Ozark Mountain Music Association, the organization that has taken over the annual Youth in Bluegrass Contest in Branson, MO, has announced the addition of a second bluegrass summer camp for young pickers in June.
The decision was made after all 100 spots for their June 9-13 camp at the Michel Homestead in Branson were filled, with many more still requesting registration. OMMA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preserving and passing on the traditional music of the Ozarks, and the notion of turning families away struck them as impossible, so a second session, June 16-20 was added.
Their web site describes the camp experience in a nutshell…
Students will learn to play as part of a traditional bluegrass band made up of fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar, and bass. Students will be assigned to a band for the week. Instruction includes individual lessons, band rehearsals, group workshops, vocal lessons, MC coaching, evening jams, and one night of square dancing. All instruction concludes by 6:00 p.m., so leaving early will not affect band practices. Parents are welcome throughout the day and are encouraged to join evening jams.
Full details can be found online.
And don’t forget the 2026 Youth in Bluegrass Contest, held May 23 at the Branson Event Center over Memorial Day weekend. Large cash prizes and scholarship opportunities bring the very best young bluegrass bands to Branson to compete in this popular event.
Ticket information is available online.
