Jams are a fun and important part of the Festival experience. All participants from beginner through advanced players are welcome to attend the Open Jam Sessions on Friday 11:15-11:45 and 2:45-3:15.
And don’t miss the Jam Session Friday night 9:45-11:00 featuring our concert performers.
To help you plan ahead a little, here are some tunes that will be played at the following Jams:
- HD Beginning Jam: TBD
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HD Intermediate Jam: Road to Lisdoonvarna, Swallowtail Jig, Red Haired Boy, Glass Island Reel, Over the Waterfall, Whiskey Before Breakfast, Swinging On a Gate, Soldier’s Joy, Accordion Crimes
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MD Beginning Jam: Frere Jacques, Liza Jane, Wildwood Flower
Sheet music for tunes specifically identified for playing in this year’s Festival can be accessed from Jam Tunes. From there you can print out pdf files for the tunes and practice them before the Festival happens. We’re not talking “performance ready”—just “Jam ready.” Get “good enough” that you can play them with other people, but without music.
For sheet music for other commonly-played jam tunes, as well as guidelines, and other jamming resources, go to Jam Tunes & Resources.
The Jams will be conducted in the true oral tradition spirit—without written music—and your teacher will help you play the tunes you know, learn the tunes in the context of the Jam, or play chords when you don’t know the tune. It’s a different way of playing than with music, very freeing, and we’re thrilled to be passing these skills along to you.
Bring your instruments and your adventurous spirit, a few songs to suggest, and Voila! Instant jam!
