2026 Mid-Winter Singing & Folk Festival
Workshop Schedule

Saturday, February 7. Lyric sheets provided.

SATURDAY WRISTBAND:
$25 Public
$20 Fiddle Members
$5 Students
Buy ticket here.

One Saturday wristband good for both afternoon workshops and evening concert.


Click to enlarge the printable grid

 
Sanctuary
Fellowship Hall
Fireplace Room
Noon
-
1:15

Singing in the Street:
Songs of Resistance, Resilience and Joy

Dan Chouinard


Lyric Sheets provided.

 

Ukulele 1-2-3
Let’s Get it Started: Beginning Ukulele!

Ben Hassenger

For the beginning ukulele player. Learn the basics of the ukulele, including: parts of the instrument, tuning, beginning chords, and simple songs to get you used to chording and strumming. Bring your ukulele or use a ‘loaner’ available from Ben at the Festival.

 

 

 

 

 

1:30
–
2:45 pm

Folk Song Jam Along

Lori Fithian, Jean Chorazyczewski

You pick from our ever-growing list of 300+ songs, spanning everything from folk classics to pop favorites. We put the lyrics and chords on the screen, and together, we bring the music to life. Acoustic instruments and voices are encouraged!

 

C Jam Blues Ensemble

Ben Hassenger

We’ll use a high-ceiling, low-floor approach so all levels of players can participate in this ensemble activity; playing the Duke Ellington classic as a group with chords, melody, and improvisation.

 

 

This Far By Faith

Rev. Robert B. Jones Sr.

This workshop explores the evolution of African American sacred music from the spiritual, Prayer and Praise hymns, through the Blues and into Gospel. We will look at how Black music was used as a tool of healing, a weapon of change, and a celebration of victory. Specific elements will include improvisation, the use of rhythm, accompaniment and “the moan.”

 

 

 

 

3:00
-
4 :15

Finding Your Voice: Understanding Gospel Harmonies

Min. Robert Jones II

Min. Robert Jones II, has grown up singing and teaching sacred music in nearly all its forms. From singing with the legendary Nina Scott to overseeing the music for Detroit’s Salvation Army Rehabilitation Center, he has taught people the art and craft of singing. In this workshop he will explore techniques that will teach you how blend multiple voices, whether it be two voices or one hundred.

Ukulele Strum and Sing

Ben Hassenger and Friends 

The uke is the most fun when played with others!
Ben will lead participants in a set of well-known songs
for everyone to play and sing together.
Lyrics and chords are projected on a screen.

 

 


 

4:30
-
5:45

All-Comers FESTIVAL CHOIR! 

“Now Let Us Sing”
A medley of spirituals arranged by Melanie DeMore

Rachel Alexander, Festival Choir Director
Kait Wilson, Accompanist

You are invited to join this ad hoc, on-the-spot
Festival Choir and learn the piece, “Now Let Us Sing”

The Festival Choir will then present this piece
at the very beginning of the 7:30 pm evening concert.
Lyrics and music provided.

 

Each year, we bring back some old favorites, and add the energy of some new folks.

2007 Festival Workshop
 
 


 
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