23rd Annual Joe Val Bluegrass Festival February 15-17, 2008 Sheraton Hotel Framingham, Framingham, MA

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Teacher Training Workshop (Saturday, February 16, 2008)

click here for a workshop flyer

November 5, 2007

Dear Educator:

We are pleased to announce that the Boston Bluegrass Union, in conjunction with the International Bluegrass Music Association and the 23rd Annual Joe Val Bluegrass Festival will host a FREE TEACHERS WORKSHOP called “Utilizing American Roots Music—Bluegrass in the Classroom” on Saturday, February 16, 2008 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The workshop will be held at the Sheraton Framingham, at 1657 Worcester Road, Framingham, MA, 01701. Feel free to distribute this announcement and a workshop flyer anywhere in your school or to anyone you think might be interested.

Workshop Overview - Open to educators of all grades and subjects, the five-hour course (with certificates issued for attendance) will include live presentations of bluegrass music. A professional band will demonstrate the instruments used and the vocal harmony structure of traditional bluegrass music. There will be a discussion of the Kids Academy program as well. Lesson plans and presentations on the history and development of bluegrass music from the educational DVD, "Discover Bluegrass: Exploring American Roots Music" will also be presented.

A number of bluegrass music resources and take-home handouts will be shared with teachers registered for the workshop.

Information on Registration- The workshop is limited to 40 participants. Each registered participant will receive a free pass for Saturday only that will allow you to access all parts of the festival after the workshop is completed.
If you are interested in attending the entire festival we recommend getting your tickets as soon as possible. Complete information on the festival and tickets can be found at http://www.bbu.org.

To Register:

If you would like to receive more information on the workshop, please send an e-mail indicating your interest and someone will contact you with additional information. If you would like to register at this time, please send an e-mail with your name and telephone number to joanblaustein@verizon.net . You may also call Joan at (617) 926-4625.

A bluegrass festival is a rare opportunity to experience and appreciate a musical culture that is rooted in our nation’s history, is inter-generational and which values learning, active participation, personal growth and is just plain fun. The BBU is proud to announce that the 2006 festival won the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Event of the Year Award.

We look forward to helping you learn what bluegrass has to offer you and your students.

Sincerely,
Joan Blaustein, Workshop Coordinator

Nancy Harrowitz,
Boston Bluegrass Union Education Director