L to R: Amelia Thornton - Artwork Strings, Missoula; Cosima Luther - violin/viola adjudicator, Los Angeles CA; Jessica Catron - Grow Music, Missoula; and David Mason - cello adjudicator, Ventura CA
Thank you, Missoula, for a WONDERFUL second year!
Each performer was fantastic. The workshops and our adjudicators were a perfect balance of educational, inspirational, informative, and fun.
Take a look at some great images captured: HERE
See you in 2021!
From the traditional to the extraordinary.
An annual celebration of nearly all-things-stringed!
String musicians of all ages and abilities are invited to participate in a full-throttle weekend that includes creative workshops, inspiring feedback from master teaching artists, and a final celebratory performance of NSSF faculty and participants. The final performance is free and open to the public.
The adjudication portion of the festival is open to both solo and ensemble players and will be held in an open-room masterclass format. Throughout the weekend, participants will be exposed to high-level presentations, professional instruction in both traditional and contemporary music, and have the chance to explore workshops designed to be relevant, informative, and just plain fun! Students will gain performance experience while receiving guidance, constructive feedback, and important confidence-building tools helpful for emerging artists and thriving young leaders.
The adjudication portion of the festival is open to both solo and ensemble players and will be held in an open-room masterclass format. Throughout the weekend, participants will be exposed to high-level presentations, professional instruction in both traditional and contemporary music, and have the chance to explore workshops designed to be relevant, informative, and just plain fun! Students will gain performance experience while receiving guidance, constructive feedback, and important confidence-building tools helpful for emerging artists and thriving young leaders.
2020 NSSF Team
Master Teaching Artists & Adjudicators
Cosima Luther• Adj. Violin Professor, Pepperdine University
• Lead Teaching Artist, Youth Orchestra LA • Co-founder, Rocky Mountain Fiddle Camp • BIOGRAPHY Amelia ThorntonJessica Catron |
David Mason• Cello Faculty, Ventura College
• Cellist, Bakersfield Symphony • Advocate of Music by Living Composers • BIOGRAPHY Bill Kautz |
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
Saturday, February 29
9:30-3:30pm - Solo & Ensemble Adjudication
2:30-4:00pm - Workshop “Improvisation” by Bill Kautz
4:10-5:40pm - Workshop "Pedal Power" by Amelia Thornton
Sunday, March 1
10:00-10:50am - Workshop “Warrior Practice Techniques” by David Mason
11:00-12:30pm - Workshop "Fiddling" by Cosima Luther
3pm - Final Performance and Celebration! - A FREE EVENT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Saturday, February 29
9:30-3:30pm - Solo & Ensemble Adjudication
2:30-4:00pm - Workshop “Improvisation” by Bill Kautz
4:10-5:40pm - Workshop "Pedal Power" by Amelia Thornton
Sunday, March 1
10:00-10:50am - Workshop “Warrior Practice Techniques” by David Mason
11:00-12:30pm - Workshop "Fiddling" by Cosima Luther
3pm - Final Performance and Celebration! - A FREE EVENT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Festival Workshops
These workshops are open to all, not just festival registrants! If you are interested in attending a workshop but have not signed up for the festival, please RSVP.
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Improvisation
Led by Bill Kautz Saturday, February 29th, 2:30-4:00pm $15 *OPEN TO ALL INSTRUMENTS/VOICES AND ALL LEVELS!* Improvisation allows you to play things without having them written down or even having ever heard the sounds you are playing before. Improvisation allows musicians to play with sound - to try new ideas and techniques. Playfulness helps musicians get into a space inside of themselves where it is easy to connect to others and the world in a more spiritual way. Improvisation is about seeking connection. If you listen, copy, and build on what others are doing -- magic happens! It's as if you are all one being, sharing each others thoughts and ideas in real time. Improvisation is a meditation. It is about being in a space where the music goes on and on, time slows, and you never want to stop. It fills you up to the brim and further. Open to all levels - this is a great class for anyone, regardless of experience or level! We will explore several fun and simple exercises to unleash our creativity! |
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Pedal Power!
Led by Amelia Thornton Saturday, February 29, 4:10-5:40pm $15 Discover how an amplified string instrument can produce new sound worlds! Electric violins, violas and cellos are fantastic tools for string players who want to expand boundaries. This crash course in electric strings will start with electric technique: listening, intonation, rhythm, improvised soloing, and back-up playing. We will experiment with a few essential effects pedals like reverb, delay, and chorus and then dive into the world of LOOPING which can make you sound like an entire orchestra! Participants will learn a few “show-biz” skills, discuss stage presence, discuss style and band image, and come up with original band names! This workshop is open to all ages/levels for observation, but participation will be most suitable for students who play full size or 3/4 size instruments. Bring your electric instrument if you have one, or bring your acoustic instrument to work on the techniques. Thanks to Morgenroth Music, there will be a few full-size electric instruments available to try out! |
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Becoming a Practice Warrior
Led by David Mason Sunday, March 1st - 10:00-10:50am $10 Mastering an instrument is a lifelong process. When Maestro Pablo Casals, in his nineties, was asked about why he continued to diligently practice he responded, "Because I think I might just be getting somewhere." Learning to practice mindfully is key to effective growth, efficiency in technique, and overall satisfaction. This workshop will lay out several tried-and-true practice techniques aimed at developing a deeper connection to your instrument, creating efficient time management in practice with better results, and setting the stage for more joy in the lifelong relationship to your music. |
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Fiddling (for all strings!)
Led by Cosima Luther Sunday, March 1st, 11:00-12:30pm $15 This workshop is sure to be great fun! Open to all strings (including guitar, mandolin, and banjo). Cosima is co-director of the Rocky Mountain Fiddle Camp and has a ton of experience teaching music from the long and great tradition of fiddling. Participants will work on techniques for developing the appropriate sound on a few great Celtic tunes. The class will be taught by ear with sheet music available at the end. We will even aim to prepare and learn a tune that will be presented in the Celebration Recital! Come get your fiddle on! |
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Thanks to our sponsors! These businesses believe in and support our young musicians.
This festival would not be possible without their generosity - please support them with your business!
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