StringTime in the Smokies

Smoky Mountains Music School
Sponsored by the City of Pigeon Forge Office of Special Events
March 17 - 20, 2005

Daily Schedule | Instructor Bios | Concert Series | General Information

Daily Schedule

Thursday, March 17, 2005
Noon	Check-in at Middlecreek Valley Chalets followed by Lunch
2 - 2:30 p.m	Orientation/Introductions
2:30 - 4 p.m.	Instructor Showcase and Introduction
4 - 4:30 p.m.	Classes to Break-Out - Class participant introductions
4:30 - 5 p.m.	Free Time
5 - 6 p.m.	Dinner
6:30 p.m.	Concert at Boyds Bears with Abigail Moore

Friday, March 18, 2005
8 - 9:30 a.m.	Breakfast
9:30 - 10:30 a.m.	Class Instruction
10:30 - 11 a.m.	Mid-Morning Break
11 - Noon	Class Instruction
Noon - 1:30 p.m.	Lunch
1:30 - 2:30 p.m.	Class Instruction
2:30 - 3 p.m.	Mid-Afternoon Break
3 - 4:30 p.m.	Class Instruction
4:30 - 5:30 p.m.	Personal Time
5:30 - 7 p.m.	Dinner
6:30 p.m.	Concert Boyds Bears with the Mystery Mountain Boys
9:00 p.m.	Slow Jam in the Chalet

Saturday, March 19, 2005
8 - 9:30 a.m.	Breakfast
9:30 - 10:30 a.m.	Class Instruction
10:30 - 11 a.m.	Mid-Morning Break
11 - Noon	Class Instruction
Noon - 1:30 p.m.	Lunch
1:30 - 2:30 p.m.	Class Instruction
2:30 - 3 p.m.	Mid-Afternoon Break
3 - 4:30 p.m.	Class Instruction
4:30 - 5:30 p.m.	Personal Time
5:30 - 7 p.m.	Dinner
6:30 p.m.	Concert at Boyds Bears with Lois Hornbostel
9:00 p.m.	Slow Jam in the Chalet

Sunday, March 20, 2005
8 - 9:30 a.m.	Breakfast
9:30 - 10:30 a.m.	Class Instruction
10:30 - 11 a.m.	Mid-Morning Break
11 - Noon	Class Instruction
Noon - 1:30 p.m.	Lunch
1:30 - 3 p.m.	Check-out, good-byes, farewells "Until We Play Again"

Tony Thomas is a well-known singer, songwriter, musician and instructor from East Tennessee. He grew up in a small coal mining community known as Briceville, and was inspired to learn many instruments by his father who was a coal miner and a minister, and his uncle, and cousins. Tony can play all stringed instruments, and made regular appearances on WCPT television near Crossville, TN in the 1970's. He has been a session musician with Cumberland Sound Recording. Tony has appeared on numerous television shows and several PBS documentaries. For several years Tony has been a volunteer musician at the Museum of Appalachia, and the Coal Creek Watershed Foundation using his music to teach the history of the region to area schools. Currently, Tony is a Music Minister with the Salvation Army where he teaches guitar, mandolin, fiddle, electric bass, harmonica and singing to the men's and children's groups on a weekly basis. Tony has his own method of teaching music by sight and sound. He has recorded 10 CDs and has written more than 100 songs.

Abigail Moore grew up near Robbinsville, NC, and plays the fiddle, mandolin, guitar, bass fiddle and piano. Abigail recorded her first CD, along with her band The Snowbird Mountain Band, in 2001. When this gifted 16-year old isn't playing fiddle, she is teaching the instrument to students in the local school system.

Lois Hornbostel is an accomplished writer as well as musician, and has authored six books containing mountain dulcimer playing instruction and repertoire for the mountain dulcimer. They have been professionally published by Mel Bay Publications and Backyard Music and are sold internationally. As a musician Lois's versatility and expression shine, and she has introduced with authenticity several different styles of music to the mountain dulcimer's repertoire. Her mastery in playing the instrument has been recognized with several dulcimer championships including those at the Galax, VA, and Fiddlers Grove, NC fiddlers' conventions, and being named an honorary "Kentucky Colonel" for her work with the mountain dulcimer. A natural and inventive teacher, Lois fills her dulcimer playing classes with good sense, encouragement, enthusiasm and organization. She has revolutionized many of the dulcimer's teaching methods. Lois is the founder and director of Western Carolina University Mountain Dulcimer Week in in Cullowhee, NC

Cline Phillips plays guitar, fiddle, mandolin and bass in addition to the banjo. He has been playing banjo tunes and singing songs from the Appalachian Mountains for more than 30 years. Cline has an instructional beginning banjo video, and is known for his 3 fingered method of playing. He has performed on numerous radio and television programs, in addition to his active participation with the Museum of Appalachia in Norris, TN. Cline began his musical career at the age of 14 with Tony Thomas and the Mystery Mountain Boys, and they are still performing today. Cline is self-taught, and will be sharing his 3 fingered banjo method.

Classes, Instructors and Descriptions subject to change without notice. Our website will be updated regularly and will reflect any changes as they occur. You may call us at (865) 429-7350 with any questions.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations from now until March 4, 2004 will be refunded less a 15% cancellation fee. Cancellations from March 4th to March 17th will be refunded less a 50% cancellation fee. For more information, please call the Pigeon Forge Office of Special Events at (865) 429-7350.