This year the workshop looks to expand to a second location in Troy.

During the day-long workshop, students with more than one full year of playing experience through college-aged musicians are introduced to traditional music by local professionals.

Previous faculty members have included George Wilson, Peter Davis, Sara Milonovich, John Kirk, Trish Miller, Jay Ungar, Andrew and Noah Van Norstrand, and Molly Mason.

After a short opening performance, the participants are broken up into groups based on age and playing experience. Each group works with each teacher for an hour. Topics include building traditional repertoire, stylistic elements, arranging tunes and improvisation.

In the afternoon, the students and teachers present a ‘works in progress’ concert that’s open to the public. This showcases what the students have learned and presents an opportunity for all the groups to hear each other.

The first workshop will be held from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Jan. 26 at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs. Instructors include Abby Newton, Laura Risk, John Kirk, Trish Miller, Peter Davis, and George Wilson. The second one runs from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Feb. 9 at Russell Sage College in Troy. Instructors include Donna Hebert, Max Cohen John Kirk, Trish Miller, Peter Davis, and George Wilson.

Maura McNamara, who founded FYI and teaches music at Lake Ave. Elementary School, believes the workshops allow students to meet new people and build a community in the Capital District. Next year, she hopes that students from both of the workshops will be able to play together at the 2009 Dance Flurry Festival.

“Kids really like this style of music. It has a different feel than what school programs are usually oriented toward,” McNamara said. “The institute is designed to enhance the students’ school music program experience by broadening their repertoire and skills in different styles. Some orchestra teachers may not have experience with fiddle or jazz/improvisatory styles; working with the professionals in those genres gives the kids a direct connection and also expands the musical community.”

Admission to either workshop is $20 before January 21 and $25 after that date and at the door.

The cost for Skidmore and Russell Sage students is $10 at any time.

For more information, call McNamara at 584-3678 or visit www.danceflurry.org/new/fyi.html.

She can also be reached by email at either This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it