Jean Hewson (instructor)

The guitar workshop was a big hit....I was a little concerned Friday night when I saw the weather, but our participants proved to be a stouthearted lot, and on Saturday morning they got their cars shovelled out and came on down to the Masonic. Christina's fiddlers popped in at around 3:30, and Stan brought his accordion, so we had a great jam at the end. We had 23 participants. Rob and Michelle also dropped in at the end with little Aidan...he has the longest fingers....a piper's hand, I think.


Sally Goddard (participant)

On a chilly morning this February, I hauled myself out of the house at the unearthly hour (for a Saturday) of 9:30 a.m., drove into town, struggled over snow banks and into the Masonic Temple for the 10:00 o'clock workshop on "How to accompany Newfoundland traditional music on the guitar". A couple of minutes late, I opened the door to the workshop venue and found the room packed to capacity with guitarists all listening attentively to Jeannie Hewson. I snuck in at the back next to Stan Pickett, and proceeded to be smitten with delight as Jeannie took us through the rhythms of jigs, reels, singles, hornpipes, waltzes, polkas, and things called breakdowns.

We were guitar players of all experience levels all crashing away together (a bit reminiscent of the Russian balalaika bands seen in certain interesting photos) and having a great time. The hard stuff started when we got into voicings (quiet cries for help were heard from the back). "There's more than one way to skin a cat," said Jeannie, and more than one way to play the chord you thought you knew. How true that was, and soon, tongues were protruding and figures were hunched in quiet concentration all round the room as we attempted to make new chord shapes, quickly and without buzzing. Luckily, (actually, good planning) there were plenty of handouts for us all to take away and practice these great new variations on the familiar themes of G, A, D, Em, etc.

We got the opportunity to practice our new found abilities, by accompanying both Jeannie, and also Christina Smith's adult fiddle students. The biggest challenge was to split up into groups and come up with an arrangement for Brother's Jig. The range of accompaniments produced (many voicings, even a real voice, mainly trad, but also rock and roll) made a fitting tribute to the most enjoyable and instructive day we had all had. Many thanks, Jeannie - and when's the next one?


Joy Norman (participant)

It was wonderful to participate in the Guitar Workshop held in February. It gave musicians a chance to come together in a common bond - making music! Keeping with the Traditional spirit, which is more alive than ever in Newfoundland, it was a lot of fun to accompany fiddlers who joined us within the latter part of the workshop. We were able to make new friends, learn new guitar techniques, help one another and jam together at the end of the workshop. I enjoyed it very much!


Andrew Lang (participant)

I did the guitar workshop, even though I was an imposter with my mandola (I told Jean it looked like a guitar). It was a wonderful day, a real mix of people and Jean did a great job instructing. I now know the difference between a jig and a reel (I think). Jean's wicked sense of humour ensured that there was never a dull moment.


Chris Coleman (participant)

Although getting more and more interested in traditional music, I couldn't tell between a jig and a reel. The workshop, although a fun experience, was also a learning experience, especially getting to gather in a group circle and go over different techniques. At the end of the workshop we had a great time in groups doing a tune or two and that really tied the knot. I enjoyed this workshop very much and if there is another, I would suggest going to it.