Presents:

Fretmentor's 3rd Annual

 

Banjo, Fiddle & Mandolin & Guitar Workshop

 

seagull

 

January 28-29th, 2012

 Featuring ...

 

Alan Munde

 

Byron Berline

 

Jim Hurst

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sponsored By: 

 

www.Fretmentor.com

 

 Epiphany Lutheran Church

Tim Givens Building & Remodeling Inc.

 

 

Intellitouch Tuners

Homespun Music Instruction

 

Mel Bay

Village Animal Clinic

 

Texas Music Supplies 

Leslie Kay Inc. Insurance

 

Turner Roofing Co, Inc.

Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine

 

 Elderly Instruments

 

Acoustic Guitar Magazine

 Fretboard Journal

 

First Quality Music Supplies

 

  To access and print the advertising flyer, click the pick to the left

 

 

 

 WLRN Announcement Radio Interviews Scheduled For January 2012:

 

 

 

 


Schedule  &

 

Instructors

 

boatOn the weekend of January 28-29th, 2012, Alan Munde, Byron Berline and Jim Hurst will be joining Fretmentor.com for the much anticipated Fretmentor's 3rd Annual Banjo, Fiddle & Mandolin, and Guitar Workshop. I am pleased and honored to introduce you to our legendary instructors who will be featured at this exciting event in the South East Florida region.  

 

 

Saturday January 28, 2012 - 10:00 am to 7:00 pm - includes registration, attendee open Jam, followed by morning and afternoon banjo fiddle & mandolin and guitar sessions taught by Alan Munde, Byron Berline and Jim Hurst.  The day will end with a special event concert by these legendary and world renown performers.

 

Tentative Schedule for Saturday, January 28, 2012

  • 9:30 AM - Check in and Registration
  • 10:00  - Opening - Introduction of Alan, Byron & Jim. Main Church Building.
  • 10:30 - 12:00 noon - Separate morning Banjo, Fiddle & Mandolin or Guitar sessions with either Alan, Byron or Jim to be held in School Classrooms
  • 12:00 to 1:15 pm - Lunch Break - Mingle with Alan, Byron & Jim and other workshop attendees.  Feel free to jam outside.
  • 1:20 to 3:20 pm - Separate afternoon sessions with Alan Munde, Byron Berline and Jim Hurst to be held in School Classrooms.
  • 3:30 to 3:45 pm Short Break -  Participate in an open jam outside.
  • 3:50 to 4:50 pm - Continue separate afternoon sessions with Alan Munde, Byron Berline and Jim Hurst to be held in School Classrooms.
  • 4:55 to 5:15 pm - Snacks & Drinks in the Lobby
  • 5:30 - 7:00 pm - Alan Munde, Byron Berline and Jim Hurst will entertain attendees with an informal private concert.  They will discuss their music and compositions. Main Church Facility.

 

Sunday Janaury 29, 2012 - 10:00 am to 7:00pm The morning and afternoon will include morning banjo, fiddle & mandolin and guitar sessions with Alan Munde, Byron Berline & Jim Hurst  After closing comments, the weekend will end with raffles from the event's sponsors.

Tentative Schedule for Sunday January 29, 2012

  • 9:30 AM - Check in and warm up your instruments with other attendees outside. Morning Bagels & Drinks
  • 10:00 - 11:50 am  - Separate morning Banjo, Fiddle & Mandolin or Guitar sessions with either Alan, Byron or Jim to be held in School Classrooms
  • 12:00 - 1:15 pm - Lunch break. Mingle with Alan, Byron & Jim and other workshop attendees
  • 1:20 - 3:20 pm - Sessions with both Alan Munde, Byron Berline and Jim Hurst to be held in School Classrooms.
  • 3:30 - 4:00 pm - Snack Break, outside jam & Group Photo (Location To Be Announced)
  • 4:05 pm - 6:25pm - Separate afternoon Alan Munde, Byron Berline and Jim Hurst to be held in School Classrooms.
  • 6:30 PM - Closing comments by Fretmentor & Sponsor Prize Drawing. Main Church Facility.

 

 

 

 Alan Munde  Byron Berline Jim Hurst

 

Alan Munde

 

Alan Munde needs no introduction to long-time Bluegrass fans. From his early creative work with Sam Bush in Poor Richard's Almanac to his traditional bluegrass apprenticeship with Jimmy Martin and the Sunny Mountain Boys to his 21-year stint anchoring the landmark Country Gazette, Alan has blazed a trail as one of the most innovative and influential banjo players of all time. Along the way, Alan also recorded and contributed to numerous instrumental recordings, including the 2001 IBMA Instrumental Album of the Year - Knee Deep in Bluegrass.

