Taught by Gilbert Nelson using the Wernick Method

Other meals and on-site bunkhouse, RV, and camping accommodations are are arranged through Leigh Nelson at jamtowngrass@yahoo.com.

In 2024 we will again present two concurrent camps:

Qualifications	Level 1-1.5 (this camp) Basic/Early-Intermediate Camp	Level 2 (directed by Pete Wernick)
Overall	Ability to change chords smoothly between G, C, D, A (or the notes that work on bass and fiddle)	Ample experience with bluegrass jamming; able to solo in more than one key; able to follow guitar chord changes; willing/able to lead songs; experienced using the basic chord number system and jam etiquette
Tempos	60-95 beats/minute	Ranging over 100 beats/minute (if not sure you can handle that speed for soloing, please check)
Singing	Please try! Song leading is especially valued	Ability to sing generally melodies accurately is expected. Harmony singing is taught daily to those who can learn and usually “hold” a harmony part
Soloing	Minimal “placeholder” soloing taught, and acceptable; more advanced soloing taught but not required	Willing/able to fake passable solos in more than one key (exceptions: bass players and rhythm-only guitar players). Melody-based solos are the standard, so we try for that; ability to find melody notes by ear is expected.

Please carefully assess your qualifications to determine which camp is most suitable. If you’re not sure, write to Pete regarding your skills in these areas. We reserve the right to re-assign students between camps as needed.

Activities	Level 1-1.5 (this camp) Basic-Early-Intermediate Camp	Level 2 (directed by Pete Wernick)
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
Hours	Both camps will run Monday-Thursday 9:15am-5:00 daily, in separate but close-by locations at Camp Harrison. Both camps’ students will have meals together and may arrange onsite accommodations together. Level 1-1.5 students should contact Leigh Nelson at jamtowngrass@yahoo.com. Level 2 students should check back for the form to request on-site lodging and additional meals and submit to Camp Harrison

Boiling Springs, SC

Gilbert Nelson has been a regular on the jam scene for 30 years, with a passion for jamming, performing and teaching a variety of instruments. Gilbert’s teaching is action packed and always encouraging, emphasizing fun and success, providing a safe and supportive learning environment while still finding ways to stretch comfort zones and bring students to a higher level of musical maturity. Gilbert leads his own band “The Jam Town Grass” as well as coaching other groups in musicianship and stagecraft. Gilbert and his wife Leigh Nelson …