Frequently Asked Questions:
Can the parents stay in the dorms?
How is SWB structured?
What is the youngest age you admit?
Should I bring my acoustic or my electric violin?
What if I opt to stay off campus?
Will sheet music for classes be available in advance?
Can I mix the teacher training track with the performance track?
• Can the parents stay in the dorms?
Yes, parents can stay with students in the dorms for the same housing/meal prices as regular SWB participants; they may also observe classes.
• How is SWB structured?
There are three tracks in the morning. Typically a student will go to the same level for each of their classes: Level I, II, or III. They can always change levels at any point in the week if they feel that they need to make an adjustment. Levels are chosen based on playing experience, not on age.
In addition, there are electives offered all afternoon that allow focused study. Some electives may be repeated, but will offer new repertoire and new information in each of its time-slots.
There will be availability in every class or elective and we believe that students have a lot to offer each other. By organizing based on capability, we have attendees that reflect a wide range of ages and backgrounds in each group, so age is much less important than is experience in a specific style.
• What is the youngest age you admit?
We typically don’t go much younger than 10, but we’ve had students every year from 10 and up. We don’t take beginners. Students should typically be in Suzuki book 3 or 4 to participate in SWB but don't have to have a classical background. We combine learning by ear with notated versions of the music in each class.
• Should I bring my acoustic or my electric violin?
Most classes will be held using acoustic instruments, but you will be able to plug into sound systems in several classes, or at the evening rock and jazz jam sessions.
• What if I opt to stay off campus?
You are more than welcome to stay at an area hotel or motel. There are even a few that are within walking distance of the Duquesne campus. If you stay in a hotel, it’s no problem at all to buy lunch here on campus. We do not advise staying near the airport because of heavy morning traffic.
• Will sheet music for classes be available in advance?
We will notify you through our monthly SWB email newsletter if there are downloadable tunes available. Generally, sheet music isn’t sent in advance, as part of the process here is to learn both by ear and by sight.
• Can I mix the teacher training track with the performance track?
We encourage you to choose either the teacher training or the performance track and stick with your choice all week. There will be many opportunities to play in either track. Many of our attendees have returned for a number of consecutive years in order to take advantage of the full set of choices we offer. Teachers can take advantage of the 4 p.m. elective time-slot at the end of each day in addition to the teacher training track.
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Scroll down for Pictures from 2010 and video from 2009:
1. and 2: Panel with Julie Lyonn Lieberman, Matt Turner, Martin Norgaard, and Richard Greene
3. Matt Turner
3. Julie Lyonn Lieberman
4. thru 8. blues, rock, fiddling, and jazz ensembles under the direction of Julie Lyonn Lieberman, Matt Turner, and Martin Norgaard, and Richard Greene.