My First American Banjo Fraternity Rally, by Joel W. Hooks

[Joel Hooks]

Hi Folks, 

I wanted to write sooner but I am doing it now anyway. 

Last weekend I attended my first ABF rally at the Allenberry Resort in Boiling Springs, PA.  My drive down from New Hampshire on Thursday was easy and pleasant.  I arrived just in time for dinner.  After checking in and finding my room I ran into a group of of ABF members in front of "our" building.

I introduced myself and we went and had dinner.  For those who don't know, your room rate includes for all meals too.  It is a pretty good deal and affordable.  We finished up dinner and went back to… play banjos.  Greg Adams got there and we kinda stayed up a little late.

The next morning we met and had breakfast. Afterwards Greg and I found a cool shaded spot by the pool and started working on some easy Duets… "Funeral March of an Old Jaw Bone," "The Thunderer Jig" and "Darkey's Dream." 

After lunch we got together for the "round robin."  The round robin is where everyone sits in a big circle and plays a couple of pieces they have been working on or like to play.  There are no rules other than to have fun.  I fretted my way through "Tyro Mazurka" and "Ragtime Episode."  During the round robin we played "group numbers."  Very casual it is a great way to get to play for others in a non threatening way.  Excellent way to get comfortable performing .

The ABF has, over the years, put together a list of a dozen pieces that are fairly easy and fun to play.  "Sunflower Dance," "Berkeley March" and "On The Mill Dam Galop" are some of the titles.  Complete list is in the start up packet.

A short break and then we had "orchestra" rehearsal.  This was a fun experience-- the orchestra thing.  Makes me wish I had a half a dozen folks near me that played classic banjo.

Then dinner and then a concert by The Colombo Trio (aka Dan Colombo and Friends).  When I say that this was amazing I am not kidding!  After that, jamming and discussions.  I was even tricked into playing "Swinging Bell Chimes" on my tub banjo.

Saturday was a repeat of Friday with a few changes.  Eli Kaufman gave a presentation on cylinder recordings.  Dan's Trio played again (holy smokes! fantastic) and somehow Greg and I got roped into playing our duets.  The we officially played our two orchestra pieces.  This was followed by group playing well into the evening (aka jamming).

I tried to keep notes but I was just too dang excited, so this is far from a complete description of the event.  Everyone was super welcoming and a blast to hang out with.  I got to play Silver Bells, Vegas, one of the Van Eps flush frets (BTW-- these are flawless), I put my hands on some top tier banjos!

Conclusion= great time!  Am I going to another?  Damn right I am.

Hooks out.

[Trapdoor2]

Stop that! You've got me drooling...

Glad you had a good time Joel, can I go next time?

[Becky R. Schneider]

Hi Joel,

You bet, it was the greatest!  What a fun time all of us had, and all the great music everyone shared.  I went home

wanting to learn a dozen new pieces!  When will you present a program?  All of your tunes were wonderful and

delivered with such joy.  I especially liked "The Thunderer"  Can't wait for the fall rally.  You know it's being held

Oct. 8 - 11, 2015 at Allenberry Inn Playhouse Resort in Boiling Springs, Pa.

Regards, Becky

[Dan Colombo]

Pleasure getting to meet you in-person, Joel! Always nice to see a new face at the rallies, and we are in-need of great players like yourself. Thanks for the kind words re: my performances, Drew and Becky were fantastic to play with, as always.

I'm glad you enjoyed the orchestra experience. I see it as almost a "fantasy camp." Drew is definitely a perfectionist when it comes to directing the orchestra, but I think that makes the experience more authentic. I really liked your idea of having  well-practiced orchestra numbers that we can run through at every rally...hopefully it takes root!

Best,

Dan