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Ensembles are an integral part of the CCMC experience. Students will spend almost four hours of the weekend in ensemble rehearsals, followed by a performance on the Grange Hall stage early Sunday afternoon.

Students may wait until the camp to choose an ensemble, or they may choose in advance. Some ensembles will rely on students' advance preparation, while others will not. Both reading and non-reading approaches will be used. For students who do not read standard notation or tablature, "by-ear-only" ensembles are offered -- although these ensembles may also appeal to readers.

Students who are interested in advance preparation of written music should email the instructor. Ensembles directed toward these students will be of varying levels. All of the written arrangements will contain easy parts as well as more difficult parts -- so don't hesitate to choose the ensemble that interests you most! Once you've chosen an ensemble you'll receive more music, in standard notation and/or tablature (if you've chosen a reading ensemble!).
CCMC 2013 Ensembles

Classical Mandolin Orchestra
Leader: Annika Hinsche
(with Fabian Hinsche)
Level: Mixed

The Mandolin Orchestra will explore the major genres of mandolin ensemble music, from classical and romantic to the "golden era" heyday of American music, as well as new compositions extending the mandolin orchestra tradition into the next century. The conductor is among Germany's finest classical mandolinists, and conducts the prestigious orchestra Jugendzupforchester NorthRhein Westfalia. Sheet music will be available several weeks in advance.

Jazz Mandolin Ensemble
Leader: August Watters
Level: Intermediate/Advanced

The Jazz Mandolin Ensemble is open to all mandolinists who can read standard notation, regardless of jazz experience or soloing ability. We'll perform original works and arrangements of jazz standards arranged for mandolin ensemble: mandolin, mandola, octave mandolin, mandocello, guitar, and bass. There will be opportunities to play improvised solos for those who are interested, but the ensemble is primarily oriented toward interpretation and performance of jazz arrangements.

Written parts will be made available in standard notation and tablature well in advance.

Traditional Music Ensemble
(taught by-ear only)
Leader: Shana Aisenberg
Level: Mixed

Shana Aisenberg will lead a multi-genre by-ear ensemble this year. Styles could include Appalachian old time, Celtic, contradance, blues, bluegrass, klezmer, Balkan and more. We'll work on melody, harmony parts, improvisation, and ensemble playing skills. All pieces will be taught and arranged by ear, no notation will be available in advance.

Guitar, banjo, fiddle and bass players are welcome in this ensemble (and some others, just ask).

 By-Ear Ensemble for Beginners
Leader: Beverly Woods

These ensembles will learn to play tunes and songs in various styles by ear, with each participant taking an active role in creating their own parts, as is typically done in performing acoustic bands. There will be plenty of guidance and coaching from the instructor on how to come up with your own parts, improvisation, creating solo breaks, fills, harmonies, bass lines and chordal accompaniments; how to listen and respond to what everyone else is playing, and how to blend in effectively as a band. Repertoire may include Appalachian, Celtic, bluegrass, blues, klezmer, Scandinavian, Balkan, etc., depending on interest of the participants. Previous experience or expertise in playing by ear isn't required to take part in these ensembles, just a willingness to try.

More Ensembles TBA



A Note about Guitar (and other instruments): There is some room in most of these ensembles for guitarists. Other instruments such as fiddle, banjo, dulcimer, autoharp, pennywhistle and bass are also welcome in some ensembles. Not all the workshops are mandolin-specific, so these other instrumentalists will find opportunities to study theory and style. In addition, many of our faculty are multi-instrumentalists, and can help with fitting these instruments into the ensembles. If you have questions, please

 


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