys, and solo. His 10th ukulele featured album is about to be released. His ukulele style stems from involvement in many musical genres, using techniques adapted from the Cavaquinho and the guitar, with an emphasis on improvisation.
Tickets: $15
$5 Children age 12 & under
Or call Old Songs to reserve: (518) 765-2815.
If online tickets sellout, they may still be available from Old Songs.
Refunds are not available for this event.
African Drum Class
3rd Monday of the Month (Sept.–May)
Study African drumming. Participants will learn authentic drumming from many countries in West Africa. Emphasis will be on traditional rhythms & drumming techniques on djembes, dunduns & other hand drums. Please join us for this fun filled class. All levels are welcomed. Some drums may be available to borrow on a first come, first served basis. Instructor John Dickson.
Email oldsongs@oldsongs.org or call 518-765-2815 for more info.
Class fee: $15
$15
George Wilson & David Kaynor
Traditional music ranging from rollicking Celtic, French Canadian, and New England reels, jigs, and waltzes.
georgewilsonmusic.com
davidkaynor.com
Tickets: $15
$5 Children age 12 & under
Or call Old Songs to reserve: (518) 765-2815.
If online tickets sellout, they may still be available from Old Songs.
Refunds are not available for this event.
Traditional Irish Slow Session
3rd Wednesday of the Month (Sept.–June)
This is a friendly, repertoire-building opportunity to play your new tunes slowly and work on your old tunes at a reasonable tempo. We will focus specifically on traditional Irish music, and all Irish-appropriate instruments are welcome (i.e. wooden flute, tin whistle, concertina, button or piano accordion, guitar, bouzouki, mandolin, fiddle, harp). We encourage tape recorders, and focus on learning tunes by ear. Music stands and continuous use of sheet music discouraged. Bring snacks to share. Small donation requested to cover building expenses. Questions? Contact Hilary Schrauf at 518-424-8701.
$4 donation.
Hilary keeps a Blog for this session here: stoneystepsitm.blogspot.com
Hands-on Music Theory
with George Ward
Bone up on scales, intervals, chords, key signatures, etc. for any instrument.
For more information contact George at 518-399-0315 or mulesong@aol.com.
Class Dates: Sep. 29, Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27, & Nov. 3—Register by Sept. 23
$23
Calan
Fresh and vibrant Celtic music from Wales featuring five young musicians.
New ambassadors of Welsh Cool, Calan bring together the remarkable talents of five young musicians giving a fresh and vibrant sound to traditional Welsh music. With a contemporary and lively approach, they breathe new life into the old traditions through their sparkling melodies, foot-tapping tunes, and spirited and energetic performances of Welsh step-dancing. They blast their way through some of the old favorite reels, jigs, and hornpipes with fast-paced and uplifting arrangements before melting into some of the most beautiful and haunting songs. Following the release of their debut album Bling in 2008, the band has been playing to big audiences and rave reviews at concerts and festivals around Britain and Europe. With their unique instrumental blend of accordion, fiddle, guitar, Welsh pipes, Welsh harp, and the percussive sound of the Welsh clogs, Calan have certainly found their musical niche; their plan is to continue to delight audiences far and wide. calan-band.com
Tickets: $23
$5 Children age 12 & under
Or call Old Songs to reserve: (518) 765-2815.
If online tickets sellout, they may still be available from Old Songs.
Refunds are not available for this event.
October 2016
Piano Accordion & Band Class
with Peggy Hart
Basic beginning technique, theory and note reading.
If you have any questions regarding your instrument or ability, contact Peggy at 518-439-1060 or peggyminore@yahoo.com.
Class Dates: Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25, Nov. 1, & 15—Register by Sept. 30
Fingerpicking & Flatpicking Guitar
8 week course, with Ron Gordon
Learn and apply the fundamental concepts of counterpoint on the steel string guitar. This involves leading, alternate, and runs in the bass; while strumming a rhythm or finger picking an arpeggio, pattern pick, melody line, etc. Knowledge of chords “down the neck”, and how to play a basic rhythm is necessary. For returning students, the songs and tunes we learn will be all new.
For more information contact Ron at 518-372-4172 or rgukeboy@gmail.com.
Class Dates: Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25, Nov. 1, 8, 15, & 22 —Register by Sept. 30
Clawhammer Banjo
with Paul Draper
Learn and consolidate the essential skills needed for playing old-time music in the clawhammer style. We will work on the following (but not limited to):
- left hand techniques: hammer-ons, pull-offs, slides
- right hand techniques: drop-thumb, “rolls”
- different tunings for different tunes
- other topics based on the class
You will learn these techniques within the context of “Round Peak” banjo tunes. The tunes (some simple, some more involved) will be learned through listening, repeating, and tablature. It is highly recommended that you bring along a recording device! Also recommended (but not required): Brad Leftwich’s book with CD: Round Peak Style Clawhammer Banjo. Please note: It is assumed that the student already has basic “banjo knowledge” and can play a few tunes.
For more information contact Paul at 518-380-1103 or clawhammer888@gmail.com.
Class Dates: Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26, Nov. 2, & 9—Register by Sept. 30
Beginner Ukulele
with Ron Gordon
Begin your uke career! Ron’s class at Old Songs will get you started down the path to heavenly strumming.We will learn chords (of course),right hand strumming techniques, some chord melody, jazzy,blues, etc. voicings and some finger picking… depending on our progress. This will all be learned through some classic songs,so singing is definitely part of the program. Handouts provided and recorders recommended. BTW, we’ll also delve into some uke history and ukeology along with my personal favorite… uke collecting!
For more information contact Ron at 518-372-4172 or rgukeboy@gmail.com.
Class Dates: Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27, Nov. 3, & 10—Register by Sept.30