Clawhammer banjo is rooted in old-time music, a tradition closely associated with the Appalachian region of the United States. This style blends traditional fiddle tunes with West African rhythms and traditions. This workshop-style class will include demonstrations and hands-on time exploring basic clawhammer tuning and rhythms. We’ll work on picking out one or two simple tunes, with accompanying videos and chord charts provided to support your practice. So dust off that 5-string banjo that’s been stored in the closet! The class will be taught gently and primarily by ear. If you don’t currently have a banjo, you can still observe techniques to practice later in addition to receiving beginning instructional material. Instrument-curious by nature, Ann has been playing banjo over a lifetime with occasional detours into other musical journeys. The banjo remains her primary musical inspiration—an old friend to which she continually returns.