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MuseCon 2 - Entertaining Our Muses

A convention in northeastern Illinois celebrating music and the hands-on arts in 2012

 

Program Descriptions

Here are some of the MuseCon programming offerings for this year. Of course, all things are subject to change.

Webmaster's note: I am working on getting the rest of these entered.

Programming at MuseCon runs from Friday at 1:30pm until 4:15pm Sunday.

Programming

Dot Basic belly dance for fitness and fun!     To Programming Grid
     time: Saturday, 7:30 - 8:45 pm
     location: Hampton
      Deborah Jablonski / MUSE Chicago
Belly dance is a non-impact, weight-bearing exercise and is thus suitable for all ages.

We will learn a few basic moves and then combine them to make a basic choreography at the end of class. Then, if you wish, you can apply your skills at the drum jam! Bring a scarf to tie around your hips and get ready to "hip-notize"!
Dot Basic Jewelry Stringing     To Programming Grid
     register ($4.00)
     time: Saturday, 4:30 - 5:45 pm
     location: Edwardian
      Brooke Wiewel
How do we go from having beads, to actually being able to put on and wear a piece of jewelry? What are all these pliers and wires? Come to this class to find out the basics of stringing on wire and headpins, and create your own bracelet and earrings to take home.
Dot Beginning Harp Workshop     To Programming Grid
     register ($10.00)
     time: Sunday, 9:00 - 10:15 am
     location: Lakeshore
      Jen Midkiff
A first step in the wonders of playing the harp. A hands-on workshop with the heavenly Jen Midkiff that lets your fingers dance with the joys of the strings.
Dot Beginning Vocal Workshop     To Programming Grid
     register (free!)
     time: Saturday, 1:30 - 2:45 pm
     location: Edwardian
      Mark Bernstein, Jen Midkiff
A perfect place to get the basic skills you need to let your voice soar under the guidance of the marvelous Mark Bernstein. From breathing to posture to tone, this workshp is about understanding and is focused on those who have had little to no vocal training.

Note: this session is open to registered attendees only.
Dot Build a Birdhouse     To Programming Grid
     register (free!)
     time: Friday, 1:30 - 2:45 pm
     location: Stanford/Tech
      Dwayne Forsyth
We have all the parts needed to create a simple cedar birdhouse, and a workshop ready to go.

Although only about 85 of the hundreds of North American bird species nest in cavities, there is so much competition for natural holes, that man-made nest boxes are appreciated by many of them and are an important conservation tool.
Dot Build a Catapult     To Programming Grid
     register (free!)
     time: Sunday, 9:00 - 10:15 am
     location: Stanford/Tech
      Dwayne Forsyth
2DKits fired up the power tools and created another wood kit project, a table-top catapult! We typically think of a catapult being used in the Middle Ages to destroy the walls of a castle, but catapults have a very long history dating long before the time of castles. Catapults were developed in many different ways by many different cultures over the centuries (Yawn). Ok, enough history, we know we all just want to build one to launch mini marshmallows and dominate in the cubicle wars!
Dot Conquering Cables in Knitting     To Programming Grid
     time: Saturday, 1:30 - 2:45 pm
     location: Stanford/Fiber
      Elliot Mason
Cables look really impressive when done well, but aren't nearly as complicated to knit as they look. Come learn to tame cables of all shapes and sizes and bend them to your will. New knitters looking to add this technique to their tool kit and veterans who've experienced traumatic cable encounters are both welcome. Bring your needles and yarn, and (if you like) a pattern or example of cables that confuses or intrigues you, and leave with greater confidence.
Dot Dabke (Arab folk dance)     To Programming Grid
     time: Friday, 9:00 - 10:15 pm
     location: Lakeshore
      Deborah Jablonski / MUSE Chicago
Come and learn to dabke! A line dance, it is widely performed at weddings and joyous occasions, it emphasizes unity and fun, playfulness and joy! This dance is done together, all ages and skills. Prepare to laugh and enjoy line dancing with an Arabic flavor!
Dot Etextiles     To Programming Grid
     register ($25.00)
     time: Saturday, 9:00 - 10:15 am
     location: Stanford/Fiber
      Alyse Middleton
Light up your clothing with LEDs - no soldering required. Using basic sewing skills we will decorate any item of clothing you bring with LEDs.
Dot F-Stop, Shutter Speed, and Focal Length - Oh my: Better photography with your 'old school' film camera     To Programming Grid
     register (free!)
     time: Friday, 4:30 - 5:45 pm
     location: Edwardian
      Lowell Lutman
We will try to demystify the working of the camera. Have you always been confused by all the settings on your camera? Are you frustrated by your images always being blurry, out of focus or too dark/light to see? Learn how f-stop and shutter speed effect the exposure and can also affect the sharpness of the image.

