Coach - Chris
Vets - Ed, Dan, Joanne, Joyce, Jim, Scott, Patrick
We welcomed Joyce, a USMC vet, who was with us for her first time, and Patrick, a Navy vet, for whom this was his first full session.
We warmed up with a discussion of guidelines for instrument humidification, in consideration of the season.
Chris introduced an instrument "petting zoo," during which we all got a chance to inspect and play each of a variety of instruments--a mandolin, a fiddle, a cavaquinho (a Brazilian steel-stringed version of the ukulele), and a viola caipira (also from Brazil, a ten-stringed guitar family instrument played in music from the Sertão).
We discussed how the different intervals between the string pitches and the overall tuning affects the way the left hand is able to shape chords. Both the Brazilian instruments are tuned open in major chords, creating a different approach to accompaniment from the guitar chording we're used to.
In the Great Songs part of the session, we took turns sharing the tunes we are planning to play at the upcoming Friends and Family Night at the Barley Mill Pub. Jim played and sang Ring of Fire, Dan Sam Stone, Scott Baby, Please Don't Go, and Ed Peaches and Pound Cake.
The session closed with group play while Chris held SSV Welcome and Orientation with Patrick and Joyce.
We're looking forward to March 31!