IAM Foundation Website Up
The Institute of American Music Foundation website is now up and running. Check it out here.October Jam Session
October 20th is the date for our next jam session. The first hour will be geared toward beginners and the second for more advanced players. We hope to have all instruments and levels represented.
October 20th
Provo Library Room 201
7:00-9:00
Banjo Basics Revealed
Travis Hall taught a very informative workshop in September, focusing on banjo basics. He first covered arm and hand position for correct playing of the banjo, as well as "banjo anatomy" — how the instrument is put together. He then demonstrated the three basic roll patterns for banjo. The forward roll (top to bottom), the backward roll (bottom to top) and the forward/backward roll ( a combination of the two). When practicing a song, Travis suggested players should chord then roll to practice both skills in tandem.
He also gave some tips if you're playing banjo in a jam session. When playing vamps (similar to chucks on the fiddle) he suggested moving your hand up to the neck to partially mute the sound. When a fiddle is soloing, the banjo should roll, when a mandolin is soloing, play in a lower register to avoid competing with the high tones of the mandolin. He also mentioned that banjoists should be considerate of the others in the jam session since the banjo puts out such a loud sound.
The highlight of the night was when Travis explained that only three chords in three different positions are required to play any chord you need. He taught this in a simple, easy to understand way that became an "ah-ha" moment for everyone there. Our thanks goes out to Travis for an excellent workshop.
Barn Dance With Live Music
If you've ever wanted to step back in time and experience traditional acoustic music and dance in their original setting, then we've got the event for you! IAMF and the Thueson family are sponsoring a FREE barn dance on October 7th with dancing to live music. Everyone is invited to dance, play music or just watch from the sidelines and snack the night away.
The Thueson family recently finished construction on their Red Barn which features a full mezzanine level, an open ceiling with visible frame timbers and light fixtures that are rumored to have previously hung in the Salt Aire ballroom. Bring your instruments, dancing shoes and a snack to share. The fun will begin at 7:00 so plan on being right on time.
Directions to The Red Barn:
- Head toward Mapleton on Highway 89.
- From Highway 89 turn East on 1600 South. Proceed East.
- Turn Left on Nemelka Lane.
- You'll see the barn from here.
- Drive as close as you can to the barn and park on the road. Their address is 1400 South 1750 East.
Here are some tunes you may want to practice if you'd like to play at the dance. All are found in the 50 Tunes Book Series.
- Square Dances- Arkansas Traveler, Cripple Creek, Whiskey Before Breakfast, Soldier's Joy, St. Anne's Reel, Devil's Dream.
- Round Dances- Cotton-Eyed Joe
- Virginia Reel- Irish Washerwoman or any happy jig.
- Polkas- Grandfather's Clock, Under the Double Eagle, Red Wing, Down Yonder.
- Waltzes- Tennessee Waltz, Kentucky Waltz, Ook Pik Waltz
Barns are a great place to be anytime of year, but especially in the fall, while dancing to live trad music under the warm glow of historic chandeliers. Yes, your wildest dreams will come true! We hope to see you there.
Fall Fiddle Fest on October 22nd
The third annual Fall Fiddle Fest will be held October 22nd at the Provo Arts Center. The contest will be divided into two divisions consisting of small groups ( 2-4 performers) and large groups (5 or more performers). Small groups will compete from 12:00-3:00 and large group competition will run from 3:00-6:00. Finalists will be announced at 3:00 for small groups and 6:00 for large groups. At 7:00 the top three finalists from each division will compete in the second round where they will each play one tune. Complete details and registration forms are located on the IAM website under Fall Fiddle Fest. Space will fill up quickly, so download your registration form, write your check and get it in the mail today! Prize money will be awarded as follows:
| Large Group | |
| First Place | $500.00 |
| Second | $250.00 |
| Third | $125.00 |
| Small Group | |
| First Place | $300.00 |
| Second | $150.00 |
| Third | $75.00 |
The entry fee for small groups is $25.00 and $50.00 for large groups.
General admission for the contest and concert that night is $5.00 per person and $25.00 per family.
Contestants will not be charged admission as they've already paid their contest entry fee.
We're pleased to have Kat Larsen and Stacey Francom from the band Silver City Pink, and Stuart Maxfield from the band Founding Fathers as our judges. They will be mindful of audience response to each band, so tell as many friends, family, even strangers off the street to come cheer you on.
Following the second round, a concert featuring the Bluegrass band, Gift Horse, will round out the day of great music. This band boasts state winners in fiddle, mandolin, guitar and banjo so you'll definitely want to hear their music. For more information about Gift Horse, check out their website www.gifthorseband.com
Door prize tickets will be sold throughout the day for $1.00 each. Feel free to buy as many tickets as you're able since a guitar and other great prizes will be given away that night. You must be present to win.
IAMF Want Ads
For Sale
New Martin Guitar
Comes with a hard shell case, humidifier and two full sets of strings.
Asking $1,000 (List price is $1,300) Series:000-1
Call Jessica Wilkinson 400-6332 or Trent McCausland 360-7813
New Full Size Violin
Andare violin hand made in Romania with 6 year old wood from the Carpathian Mountains.
Asking $800.00
Call Amy Dayton 785-0725 or email
Upcoming Musical Events
October 7th October 12th October 14th October 14, 15, 16 October 18th October 20th October 22nd |
October 22nd A Celtic Celebration Ronan Tynan - Irish Tenor Leahy- Celtic Family Band Mormon Tabernacle Choir Utah Symphony Conference Center 7:30 Tickets required November 3rd November 9th November 18th December 2nd |
Radio Programs
KRCL 90.9 FM Radio"The Bluegrass Express"
every Sunday 2:00- 5:00 p.m.
KRCL 90.9 FM Radio
"Fret ‘N Fiddle"
every Sunday 5:00- 7:00 p.m.
KUER 90 FM Radio
"A Prairie Home Companion"
Garrison Keillor hosts this long running variety show with lots of humor and great music.
Saturday 5:00-7:00
KUER 90 FM Radio
"Thistle and Shamrock"
every Saturday 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
You'll love the Celtic music along with host Fiona Ritchie's beautiful Scottish accent.
For more information about I.A.M. call Mark Geslison at 375-1188.