8:00a

Registration

(coffee & bagels)
9-10:15a

Class Session 1
10:25-11:40a

Class Session 2

LUNCH

(box lunches -- included)
12:30-1:15p

Mini Concert
1:30-2:45p

Class Session 3
2:45-3:20

Vendors/Jam
3:20-4:30p

Class Session 4

Class Schedule

  • 4 sessions with 8 available classes/session*
  • Levels from beginner to advanced

To Download a PDF of the detailed schedule, click here.

Which level is right for me?

Level 1 (Beginner): A student at this level is brand-new to ukulele. He/she has perhaps learned one to three chords but stops in-between chord changes to move the fingers to the next location.

Level 2 (Intermediate): A student at this level can hold a steady rhythm and is competent with a variety of basic chords (for example: A, Am, B7, C, C7, D, E, G, and G7). Understands simple chord progressions (such as I, IV, V chords), can sing and strum at the same time, and learns chords to simple tunes fairly quickly.

Level 3 (Advanced): A student at this level can hear I, IV, and V chords, has mastered some chord inversions, knows there is life above the fifth fret, and has been there with barre or 4-fingered closed chords. Plays lead and backup easily with others and keeps steady rhythm.

* NOTE: These are general descriptions only. If, in the first few minutes of a class, you find that you are in a level too high or too low for your playing ability, feel free to move to another class!

9:00-10:15am Class Session 1

Ukalaliens ® I

Level 1
Kate Power &
Steve Einhorn

Room 200
Imagine, you are an alien (Ben Bonham) from another planet, (say Mosier or White Salmon); you've just landed at the Gorge Uke Fest site, you'd love to participate in the festivities, but you don't own a ukulele; and even if you did, you don't know which end is up or where to pluck........Throw away your fears and anxieties and attend the "Ukalaliens I" class. We loan you a beautiful sounding, pre tuned and easy to play uke, teach you a wee bit of history, what a fret is, the tuning, 3 or 4 simple chords, up and down strums, AND we sing and play 4-6 fun and easy (mostly familiar + 1 new one) songs. And in between all the learning spots, we laugh alot. So, this is a class for, "I don't know nuttin'" absolute beginners.

It Takes Two to Tango

Level 1
Wendy Schaefer

Room 209		 Dancing is more fun with a partner, and so is playing ukulele!  If you yearn to really get to know your instrument and to play in a group, you should know about "Ukulele in the Classroom",  group instruction in music fundamentals using the ukulele.  If you want to get beyond strumming a few chords and are at a loss to know how to proceed,  Ukulele in the Classroom books and online resources may be just the help you need. I'll use the Ukulele in the Classroom Book One to demonstrate how melody, harmony and skills reading music are taught in this new curriculum for group instruction. Ukulele in the Classroom materials will be provided for this class and will also be available for purchase from Columbia River Music during the festival.

The Secret to Infinite Strumming Patterns

Level 1-2
Ralph Shaw

Room 305 		In this workshop Ralph teaches the basic skills of strumming and then shows how they can be combined to make it easy to vary your strumming styles in an endless number of ways.

Breaking Out of the Strumming Rut

Level 2
Aaron Keim

Room 301 		Tired of the same old strums?  This workshop will focus on ways to break up your strumming with unique strumming patterns, single note riffs and arranging techniques.  This workshop will also be helpful to anyone with a ukulele group or orchestra that needs some ideas about how to spice things up!

Folk Songs

Level 2
Moe Dixon

Room 303 		Back to Basics: Tricks, Licks, Breathing, a few simple songs. Instill confidence around the campfire or in a song circle.  

Pop Music for the Uke

Level 2
Dave Mullany

Room 307 		Learn while having fun playing "classic" music from the 60s & 70s on the uke, from Beatles and Bob Dylan to  Bob Marley and John Denver.   Learn chords (basic and up the neck), strums, picking, as well as lots of tips and tricks.  Bring your G-C-E-A-tuned uke and come ready to have fun!

Jazz Ukulele

Level 3
Rick Hulett

Room 308 		In this class we’ll learn some of the chord shapes commonly used in jazz and delve into several songs using these chords. The emphasis will be on playing jazz rhythm.

Lap Slide Uke

All Levels
Ben Bonham

Room 203 		Hear and see your uke anew by learning the basics of playing it flat on your lap with a slide. It's so much easier than having to fret all those pesky chords, honestly, thats why I do it. This class is good for any uke, and anyone who has one! Ukes that are deemed 'no good' make excellent slide ukes, so bring that one you never play anymore. I will have slides available for everyone - bring your own if you have one.

