So. CA Workshop: Kudos to Jim B. and Michael D.! Options

[Anya]

Thanks Chet. The chance to play on a Strad and a Guarneri was definately a pinnacle event for me. And, despite their pedigree, both instruments seemed to respond to Cajun music pretty well (!) I suppose versatility is among their many attributes. But even the opportunity to hold and look closely at these instruments was, especially for us violinmakers, a glimpse at perfection. Really neat.

Since you asked, I play fiddle in two Cajun bands, the Magnolia Sisters and Bonsoir Catin. Both have websites where you can purchase stuff. They're both traditional Cajun bands, the Sisters more lyrical and the Catins more dancehall. The Strad would fit in nicely with either group...

[miles]

The workshop looks like not only very educational, but also a lot of fun. Will Darnton sensei consider having a workshop session in the hometown, Chicago? Two sessions a year: Winter in S. Cal and Summer in Chicago. Around this time, Chicago is a really nice place to visit and so much one can do after "work".

[Michael Darnton]

It's been considered, but there are obstacles. There's no way to keep the cost reasonable for outsiders, for instance. And I have never seen a hint of interest for something like that in Chicago. Finally, I'm willing to teach, but very uninterested in organizing. The organizational aspect is HUGE.

[miles]

We actually have nice hotels in Chicago at very affordable price:

http://www.cheapest-hostels.com

(1) Lincoln Park: Arlington House Near downtown

(2) Rogers Park (?): Chicago International Hostel Near Loyola University one can actually cook there.
Loyola University maybe able to provide space for

(3) Downtown (Loop): H. I. Chicago clsoe to everything

(4) Hyde Park: University of Chicago has a new art center near the Lake (construction is not completely done yet, but on the first floor, their workshop for kids was open when the developer toured me recently). Lodgingwide, I-House (International house) and University housing open to the public is also avaible.

I don't know what is entailed in organizing a workshop, but if there is enough interest to be considered, I will be more than happy to help out with the organizing part.

[Jim_B]

Greetings from the city of brotherly love.

I'm happy to hear so much positive feedback on our smmer workshop. As those of you who attended know, this is scheduled to be a continuous event in the summer in the west coast. I now have a standing invitation at the colleges to use the facilities and it looks as if a third week will be added permanently. As I have said before, I believe Michael to be one of the finest makers and just as important for our purposes, finest teachers in the violin world. I am very fortunate to have been able to gain his services.

As far as I'm concerned, this event is here to stay and as long as there are students willing and eager to learn we will offer the opportunity. Next year there will be an entire week devoted in detail to setup issues. I hope that all of you who are interested will visit my site and reserve a spot because the 10 spaces per week won't last long. Keep an eye on my website for further details on next years sessions My website There is a special email that I prefer that people contact me at if they have questions, suggestions or other inquiries. Workshop email address. So for now, a few more photos to sign off with.







And lastly: The group at Heros



Jim

[COB3]

That's the place with the huge servings, and peanut shells everywhere--good food, too, and for the size of the servings the prices are quite reasonable. Which is why I mentioned earlier that eating there is more comfortable if you make it a tag-team match, and split a meal with a friend.

[dkdotson]

It looks as if this was a pretty well organized event.
I guess my main concern was how much hands on work is
actually done and how involved was the leader, Mr. Darnton.
 It looks as if it was fairly intensive.  I don't see
anything on Mr. Brown's website in regards to another workshop.
 Any word yet on next summer?



DD

[Andres Sender]

I think it's mentioned in this thread that there will definitely be another workshop next year, including at least 1 week on setup.

How much hands on work?? I guess it was up to each individual, but my average time in the workshop with my hands on was 12 hours a day.

Michael was there 8+ hours a day, available for questions any time you had them, and making periodic circuits of the room to see what people were doing. He was also often there after hours, and he even checked in a few times on the weekend and made himself available by phone. I really couldn't imagine someone being more 'present' as a teacher.

[COB3]

Andres is not exaggerating in the least-- in fact, I think he is understating it. He was there 14 hours several times, and rarely doing other than hands-on work. Toward the end, even Andres was beginning to feel tired, though, I think. :-) I know I was.

Michael was there and personally involved far beyond the eight hours he agreed to. Jim worked incessantly to see that all went as planned or better. I certainly felt that the trip was a bargain. I learned more, and applied it more than in any workshop I have ever been a part of.

If there was a way it could have been better, all one has to do is suggest it to Jim and/or Michael--but I think everyone is conscious that they got at least as much as they bargained for.

Jim has the place locked in for next year, already--and I think it will continue to get better.

[Jim_B]

FYI

The workshop was a resounding success thanks to Michael and all of the participants who brought such enthusiasm.

The workshop is now planned to be an annual event at the colleges and Michael will be our instructor as long as he desires.

Next year we will be going for three weeks. Weeks one and two will be similar to this years sessions. In response to a great deal of interest in set-up, we will also be including set-ups in the curriculum.

In addition, I am working on acquiring the services of a top notch restoration person to head up a session on restoration technique which will run concurrently with week three of the workshop.

The following year I hope to expand the workshop to a full four weeks with two weeks of restoration running concurrent and one week of bow making also running concurrent.

For those who wish to be placed on a mailing list for future annoucements or to secure a spot (only 10 per workshop per week) drop me an email at the workshop email address Workshop email or keep an eye on my website J Brown Website.

Jim

[COB3]

WOW...

That is amazing. And terribly unfair--now we have to CHOOSE between two subjects... :-)

[Andres Sender]

Oh yeah, I would ask that you consider doing the restoration week during week 2, that way those of us who have had those 2 weeks can come for the sequence: restoration/setup? Pretty-please?

[Jim_B]

That's a great idea Andres and just the kind of feedback I need to make this what you need it to be.

Jim

[COB3]

Ah! Now you're talking! That would be a good principle to follow in general, if it would work. I would hate to have to choose between two things when I really needed both. Don't know how well it will work over all...your options will always have limitations.

I can see it now-- Southern Ca. College of Lutherie-- list of electives...core classes...work-study program. (Yow! Sounds good!) :-)

Hope you keep the workshops, for all of us that can't abandon regular life to go to school full time.

[Jim_B]

Don't worry. The workshops setting is all I wish to accomplish for now and the foreseable future.

Jim

[beneviolins]

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As the self-designated, least experienced attendee at Jim's
workshop, I am very excited to share my almost complete, first
violin. I have a lot to learn, but getting to this point would
NEVER have been possible without help and support from Jim and
Michael.

[COB3]

Not sure what is amiss, but on my screen there is no photo, here...(??)

[Andres Sender]

It was working earlier...

[mamawelder]

I wanted so much to do that workshop, but I was already signed up for NCI the week after there at Pomona college. I felt guilty even taking one week off as we were short staffed at work besaides I didn't have the hours on the books to do both.
I'm saving up my vacation time, maybe I can participate next year.
~Linda

[Jim_B]

You'll have your chance as the workshops are already scheduled for next year at the same time of the year. We start as soon as they can recondition the rooms after the school year but before the big Cello fest which happens every year the last week of June. Look forward to having you.

Jim Brown