"Georgia Grind".   This "edition" of the ABF Orchestra had 2 piccolo banjos, 2 banjeaurines, 3 regular banjos playing first, and 2 regular banjos playing second, and one cello banjo -- all are classic banjos (5 string using nylon strings, played with bare fingers).  This was performed at the Pantall Hotel in Punxsutawny, 2002.  ABF stands for the American Banjo Fraternity, the organization that was formed to exclusively promote and perserve 5 string playing.
If you have difficulties playing Cascades, please take this
detour .
These samples are .wav files.  Such files can not always be heard when using Netscape Explorer, but can be heard with Internet Explorer.

These tunes are from a CD recorded at Fanshaw College, London Ontario.  The players are, Joan Dickerson playing lead on classic banjo, Bill Stewart, backing on plectrum banjo, Art Covey on string bass. 

This recording represents the first time that classic banjo was recorded digitally.  Don Geppert, the sound engineer, a professor at Fanshaw College.  Had suggested that a mike used by Perry Como be used for ambient noise.

Joan is playing lead on her 1890-1900 Cole Eclipse (Professional) with Chris Sands nylon strings.  Bill' Stewart's banjo is a 1990 (or so) Ohm plectrum banjo with metal GHS strings.




"Cascades" Scott Joplin (1904). Joplin composed this piece during the St.Louis Exposition.  "The Cascades" was the name of the tall, lighted fountain behind the music tent, where Joplin often played piano.

Joplin's dedication on "Cascades" reads
"to Kimball and Donovan, Banjoists"

Many feel that the lilting quality of ragtime was imitating the sound of the banjo.  The whole country had a string romance with the banjo at that time.  Joplin's mother had played the banjo.
Sound Samples
"Just Banjos"  --
"Sounds of the Banjo"
with Joan Dickerson

"Creole Belles" Bodewalt Lampe.  Norwegian born American composer.  This piece was arranged by Emile Grimshaw.  It has been arranged for CLASSIC BANJO by Emil Grimshaw, and then altered by Fred Van Eps ( the banjoist, not by George Van Eps, his guitar-playing son), or it was altered by his student, Howard Weilmuenster, who currently resides in Ballwin, Missouri near St. Louis.

"Cascades" Scott Joplin (1904). Joplin composed this piece during the St.Louis Exposition.  "The Cascades" was the name of the tall, lighted fountain behind the music tent, where Joplin often played piano.

Joplin's dedication on "Cascades" reads
"to Kimball and Donovan, Banjoists"

Many feel that the lilting quality of ragtime was imitating the sound of the banjo.  The whole country had a string romance with the banjo at that time.  Joplin's mother had played the banjo.
"Stars and Stripes," Sousa.  This banjo orchestra is NOT classic banjo.  These are all jazz banjos, with tuba and a mandolin.  I have included it here because I enjoy so very much, playing (plectrum) with them.
NOT READY YET!



These samples are .wav files.  Such files can not always be heard when using Netscape Explorer, but can be heard with Internet Explorer.

These tunes are from a CD recorded at Fanshaw College, London Ontario.  The players are, Joan Dickerson playing lead on classic banjo, Bill Stewart, backing on plectrum banjo, Art Covey on string bass. 

This recording represents the first time that classic banjo was recorded digitally.  Don Geppert, the sound engineer, a professor at Fanshaw College.  Had suggested that a mike used by Perry Como be used for ambient noise.

Joan is playing lead on her 1890-1900 Cole Eclipse (Professional) with Chris Sands nylon strings.  Bill' Stewart's banjo is a 1990 (or so) Ohm plectrum banjo with metal GHS strings.

If you have difficulties playing Cascades, please take this
detour .
"Georgia Grind".   This "edition" of the ABF Orchestra had 2 piccolo banjos, 2 banjeaurines, 3 regular banjos playing first, and 2 regular banjos playing second, and one cello banjo -- all are classic banjos (5 string using nylon strings, played with bare fingers).  This was performed at the Pantall Hotel in Punxsutawny, 2002.  ABF stands for the American Banjo Fraternity, the organization that was formed to exclusively promote and perserve 5 string playing.
NOT READY YET!