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Program Details | Instructors | Registration
Maura McNamara has created the Flurry Youth Institute, where classical string-instrument students in the schools get an opportunity to rub shoulders with accomplished traditional string players like Jay Ungar, George Wilson, John Kirk and Trish Miller, Peter Davis, and others. Maura is also planning a local “mega-band” where budding musicians will have the opportunity to actually perform at area dances alongside more experienced players.
The Flurry Youth Institutes are designed to introduce second year through college age musicians to traditional music. Violin, viola, cello and bass students will learn tunes, style and improvisation skills in three 1 hour workshops with each of the instructors. The day will culminate with an afternoon performance by the teachers and their students.
If you would like to sponsor a student taking a workshop (for as little as $20), contact Maura McNamara, 518-587-1472, fyidfo at gmail.com
Two Events:
After a short opening performance for all participants, each group works with each teacher for an hour. The groups are based on age and playing experience. Topics include building traditional repertoire, stylistic elements, arranging tunes and improvisation.
In the afternoon, the students and teachers present a 'works in progress' concert open to the public. This showcases what the students have learned and is an opportunity for all three groups to hear each other.
Our goal is to build our community of traditional musicians by providing an opportunity for younger students. We are working toward promoting the exchange/experience with multiple ages and local academic institutions; last year we were able to coordinate with John Kirk and Trish Miller's traditional music program at Skidmore College.
This year we are expanding to include an Albany site, with the intent of having students who participate in individual institutes meet for a combined session at the Dance Flurry Festival in February. This will likely start at Flurry 09.
Previous faculty include: George Wilson, Peter Davis, Sara Milonovich, John Kirk, Trish Miller, Jay Ungar, Molly Mason, Andrew and Noah Van Norstrand.
2008 Participant Fee - $20, $10 for Skidmore/Russell Sage students, $3 for afternoon concert
On February 10th, 2007 more than fifty violin, viola, cello and bass students from the Saratoga Public Schools, the Capital District and Skidmore college participated in the second annual Flurry Youth Institute on Saturday. The workshop occurred at Skidmore College's Filene Music Building. The students learned about traditional fiddle music from some of the area's best instructors and performers. George Wilson and Peter Davis worked on French Canadian dance tunes, while John Kirk and Trish Miller taught a Cajun piece and ideas and techniques for backing up a melody line. Jay Ungar and Molly Mason discussed improvisation and taught tunes by ear. Toes were tapping and faces were smiling during the afternoon performance where the students were led by Jay, Molly and the other instructors in the grand finale of Ashokan Farewell, composed by Jay Ungar.
If you are interested in participating in the next workshop in February 2008 complete the Flurry Youth Institute Registration Form.
Flurry Youth Institute of Traditional Music Contact: Maura McNamara, 518-587-1472, fyidfo at gmail.com
More photos at: http://picasaweb.google.com/danceflurry/FlurryYouthInstitute
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