~ About our first "In 3/4 Time" session ~
Wed, April 23 - 6 pm
501 North California
Hello Musicians!
April 23rd is the Missoula Folklore Society's first monthly session built around tunes written in 3/4 time.
We will use this first meeting to get to know each other, drink some cider, and share a few tunes. We are open to a variety of instruments. Come as you are!
This is a very informal affair. Bring whatever you need to be successful (instruments, tunes, music stands, sheet music, iPads, metronomes, tuners, your voice, an educated ear, good humor, etc.).
It will take time for the group to coalesce, but that is just part of the journey. Not everyone will be expected to play every tune every time, but through collaboration we do hope to build up a repertoire over the coming year. We will grow organically.
​
At each session we will arrive at consensus on a "Tune of the Month" to be posted for learning for the next session.
A "note" from Mike Sweet: I will coordinate these events on behalf of the Missoula Folklore Society or find a substitute when I am not available.
​​
For my background, I began reading sheet music as a saxophone player in the 4th - 12th grade and still learn that way.
A couple decades ago I picked up a small $50 piano accordion and eventually joined in on sessions with the Montana Country Dance Orchestra -- an informal gathering of musicians interested in playing contra dance music.
After a roughly 15-year hiatus from that experience, about two years ago I purchased a chromatic button accordion and currently play with the English Country Dance band "Barely Necessary." I am also working on learning to play by ear by joining in on the local Irish sessions.
Through my dance and music experience, I have often felt waltzes, mazurkas, polskas, and other folk tunes written in the 3/4-time signature just don't get enough play time. Thus, the impetus for these sessions. My hope is that these sessions will advance our collective repertoire and improve our playing skills in consort with other local musicians - not to mention the hours of enjoyment!
