In 2009, AUSGRASS EVENTS
is again promoting this education program, started at AUSGRASS 2008

That encourages teachers and school students in Australia to become acquainted with Bluegrass Music and gain the opportunity to interact with some of Australia's leading Bluegrass musicians.

This 2 hour workshop is a new departure for Ausgrass and Bluegrass Music in Australia. The overwhelming principle of the workshop is to welcome children, teenagers and parents to the music style. This outcome is hoped to be achieved by impromptu musical interaction with interested persons who attend during this workshop. It is hoped that attendees will experience the friendly "family style" of feeling that is common with followers of Bluegrass Music as well as experience the " Call of the Mountains" so deeply entwined with the history of the music.

This DVD has simply GREAT FOOTAGE of performers and the Historical section of the DVD has some marvellous footage of early styles and performers

Ausgrass 2009 will be using the "Discover Bluegrass DVD" as a base learning resource. Following the IBMA program as closely as is possible to allow Australian Music Teachers and students to have a common base of learning experiences, as well as gaining a list of common popular tunes, allowing students to easily interact at jam sessions, festivals and at school events.

"THIS DVD is a MUST for all STUDENTS of BLUEGRASS MUSIC"

Copies of the IBMA DVD will be available for students
to purchase at COST at the Friday Afternoon Workshop,
67 minute educational DVD,
COMPLETE WITH 6 PDF LESSON PLANS

This is a FIRST for AUSGRASS and Bluegrass Music in Australia

School Music Teachers who bring students to the Workshop,
and wish to trial the program, will receive one copy of the
DISCOVER BLUEGRASS DVD
and other Bluegrass music CD's for FREE

The Sommers Family, a Bluegrass Band featuring young adults and children were leading this workshop.
The Band includes parents who have raised five musically talented children and they lead sessions involving students of school age. They were also assisted by experienced musicians to gain valuable insights into the techniques required to maintain the interest of children, who are attempting to master the challenges of learning acoustic musical instruments

2009 Beginners and children's Workshop

It is envisaged that a similar program to 2008 will be undertaken, by band members and other experienced musicians attending the event. This interaction with children proved very popular in 2008 and we are certain that more adults, teachers and of course children learning musical instruments will attend the workshop.
Three simple bluegrass tunes will be taught during the workshop, so come along for a sing-along,
You don't need a musical instrument at this workshop, just bring a happy voice, 2009 tunes will be:-

SALTY DOG BLUES, LONG JOURNEY HOME
&
Pig in a Pen.

 SO PRACTISE UP THE WORDS and JOIN in the FUN.