Wheel Song Hurdy Gurdy Festival

General Information

• Experience Level: The workshops themselves are for advanced beginners through seasoned players: while we will be teaching playing skills the main focus will be on learning repertoire, so some experience in playing the instrument is recommended. Beginners are more than welcome to come observe and soak in the experience. See Workshop Fee for further details.

• Tuning: The chosen tuning for the festival is G/C, so please make sure your instruments are set up to play in G/C tuning. This means the melody strings are in G and we may use G or C drones depending on the repertoire. 

• Housing and Transportation: Participants are responsible for their own housing and transportation to and from the venue.

• Meals:

  • Breakfast: Coffee and pastries will be provided each morning to start your day.

  • Lunch: Sandwiches will be available for lunch each day.

  • Optional Dinners: We will have an optional dinner together on Friday and Saturday night, but these meals will be at your own expense.

We are looking forward to a weekend of music, learning, and connection!

Class Descriptions

Renaissance (Mary Vanhoozer) 

In this class, we will learn to play four tunes, each of which belongs to a significant musical collection from the 16th-17th centuries: Tielman Susato’s Danserye (1551), Thoinot Arbeau’s Orchesographie (1589), John Playford’s Dancing Master (1651) and John Hilton’s Catch That Catch Can (1652). The class will also explore topics pertaining to performance practice, ornamentation, and second voice or harmony line possibilities. 

French Balfolk (Taryn Spink)

In this class, we will explore some iconic French Balfolk tunes that are connected with popular dances such as the Bourree de deux temp, Bourree de trois temp, scottish, waltz, and circle dances such as the chappelloise and circ circasiean. The class will offer students a deeper understanding of the Balfolk tradition and provide a common repertoire should they travel around the United States or further abroad to France.  

Lecture - Harmonize with English Rounds (Mary Vanhoozer) 

In this lecture, we will explore 17th century English rounds. The beauty of the round is that the melody itself also provides harmony: hence rounds are a wonderful way to play in harmony with others without having to produce a second melody line yourself. We will take a more detailed look at John Hilton’s Catch That Catch Can and play through a round or two as a class so please bring your instruments!

Lecture - Dance informs the Music; Music Informs the Dance (Taryn Spink)

The majority of music written for Hurdy Gurdy is dance music: dance and instrument both are interconnected and inseparable. Understanding the movement of the dance informs musicians how to play or emphasize certain rhythms or beats. Likewise, knowing the form of the music helps dancers be expressive and know when to begin. In this lecture, be prepared for a hands-on-experience, or rather a foot-forward experience, as we learn the steps to the Bourree and how the music informs the dance and the dance informs the music.

Workshop Fee

If folks aren't able to attend the entire weekend, or if a minor wants to attend with a parent/guardian, there are options available at a further discount price. Please feel free to contact us! 

Playing Participant Full Festival Fee: $250

Individual Days: $50 for half day or $100 for full day

We have been encouraged by the many enthusiastic responses we’ve received regarding the Wheel Song Hurdy Gurdy Festival, and we’re delighted that a couple folks, who don’t yet have an instrument, have nevertheless expressed interest in attending as spectators. In light of this, we are delighted to open our festival to observers, as well as hurdy gurdy participants! 

Observer Fee: $150

Schedule

Friday, June 27th:  

3:00-4:00 pm Arrival and Check in. Get your Hurdy Gurdy in tune and address minor adjustments with assistance. Taryn will be available for help with instrument set up and maintenance as well as minor repairs.

4:00 - 5:45 Welcome session and foundations with Taryn and Mary

6:00 pm Group dinner at Currito Bowl in downtown Elmhurst.

7:30 pm Faculty Concert featuring Mary Vanhoozer and Taryn Spink. Open to the Public. Located at Armerding Recital Hall at Wheaton College, 520 Kenilworth Ave, Wheaton IL. If driving from Elmhurst University, plan for a 25 minute drive. 

Saturday, June 28th:

8:00 am Breakfast is open and will be available until 9:00 am

8:30 am Warm Up and Foundations with Taryn

9:00-10:30 am Morning Session with Mary

      10:30 - 10:45 Break with Snacks Provided

10:45 - 12:15 am Morning Session with Taryn 

12:15 - 1:15 pm Lunch provided

1:30-2:30 pm Lecture presented by Mary

2:45 - 4:00 pm Afternoon Session with Mary

     4:00 - 4:30 pm Break with snacks provided

4:30 - 5:45 pm Afternoon Session with Taryn

6:00 pm Dinner/Dismissal (optional group dinner in downtown Elmhurst)

8:00 pm Optional Balfolk Jam session

Sunday, June 29th:

8:00 am Breakfast is open and will be available until 9:00 am

8:30 Warm Up and Foundations with Taryn

9:00-10:30 am Morning Session with Mary

     10:30 - 10:45 Break with Snacks Provided

10:45 - 12:15 am Morning Session with Taryn 

12:15 - 1:15 Lunch provided

1:30-2:30 pm Lecture presented by Taryn

2:45 - 4:00 pm Afternoon Session with Mary

     4:00 - 4:30 pm Break with snacks provided

4:30 - 6:00 pm Afternoon Session with Taryn

6:00 pm Dinner (optional group dinner in downtown Elmhurst)

7:30 Group performance and dancing

8:30 Group photo and departure