Please bring your camera with you so that you can get the hands on experience with your own equipment. Fresh film & batteries are reccommended.
Dot Fiber Zoo     To Programming Grid
     time: Friday, Saturday and Sunday (all day)
     location: Standford/Fiber
Sewing machines! Fabric! Spinning and knitting and more! Come and play with us and let your creativity loose! Bring your current project, teach someone else, learn something new, just hang out with other creative people.
Dot Freeform Creativity     To Programming Grid
     time: Friday, Saturday and Sunday
     location: Leighton
      Sharon Price
Open crafting, costuming, and creativity, geared towards our younger members.
Dot Glow Costuming     To Programming Grid
     time: Saturday, 1:30 - 2:45 pm
     location: Leighton
      Sharon Price
Who doesn't love dressing up as someone, or something else? We'll have supplies for the kids to put together their own fun wigs, masks, and costumes that GLOW! Even better - you'll have a chance to show off your creations at our Glow Dance a couple hours later!
Dot Glow-in-Dark Dance     To Programming Grid
     time: Saturday, 4:30 - 5:45 pm
     location: Leighton
      Sharon Price
Not just a dance, a glow-in-the-dark dance! Jump, jive, and have a good time under the black lights!
Dot Guitar Circle     To Programming Grid
     time: Sunday, 1:30 - 2:45 pm
     location: Lakeshore
      Robert Little
The guitar circle invites guitarists to perform in an ensemble, arranged in a circle with the audience seated in the middle. Thus the audience will be literally surrounded by sound. We will perform easy songs, drawing heavily on the filk tradition. Audience seating will be limited, so plan to show up early if you wish to sit in the middle.
Dot Hardbound Journal Making     To Programming Grid
     register ($20.00)
     time: Saturday, 9:00 - 11:45 am
     location: Leighton
      Sally Childs-Helton
In this 3-hour workshop you will make-and-take a hard-backed journal or blank book. You'll learn to make a book with inexpensive and easy-to-find materials and hand tools, so no special book presses or other binding equipment is needed. You'll also take home complete directions and a supply list.

Supplies are included in the workshop price, but please bring these things if you can or want: any special paper you want to cover the boards (bring 2 sheets 6X11 or larger; the weight of gift wrap is good); 2 large glue sticks; scissors; a bone folder/creaser; a rotary paper cutter (letter size is fine) or a razor blade knife and self-healing cutting mat; any special color book binding thread (embroidery floss works fine); and any small beads or other decorative charms, etc. Otherwise, I'll have plenty of decorative paper and hand tools. We'll need every minute, so don't be late!

This workshop is limited to 15 people and costs $20.
Dot Improv Games for Performance     To Programming Grid
     time: Saturday, 1:30 - 2:45 pm
     location: Lakeshore
      Moebius Theatre
You know those workshops where you unleash your inner creativity in a supportive and nurturing new-age environment? Yeah, you know us better than that. We're talking cheap laughs and proud of it.Come play the games that bring the funny onstage at The Second City and make for a silly time at Musecon with Moebius Theatre.
Dot Leather Sewing Basics     To Programming Grid
     register (price varies)
     time: Friday, 9:00 - 10:15 pm
     location: Stanford/Tech
      Liana Winsauer (Otter Necessities)
Learn the basics of hand-sewing leather by making your own key fob, or take on a larger project. We have four projects this year: two key fobs, a paperback book cover, and a small belt pouch. As various sharp and pointy tools will be used, participants should be age 10 and up. All four projects are suitable for beginners, but the book cover and belt pouch will likely require completion outside of class.

