If you are interested in facilitating a workshop at the Fiddler's Convention, contact Katie Brooks at brookskd1@appstate.edu.
The Old-Time Fiddler’s Convention hosts a variety of workshops on skills central to Appalachian culture. Past workshops have consisted of topics such as Square Dance Calling, Shape Note Singing and Hambone. Join us to learn something new or polish off an old hobby.
We are excited to announce that our showcases are returning for a second year! Visit the second floor of the Plemmons Student Union from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM to view beautiful work done by both a quilting, and a basket weaving guild. While you are there, tell us your favorite piece! We will announce first, second, and third place for pieces submitted by both guilds at 3:30 PM.
Showcase Participants
- Mountain Laurel Quilt Guild
- North Carolina Basketmakers Association
Workshop Schedule
Time | Workshop |
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Flatfooting Workshop with Rodney Sutton This workshop is for complete beginners - but will also be fun for those who are already doing some flatfooting. Flatfooting is a percussive dance form that accompanies old-time/bluegrass fiddle music. It will help if you have smooth bottomed shoes - leather soles and heels are best! But wear what you have and Rodney will share the basics of flatfooting, along with stories about learning from his two favorite mentors - Willard Watson and Robert Dotson! |
12:30 - 1:30 PM | Kid's Jam with the Jones House Instructors from the Boone JAM program will lead a "Kids Jam" for musicians age 17 and under to sing and play traditional old-time and bluegrass music together as a group. All acoustic string instruments are welcome. Knowing basic chords and the string names on your instrument will be helpful as specific instrument instruction during the jam will be minimal. Music books with lyrics and chords will be provided. This event aims to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for kids to explore the joy of making music together. Come pick and sing with us! |
2:00 - 3:30 PM | Appalachian Community Song Sampler with Saro Lynch-Thomason In this workshop, we will join our voices to explore some of the wide variety of songs that have been a part of Appalachian tradition. We will sing everything from camp meeting songs and folk songs to movement songs and ballads. Along the way, we will exlpore the songs' history and folklore, learning what they meant to the people who sang, and still sing, them. Enjoy this opportunity for community singing and dive into Appalachia's diverse musical legacy! |