Pete "Dr. Banjo" Wernick’s January 2009 Banjo Camps in Boulder, Colorado, will mark the 25th year of these "full immersion" workshops drawing hundreds of pickers from around the U.S. and overseas. The camps run three successive weeks, geared to players from novice to advanced. For complete information, visit www.DrBanjo.com.
The 2009 Banjo Camps Schedule is:
Jan 5-10: Basic Skills Banjo Camp
Jan 12-17: Intermediate Banjo Camp
Jan 19-24: Advanced Banjo Camp
Several scholarships are available to the Advanced camp, sponsored by Stelling Banjos and the Colorado Bluegrass Music Society among others. Details are found on the DrBanjo.com web site.
Wernick says, "My camps are about both fun and RESULTS. Having played and taught banjo most of my life, I still love to help players learn, from the first slow jam to high levels of artistry and performance."
Basic Skills Camp is a friendly, "safe" situation for inexperienced and closet players. Jamming is a major focus, with everyone participating. Instruction covers creating basic solos (worked-out and improvised), backup, beating timing problems, practicing tips, and standard licks.
Intermediate Camp instruction includes: timing and tone, creating "believable" solos, improvising, practicing for maximum progress, clearing technical hurdles, gaining speed, knowing the neck, favorite licks, backup approaches and techniques.
Advanced Camp is tailored to those who have played in groups and are seriously working toward professional level playing. All pickers receive one-on-one attention. Wernick will cover "The pro sound", creating interesting solos, original tunes, and individual style, knowing the neck, and sounding your best on stage. The week includes a class performance with Pete.
Pete Wernick is renowned worldwide for his contributions to bluegrass music: the hot-picking force in several trend-setting bands including Hot Rize, author of bestselling instructional books and videos totaling a half million in sales, and the director of over 100 music instructional camps.