 

10:25-11:40am Class Session 2

Ukalaliens ® II

Level 1
Kate Power &
Steve Einhorn

Room 200 		Imagine, you've just attended the "Ukalaliens I" class with Steve & Kate. (Or you've played a little and you're ready to expand your ukulele horizons..........) You're feeling a little more confident, you're thinking this is kind of fun, I love the sound of the uke, and I look so cool holding this cute little guitar like thing......I want to see what else these two uke nuts can show me. In "U II" we show you how to do some fingerpicking, a few more chords including at least 1 minor chord; we'll demonstrate and work on some embellishments like hammer on, pull off, slide, mute, and flexible rhythms.  Depending on the level of proficiency and size of class, we will explore  jug band (I,VI, II, V), waltz tempo, old rock, folk and African songs. Singing is a fun aspect of our class, so plan on opening your mouth and making some sweet sounds to accompany your uke playing. (we will also teach you some handy vocal warmups) 

Strum Styles

Level 1-2
Marianne Brogan

Room 209		 Are you feeling fairly secure with 6 chords and a down strum, yet feeling bored with your playing? Learn to use the ukulele as your rhythm section, and become the backbone in your band of one, or more! We start with the utilitarian double strum and learn to distinguish the difference between straight and swing “feel.”  Add strategic accents: damping, chucking or scratching, rolls and triplets - suddenly you are playing a bossa beat or swing, or rock or folk. The songs in this workshop will have 3-4 chords. 

The Name of the Game

Level 2
James Hill

Room 305 		Get ready for musical games galore in this fun, hands-on workshop for all ages.  From Bach and Mozart to Cage and Zorn, musical puzzles have fascinated composers throughout time for good reason: they're fun to play!  Discover the lighter side of music with this ukulele workshop, a happy collision of music and good humour!

Songwriting 101

Level 2
Victoria Vox

Room 301 		Analyzing a popular song's melody, harmony, and rhythm is a great way to improve your own songwriting.  We'll take a closer look at a few hits and see what makes them tick.

The Pick is Your Friend

Level 1-2
Larry Wyatt

Room 303 		Using a pick is a great way to expand your ukulele’s musical potential.  Bring some picks, or use some of mine and we’ll get them moving in the right direction.  Down, up, down, up, down…………..  We’ll also cover muting, strums, scales, and moving bass lines.  Bass lines? Ukulele?

Super Cool Right-Hand Techniques

Level 2
Lil' Rev

Room 307 		We'll explore the George Formby Fan Stroke, The Travis Harrelson Triple-Roll, The Uke Flip, Palm Muting, Surf Sounds, The Voo-doo-dee-0-Do Slide, Tremolo Techniques; as well as a couple of fun tunes to experiment with. Open to all levels.

Expanding Your Sound

Level 3
Craig Chee

Room 308 		A break down of techniques that will get the most sound out of your ukulele. A huge emphasis on technique building (both right and left hand techniques) and a focus on intricacies that are typically overlooked. There will be a lot of material, but will be followed up with a review video online after the workshop! 

Old Time Fiddle Jam

All Levels
The Canotes

Room 203 		Learn to accompany a real old time fiddler playing real Appalachian Fiddle tunes!  We'll learn the "freight train strum"  and more!  All tunes  contain 3 chords or less! We'll play in the Keys of A, C, D, and G!   All Levels!

 

1:30-
2:45 am		 Class Session 3

It Takes Two to Tango

Level 1
Wendy Schaefer

Room 200 		Dancing is more fun with a partner, and so is playing ukulele!  If you yearn to really get to know your instrument and to play in a group, you should know about "Ukulele in the Classroom",  group instruction in music fundamentals using the ukulele.  If you want to get beyond strumming a few chords and are at a loss to know how to proceed,  Ukulele in the Classroom books and online resources may be just the help you need. I'll use the Ukulele in the Classroom Book One to demonstrate how melody, harmony and skills reading music are taught in this new curriculum for group instruction. Ukulele in the Classroom materials will be provided for this class and will also be available for purchase from Columbia River Music during the festival.

I've Got a Gig! Now What??

Level 1-2
Moe Dixon

Room 209 		How to manage a performance.

How to Write a Song

Level 2
Brook Adams

Room 305 		I wrote my first song in 1974. I wrote my first good song in 1993. I have never written a hit song. Nonetheless, I have learned a thing or two about chords, lyrics and melody that you can use, to sharpen up that bitchen song idea you've been thinking about. We will play and sing some classic tunes and then talk about what makes them so good. Then we'll run some ideas up the flagpole and see if anyone salutes 'em.

Clawhammer Uke

Level 2
Aaron Keim

Room 301 		Clawhammer style is a banjo playing technique that also sounds great on the ukulele.  For this workshop, we will get the basic techniques and learn two short tunes.  Students will also go home with a series of practice exercises and more tunes for enrichment. 

