Voice | Dudley Connell, Sally Love Connell and Jen Larson | All Levels | Period 2 | Week 5 (August 3-7. 2026)
Bluegrass singing starts from the heart and reaches deep into the soul. It’s real and powerful—sweet, joyous, and sorrowful. When voices join in harmony, the song’s power becomes even stronger.
This tradition draws from ancient European ballads, primitive gospel styles, old‑time mountain music, blues, and early country. Throughout the week, we’ll explore these influences and learn examples from each.
What You’ll Learn
– Finding vocal parts and blending with others
– Matching tone and phrasing
– Choosing keys and harmony structures
– Techniques for vocal control and longevity
– Selecting material that suits your voice
We’ll work on several classic trios (or duets turned into trios!) and listen to recordings from influential artists such as the Carter Family, Blue Sky Boys, Louvin Brothers, and the Stanley Brothers—discussing what makes each unique.
How to Prepare
– Listen to some of the artists mentioned above to become familiar with the various styles
– Be comfortable singing in tune and holding a part with another person
– Although playing while singing is helpful, you do not have to be able to accompany yourself on an instrument
– We’ll learn by ear—bring a recording device if you like
– Bring your curiosity and questions
– Most of all, prepare to have fun!
About the Instructor
Dudley Connell came to national attention in the 1980s as the powerhouse singer-guitarist of the Johnson Mountain Boys. He has been a member of the Seldom Scene since 1995. Dudley has contributed his distinctive voice and guitar to the work of numerous artists, including Hazel Dickens, Seneca Rocks, and the supergroup
Longview. In 2000 he received the International Bluegrass Music Association’s award for Male Vocalist of the Year.
Sally Love Connell is a current member the Blue Moon Cowgirls, a shimmering trio of female voices who blend front-porch directness with neon-lit sophistication as they sing about home and highways, heaven and honkytonks, heartbreak and hope. A Washington Area Music Award winner for best bluegrass vocalist, Sally is in demand as a lead and back-up vocalist, and has performed with various acoustic and bluegrass groups in the Washington, DC, area in such venues as the Ramshead Tavern, Kennedy Center, and the Barns at Wolf Trap. She and husband Dudley Connell have taught vocal and harmony classes at Augusta and Common Ground on the Hill. They also perform with their own group, Seneca Rocks!
Jen Larson is an independent archivist, historian, educator, and bluegrass vocalist. Over the years, she has performed at regional and national festivals, participated in educational programs through Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, and appeared on “Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion.” In 2014, she joined a U.S. State Department tour to Oman with Bob Perilla’s Big Hillbilly Bluegrass Band. That same year, she released an EP titled “Burning House,” produced by Michael Daves. Jen has also performed and co-taught bluegrass and country vocals with Michael Daves, contributing vocal tracks to his ArtistWorks Bluegrass Vocals course. She has additionally taught with Joe Newberry for Bluegrass Week at the Augusta Heritage Center. From 2016 to 2023, Jen served as the Archives Manager for the Grand Ole Opry, and she is currently researching the life and career of bluegrass trailblazer Hazel Dickens.