In this workshop, Charles Pettee will discuss Bill Monroe’s three primary mandolin styles, and why “without the blues, you ain’t got bluegrass!” Charles will utilize Monroe’s “Honky Tonk Swing” (C), “Bluegrass Part One” (G), and “Bluegrass Stomp” (D), tunes that provide a wealth of Monroe blues licks. Tabs will be provided in advance. The workshop material has been selected for intermediate level mandolin players, but beginners and even players of other instruments will benefit from much of the content as well.
Charles Pettee is a singer, songwriter, and mandolin player for Flying Fish Recording artist The Shady Grove Band, and currently a Teaching Artist in NC and SC schools. A guitar and mandolin-wielding songwriter from Asheville, NC, Pettee loves sharing not only the catchy rhythms of NC bluegrass and folk music, but also the segregation-defying stories behind this culturally diverse tapestry of sounds. Transitioning from fronting Chapel Hill, NC’s world-traveling bluegrass band The Shady Grove Band for over 25 years, Pettee has become an accomplished teaching artist and music educator whose programs and residencies are in high demand throughout North and South Carolina. He is excited about using digital platforms to carry his musical message to an even wider audience. Pettee offers several age-approprirate presentations that align with NC Essential Standards for both Music and Social Studies for grades pre K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12, as well as adults. He has performed festivals and special events with many of NC’s finest acoustic musicians, and with his son, guitar player Jackson Pettee, under the name Slippery Hill. Pettee’s group FolkPsalm performs beautifully arranged settings of Pettee’s original Psalm settings. That group now boasts four full length albums. Pettee has logged over 6,000 performances over the course of his career, and has recently begun work on his 14th studio album.
There will be time for Q&A after this workshop. Space is limited – reserve your spot today!
NOTE: This workshop will be recorded and distributed to registered attendees for use as a learning tool. A highlights video will be produced and shared to promote future workshops and events.