See the registration page for the different projects/prices.
Dot Lyric Writing I     To Programming Grid
     time: Friday, 7:30 - 8:45 pm
     location: Hampton
      Bill Sutton, Brenda Sutton
Bill and Brenda Sutton teach lyric writing techniques to develop structure, scansion, internal and external rhymes, cadence, and active word choice. Working from a common brain-stormed theme and word list, participants leave with tools and direction to complete the assignment: create lyrics for a basic three-verse and chorus song. Some previous musical experience helpful. Space limited to ten people.
Dot Lyric Writing II     To Programming Grid
     time: Saturday, 9:00 - 10:15 am
     location: Hampton
      Bill Sutton, Brenda Sutton
Participants from Lyric Writing I read their lyrics aloud, receiving gentle guidance and techniques to edit and polish their work into a stronger song.
Dot Making the most of LEGO     To Programming Grid
     register ($15.00)
     time: Friday, 9:00 - 10:15 pm
     location: Edwardian
      Chris Doyle
Most everyone has had a chance to build with LEGO brick over the years...but there's more to do than just stacking one brick on top of another. Join LEGO-enthusiast Chris Doyle in this hands-on workshop as we apply advanced building techniques in the creation of a mini MuseCon Mascot.
Dot Music Theory Workshop     To Programming Grid
     register (free!)
     time: Friday 3:00 - 4:15 pm
     location: Lakeshore
      Jen Midkiff
Ever wondered why some notes work together and some don't? Ever wanted to know how to tell the difference? Here's where you can start! A beginning understanding of the basic theory as well as a good place to refresh your knowledge and ask questions.
Dot Needle-felt a Feline     To Programming Grid
     time: Saturday, 3:00 - 4:15 pm
     location: Stanford/Fiber
      Bonnie Somdahl
Create your own miniature soft sculpture. This is a beginners class. WARNING: extremely sharp needles are used.

Note - students under age 8 must be accompanied by a parent/adult.
Dot Netted Beadwork for Beginners     To Programming Grid
     register ($7.00)
     time: Sunday, Noon - 1:15 pm
     location: Stanford/Fiber
      Elliot Mason
Learn basic netted beadwork while making a keychain or bracelet. Students will learn the skills needed to make and design 'African net' beadwork. Kit includes all needed beads & supplies as well as class documents.
Dot Outdoor play session     To Programming Grid
     time: Saturday, 3:00 - 4:15 pm
     location: outdoors (weather permitting)
      Sharon Price
Weather-permitting we'll be headed outdoors for relay-races, bubbles, and more creative fun.
Dot Painting Wargaming Miniatures     To Programming Grid
     register ($4.00)
     time: Saturday, 3:00 - 4:15 pm
     location: Stanford/Tech
      Robin Winsauer
In this workshop, participants will learn basic techniques for painting 25 and 28 mm (about 1" tall) fantasy war gaming miniatures by painting a their own miniature. Advanced techniques can be discussed if time allows. A selection of miniatures will be provided for participants to choose from. Materials fee covers the miniature, as well as use of paint and brushes. Paints to be used are water-based acrylics, but please plan accordingly and wear appropriate clothing (a limited number of aprons may be available). For ages 12 and up.
Dot Paper Pop-ups for Beginners     To Programming Grid
     time: Sunday, 10:30 - 11:45 am
     location: Leighton
      Bonnie Somdahl
Create a fun frog face pop-up. Just bring your paper scissors.

