Here are the detailed descriptions of the 2008 ensembles.

Jazz String Orchestras

Martin Norgaard and Robert Gardner lead these groups using Norgaard's  "Jazz Fiddle Wizard Jr." You will learn to improvise in an ensemble setting using rhythms, scales, chords and other devices for communicating emotions to your audience. Though all levels require no previous experience with improvisation, the upper levels move quicker through a sequence towards full chordal jazz improvisation and assume some knowledge of music theory. Each ensemble will perform jazz string orchestra pieces with improvised solos at the final concert.

• Level 1: Improvisation using one scale in a variety of grooves. We will have fun with rhythms, register, slides and other devices that require little music theory background. Through orchestra playing in different styles you will learn jazz phrasing, rhythms and special listening skills needed to tune jazz harmonies.

• Level 2: Improvisation using several scales in a variety of grooves. We will explore creative playing in the jazz tradition within some constraints provided by the underlying chords. The ensemble will play jazz orchestra pieces that require special attention to rhythm and phrasing in jazz

• Level 3: Improvisation on jazz standards. A full sequence for the development of chordal jazz improvisation is followed including the study of common chord structures such as cadences and turnarounds. The ensemble will play challenging jazz orchestra pieces that require special attention to rhythm and phrasing in jazz styles such as swing, bebop and latin.

• Jazz Techniques: This class will cover jazz improvisational concepts in support of level 2 & 3 Jazz Ensembles. In addition, we will analyze famous jazz solos and learn how to borrow licks from the jazz greats and incorporate those creatively into our own playing.

Fiddling String Bands

Janet Farrar-Royce leads a group for beginners and another group for advanced fiddlers. Learn traditional American fiddle styles, including Bluegrass, Appalachian, Québécois, Texas and New England style fiddling. Learn how to follow chord progressions and create your own back-ups, harmonies and bass lines. She will use tunes and and lessons from her various books, including her latest, "Fiddling Fingers," written with fiddling luminaries Jay Ungar and Molly Mason.

World Music Ensembles

Julie Lyonn Lieberman will lead these daily sessions in music from all over the Planet.

• Planet Strings: Repertoire

  You will be learning one tune each day in a different style, including rhythmic/harmonic accompaniments and guidelines for improvisation appropriate to each genre. Styles will include Eastern European, African, Latin, Scandinavian, and Cape Breton. 

• Planet Strings: Rhythmic and Technical Skills for World Styles Each day you will learn a new left- and right-hand skill, a new mode (scale), and a new meter (including practice techniques designed to enable you to incorporate these skills quickly and efficiently.)

Rock String Orchestras

Matt Turner will lead the rock ensembles including:

• Rock Music Ensemble Level 1  Perform beginning/intermediate level rock arrangements, learn tunes by ear and create rock riffs and bass lines.  Improvise successfully in various styles including hard rock, heavy metal, soul and pop using modes and pentatonic scales. Hands on experimentation with electric instruments.

• Rock Music Ensemble Level 2/Level 3  Perform intermediate/advanced  rock arrangements, learn tunes by ear and develop a rock guitar sound using your acoustic instrument.  You will learn to use half-finger technique to achieve a rock distortion sound as well as sliding vibrato, pitch bending, and other extended techniques. Learn to improvise in various styles of rock including heavy metal, funk, blues-rock, soul, and pop.  We will use electric instruments as well.

• Electronic Instrument Ensemble  Perform arrangements and improvise using electric string instruments. Participants will be encouraged to experiment with effects pedals to create soundscapes.  We will improvise in different styles of music including avant-garde, rock, jazz, taqasim and 20th century classical.