Camp, with photos
Pete Wernick's Bluegrass Jam Camp - Merlefest
April 22 - 25, 2013
There is still room in this camp. To arrange for registration, please email Pete.
Bass players needed!
We are expecting over 40 pickers, but only 4 bass players so far. Deep discounts available now in the homestretch. Camp starts Monday April 22. Contact Pete.
Scholarship winners!
Pete announces two youngsters from western North Carolina as scholarship winners for this Bluegrass Jam Camp: Liam Purcell, 10, of Deep Gap and Kinsey Green, 14, of Boone are both multi-instrumentalists, immersed in bluegrass through families who value this tradition. Pete says, “It's good to see local kids learning the local music, and we're very glad to be able offer them this additional opportunity.”
Liam says he takes bluegrass and old time music lessons and regularly attends jams with musicians of the “older generation,” as well as pickers his own age. He plays mandolin, guitar, banjo, and fiddle. He and a friend recently formed a band, performing at barn dances, showcases, and college events. In his application, Liam wrote, “I think it would be a good experience to be surrounded by bluegrass for days at a time. It is fun to know how something like a banjo or a song can be passed down for generations and generations.” Kinsey plays guitar, fiddle, and bass, and enjoys singing. She and her sister formed their own band, Greene Grass. Kinsey hopes to major in bluegrass and nursing in college in order to become a music therapist for special needs children. She recognizes the vital support her parents have given her, even in tough financial times. The scholarships are courtesy of R. B. Powell and Bridget Allen, owners of Nittany Mountain Trail Rides, Inc., who promote bluegrass scholarships for young musicians.
MerleFest info: http://www.merlefest.org
Registration Form
Camp Flyer (PDF)
Latest Info on SignupsCamp times: 9:15-5:00 daily.
Total tuition is $350 and includes lunch and snacks each day. $120 deposit holds your spot. Attendance is limited. Need-based discounts available for less common instruments (usually fiddle, bass, mandolin). More info.
Early bird discounts:
$15 off if full tuition of $335 paid before January 22, 2013.
$10 off if full tuition of $340 paid before February 22, 2013.
All but half of the deposit amount refundable until March 23, 2013.
Closet pickers, this is for you!
All bluegrass instruments welcome
No jamming experience necessary
You will be jamming the first morning!
What it is
- Understanding, low-pressure, experienced teaching by Pete and Joan Wernick.
- Hands-on learning in large and small groups
- How to play lead, fake solos, sing harmony
- Group and individualized instruction on backup techniques.
- Ground rules and etiquette; learn many bluegrass standards,
- In over 60 camps, we've taught hundreds to jam. You can too!
How you qualify
Practice jamming at home!
17 songs, just 4 chords and SLOW tempos. This DVD will help you prepare for your first jam camp.
MORE INFO/BUY
It's easier than you may think!
If you play guitar, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, bass, resonator guitar or resonator guitar you can be part of a bluegrass jam.
Only requirements: You must be able to tune your instrument (electronic tuning devices welcome) and change smoothly between G, C, D, and A. Fast playing is not expected, nor is the ability to solo required.
Intermediate track
This camp offers a unique option, specialized group instruction and jam coaching designed for experienced jammers. Many of our repeat campers and others are ready to learn more advanced band skills, ear skills, musicianship, band dynamics and backup, practice techniques, and more.
For this Intermediate track, jamming experience is required, including for banjos, mandolins, fiddles, and dobro players, the ability to fake solos and willingness to sing. If you're not sure if you qualify, no problem -- you can check out the choices once you're at camp.
Comments from recent jam campers
“I have been waiting to start playing real bluegrass with people for quite a while, and now I can.”
“It's been three weeks, but I'm still on a high from your Bluegrass Jam Camp in Gettysburg. To put it mildly -- it was absolutely fantastic! My banjo playing has improved immeasurably since Camp -- even my wife has noticed. I am now actively looking for other jammers.”
“One of the best experiences in or out of music I have ever had!”
“I had a great time, learned a lot, met great people.. The best week of my whole year!”
“It was exactly what I needed. I will now have the courage to actually take my banjo with me to jam sessions instead of just hanging around listening.”
“An incredible experience... a depth of knowledge on the subject beyond just technique, including the history, etiquette, and flavor of the genre.”
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Questions?
Visit our FAQ section. If you still have questions feel free to email us at Pete@DrBanjo.com.