Natalie Haas Cello Fiddling Workshop & Celtic Fiddling Jam Sessions February 25-26, 2012 Atlanta, Georgia

Cellist Natalie Haas is giving a two-day workshop for Atlanta area cellists on February 25-26. At the workshop, cellists will have the opportunity to learn traditional Celtic music by ear and learn about executing riffs on the cello and improvising. There will be jam sessions each evening opened to the public.

For more information, please contact Marla Majett at 404-694-0661 or email: [email protected].

About Natalie Haas

Vibrant young cellist Natalie Haas is a seasoned performer, recording artist, and teacher. She has joined master Scottish fiddler Alasdair Fraser for festival and concert appearances in Scotland, Spain, France, and throughout the U.S., including Celtic Connections Festival in Glasgow, Scotland, the Festival Interceltique de Lorient in France, and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C. "People may be familiar with the gorgeous, melodic cello sound," says Fraser, "but they're surprised to learn that the cello used to comprise the rhythm section in Scottish dance bands. Natalie Haas unleashes textures and deep, powerful rhythms that drive fiddle tunes."

A graduate of the Juilliard School in New York City, Natalie discovered the cello at age nine. In addition to having extensive classical music training, she is accomplished in a broad array of fiddle genres. Her musical journey found purpose when she fell in love with Celtic music at the Valley of the Moon Scottish Fiddling School at age 11. Inspired and encouraged by director Fraser, she began to investigate the cello's potential for rhythmic accompaniment to fiddle tunes. Her and Fraser's duo release, Fire & Grace, was awarded the Best Album of the Year in the Scots Trad Music Awards 2004.

A California native, Natalie has also toured extensively with Mark O'Connor as a member of his Appalachia Waltz Trio. The trio released a live CD, Crossing Bridges, to rave reviews in November 2004. She and O'Connor premiered his double concerto for violin and cello, "For The Heroes," with the Grand Rapids, East Texas, and San Diego Symphonies. Natalie has also performed and recorded with fiddler Natalie MacMaster and Irish super-group Solas. She teaches privately, in a workshop setting, and at various fiddle camps.

Workshop Participants will be placed in groups according to their playing ability. Everything will be taught by rote rather than with sheet music. The classes are divided into three levels. Level I is for cellists who only feel comfortable playing in first position. Level 2 is for cellists with some shifting ability and can execute different types of bowing including slurs. Level 3 is for cellists who can play proficiently in all of the neck positions on the cello. Participants also have the opportunity to schedule private sessions with Natalie Haas on a first come, first serve basis. To schedule an individual lesson, please contact the workshop organizer, Marla Majett, by February 22.

Jam Sessions The jam sessions are for local area fiddlers and friends and families of the workshop participants. This is an excellent way for the workshop participants to gain a better understanding of the sound and style of Celtic music. The participants will also have the opportunity to try out their new skill in the final jam session on Sunday, February 26. The jam sessions are free and open to the public. If you are interested in attending either jam sessions, please contact Marla Majett at [email protected].

Cost The fee for the workshop is $60 per person. The fee covers the cost of both days of the workshop. To register for the workshop, please contact Marla Majett either at mcmajett @me.com or call 404-694-0661.

Schedule

Saturday, February 25 10:45-12:00 Level 3 Session 12:45-2:00 Level 2 Session 2:15-3:30 Level 1 Session 7:00 Jam Session featuring local area fiddlers and Natalie Haas

Sunday, February 26 12:45-2:00 Level 2 Session 2:15-3:30 Level 1 Session 3:45-5:00 Level 3 Session 5:00-6:00 Jam Session for participants and local fiddlers

Location The workshop will be held at the Telephone Factory Lofts, Unit 305 on 828 Ralph McGill Boulevard, Atlanta, Georgia.