Banjo | Gerry Milnes | Beginning | Period 2 | Week 3 (July 20-24, 2026)
This class will concentrate on Tygart Valley and central West Virginia clawhammer tunes. Tunes collected and learned from old-time players such as Cletus and Arthur D. Johnson, Dona Hammons Gum, Jimmy Dowdle, Phoeba Parsons, Currence Hammonds, Ward Jarvis, and others will be taught. Stories about these players, photos, and context of the tunes will be discussed.
About the InstructorÂ
Gerry Milnes began collecting and learning banjo tunes in central West Virginia in 1975. As a player, he has won blue ribbons at the WV State Folk Festival, the Vandalia Gathering, and both age levels at the Clifftop competitions. His playing may be heard on several recordings as well as those of Melvin Wine and Ernie Carpenter. Gerry has performed and taught at venues throughout the country.