Workshops & Special Events

These were the workshops for 2008

A short, sharp review of folk music" - Ellen Manning & friends

Skim over the history of folk music in one hour... Who were the "Four Marys'' and what was the original version of "Minnie the Moocher"? A difficult job, each of these genres and styles would be the subject of a long workshop but hopefully your interest will lead to more reading, listening, playing or singing. Let's travel From Tudor times to modern (well 1930's) blues. Find out all the odd things you never knew about familiar songs. There will be lots of singing by you, the audience and assistance from members of Macquarie Towns Music Club.

Australian Poets in Song - John Broomhall

- John Broomhall has over the years set many of Australia's classic poets to song including Henry Lawson, Kenneth Slessor, Adam Lindsay Gordon and many others.

Beginner Tin Whistle- Johnny Spillane

Johnny Spillane has been whistling since he was a lad. He is well known and regarded around the folk scene in Australia. His workshop will be aimed to those who are new to playing whistle, and he will be teaching a tune or two. And remember, bring 'D' whistles!

Beginners Workshop for Diatonic [blues] Harmonica - Jim Stubbs Backing Band
this is a seriously fun approach to learning to play this simple instrument without reading music. Bring along your C harmonica , [some harps available for purchase at cost ] .
Tabs for tunes and instructional info provided come and join the fun ,conducted by Jim Stubbs, Steve Macdonald and Kellie Stubbs.

Borderless - Maureen O'Brien

Maureen's new performance/workshop explores the Australia/Irish connection from settlement and from a woman's perspective. Stories and original songs to fit the theme.

Children's Workshop - The Puddin' Eaters

Storytelling leading into simple music making, singing and dancing. Kids will be able to help us with percussion instruments, sing along with chorus songs, dress up and join in some simple dances.

Children's Dance - The Puddin' Eaters

- Simple fun dances such as The Irish Hat Dance, Bunyips & Bandicoots, Brown Jug Polka, Knees up Mother Brown etc. The programme will be modified to suit the age of children present.

"Coal Mining Folk - A History in Song"- Beeswing

The story of coal mining is the story of development and urbanisation, of opportunity, prosperity, tragedy and despair. It is fundamentally the story of people. This workshop explores the fascinating interconnection between mankind and the black stuff, exploring the words and songs of those intimately involved with its extraction and the communities built around it. From liberator of the masses from indentured labour in the fields, to global pariah ... the story of coal is worth singing about! Beeswing presents a musical workshop with an all-action slide show for the hearing impaired ... ;-)

Exploring alternate tunings for acoustic guitar - Michael Azzopardi

Exploring alternate tunings for acoustic guitar and how alternate tuning can be used to embellish songs for solo live performance. Also touching on improvisation in folk/roots based music and hybrid picking technique.

Finger style guitar for beginners - Chris Gillespie

We will be discussing some basic finger picking patterns and guitar licks. Bring a guitar.

Introduction to old-time claw hammer banjo - Richard Galluzzi (Latitude)

Richard Galluzzi has been playing claw hammer banjo for a number of years, a down picking style that has its origins in African playing and predates bluegrass banjo. In this workshop he will demonstrate right and left hand techniques, a variety of tunings and time signatures, and provide examples using some original and traditional pieces.

Local History through Music - Kathy McMahon & friends

Please join us at the St Albans Festival on for a workshop to encourage local teachers, historians and interested musicians to teach their local history to Primary School students using music as a tool for communication.
ITS BEEN TRIED AND IT WORKS. CHILDREN LEARN AND ARE KEEN.

This workshop has three aims:
" To provide an entertaining workshop with some excellent performers
" To provide an insight into the process of identifying, adapting, and creating songs which illustrate aspects of the local history of an area, in this case, Kurrajong NSW.
" To illustrate how these songs can be used to introduce primary school children both to the history of their own area and to the fun of singing songs in the "traditional" style.

Maori Poi - the Poi Pixies

Poi Learn how to spin Maori poi with the poi pixies. We will teach a few basic moves and show you how to put them into a dance. Poi spinning is both relaxing and perhaps a little tricky, but heaps of fun. We can provide "practise poi" or you can bring your own.

