The Midwest Banjo Camp, scheduled for June 11-14 at Manchester University in North Manchester, IN, is scaling its vocal track this year for weekend-only campers.
Though the camp is oriented towards helping banjo players improve their skills, as one would surmise from the name, but they also offer instruction on fiddle, guitar, mandolin, and bass over the four days, as well as vocal classes and coaching with Elizabeth Loring and Greg Blake.
One aspect of this event that attendees enjoy is that students are not obligated to stay on one track all the time. In other words, a banjo student could take most of the sessions on their instrument, but might elect to switch over part of the time for one of the other instruments, or voice.
The full camp runs Thursday through Sunday, but campers can choose either a three or four day track.
Loring shared a few words about her sessions.
“One of the big benefits of the weekend-only program is that I can once again offer one-on-one coaching outside of the formal classes. This was really popular when we did it two years ago. A lot of people are not quite ready to sing in front of a whole class, but I love watching their faces when I tell them they have what it takes to sing! So many people just need a confidence boost and a few tips to be able to sing well enough to have some fun.
If you’re not even sure you are brave enough to try singing at all, or if you’ve been a vocalist for years and want to refine your technique or avoid injury, we have classes for you.
Bluegrass vocal instruction does not get nearly as much attention as the other instruments, even though it’s a huge part of the style. A lot of people feel they are just stuck with the voice they were born with, and I love helping them realize there is so much you can do to shape your tone and improve your intonation. Just like you can learn to hold your pick at a different angle or get your capo on tighter, there are things you can work on to make yourself happier with your singing.
I’m bringing lots of practical tips and encouraging advice for singers at all levels, from beginning jammers to seasoned performers. Some things are easy and will improve your singing immediately, while others you will have to take home and work on over time. But if you want to put in the time and effort, you can do this!”
Elizabeth plays bass with Andy Miller & the 145s in Chicago, and is the Crossword Puzzlemaster for us here at Bluegrass Today!
Full details about Midwest Banjo Camp can be found online.