To see a more detailed biography of Alan Munde Click The Pick: 

 

Byron Berline

Byron Berline has been touted as "One of the most inventive fiddlers ever .."  His skill, verstality and artistry continue to be recognized by his peers, the press and audiences word-wide.  He has a witty, charming personality and his music is evidence of that.  Byron Berline is a three-time National Fiddle Champion who turned to a musical career after earning a B. A. in Physical Education at the University of Oklahoma. Originally from Oklahoma where he began playing the fiddle at age 5, Byron lived and worked in Los Angeles for 26 years before returning to his home state in 1995.  Byron's professional career reads like Who's Who .. In the music busines as he performeed with or recorded with so many notables.  He has led or been a member of the following bands:  Bill Monroe Bluegrass Boys (1966-67), Dillard & Clark (1969-70), Dillard Expedition (1970-71), Country Gazette (1971-75), Sundance (1975-85), Berline, Berline, Crary & Hickman (1978-90), L.A. Fiddle Band (1978-93), California (1990-96) and currently the Byron Berline Band (1996-present).

 

To see a more detailed biography of Byron Berline Click The Pick: 

 

 

Jim Hurst

 

Multi-award winning guitarist in Bluegrass, as well as contest winnings in Country, Bluegrass, and other acoustic music genres, Jim is known throughout the Nashville TN area as one of the best in the business. His talents of singing, multi-intrumentalist abilities and well-rounded stylings have garnered him support positions and recording sessions with some of the best artists in Country and Bluegrass music. Trisha Yearwood, Sara Evans, Holly Dunn, Claire Lynch, Travis Tritt, John Cowan, Mark Schatz, Tim O'Brien and more.

 

To see a more detailed biography of Jim Hurst Click The Pick:  

 

David Jakubiak

David is the founder of www.fretmentor.com. and provides private and class instruction in banjo, guitar and mandolin, in Jupiter Florida and via Webcam.  His Wednesday night bluegrass class regularly attracts 25-35 participants each term.   David is a writer for the Banjo Newsletter and he has produced six instructional books on CD for banjo, guitar and mandolin.  You can see his recently published articles  regarding his bluegrass class in the library section above.  In addition, you will see a more detailed biography at his website www.fretmentor.com.  David has over 40 years of musical training and education, starting with the clarinet at the age of 8, the banjo and guitar at the ages of 10 and 11, followed later by the mandolin . 

To see a more detailed biography of David Jakubiak Click HERE 

 

 

 


 

 

 2012 Workshop

 

Sponsors

 

 

Tim Givens . - 

 

 

 

 

Village Animal Clinic - http://www.villageac.com is located at 9044 Alternate A1A (corner of Northlake and A1A) North Palm Beach, Florida.  Warm hearts for cold noses.  We've been keeping pet's healthy since 1965.  Full service veterinary hospital.  Board certified internal medicine specialist on staff along with 3 excellent and caring general practice veterinarians.  Dermatology, allergies, nutritional counseling, surgery, dentistry, behavioral issues.  Therapeutic laser treatment for arthritis. Positive dog training and doggie day care (inside and outside on 1/2 acre fenced grassy play area).  Boarding.  Hurricane shelter for pets.  Evening and Saturday hours.  In house ultrasound, full laboratory, digital x rays. And we love, play and support Florida music!

 

 Epiphany Lutheran Church & School - Reverend Doug Fountain, a banjo player and student himself, has kindly offered  the use of the Epiphany Lutheran Church & School in Lake Worth, Florida as a wonderful central location for this event.  This is the second year that Epiphany will be the host site for the Jens and Uwe Kruger Banjo & Guitar Workshop.  

 

Turner Roofing Company - Welcome to Turner Roofing Co, proudly serving Palm Beach and Martin Counties since 1980. We are a full-service Roof Contractor, specializing in residential and commercial repairs and roof replacement. No job is too small, or too big. Residential or commercial, we can help. Contact us at 561-844-0909 or 866-944-0909.

 

Acoustic Guitar Magazine  is a monthly magazine dedicated to the acoustic guitarist. Acoustic Guitar magazine  is for every player in any style.

 

 

Fretboard Journal LogoFretboard Journal - Is A Quarterly magazine celebrating fretted stringed instruments and their players.  The Fretboard Journal is not a buying guide. We don't try to hype the latest and greatest. There's no tablature in our magazine for tunes you don't care about. We just want to chronicle the exciting, living history of music in a unique way and turn you onto some new instruments and players. We do all of this in a very unique format: we're a "coffee table magazine", with page after page of stunning photography and in-depth interviews.

