Taking up the Banjo

Nothing to do with Photography - or?

Below is a short story of how I recently started playing the banjo.

This has very little to do with photography, except that it also has quite a bit.

Both are technical skill sets that rely heavily on the individual’s creativity.

Though separate, essentially, for me, they work hand-in-hand

A Question

And how it all began.

In talking with the Bella Muzik one summer evening in 2024 after they performed a house concert, the topic turned to the song “Rocky Top”, and how they played it. As a one instrument duo, the guitar was the instrument, the technique was strumming.

Knowing that I also play the guitar, they asked if I knew how to play the banjo.

I did not, and had never tried it.

The Challenge

Although the question was quite innocent by itself, it sparked a question, and a challenge, within me. “Why not play the banjo?”

In further conversation, they mentioned that if I did learn it, the following year (2025) when they come back for a house concert they would welcome the accompaniment.

One Year Later

The first video below is that song, one year later, after the initial question.

A Second Opportunity

That fall, Randy Peterson, performing for the large audience within the local park program, found out I was learning the banjo.

Randy offered a similar opportunity. This time, it was John Denver’s classic “Take Me Home, Country Roads”.

The second video, shown below, is that song, performed with Randy at a one of his evening performances, September 2025.

A Fun Challenge

And yes, I will always be learning!

I don’t read music, and I’m terrible with tabs.

I pretty much learn by listening, and as Brad Fitch once stated, through intuition.

It’s a fun challenge.

“Rocky Top”

Accompanying Bella Muzik, June 19, 2025, with “Rocky Top”

“Country Roads”

Accompanying Randy Peterson, September 13, 2025, with “Take Me Home, Country Roads”