Harmonica workshop attracts Blues lover to Dungog

WITH dits and dahs, eeyores and train whistles, and honks and hilarity, the Dungog Arts Society gallery resounded to the sounds of a Blues Harmonica workshop on Saturday 19 July.

Both gallery rooms were packed, with nearly 40 participants attending.

Each participant was gifted a Blues harmonica.

A few had some experience with the instrument, but most were novices.

Over the course of two hours, they went from handling and breathing into their new harmonicas, tentatively, to bending notes confidently.

Some of the information shared included the history and types of the harmonica and different genres of music that feature the instrument, as well as how to produce different sounds and tones with the mouth, tongue and throat.

Much of the sound generated at the workshop was laughter, as playing is also good for mental and physical health.

While plenty of Dungog locals attended, many participants travelled from outside the Shire.

Some came from Newcastle and the Central and Mid North coasts.

The workshop was presented by Craig Lyons, aka Captain Bluetongue.

Craig is a musician and educator with over 30 years experience.

As well as presenting workshops, he also plays music with the “Blues Preachers” and the “Marvellous Hearts”.

Despite having so many participants, Craig managed to give each some personalised attention and tuition.

He also offered everyone a complimentary private lesson online, to follow up on their progress.

Describing the workshop as “a lot of fun”, Craig said that he prefers teaching groups as opposed to private lessons, because workshops like this “build a community of harmonica enthusiasts”.

Judging by the smiles on the faces of the attendees, it appears Dungog may well have a growing group of harmonica players in future.

Further harmonica workshops are possible, and will be designed to complement the skill levels of people who would like to attend.

By Lisa WISEMAN