 

Leslie Kay Inc. -Leslie Kay's Insurance specializes in Motorcycle Insurance, as well as insurance for your Automobile and recreational products such as RV, and boat.  We are dedicated to customer service, and offering quality products at competitive rates.  Motorcycle insurance for Bikers by Bikers.  Check us out at www.lesliekays.com where you can request a quote and read some great articles on our blog! comprehensive insurance for auto, motorcycle, boats and other vehicles. 

 

 

Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine offers a monthly publication dedicated to bluegrass music, including articles, interviews and a special events and festival issue.  Bluegrass Unlimited is a founding member of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA).  Bluegrass Unlimited is published monthly by Bluegrass Unlimited, Inc., 9514 James Madison Hwy., Warrenton, Virginia 20186. 

 

Elderly Instruments - (www.elderly.com): We're a real music store, since 1972: No basement-run Internet shop, no warehouse with a computer terminal, just a real store with real people (most of whom are musicians) here to help you in any way we can. Our instruments are displayed between other instruments, not between the vacuum cleaners and the microwave ovens. Come in and play any of our instruments. You don't have to ask permission, and whether you're buying or just dreaming, it's fun. Or if you can't make it in, we can play the instrument for you over the phone. .

 

Homespun Music Instruction produces and distributes instructional books and tapes for various musical instruments.

 

 

Intellitouch TunersIntellitouch Tuner - OnBoard Research Corporation is an innovator in the design and manufacturing of musical accessories.  Based outside of Dallas, Texas, OnBoard first became known for their award winning Intellitouch Tuner in 1997.  Since then, they have strived to make all musicians better by developing innovative products for brass players, woodwind players, percussion players and of course all stringed instrument players.  Brand names owned and developed by OnBoard Research Corporation are: Intellitouch Tuners, CenterPitch Intonation Tuners and Beatnik Practice Pads.  Last, but not least, OnBoard Research is widely known for the Lifetime Warranties on their products and their first class customer service.  For more information, you can contact them toll free at (800) 340-8890 or check them out online at www.tuners.com.

 

Melbay LogoMel Bay - founded in 1947, is a third-generation family business. Mel Bay has focused on both instructional and creative/performance-based musical products - physical and digital - in print, audio and video media. Beginning with the Modern Guitar Method and extending through artist-driven products by the likes of Tommy Emmanuel, Alan Munde and Vijay Iyer, Mel Bay has been an innovator in the field of music educationinstructional materials for a variety of instruments.  MORE FROM Mel Bay Coming Soon

 

Texas Music Supply - A full line music store located in Levelland, Texas.  We sell via the internet.  We specialize in these products and services: music  instruments, instructional DVDs, Mel Bay books and media, accessories and audio & video conversion.  Texas Music Supplies is owned and operated by John Hartin and Lonnie Joe Howevell. Phone 806-894-3736 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

 

First Quality Music has been the leading supplier of superior instruments, parts, and accessories for nearly 40 years. We specialize in top quality musical instruments and replacement parts, including those for Gibson, Taylor, Epiphone, Martin, Ernie Ball, and Sullivan brand products. We’re also known as the premier destination for banjo parts, accessories, and luthier needs , supplying the highest quality parts at unbeatable prices from top names like D’Addario, KORG, Fishman, GHS, Kyser, Shure, and Elixir. First Quality Music is well known for building custom parts as well as repairing existing ones. A simple call to First Quality Music will help you find the right gear no matter what your budget; and our experienced staff of musicians will help answer all your musical gear related questions.  

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Prizes

 

to be Raffled

 

  • Mel Bay's Books & DVDs By Alan Munde
  • Subscriptions From Acoustic Guitar Magazine
  • Elderly Instrument Hats
  • Homespun Tapes Instructional DVDs
  • Subscription To Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine
  • Alan Munde Instructional Books From Texas Music Supply
  • Magazines From Fretboard Journal
  • Intellitouch Tuners From OnBoard Research
  • Guitar Strings from CF Martin & Company

 

Each attendee will qualify to win up to one prize from some of the sponsors listed above. At the end of the workshop on Sunday, January 29, 2012, prizes will be raffled.  Each Attendee must be present to win a prize.

 

 

 


 

Registration Fees

 

For Weekend Event

 

 

$250 Early Registration Fee

if Payed & Postmarked

By December 16, 2011 

 

$300 Late Registration Fee After December 16, 2011

 

 

Companion/Spouse Fee:  For those who want to bring a spouse or companion, or parents of music students under 18 years of age, a fee of 50% of the standard rate of $300 or ($250 if paid by December 16, 2011) is applicable.  The facility includes three separate class rooms.  Those paying the companion fee are entitled to come to the event, participate in the Saturday concert and have lunch.  However, they cannot attend or participate in the classroom sessions where the instructors are teaching while the sessions are in progress.

