Slow Jams
2023: January 6 & 20, February 3, March 3, April 7, May 5
Saturday, May 20 at Sing & Play Festival
Whether meeting in-person or online via zoom, this session is low-pressure session that is welcoming to all levels and instruments. Play along to your favorite fiddle tunes at a gentle tempo. We’ll play tunes from a variety of genres and styles, including Irish, New England, Quebecois, Old Time, and more. Amy Cann and George Fowler will lead our sessions.
We don’t prepare a list of tunes in advance, but instead ask participants to come prepared to make a request. You can request tunes using the RSVP form, or during the event. Take a look at our tune list below for a history of what we’ve played at each session, and our common tune list. Requests from the list are most likely to be included, though we welcome new tunes and will do our best with new tunes!
Payment for these events is optional, and appreciated! Your voluntary contribution to the basket makes it possible for the event to remain free for newcomers & those who are unable to pay.
Online Sessions: Online sessions are on hold. When possible, we will offer hybrid participation in our in-person events. Participants complete the RSVP form below to receive the Zoom link. Returners are welcome to “drop in” and join anytime–once you RSVP you have the Zoom link for the whole semester.
In Person Sessions:
These will take place at UVMC. When the weather permits we sometimes play outdoors.
Sing & Play Festival | Saturday, May 20
This is our annual year-end celebration of our musical community.
Slow Jam 3-4 pm: The format will be very similar to our usual Friday sessions, but we’ll be outdoors in Colburn Park (no zoom).
Family Dance with Open Band 4:30-6 pm, Colburn Park. Everyone is welcome to play along with the band! We’re working on a tune list and will have more details this Friday. There are two optional Open Band rehearsals with Amy Cann, Tuesdays May 9 or 16 at 6 pm. Please RSVP if you’re planning to join.
Instruments: all acoustic instrument welcome
Faculty: Amy Cann, George Fowler, and occasional guests
Cost: UVMC’s Tuition Assistance Program makes it possible for this class to be offered free of charge for those who are unable to pay for any reason. The suggested amount for this class is $15 per session or $80 for the semester.
Tuition Assistance
We believe that everyone, no matter their financial resources, should have access to high quality music education. Click here to learn more about available resources and how to get financial support.
Questions about a class or not sure whether to register yet?
If you are interested in a specific class and have questions, or not sure whether you are ready to register but want to stay up to date, please complete our New Student Inquiry Form and list the name of the class.
Tuition & Payment Plans
Payment plans of 2 or more payments are available by contacting the office or for group classes via online registration. Learn more about Tuition, Fees, Discounts, and Payment plans here.
UVMC Calendar
Wondering about holidays and whether UVMC is open? Find our school calendar including holidays and make-up weeks here.
George Fowler
Fiddle
George trained classically as a youngster and started fiddling in the late 1970’s, learning tunes from lobsterman and folk fiddler Albert Collins of South Blue Hill, Maine. He was a founding member of Oakum Bay String Band (1981-2011), the long-time host band for the monthly Blue Hill contradance, which had a remarkable 34 year run (1976-2010).
In addition to playing and teaching the fiddle tunes of Maine, Appalachia and the Canadian Maritimes, George has a strong interest in Irish traditional music. In 1988 he started “New Potatoes”, a weekly Celtic music show on WERU-FM, which he hosted until his relocation to Hanover, NH in 2017. He’s a member of The Montville Project , a repertory dance band, which has recorded two albums of New England dance music and he has also recorded a personal album, Never Better. All are available through CD Baby, iTunes and Amazon.
George is on staff at Maine Fiddle Camp, has taught for many years at Fiddle Hell in Massachusetts, and has taught Acadia School of Traditional Music & Art. Now, he’s based in the Hanover, NH, area.