If you have a favorite pop-up book feel free to bring it to share.
Dot Post-swim breakfast gathering     To Programming Grid
     time: Saturday, 10:30 - 11:45 am
     location: Hospitality Suite
      Sharon Price
Now that the kids have gotten their early-morning exercise in the pool, it's time for breakfast! We'll gather together in the Hospitality Suite to eat.
Dot Show & Tell     To Programming Grid
     register (free!)
     time: Friday, Immediately following Opening Ceremonies
     location: Lakeshore
      Rachel Tucker
You will have two minutes on stage to show something you have made. Tell a little about the technique, the materials, the artistic choices, or whatever. Any medium is fair game -- sing a verse of a song you wrote, show off your fiber or metal or wood creation, display a painting, wear your costuming work, etc. If you wish, you may submit up to 5 photographs of your work to be projected behind you while you speak; email files (jpg, png, or gif; maximum 5Mb each) to Zelda.Stoa AT gmail DOT com ahead of time or bring a USB drive to the event.
Dot Silver Wire Bracelets     To Programming Grid
     register ($50.00)
     time: Friday, 3:00 - 4:15 pm
     location: Stanford/Fiber
      Loren Damewood
A hands-on workshop to introduce the student to the principles of tying complex two-dimensional knots in precious wire resulting in a silver bracelet you can wear with pride. Fee includes silver wire and as well as tool loan.
Dot Stained Glass     To Programming Grid
     register ($25.00) or register ($20.00)
     time: Saturday, 10:30-11:45 am
     location: Edwardian
      Dwayne Forsyth
Oooh - shiny and colorful! And, as a bonus, requires molten metal to build! You get a kit with the glass already cut for the pattern, copper foil, brass wire, and lead-free solder. A short class to get you going, and then as much (or as little) help as desired. There are two most excellent kits to choose from. There is a fee to defer the cost of materials.
Dot Studio Lighting Use in Photography     To Programming Grid
     time: Sunday, 9:00 - 10:15 am
     location: Carlyle
      Richard France
Are you interested in learning how to use standard studio lights for your photography? Lear the answers to questions like: What do strobes give you that speedlights (flash) don't? Aren't they super expensive and hard to use? Learn camera techniques to control your exposure while using external lights.
Dot Ukelele Summit     To Programming Grid
     time: Saturday, 3:00 - 4:15 pm
     location: Hampton
      Moebius Theatre, Bill Higgins
Show your love for the instrument Krusty the Clown calls "the thinking man's violin." Bring a uke if you've got one; come and borrow one if you don't. Beginners and total newbies welcome, also seasoned players, recovering guitarists and Eddie Vedder fans jumping on the bandwagon. We'll share some songs and chord charts and make plans for world domination.
Dot Viking Braid Jewelry     To Programming Grid
     register ($15.00)
     time: Saturday
     location: Stanford/Tech
      Isaac Armstrong
Learn how to make a bracelet out of wire by using the Viking Braid. Those worried about precision needs in jewelry should not fear - precision is not required with this technique. Your entry fee will cover enough wire to make one bracelet and the loom to make them on. Wire cutters and pliers will be available; however bringing your own is welcome as well.

Wire draw plates will be provided for use, and may also purchase for an additional $5.
Dot Youth Drum Making     To Programming Grid
     time: Saturday, 4:30 - 5:45 pm
     location: Leighton
      Sharon Price
We're having a drum making workshop for our youth, followed by a rhythm band/dance jam. Join us!
Dot Youth Swim     To Programming Grid
     time: Saturday,
     location: Hotel Pool
      Sharon Price
Time to throw the kids in the pool! Big kids welcome, too.

No lifeguard on duty! You must provide supervision for your kids!

Mobile Programming

Mobile Programming instructors will be roaming the convention area during the convention offering lessons on basic skills, when and where you find them. Mobile Programming instructors may carry a sign or flag, so if you see one, ask about what they have to share!

If you have something that you would like to do as mobile programming, contact someone at the convention.

Special Events

We have some more formal programming...

** free = no additional charge with your paid membership. Space in these sessions is limited. Register to insure yourself a spot in this class.



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