Workshop: August 2 - 6, 2010, Kittitas

From the Workshop Chair

It’s hard to believe it’s already time to be thinking about the class you want to take at the 2010 Kittitas Workshop!! But, here we are once again, preparing for another wonderful week at fiddle camp. Please read this notice completely and carefully because there are some changes you need to be aware of. First, the stuff we're all wating for:

What is the Kittitas Workshop?

Repeat attendees can skip this section; but, newbies read on!

Each August, the Washington Old Time Fiddlers Association sponsors a 5-day Fiddle, Guitar and Mandolin Workshop in Kittitas, Washington, taught by nationally recognized artists. All classes are held in the air-conditioned Kittitas Elementary/Middle School, which is just outside Ellensburg.

People start arriving as early as Friday or Saturday to park their RV's on the grounds of the school. Folks with tents tend to arrive on Sunday and camp either on the edges of the sports fields or on the grassy areas near the buildings. Camping is free on the school grounds - more details about this wil be available soon. If camping isn't your thing, there are motels in Ellensburg; motels are not included in the workshop price!

On Monday morning, we kick things off with an all-workshop meeting in the gym. On Friday afternoon, classes end early to make room for a show with each class and each instructor performing a tune.

Workshop attendees sign up for one class that meets either half days (the beginner classes) or full days for the week. Half day classes end at lunch time and full day ones go until 3 pm. There is a mid-morning and a mid-afternoon break in each class with basics snacks provided in the cafeteria. Sometimes candy, pop and other treats are also sold in the cafeteria. Class breaks are staggered so we don't all hit the food at once.

One can sign up to buy meals in the cafeteria, which is run as a fundraiser by and for the rising senior class of Kittitas High School. Or, some folks return to their camps to cook. There's also good eating in Ellensburg and a great breakfast place in Kittitas. Ice is available for a nominal charge in the cafeteria. The school is a walkable two blocks from the Main Street of Kittitas.

Each day, for another hour after the main class, there is a great assortment of mini-workshops offered; people tend to sign up for these when they arrive (instructors like to know how many are coming so they can have adequate handouts). The sign-up sheets are posted outside one of the classrooms. Classes in the past have included, to name a few: bowing, clogging, dance band, Celtic tunes, swing mandolin, finger-style guitar, ukelele, banjo, spoons, dulcimer, Contra dance tunes, two-step, and much more.

Some nights there are square dances with a live caller and a band comprised of anyone who wants to play. On every night, there is jamming galore, both inside the building and all over the school grounds. We hope you join us!

Enrollment Form Changes & Class Pre-requisites

First of all, there are some changes to the Enrollment Form. It is important that you answer ALL questions and PRINT LEGIBLY. Sloppy writing creates errors in data entry. It could cost you your class.

A couple things about selecting your class: Please be sure to write the complete name of the class (abbreviations are ok), as well as the name of the instructor. For example, Int/Adv Fiddle – Vivian Williams. We have worked really hard to sequence classes, and I have asked each instructor to be very specific about what their prerequisites are. For example, if you are not fluent in 2nd, 3rd, and 5th positions, and that is a prerequisite, then please do not sign up for that class. You will need to honestly assess your own ability level, and select your class accordingly. Each teacher has the right to tell you if they feel you would be more successful in a different class. When you select a class because you like the instructor, but your ability level is not up to what they are teaching, you potentially prevent someone who should be in that class from being where they fit. Every class will be limited to a maximum of 25 participants because of space. No one likes to be crammed into a classroom without breathing/stretching room.

Schedule Changes and Fees

In an attempt to accommodate the age groups for Beginning Fiddle, we have decided to offer a shorter class for young children up to age 8. They will meet from 9 to 10:30 daily. Beginning fiddlers 8 and older will meet from 11 to 3:00 daily. There likely will be a slight adjustment on Monday because of the opening meeting at 9:00.

To address the tuition issue for all situations: tuition will be the same regardless of the length of your class. That is, $50 for youth under 18, and $100 for 18 and older. Consider that your tuition is about more than just your class. It covers the entire Kittitas experience, from free camping, evening activities, jamming with friends, etc.

NEW CANCELLATION / REFUND POLICY

Refunds will be made for cancellations received in writing within two weeks of the Workshop, minus $25. No refunds after JULY 19, 2010.

Mini-workshops

For those who would like to teach a mini-workshop, notice that there is no provision for that information on the Enrollment Form. Rita Hubbard is going to handle organizing of mini-workshops, and you will need to contact her directly to arrange for that. You can reach her at (360) 385-3978 or rhubbard@olypen.com.

Pre-order your T-shirts and Sweatshirts when Registering

Another change you will notice on the Enrollment Form is the opportunity to PREORDER Workshop T-shirts and sweatshirts. This year’s design was done by WOTFA member Anita Johnston, and is posted on the website here so you can see it in advance. You will need to pre-order if you want a T-shirt or sweatshirt. This will help to cut down on trying to estimate how many of what size and having so many left over. T-shirts will be available in a Ladies Cut or Regular Cut. Please be sure to specify which cut you want. T-shirts and sweatshirts will be white due to the vivid colors of the design. The design will be printed on the FRONT of the T-shirts, and on the BACK of the sweatshirts. The prices are as follows:

Youth T’s: $12
Adult T's: S – XL sizes are $15; XXL sizes are $20
Sweatshirts: S – XL sizes are $30; XXL sizes are $35.

Please write a SEPARATE CHECK for T-shirt/sweatshirt orders, made out to WOTFA, and mark T-shirt on it.

Other Changes are Happening!

We have worked hard to accommodate as many of the issues you expressed in the way of feedback on the evaluation forms. To that end, we are working on shortening the lunch time to one hour, and ending the classes at 3:00. I am trying to coordinate with the cafeteria staff to stagger the lunch times to help eliminate the long lines, especially at the salad bar. These plans are not finalized yet, but they are in the works. Also, by ending the classes at 3:00, we will have more time for mini-workshops and a staggered dinner hour as well. There will be more on this in the future, but I just wanted to give you a heads up on what will hopefully be some positive changes. We are also looking into keeping the gym open during the lunch time, realizing that it is one of the most opportune times for you to utilize the vendors, etc. We are looking forward to another great Workshop and are eager to see you all in August. This is all coming to you a month earlier than in the past, so please take the extra time to be sure you are signing up for the right class for you. Read the Class Descriptions carefully, and be mindful of your own abilities as well as goals you have set for yourself as you make your selections.

Laura Farr ~~ 2010 Workshop Chair
Email: wlzfarr@msn.com

Updated 1/25/2010