Tuesday night some magic ensued at the first night of music classes at the Frank Hamilton Folk School. Started by folk music legend Frank Hamilton (also founder of internationally renown Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago in 1957) and local musician/business consultant Bob Bakert and working out of Epworth United Methodist Church across the street from Candler Park, there was a solid turnout for classes that included learning how to play banjo, guitar & fiddle using the communal teaching style favored by Hamilton. I had not witnessed this style of teaching before, and it was FUN to behold! The two-hour session was broken down into one-hour segments, the first hour dedicated to learning chords and participating in a sing-along for respective instruments. The second hour was devoted to everyone participating in one big jam led by Hamilton and the other teachers, who included Fritz Rauschenberg (guitar), George Hergen (banjo), and fiddler Moira Nelligan. I spotted Moira walking around to all her fiddle students during the group jam and making sure they were understanding the chord changes. The songs that they worked up included “Hang Down Your Head Tom Dooley” and “You Are My Sunshine”.
I’m very excited to have the Frank Hamilton Folk School in our back yard, and I’m anxious to see how this music school can boost a community much like the Old Town School of Folk Music has done in Chicago. It was fun to have some folks from the Old Town School in attendance as well, and they got on the stage and performed the song “Little Birdie”. They certainly felt the fresh energy and enthusiasm of all in attendance and can’t wait to see this movement grow.
If you are interested in becoming involved or would like to further your musical education (or start it!), please CLICK HERE for more information. Come on out and be a part of something special!
TDawg Presents 