We are delighted to have Ken Middleton leave his 300-year-old house in the Midlands of jolly old England to join us at the Wine Country Ukulele Festival again this year—not just as a performer, but as a very experienced workshop instructor, as well. And, he is, very likely, the most experienced music instructor in the bunch, having taught high school music for 35 years before retiring to become the international marketing manager for Ohana Ukuleles, a job which has taken him to ukulele festivals and trade shows all over the world. Though he is known mostly for his bluegrass arrangements for the ukulele, Ken will be teaching a couple of excellent workshops for more experienced players on Celtic music, a delightful first for us. Many thanks to Louis Wu and Ohana Music for bringing Ken to the festival again this year.
Workshop
***New*** What to Strum and When to Pick ***New***
Get a little jump start on a few more “advanced” techniques in this brand new workshop offered by by Ken Middleton. Strumming and picking, that’s the name of the game, and Ken will address the what, when and where of both and how to artfully intertwine them. If you’ve seen any of Ken’s instructional videos on You Tube, you know he is a patient, generous, thoughful, and thorough instructor. (Level 1 – 3)
Celtic Music for the Ukulele
Another first for the Wine Country ‘Ukulele Festival! And who would be better to teach the traditional music of Ireland, Scotland and Nova Scotia, than that esteemed Brit, Ken Middleton? This is a two-part workshop beginning with the basic skills of good finger-picking. You will then move on to cover timing, fingering and campanella voicing in considerable detail. In addition, you will learn hammer-ons, pull-offs, slides, acciaccaturas and other ornaments, and explore the characteristics of the different dance forms. The skills learned in part two of this workshop will build upon those learned in part one, but you do not have to take both in order to take advantage of what Ken has to offer. However, you should be able to read tab and please bring an ukulele (soprano, concert, or tenor) with standard high G (re-entrant) tuning. (Level 3 – 4)
The Right ‘Ukulele for You
Soprano, concert, tenor, or baritone? Mahagony, koa, cedar, or spruce? Traditional, solid-body, banjo, or resonator? What does it all mean? With so many good choices available today it’s easy to get dazed and confused whether or not you’re in the market for a new ‘ukulele. Fortunately, we have Ken Middleton on hand to lead you through the quagmire, help you understand what is what, and ultimately decide what might be the best ukulele for you. With thanks, again, to Ohana Music, this workshop is free and open to the public. (All Levels)
