28. Gaufest
Atlantic City | Harrah’s Casino
Workshops & Other Events
Thursday, July 7, 2022
4:30pm – 5:30pm: Tanzbeschreibungen Oberbayrischer Schuhplattler
Location: Avalon A 5 – 7 (M2)
Presented by Bob Donnelly, Edelweiss Passaic
Description: A 1925 book provides descriptions of 25 Schuhplattlers, Ländlers, and figure dances. In addition, it provides descriptions of basic Schuhplattler components, definitions of terms, and how to do various portions of the dance. As the copyright has expired, it is now possible to re-publish this hard-to-find book. This includes a transcription of the German in an easy-to-read typeface, a translation into English, extended instructions that ease understanding of the descriptions and enable performing the dances, and new typesetting of all music. Edelweiss Passaic has used this book throughout its history and is pleased to present it at the Gaufest.
Friday, July 8, 2022
3:00pm – 4:00 pm: Alphorn Workshop
Location: Avalon A 10 – 13 & 26 (Circle 1 room)
Presented by Bill Hummel, Alt Washingtonia
Description: The Alphorn, a traditional instrument of the Alpine region, brings the the sound and “feel” of the mountains to any traditional event. In this workshop we will (1) discuss the history, origin and uses of the Alphorn, (2) what to look for if you are thinking of getting an Alphorn (3) where to get music and (4) a demonstration of traditional setup and playing. At the end, we will showcase a single Alphorn number than can be played in any key and multiple ways of playing the music to include as a Solo, Duet or Trio and ways to achieve echos during a performance. Music and the presentation will be posted on the AltWashingtonia.com website in the Multimedia tab on the day of the workshop
Saturday, July 9, 2022
11:00am – 12:00pm: Button Box Workshop
Location: Avalon A 5 – 7 (M2)
Presented by Michael Leggett Jr. & Adam Levine, Alt Washingtonia
Description: The button box, or Ziach, can capture the sound and “feel” for Bairisch-Alpenländische Volksmusik in ways that don’t come as naturally to other instruments. As Trachtler, our mission is to preserve folk culture, and one of the many ways of doing that is by keeping Bayerische Volksmusik and its traditional instruments alive. The Ziach is a core instrument in Volksmusik and learning it works towards that mission. The Ziach is also a unique, mentally engaging, fun, and rewarding instrument to learn and play. In this workshop, we will go over the key things to know about the button box, the top things to do and look out for when learning the button box, and we will learn the basics of Griffschrift - the most popular form of music notation for button box.
TO PRINT WORKSHOP HANDOUT CLICK HERE
11:30am – 1:00pm: Kinder / Jugend Workshop
Location: Avalon A 8 & 9 – Kinderzimmer Room
Presented by Diane Meck, Gaujugendvertreterin, Auherhahn Schuhplattler Verein, Oley, PA
Description: The Kinder/Jugend workshop is another time to meet each other. There will be several activities, including a new Pixi book from Germany, music, dancing and crafts. A Volkstanz will be taught, and will be performed by the Jugend at the Festtag.
12:00pm – 1:00pm: Alpine Kuhglocken
Location: Avalon A 5 – 7 (M2)
Presented by Melissa Rife & Kristin Wells, Alt Washingtonia
Description: Cowbell: classic Saturday Night Live joke, livestock farm tool, but also an important means of creating Alpine music. Do you have bells in your possession that you're just not sure how to use? Or maybe you already play the bells, but would love to learn more. In this workshop, we will show you how we organize our bells and bell numbers. We will give you tips on how to work with this unique instrument, how to move forward with making use of your bells, and how to create some traditional folk music
1:00pm – 2:30pm: Volkstanz – The Bavarian Dances of Ingeborg Heinrishcen
Location: Avalon A 10 – 13 & 26 (Circle 1 room)
Presented by Don LaCourse, S.G. Edelweiß St. Paul
Description: In the course of her long life, Ingeborg Heinrichsen choreographed more than 40 dances to old and new folk music pieces. In 2019, der Verein fur Volkslieder und Volksmusic honored her life work, publishing a book and CDs of her dances, “Bairisch Tan’n, zwischen Tradition und Gesellikeit”. From this extensive list, the dances Raistinger Polka, Miesbacher Landler and Kirchdorfer Mazurka will be taught.
3:00pm – 4:00pm: Schafkopf Tournier
Location: Avalon A 22 & 23 (M4)
Presented by Mike Wolz, Edelweiss Passaic
Sunday, July 10, 2022
9:30 – 10:30: Fingerhakeln: A Traditional Alpine Sport
Location: W 1 – 5 & 22 – 30 OR Avalon A 10 – 13 (Circle 1 room)