Melody Licks for Strummers

Level 2
Ralph Shaw

Room 303 		Ideas for bringing melody into your strumming. Even strummers can introduce melody into their playing! Use the well known arrangements of the songs you love to play to help you provide embellishments for your music

Beginning Blues Uke

Level 2
Dave Mullany

Room 307 		It's difficult to be sad while playing a uke – but it is EASY to play blues uke! Learn blues chords, fills, and turnarounds,  work on picking and strums by playing great blues songs from the 30s through today. Beginning and intermediate players welcome. Bring your G-C-E-A-tuned uke.

Intro to Soloing

Level 3
Rick Hulett

Room 308 		This class will help you understand how to play a simple solo over the songs you already kniow. You’ll learn that as Chet Atkins said, “There’s no such thing as a mistake, just a poor selection of notes.” This class will give an idea how to make better choices.

Lap Slide Uke

All Levels
Ben Bonham

Room 203 		Hear and see your uke anew by learning the basics of playing it flat on your lap with a slide. It's so much easier than having to fret all those pesky chords, honestly, thats why I do it. This class is good for any uke, and anyone who has one! Ukes that are deemed 'no good' make excellent slide ukes, so bring that one you never play anymore. I will have slides available for everyone - bring your own if you have one.

 

3:20-
4:30pm		 Class Session 4

Strum Fun for Everyone

Level 1
The Canotes

Room 200 		Expand your rhythmic Horizons and learn some new tricks!  We'll cover the Triplet strum, several waltz strums, the syncopated strum, the Bo Diddly beat, and the swing Chop!  Maybe even an intro to Clawhammer!    All Levels!

Writing Roots-Based Songs on the Ukulele

Level 1-2
Lil' Rev

Room 209		 This exciting new class will explore the concept of taking traditional jazz, ragtime, folk, bluegrass, tin pan alley, blues and country motifs and writing your own song. We'll explore the 12 bar form, The Traditional Folk Progression, Ragtime ideas, and Tin Pan Alley Hooks as well as Country progressions and other common forms songwriters use to hang lyrics upon. Lil Rev will teach 6 of his best compositions as examples of this approach. Open to all levels.

Pop and Soul

Level 2
Brook Adams

Room 305 		This is my perennial, ever changing workshop. I teach the songs that I'm excited about in the current six month period... This means of course, pop and soul. Right now I'm doing the Eagles, Doobie Brothers, and Smokey Robinson. I love singing, and I love playing the signature licks in a tune. We're gonna do that. I finally found a way to make good charts (thanks to Andy Anderson) and you will get some playable, jammable, singable fun.

Chord Inversions 101

Level 2
Marianne Brogan

Room 301 		Learn to play common chords in other positions on the fret board. Give yourself a new musical challenge, and new life to the songs you play. If you can change between a handful of "open" chords (C, F, Bflat, (yes, I said Bflat),  D7, &  G7 without hesitation, this class is the next step. You will learn about barre chords, or four-finger chords. You will come to recognize chord "shapes,” absorb a tiny bit of chord theory, and be off to your next musical horizon. The ideas will be applied to two-chord songs and the skill you learn will be reinforced with lots of in-class hands-on practice. 

Fascinating Rhythm

Level 2
Victoria Vox

Room 303 		Get to the bottom of some strumming patters.  Play it straight or get funky.  What goes up must come down, right? 

The Ukulele as a Percussion Instrument

Level 2-3
Craig Chee

Room 307 		Learn the basics to 'chunking' via mutes and scratching and learn how to apply these techniques in ways that will fill up your sound and completely change the way a song is played. This workshop will be very right hand focused, pursuing different strum techniques while incorporating percussive elements. A great way to change how a song sounds.

Swing Uke and You!

Level 3
Larry Wyatt

Room 308 		If you want to get started playing swing tunes but feel a little overwhelmed by the prospect, come to this class.  We’ll take some well known standards and figure out how to interpret the chord changes.  We’ll also cover getting a good swinging rhythm, symbols and terminology unique to fake books swing, as well as tips and ideas to get you improvising solos. You’ll leave with charts for all the tunes we cover.  And… you’ll know how to play them!    This class is not just for ukulele. Other instruments are encouraged to attend.

Living in Perfect Harmony

All Levels
James Hill

Room 203		 If you love to SING in three- and four-part harmony, this is the class for you! Find out why your ukulele is the perfect tool for writing beautiful vocal arrangements in just minutes. We'll sing arrangements of folk, gospel and jazz favourites. Best of all, you'll learn how to create your own multi-part harmonies faster than you can say "My Mom Made Me Mow My Lawn!"