After enjoying the Basics of Clawhammer Banjo with Brennan Henry, students will leave with a fresh perspective on playing their banjo in an old-style! Topics will include the history of banjoes, fundamentals of strumming and drop-thumbing, music theory for the banjo, advanced techniques for playing up-the-neck, alternative tunings, and being able to play fast reels, great waltzes, and more.

This class is appropriate for beginning banjo players. Students must bring their own banjo and accessories (see instructions below).

Hungry for more? Join Brennan's full-day Level 2 Clawhammer Banjo class the next day for more advanced techniques for playing their banjo in an old style!
Details and tickets here:

Date: Saturday, August 2
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Ages: All ages
Level: Beginner
Materials Fees: $5
Location: Viroqua, WI

Instructions: Students must bring their own banjo, capo, tuner/pitch pipe, and are encouraged to bring a folder or binder for keeping their sheet music.

Sliding Scale Course Fee Guidelines (not including Materials Fees)

Supporter Level Ticket: $70
If you move through the world with financial ease and the means to fulfill many of your wants as well as your needs – you are able to eat out when you want, abundantly meet your needs through employment or can comfortably not work, have access to family wealth, own property, etc. – consider paying at this level, which will help us ensure the long term sustainability of our programs while keeping our offerings accessible to those with access to fewer resources.

Sustainer Level Ticket: $55
If you are able to meet your needs with relative ease while budgeting your educational and entertainment spending – for instance, you are able to take classes and eat out occasionally as long as you are mindful – consider paying at this level, which will help sustain the work of the Folk School at a modest level.

Supported Level Ticket: $40
If you struggle to fund your basic needs and have limited access to resources in your family and community, or if you would not be able to access this offering without a discounted payment option, consider paying at this level. We value your presence and contributions to our community and do not want any economic circumstances to be a barrier to attendance!

Instructor Bio — Brennan Henry Allsworth

Brennan Henry is an avid musician, farmer, and food advocate living in Decorah, Iowa - the Driftless South. They have been studying, composing, and performing music in myriad ways (contra dances, music festivals, international artist residencies) for almost two decades. When not plucking the banjo, Brennan is often enjoying a delicious meal with his wife Mo, fermenting something, spending time with family and friends or watching the birds.