 

 

Saturday/Sunday Lunch & Snacks are included 

 

 

$15 per shirt* - Official Workshop T-Shirt

 

  *Shirt design & Color is NOT yet known.  Pictured below is the 2011 Shirt.

 

 

Don't Forget to Order Your Workshop T-Shirt Today 

 

Each T-shirt will be a solid color to be determined.  The Workshop T-shirt is a high quality cotton shirt and will display the Fretmentor Logo on Front with the sponsor logos on Back.  Advance T-shirt orders are being taken prior to the Workshop.  Quantities will be limited and may not be available at the Event.

 

 Register Today

 

You can register by personal check or through Paypal.

 

If paying by Paypal  add $10 to total 

 

Please note: if registering in person on the day of the event - only cash will be accepted  

 

No refunds will be granted once registered & payment is received. Refunds will be granted only if an unexpected emergency forces the event to be canceled. 

 

 

 

For Payment & mailing instructions or

 

If you have questions or require additional information

 

Click Here to Contact Fretmentor 

 

 


 

Workshop

 

Syllabus

 

Note:  Each Instructor has the discretion to alter the course outline listed below.  As a general guideline, each topic may be presented separately as a complete presentation of an hour plus or the topics can be blended in a variety of ways over what time is available.

 

 

Banjo Sessions To Be Taught By Alan Munde

 

  • Three Finger Rolls & the Banjo - Alan will demonstrate three finger rolls and provide examples for the beginner and the intermediate player.
  • Roll Logic - Beginning and Intermediate level students will learn about roll logic and how rolls are used.
  • Creating Solos to Songs - Alan will explore the development of solos when playing a song (Intermediate and Advanced).
  • Tools and Techniques - All levels of banjo students will learn about playing 3rds and 6ths and how they are used.
  • Fretboard Geography & the Banjo - Alan will provide the students with tips and hints on how to find your way around the fingerboard (All Levels).
  • Playing Back-up on the Five-String Banjo (Part I) - In the first of a two part back up series, Alan will discuss moving up the neck on the banjo by playing closed chord positions for accompaniment in bluegrass style banjo (All Levels).
  • The Melodic Style Banjo -  Students will learn how to play melodic style banjo with fiddle tunes.  
  • Munde's Tunes  - Alan will take a look at, and demonstrate some of his original compositions, including "Peaches and Cream", "Molly Bloom", Uncle Clooney Played The Banjo" and others (Intermediate and Advanced). 
  • Playing In Different Key - Alan will explain the importance of a banjo player learning how to play in different Keys without a capo aside from the open G Tuning.
  • Playing Back-up the Five-String Banjo (Part II) - In the second part of a two part back up series, Alan will discuss moving down the neck on the banjo in open chord forms, for accompaniment in bluegrass style banjo (Intermediate/Advanced).
  • Analysis of Selected Classic Bluegrass Banj0 Solos - Alan will demonstrate and explain how to play solos for classic bluegrass tunes.

 

 

Fiddle & Mandolin Sessions To Be Taught By Byron Berline

 

 

 

 

  • Double Stops & the Fiddle & Mandolin - Double stop technique is an important element of playing both the mandolin and the fiddle. Byron will demonstrate how to use double stop technique while playing these instruments.
  • Playing Mandolin Out of Chord Forms - Mandolin students will learn how to develop melody lines out of chord positions.
  • Creating Solos to Songs - Byron will explore the development of solos when playing a song (Intermediate and Advanced).
  • Tools and Techniques - All levels of mandolin and fiddle students will learn about playiong lines and riffs and how to work out breaks on their instrument while playing lead.
  • Swing, Blues & Bluegrass - Byron will mix it up and teach students that fiddle and mandolin players can benefit by playing various genres of music  (All Levels).
  • Playing Back-up on Mandolin & Fiddle - Three quarters of your time is playing back up on the instrument.  Byron will explain various back  up techniques for both mandolin and fiddle players (All Levels).
  • Improvising -  Using many of the techniques explain in these session, students will learn how to improvise on the mandolin and with fiddle tunes.  
  • History of these Instruments   - Byron will provide a history of the mandolin, the fiddle and some of the great performers of these instruments (All Levels). 
  • Playing In Different Keys - Learning how to play in different Keys is essential to playing with others.  Byron will advise students about the various keys and how to perform with others..

