From the desk of Dan Asperger

For information contact: Dan Asperger 678-493-6970 (H); 770-633-1987 (C) daasp@windstream.net

This is a broadcast message to promote the upcoming workshops and concert by Joe Collins, sponsored by the newly formed Hilltop Strummers of Canton/Woodstock.  This event will take place on Saturday, March 7th at the Canton First United Methodist Church.  There will be four mountain dulcimer workshops offered and an evening concert by Joe Collins.  Joe, who by the way, won 1st place at the National Mountain Dulcimer Championships in 2007 as well as 3rd place in 2003, 2004, and 2006.  I guess he illustrates, by example, the value of setting a goal and going after it.

 
Workshop descriptions, costs, and schedule are as follows:
 
9:00 -- 10:15 AM / You're Always Pickin' on Me: (Beginner and up) A good workshop on basic strumming and flat-picking skills for the mountain dulcimer.
 
10:15 -- 10:30 AM / Break
 
10:30 -- 11:45 AM / Focusing on Basic Chords : (advanced beginner and up) A workshop on playing in DAd using major chords.  Includes exercises and songs to improve one's ability to change chords efficiently. 
 
11:45 -- 1:15 PM / Lunch
 
1:15 --2:30 PM / Finger Pickin' Good : (Novice and up) A workshop covering the basics of finger picking on the mountain dulcimer.
 
2:30 -- 2:45 PM / Break
 
2:45 -- 4:00 PM /  Playing Well with Others: (All skill levels) This workshop will help participants play mountain dulcimers effectively in an ensemble, whether it be an ensemble of several different instruments or an ensemble of mountain dulcimers. Knowledge will be shared and work performed on those skills that will help players fit in and make unique contributions to a musical group.
 
The best value is accomplished by taking all four workshops which would cost $30.  Here is how it works:  If one workshop is taken, the cost is $15.  The second workshop would be an additional $10 and the third is another $5.  If three workshops are taken, the total of $30 qualifies you to take a fourth workshop free.
 
At approximately 4:15 PM we are planning an experimental activity for the Hilltop Strummers and anybody else who would like to join in.  This would be an attempt to have a jam session for players that have never felt the courage to attempt to play in such a situation.  The goal would be to have all levels of players participating in a jam and demonstrating to beginners that all can contribute in a jam and have fun.  Various techniques will be explored to accomplish this. 
 
We will go out to dinner somewhere around 5:00 PM to a local restaurant.  If you like BBQ, the Williamson Brothers, a well known restaurant, is located just a few miles from the church.
 
We plan to start the concert at 7:00 PM in the sanctuary which should run from one to one and a half hours.
This will be an evening performance by Joe Collins, which would be free to those taking all four workshops.  Donations for the evening concert only is $5.  Joe will have CDs and books available to those who attend.
 

I will explore the possibility of have someone cater a box lunch for those who would prefer to stay at the church if possible.  I follow up e-mail will be issued if this become available.

Lunch, including Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup, Grilled Cheese or Ham Sandwich, Chips, Brownie, &Tea or Lemonade will be available for $5 at the church between workshops.  Lunch reservations (can be paid at the door) will be taken at the time workshop reservations are made. 

For information contact:  Dan Asperger 678-493-6970 (H) 770-633-1987 (C) daasp@windstream.net