Dates & times
All times are local to the venue · America/Chicago
- 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Clawhammer Banjo Basics with Brennan Henry Allsworth in La Crosse
Clawhammer Banjo Basics is advertised for beginners, but its topics reach beyond a first strum: Brennan Henry Allsworth’s class pairs fundamentals with music theory, advanced techniques and alternate tunings.
A beginner class with room to go further
The range matters if you are choosing a first banjo class: the listing sets the level at beginner while also including more advanced material. It presents a broad introduction, rather than a promise that participants will master every subject in one session.
Further reading: Clawhammer Banjo Basics, with Brennan Henry Allsworth — Driftless Folk School ↗
A teacher with roots in regional music
Brennan Henry Allsworth has studied, composed and performed music for nearly two decades, including in contra dances, music festivals and international artist residencies. They live in Decorah, Iowa, which the Driftless Folk School describes as the Driftless South. That background places the class within a regional music practice, rather than presenting banjo technique as an isolated exercise.
Further reading: Instructors — Driftless Folk School ↗ · Clawhammer Banjo Basics, with Brennan Henry Allsworth — Driftless Folk School ↗
Learning as a folk-school activity
The Driftless Folk School describes its classes as hands-on, community-based learning, with an aim of connecting traditional knowledge to future needs. Here, the focus is instruction in an instrument and its musical possibilities—not a scheduled concert or a named set of tunes.
Further reading: Driftless Folk School ↗ · FAQ — Driftless Folk School ↗ · Clawhammer Banjo Basics, with Brennan Henry Allsworth — Driftless Folk School ↗
From strumming to reels and waltzes
The listed subjects include banjo history, strumming and drop-thumbing fundamentals, music theory, advanced up-the-neck playing and alternate tunings. Playing fast reels and waltzes is among the stated learning aims; the class description does not name particular tunes.
2026-11-07 · Art House La Crosse
- Clawhammer Banjo Basics class with Brennan Henry Allsworth
Make a plan for the morning
Saturday, Nov. 7
The class runs from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CST.
Clawhammer Banjo Basics, with Brennan Henry Allsworth — Driftless Folk School ↗ · Clawhammer Banjo Basics, with Brennan Henry Allsworth - Booking by Bookwhen ↗
Art House La Crosse
The class is at Art House La Crosse, 1232 Caledonia Street, La Crosse, WI 54603.
Clawhammer Banjo Basics, with Brennan Henry Allsworth — Driftless Folk School ↗ · Clawhammer Banjo Basics, with Brennan Henry Allsworth - Booking by Bookwhen ↗
Beginner level; all ages
The class is listed for beginner banjo players and is open to all ages. Each registration admits one person. Someone coming only to observe must also register; only registered students may attend.
Clawhammer Banjo Basics, with Brennan Henry Allsworth — Driftless Folk School ↗ · FAQ — Driftless Folk School ↗
Bring your own banjo and accessories
A banjo, capo and tuner or pitch pipe are required. A folder or binder for sheet music is encouraged.
Clawhammer Banjo Basics, with Brennan Henry Allsworth — Driftless Folk School ↗
Three sliding-scale course fees
The course fee is $40 at the supported level, $55 at the sustainer level or $70 at the supporter level. A required $5 materials fee makes the respective booking totals $45, $60 and $75.
The supported rate is intended for people who struggle to meet basic needs or otherwise could not attend. The sustainer rate is suggested for those who meet their needs relatively easily but budget for classes and entertainment. The supporter rate is for people with financial ease and room to meet wants as well as needs; the higher contribution helps sustain programs while keeping them accessible to people with fewer resources.
Getting to Art House La Crosse
Destination and directions
The class listing identifies Art House La Crosse at 1232 Caledonia Street, La Crosse, WI 54603; it does not name a particular entrance. The booking listing includes a map link that can calculate directions from your own starting point.
Clawhammer Banjo Basics, with Brennan Henry Allsworth — Driftless Folk School ↗ · Clawhammer Banjo Basics, with Brennan Henry Allsworth - Booking by Bookwhen ↗
Parking and accessibility
The event information does not provide parking, transit or accessibility details for this location. Contact the Driftless Folk School registrar at 608-284-8524 or [email protected] if you need to confirm arrangements.
Clawhammer Banjo Basics, with Brennan Henry Allsworth — Driftless Folk School ↗ · FAQ — Driftless Folk School ↗
Before you make a plan
Is this class suitable for a beginner?
Yes. It is listed for beginner banjo players and is open to all ages.
Clawhammer Banjo Basics, with Brennan Henry Allsworth — Driftless Folk School ↗
What should I bring?
Bring your own banjo, capo and tuner or pitch pipe. A folder or binder for sheet music is encouraged.
Clawhammer Banjo Basics, with Brennan Henry Allsworth — Driftless Folk School ↗
What is the total fee?
The three booking totals, including the required materials fee, are $45, $60 and $75.
Clawhammer Banjo Basics, with Brennan Henry Allsworth — Driftless Folk School ↗ · Clawhammer Banjo Basics, with Brennan Henry Allsworth - Booking by Bookwhen ↗
Can someone come just to observe?
Yes, but they must register separately. Each registration admits one person, and only registered students may attend.
What is the cancellation policy?
Before the 10-day cutoff, cancellations receive a refund less a 25% fee. Cancellations within 10 days are nonrefundable; a school cancellation brings a full refund.
Upcoming Driftless Folk School Events - Booking by Bookwhen ↗ · FAQ — Driftless Folk School ↗
Location & Google Maps
Art House La Crosse
1232 Caledonia Street, La Crosse, WI 54603
Map search by venue and address. Check the organiser’s entrance details before travelling.