The mandolin is an extremely versatile instrument, well-suited to incorporating the many influences and types of tunes that have come together to make our old-time music. This class will focus on bringing forth the the melodies and rhythms of old-time music on the mandolin.  A lot of the tunes taught will be fiddle tunes of West Virginia and southwest Virginia (especially the older repertoires), but we'll also incorporate other types of tunes from early country and popular music, and explore some shared characteristics of Celtic-British music with old American music.  Emphasis will be not only on melodies, but also on appreciating differences in rhythms and using right-hand techniques to drive or lilt those rhythms and embellish the melodies.  We'll pay attention to playing cleanly, using timing of licks to drive the melodies, and having as much fun as possible.  Participants should bring a recording device and plenty of batteries.  We'll learn by ear.