Meditation for Ragamuffins; a workshop on Celtic and European meditation from the perspective of a follower of Jesus the Nazarene! - Greg Colby

You don't have to be particularly or even the remotest bit religious to take part in and enjoy this workshop. All you need is a desire to discover and learn about connecting with your own spirituality. In this workshop you will discover your own ability to connect to God through meditation; both on your own and guided. Discover the story of Brendan of Clonfert, also known as Brendan the Navigator an Irish Saint who traveled across the sea with 14 of his fellow monks; some say he may have been one of the first Europeans to have discovered the Americas! - You will be guided through a meditation based on this legend. Find out how to use art and text to guide you in your meditation in ways that have been in use for over 1000 years. Everyone who attends this workshop will also make and take away with them their own festival Meditation Candle.

Morris Dancing - Black Joak Morris

Morris dancing- a bunch of blokes leaping about with hankies or sticks in their hands and bells tied to their legs- what could be more fun? Traditional English music provides an energetic atmosphere that will get feet tapping and sticks waving!

Open your hearts to sing - Dianne Butler from That's That

Dianne Butler from That's That will conduct a workshop Open Your Heart to Sing - open your chakras and allow your voice to connect in sound. Ancient culture used sound for healing. Religion has use sound and chants for centuries. Learn to feel the vibration of sounds and experience the joy of singing. Bring loose clothing and a bottle of water.

Quirky Session Tunes - David De Santi

a selection of Italian, Asturian, French Canadian and Australian tunes to learn and enjoy

Recording Studio on location at St Albans Folk Festival.
A professional recording studio will be available for the duration of the festival, offering a limited number of free demo recordings
for anyone from complete beginners to professional musicians, singers, poets etc.
Multiple pitched & percussion instruments & voices can be catered for, but due to limited space & sound insulation, drum kits can't be included this year. High quality sampled drum kits & EFX etc will be available.
An audio CD of your song or poem etc will be yours to keep.
This service is being provided by Mark Davies. The studio is based in Parramatta, & is available for all sound recording, arranging & CD-R production services, including cover artwork & CD-R duplication & packaging.
Contact ph 1300 559 840 or Email mdharp@bigpond.net.au

"Rhyme & Meter???" or "what's wrong with my poem?"
Poetry workshop (for adults) - Graeme Johnson

Can't get the rhyme right? What is meter anyway? Why doesn't my poem scan well?
What can I do to fix it? Bring along your work and let Graeme have a look. It's fun, really!

Sing'n Play (kids workshop) - the Doozies

Come on kids join in the fun!
Sing a song, bang a drum, Lots of percussion for everyone!
All you need to bring along is your fun self.
Lydia & Darryl from the Doozies will have you singing
playing and making up songs in no time!

Singing workshop - Penelope Swales

featuring songs Penelope has collected around the world about people's love for the land.

"Skills for the stage" - or "No way am I getting up there."
(for adults) - Graeme Johnson

Nervous? Not sure whether you want to perform? Started performing but don't know where you are going? HELP!
Got a question? Ask Graeme!

Slide Guitar Workshop - Steve Macdonald

Learn the inside secrets on slide Guitar playing for Folk Music conducted by Steve Macdonald who has had 25 years playing in all nature of bands and currently the guitarist for the enigmatic Jim Stubbs Backing Band !
Steve's chosen instrument is the Weisenborn lap slide full bodied guitar as featured on the JSBB cd "Everything I Need" he also plays Dobro , Banjo and Ukelele .
A workshop not to be missed, even if you just sit and listen!

Songs from all over the world - Mary Jane Field

Songs from all over the world to sing in chorus, including Australian songs and well-loved songs from Africa, South America, England, etc.

Yoga Workshop - Lydia Clare

If you lack energy or motivation then come along and try this workshop!
Stretch, breathe and feel renewed!
Relaxes, Re-Aligns and Revitalize the mind and body.
Suitable for all ages and levels
(bring along a towel)