Course info

This course is for musicians who are proficient on a traditional Appalachian instrument and have already had some experience playing as part of an ensemble. Students work together to form an old-time band that is capable of playing for dances or other performances both on and off campus. Topics include repertoire, arrangements, starting and endings, tempo, rhythm, lead, back-up, chord choices, singing, dynamics, how to achieve a cohesive band sound, and performance for dances and concerts. Students meet once each week with the professor for guidance and feedback and once every week as a group (on their own) for a band practice. May be repeated up to seven times for a maximum of 8 credits. Prerequisite: Proficiency on an appropriate stringed instrument and experience playing old-time music in an ensemble setting. Students will be asked to audition at the beginning of the semester and placed into an appropriate section of this course; if music faculty determines that the student is not r