Sunday, February 26 2-4pm: Ever wondered how the banjo was played and sounded before and during the Civil War as well as on the Minstrel Stage (pre-cursor to Vaudeville and Broadway)? In this introduction to Minstrel/Civil War era banjo style we will discuss the original style of the early American banjo which came from the African style of striking the strings with a down “stroke”, and using lots of non-western syncopation. This is the older, more diverse banjo style from which Clawhammer later developed. Mark will bring and play several pieces and songs on his Civil War reproduction banjo to let you hear this wonderful, interesting sound. Bring your banjos! We will also learn the basic strokes of the style, and how to play a “Juba” dance, utilizing these strokes. We may even get to work on our first tune – Old Dan Tucker!  

This class is appropriate for banjo players of all levels.