 

 

Guitar Sessions To Be Taught By Jim Hurst 

A Personal Note From Jim:

I've been playing guitar for 53 years and have had a wonderful time making my living only as a pro musician for the past 23 years. In that time I have gained much in the way of real-time musicianship, how to be a band member, how to be a solo artist (live and in studio), how to learn quickly, and how to motivate myself to get better. I also have learned to teach and help others find and achieve their best. That is my mission, as I teach in the many camps, workshops, clinics, private in-person and online lessons. How can we each get better at what we do, and how can we best achieve what we want to do. We'll work on this and more. I am a flat-picker and a finger-stylist.  I love many types of music and learning how to get my style to blend in and add to those genres.
 
At the Fret Mentor workshops, we'll work on basics, for both right and left hands. Together we'll work on the many facets of playing well: 
  • Timing - One of two most important elements of music. Without timing, we can't play with others.
  • Control - Being aware of what each hand is doing, how to master them, and how that affects our music.
  • Melody -  Melody is the other most important elements of music.  The reason we play music are melodies.
  • Chords -Where are they and how can we best use them.
  • Volume - Too loud or too soft all the time is not the way.
  • Dynamics - Playing or singing at one volume is lifeless. Learning to play expressively is how we enjoy music.
  • Instrument Care & Selection -  Choosing the correct instrument and taking care of it is vital.
  • Practice -  How best to get the most out of our playing depends on what, when, and how we practice.
  • Task Lists - The time we have to practice can be utilized more efficiently and we can gain more from it.
  • Physical and Mental Posture - Important to play-ability and longevity.
  • ...and More As Time Permits
And Keeping Motivated.  Come and Join Me, we'll have some fun!
 
Jim
 
 
The Banjo, Mandolin & Fiddle and Guitar Workshop is structured for beginners through advanced players.  There will be a variety of topics addressed to keep all participants actively engaged and involved with these fine instructors.  Although specific topics are specified above, this syllabus provides a general outline of the type of instruction that the workshop will entail.  Each instructor will differ in their approach to explaining the various topics and musical concepts described above.  Each Instructor will be available (as time permits) through the sessions, to answer specific questions or speak on topics not included in the syllabus. Question and Answer sessions may also be provided and each student is encouraged to bring their instrument to play along at various times.

 

 


 

Accommodations

 

& Local Area

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jupiter Lighthouse

 

Due to the popularity of this event, the workshop  will be held at the Epiphany Luteran Church and School in Lake Worth, Florida. Lake Worth is located just south of West Palm Beach.

 

Attendees will be responsible for making their own travel and hotel arrangements.  

 

 

The one discounted local hotel nearest the event is:

 

 

 

Hampton Inn in West Palm Beach at  Okeechobee & the Turnpike 2025 Vista Parkway, West Palm Beach, Florida  33411. Phone: 1-561-682-9990.  For questions or special requests, please contact Michael Haysmer at 561-625-1809 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.The Hampton Inn in West Palm Beach is happy to offer a discounted rate of $99 per night for your group (compared to $169 normally)This rate includes complimentary breakfast buffet and internet availability.  Ask for the “Fretmentor Workshop Group Rate” when calling the hotel to make their reservation. (6 Miles/10 minutes from event location).

 

Event Location:

The workshop location is approximately a 10-15 minute drive from the Atlantic Ocean.  This promises to be a wonderful location for those who wish to escape the cold temperatures up North and combine a vacation with an opportunity to study the banjo and guitar with the Kruger Brothers and www.fretmentor.com. 

 

The Epiphany Lutheran Church & School offers a spacious facility with multi-purposes rooms and plenty of parking.  Its location near the turnpike and in close proximity to Palm Beach International Airport makes this an ideal location for out-of-state visitors and local residents.

Epiphany Lutheran Church & School
4460 Lyons Road
Lake Worth, Florida 33467

Directions:

From I-95 - Take exit #61 (Lantana Road) and go west to Lyons Road, (approx. 5-6 miles).  Take a right onto Lyons Road (heading north).  Travel north for about 1 mile. The Epiphany Lutheran Church & School will be on the right.

From Florida Turnpike -  Take exit 93 (Lake Worth Road).  Take a right onto Lake Worth Road.  Proceed to stop light (Lyons Road).  Take a left onto Lyons Road (heading south) for approximately 3/4 of mile. The Epiphany Lutheran Church & School will be on the left. 

 

Attendees will be responsible for making their own travel arrangements to and from the workshop.

 

 

Please Check Back For Further Updates

 

 

 

 

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