"It was a sing, sing, sing weekend"

     Starting the day off well is always an important task. Last Saturday at the historic Bentonsport Presbyterian church was such a morning. Stephen Conte and Prairie Harmony brought an entirely new meaning to “starting the day off well”. Folk school students were trained in the wonderful art of “Shape Note Singing”. This class explored the roots of the shape note folk revival from meeting house to performance art of the modern folk music era—a harmony singing study of early American anthems, psalms and hymns of the shape note traditions of singing dating back to the eighteenth century. Stephen Conte is highly knowledgeable and experienced in this form of folk music and always sends his students home with the satisfaction provided in this form of singing and the desire to sing, sing, sing.

     The Villages Folk School staff are proud to offer such quality classes and are eager to extend this opportunity to all of you. Maybe singing isn’t your desire, but among the many classes offered in the folk school lies a subject matter that was made just for you; your chance to “live the arts” with us here in the Villages of Van Buren County Iowa. Taking the time out from your busy schedule is not always easy, but once you make the choice to join us for one of our classes you’ll be asking yourself, “Why didn’t I do this a long time ago?” Stop! Slow down! Smell the roses! Life is as much about savoring every moment as it is about speeding toward a goal. This is your chance to relax and savor your moment. Many who have taken part in our classes have commented on the experience as one they wished they had started years ago.

     Our class schedules are available for you on the website at www.villagesfolkschool.com. Gloria is available in our office at 319-592-3700 for any questions you might have about registration.

For those who don’t have internet access here is a list of our upcoming classes:

24 July 2010     Melon Basket Weaving

24-25 July 2010 Bonaparte Pottery Experience

31 July 2010     Barn Quilt Painting

                      Blacksmithing: Forge Welding

                      Still Life in Soft Pastels

21 Aug 2010     Painting the Landscape

21-22 Aug 2010 Bonaparte Pottery Experience

28-29 Aug 2010 Creative Writing—Intro to Publishing


We invite you to join us for a memorable weekend here at the Villages Folk School. Call us today at 319-592-3700.