Violin

This is a great class for beginner to intermediate players looking to get into bluegrass. Students will learn the basic chords and melody of one or 2 classic Bluegrass songs and how to approach playing them in a jam setting. Over the course of about an hour the class will play the tunes several times as a group exploring different possibilities for kickoffs, solos, endings and more. At the end of the class we open up the jam! Justin plays guitar and banjo with Cherry Blossom Special and runs jam sessions along and runs jam sessions along with mandolinist Nick Cameron and fiddler Mari Carlson. He has been teaching guitar, banjo and mandolin in Takoma Park since 2012. This class was designed to give people an affordable entry point to Bluegrass music, and help grow the community. The class is $30 Register [Here!](https://checkout.square.site/buy/GUSSUYYW5UMKDMCDV4CQBOBL)

**FSGW Co-Sponsored House Concert with Trio Sefardi** Takoma Park, MD, Saturday April 25th. Doors open at 7:30, concert at 8pm **Trio Sefardi** celebrates the musical heritage of the exiled Jews of Spain, the Sephardim, with songs in Ladino about love and courtship, holidays and hope. Trio members **Susan Gaeta** (vocals/guitar), **Tina Chancey** (bass viol/ Renaissance violin/rebec/Pontic lyra) & **Howard Bass** (guitar/lute) are dedicated to bringing the vibrant past into the living present and to continuing the musical traditions of those who created and sustained Sephardic song traditions over the centuries. Formed in 2010, the trio draws on experience in folk music, jazz, early music and the influence of their mentor, the Bosnian‐born Sephardic singer/composer Flory Jagoda (1923 – 2021). Suggested Donation: $25 Resident cat. Reservations at [www.groupmuse.com/events/16428-trio-sefardi-house-concert](https://www.groupmuse.com/events/16428-trio-sefardi-house-concert?source=shortlink-generic) For more info, contact Stephanie Kaufman at kaufmansi@gmail.com or 202‐316‐8776.

*12:00 - 1:30 PM EST Followed by slow session from 1:45 - 2:45 pm* Ever wanted to learn a Celtic tune? This is your chance! Celtic cellist Ellen Gira leads a monthly intro to Celtic repertoire class where students learn a groovy Celtic tune and create a fun arrangement as a group. This class will also offer ideas to take your playing further, including ornamentation and Celtic jamming skills. All instruments are welcome. Cost is $30. Afterwards, Ellen hosts a **Free Celtic Slow Session** that is open to players of all levels and all instruments. These classes and sessions will help prepare you to join the DMV’s thriving Celtic music community and play in sessions anywhere in the world! This class is open to middle school age students and above, who are able to play chords and/or basic melodies as appropriate for their instrument. Students under the age of 12, or who have questions about whether their skill level or instrument is appropriate for the class, should contact SMT prior to registration. Sheet music is provided and added to Ellen’s growing tune book: [Celtic Slow Session Tunes](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/101oWUnaTqOOdrrqjQnTEL8lK34dVIyTh?usp=sharing) *Jam Content/Repertoire examples:* * Jimmy Ward's (Irish Jig) * *Lochaber Badger (Scottish)* * *Mairi's Wedding (Scottish tune)* * *The Silver Spear (Irish reel)* * *Lisnagun (Irish jig)* * *Wild Mountain Thyme (Scots/Irish song)* $30 Register Here: https://checkout.square.site/buy/T4Q2LUUYFIHVTLLFWFSSQX2O See what else is going on: https://schoolofmusicaltraditions.com/classes-workshops

This is the sign you've been waiting for. Come write with us Sunday at 7:30 am at Kaldi's Social House in Arlington. Kaldi's opens at 7. Grab a coffee and join the group! We generally have 10 to 14 writers attend each week, and new folks are welcome to drop in anytime. Intros start at 7:30 am. We will write for one hour. After writing, feel free to debrief, share thoughts or get advice. Our meetups are a safe space for writers to work on their craft. No one will read or critique your writing. Kaldi's Social House website: https://www.kaldissocialhouse.net/ \* Resource \* Many thanks to Justin for putting together a shared file of resource discussed at the meetings. Feel free to add to it! [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing)

Hello piano players: Our next meeting will be held on Sunday, April 26, 2026 at my house, 5612 Cromwell Drive, Bethesda, MD 20816. We will start at 2:00 pm. Also, reach out to a friend and work up a duet – they are fun and always welcome. In the past we have had duets with two pianos, with singers, and with the clarinet, and they bring a nice variety of music to our meetings. We will have snacks, finger food, light drinks, beer and wine, but your donations of food and drink are always welcome. Parking is on the street near my house. I hope to see you on April 26th. All the best, Paul Connor