Taught by Harry Gambrill using the Wernick Method*
Silver Bay, NY at the Silver Bay YMCA Conference Center
87 Silver Bay Rd, Silver Bay NY 12874
August 22-27, 2021
Assisted by Tom Behan
Tuition: $450
$100 deposit holds your spot; 50% refundable for cancellations more than one month in advance.
In 2021 we will have two concurrent camps:
| Basic Camp (this camp) | Level 2 (directed by Pete Wernick) | |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifications | Ability to change chords smoothly between G, C, D, A (fiddlers and bass players: know which notes go with which chords) | Experience with bluegrass jamming; able to play in more than one key; able to follow guitar chord changes; willing/able to lead songs; know basic chord number system and jam etiquette |
| Tempos | 60-95 beats/minute | Ranging over 100 beats/minute |
| Singing | Please try! | Singing, more or less “in pitch”, is expected; harmony singing taught to those who can learn and “hold” a harmony part most of the time |
| Soloing | Minimal “placeholder” soloing taught, and acceptable; more advanced soloing taught but not required | Willing/able to fake passable solos. Melody-based solos are the standard, so we try for that; ability to locate melody notes is expected (exceptions: bass players and rhythm-only guitar players) |
| Performing | No performing expected | Performance opportunity (expected but optional); some performance coaching; extra coaching available for bands |
| Night Activities | Attendance welcome at all nighttime activities | Open to participate in open mic and karaoke |
| If you’re not sure if you qualify, write Pete regarding your skills in these areas. |
Both camps will run Monday-Friday 9am-5pm daily, in separate but close-by locations at Silver Bay. (Sunday is check-in day, with an informal and optional gathering after dinner.)
For accommodations reservations, call 518-543-8415 or email reservations@silverbay.org.
Call any time… Your message left will get a callback during the next business hours. The Silver Bay reservations team will help you with housing choices and all info.
Harry Gambrill was bit by the bluegrass bug early and began playing the banjo at age twelve. He plays banjo with regional bluegrass band The Jersey Corn Pickers. Harry also plays the bass, dobro, and guitar, and has been giving lessons for over 20 years.
Harry’s students say:
“Harry is an excellent teacher. He exudes a true love for bluegrass music.”
“Great class…very challenging, but fun!.”
“Harry was a helpful and encouraging teacher, even though I am a rank beginner.”
“A wonderful experience. I would highly recommend Harry’s class to anyone trying to learn the basics of bluegrass jamming.”
Tom Behan teaches and performs in the Capital District area of Upstate NY and has been playing the guitar and banjo for over 40 years. He currently holds down the guitar and lead vocal spot with the High Peaks Bluegrass Band based in Saratoga Springs. Tom has been successfully teaching guitar and banjo to children and adults for over 20 years, including a Beginning Bluegrass Guitar Workshop at the Saratoga Library.
Tom’s students say:
“A welcoming and enthusiastic person with a positive teaching style. His infectious passion for interesting music leaves me with handfuls of material to analyze and be inspired by.”
“Tom was friendly and flexible and provided a welcoming environment.”
“Tom was great. I have months worth of great material to work on, well fitted to my level.”
“I really liked Tom as a teacher. He’s a great guitar player and singer as well.”
* Wernick Method Classes teach real bluegrass jamming!
- All bluegrass instruments welcome
- No jamming experience necessary
- You will be jamming the first class!
- Friendly, encouraging, knowledgeable teaching.
- Gentle tempos! Mistakes expected!
- Music reading not needed or used
- Singing not required, but encouraged and taught.
- Easy 2- and 3-chord songs, slow speeds.
- Soloing not required! “Faking” solos taught.
- Understanding, low-pressure, time-tested teaching
- Intermediates welcome, and given added challenges
- Hands-on learning in large and small groups
- Learn many bluegrass standards
- Full ground rules and etiquette of typical jams
- How to lead songs and how to follow new songs
- How to find melodies, fake solos, sing harmony
- Ear skills taught and emphasized, as in real bluegrass
- Group and individualized instruction on backup skills
Click any photo to enlarge.
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