
Bluegrass Jam Camp prior to MerleFest
April 22, 2024 – April 26, 2024 EDT
Taught by Gilbert Nelson using the Wernick Method
Boomer, NC just prior to MerleFest
Camp Harrison, 7901 South NC Highway 18, Boomer NC 28606 (10 miles south of Wilkesboro)
Monday – Thursday 9:15am-5:00pm each day
Tuition: $485
Includes lunches, snacks, and Camp Harrison student fee. $15 off through Feb 1. $100 deposit holds your spot; 50% refundable for cancellations more than one month in advance. You will be sent the full set of of student materials as soon as you register.

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) |
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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) |
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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.
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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 …











Register
Tuition: $485
Includes lunches, snacks, and Camp Harrison student fee. $15 off through Feb 1. $100 deposit holds your spot; 50% refundable for cancellations more than one month in advance. You will be sent the full set of of student materials as soon as you register.
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