Manitoba Music
Harmonca Workshops
By Winnipeg Folk Festival
Harmonica Workshops @ The Folk Exchange
The Winnipeg Folk Festival continues to offer its series of popular Harmonica Workshops this fall. Registration and information: 231-0096, or come down to the Folk Festival offices or the Folk Festival Music Store <http://www.winnipegfolkfestival.ca/pages/music_store/index.php> at 211 Bannatyne. Registration forms are also available at winnipegfolkfestival.ca.
Intro to Harmonica (for beginners)
Instructor: Catriona Sturton
Saturday, October 13
The Folk Exchange, 211 Bannatyne
$25 advance registration
$40 for registration plus harmonica (while supplies last)
$30 walk-up registration
Plus GST
What harmonica key wards off alligators? Why can you bend the notes on a harmonica? Catriona Sturton answers all your harmonica questions with practical and entertaining tips. While introducing the basics of harmonica technique (how to hold the harmonica, play notes, chords, trills, bends, riffs and improvised melodies), she also demonstrates some advanced skills and songs for everyone to enjoy. "It's surprising how many people dream of being able to play the harmonica," says Sturton, "but are not sure how to get started." After attending Sturton's harmonica workshop, not only will you be able to play a simple song, but you will also have a better appreciation of harmonica virtuosos. To participate, bring a diatonic (10-hole) harmonica in the key of C. Dont have one? Never fear! You can purchase a harmonica from the Winnipeg Folk Festival Music Store at a special price when registering for the workshop - while supplies last.
Catriona Sturton has been playing the harmonica for 14 years and got her start as a teenager in Ottawa, studying from Larry "The Bird" Mootham. She has taught harmonica in Toronto and Guelph, and her harmonica playing has backed up Neko Case, Guy Terriffico, Dutchy Mason, Al Tuck and others. Catriona currently studies with Carlos del Junco one of Canada's best harmonica players.
Hear more about Catrionas harmonica workshops at http://www.ladyfestottawa.com/press.php <http://www.ladyfestottawa.com/press.php>
Ready to move on to the next level? Try...
HARMONICA INTERMEDIATE
Instructor: Gerald LaRoche
Saturday, October 20
The Folk Exchange, 211 Bannatyne
$30 Plus GST
Prerequisite: Intro to Harmonica, or the ability to blow single, clear notes.
Continue to hone your harmonica playing! Develop bending, tone and other techniques, repertoire and styles. Please bring 10-hole harmonicas in the keys of A & C.
The JUNO Award winning master of the harmonica has been compared to the legends of the harmonica: Larry Adler, Sonny Terry and Sonny Boy Williamson. The sounds he creates with his myriad harmonicas is truly astonishing. In addition to over 60 various harmonicas, he also plays the penny whistle, Indian mouthbow, fiddle bow, jaw harp and other percussive toys to create his unique fusion of musical styles: French-Canadian, Zydeco, Cajun, boogie, African rhythms, blues and Celtic. Gérald Laroche is a master of his instrument. The sounds he creates with a myriad of harmonicas is truly astonishing. www.geraldlaroche.com <http://www.geraldlaroche.com/>
BLUES HARMONICA
Instructor: TBA
Saturday, November 3
Folk Exchange, 211 Bannatyne
$30
Plus GST
Whether you're just interested in learning the basics or aspire to play at the highest level,here's where you start: with basic blues chords, licks and solos. Play along with 12-bar blues standards in just over two hours.