Pete Wernick, aka Dr. Banjo, has announced a total of ten bluegrass jam camps during 2006. These camps are designed specifically to help new pickers – or inexperienced jammers – learn how to fit in and contribute to a bluegrass jam session. The approach is one of total immersion, and students receive hands on instruction working in small groups, matched with other students of a similar skill level.
Pete has seen this approach work well for years, helping new jammers gain confidence that they can “hang in there” with other musicians.
“Easy and slow jamming can be a perfect setting for putting new skills to the test, and into practice. Once a student develops comfort and confidence playing in a group, a new world opens up. The playing opportunities keep them learning and practicing.”
The dates and locations of this year’s camps are:
March 1-3: Argyle, TX, preceding the Argyle Bluegrass Festival
March 14-16: Baton Rouge, LA, preceding Bluegrass On The Bayou
April 7-9: Boulder, CO, at the Boulder Inn
April 24-27: North Wilkesboro, NC, preceding Merlefest
May 16-18: Gettysburg, PA, preceding the Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival
May 31- June 2: Morehead, KY, preceding Bluegrass “n More Festival
July 10-13: Copake, NY, Bluegrass Jam Camp, preceding Grey Fox Festival
October (dates TBA): Boulder, CO, at the Boulder Inn
November 8-10: Springfield, IL, preceding Greater Indoor Downstate Bluegrass Festival
Bluegrass instructors are also encouraged to attend and use Pete’s jamming tips with their own students.
More details on each of these camps, including and tuition fees and registration forms, can be found on the Dr. Banjo web site.
