2008 Pete Wernick's Jam Camp

Here is a January 29th update from Mr. Pete Wernick:

Pete Wernick here with a little update on how things are shaping up for our annual Bluegrass Jam Camp prior to the Argyle Bluegrass Festival. Joan and I will be assisted by our old friend Dennis Bailey, an experienced teacher and multi-instrumentalist now living in the Argyle area.

Our signups are going well, but as sometimes happens, most of the registrations thus far are banjo players. So we are hoping to pull in more folks on the other instruments, especially guitars and basses, to create a more optimum balance. There is still plenty of time to sign up, so I put out this question to your readers:

Could you or someone you know use a bluegrass jam camp? We are especially geared to "closet players", those who have rarely or maybe never played with other musicians. Our requirements are simple: People just need to be able to tune their instruments, and change smoothly between G, C, D, and A chords. Believe it or not, with only those abilities, many hours of jamming is possible. Instrumental soloing is not expected or required, though we are happy to welcome those who can. Our teaching style is geared to establishing a comfortable baseline of ability, and gently encouraging people to go on from there. Even with no prior experience, the campers have a lot of fun and learn while they jam.

Thanks for any help in getting the word out. This is a neat opportunity for pickers to have a good time meeting and making music with like-minded people!

Pete

DrBanjo.com

Pete Wernick (“Dr. Banjo”) brings his nationally renowned Bluegrass Jam Camp to Argyle, preceding the Argyle Bluegrass Festival. The camp will be held March 5-7, Wednesday through Friday before the festival. The camp is open to pickers of all bluegrass instruments, of all skill levels. No jamming experience necessary! For more information click here.

What is “Jam Camp?” In a low pressure, encouraging and fun environment, Pete shows “closet pickers” how to fit into a bluegrass jam session at their own ability level. Pete and his singer/guitar player wife Joan provide hands-on instruction as students jam in small groups. All participants have to know is how to tune their instrument and change smoothly between a few simple chords.

Pete says, “I really enjoy helping people learn how to play. It's about fun, and it's also about real results with lasting value. Many campers have told me the camp has changed their lives! That's my biggest reward.”

A pioneer in bluegrass teaching, Wernick has taught over 100 music camps since 1980. He is also well known for his performing with bluegrass supergroup Hot Rize, in the engaging duo Pete & Joan Wernick (“Dr. & Nurse Banjo”), and with Pete Wernick & FLEXIGRASS. (More info at www.DrBanjo.com)