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MerleFest Bluegrass Camp
Attention!
You’ve landed on the 2025 camp page. See the 2026 camp page… we hope you can join us!
April 21, 2025 – April 24, 2025
Designed for All Skill and Experience Levels
Taught and Directed by Gilbert Nelson & Pete Wernick
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
Tuition: $500
Register Now Class Flyer
Banjos And Guitars Are Full!
Please join the waitlist; space may open up. Questions? Contact Leigh Nelson at jamtowngrass@yahoo.com.
You will be sent the full set of of student materials as soon as you register, including our Camp Preparation Guide, Bluegrass Jam Favorites Playlist Guide, Recommended Resources, JAM Songbook and more.
Tuition includes lunches, snacks, and Camp Harrison student fee. $100 deposit holds your spot; 50% refundable for cancellations more than one month in advance. Scholarships available – see information below.
Students are encouraged to stay on-site to take advantage of after-hours jamming and activities. Additional meals and on-site bunkhouse, RV, and camping accommodations should be arranged through Leigh (after you have registered) at: jamtowngrass@yahoo.com
A Camp Designed For YOU!
Friendly and encouraging opportunities for growth and exploration. Risk taking is encouraged! No matter what your skill level or experience, we will meet you where you’re at.
Basic
Created for entry-level jammers, the Wernick Method has always been geared to teach the concepts and techniques for making bluegrass music with others. The fun begins almost immediately!
- Gentle tempos
- Mistakes expected
- “Faking” solos
- Basic harmony
- Learn many bluegrass standards
- … and much more!
“I almost didn’t register, but I’m so glad I did! I got all kinds of personal attention and encouragement.”
In Between
Pickers who have mastered some essentials but prefer slower tempos, or reinforcement of the basics, will be able to practice primary skills and learn new ones.
- Increased tempos
- Creating melody breaks
- Playing better backup
- Dynamics
- Fills and licks
- … and much more!
“I liked the usual supportive atmosphere but especially working with harder songs and a bit higher level of musicianship among the participants.”
Advanced
Advanced pickers will grow and refine their instrumental and singing skills, and enjoy jamming that clicks on all cylinders. There is always something new to learn!
- Advanced soloing
- More chord changes
- Optimum tone
- Tight duo and trio harmony
- On-target kickoffs and endings
- Mastering more keys
- … and much more!
“Being fairly experienced, I didn’t think I needed anything like this. But I came with a friend and was blown away!”
All students – regardless of your skill level – will have
FUN!
We recognize that everyone is unique in their learning journey so we’ll meet you right where you’re at. The descriptions above are only typical examples.
We’ll make it work for each person!
Jam Groups
Students collaborate in ensembles of roughly matched skills and temperament coached by experienced teachers.
- Jam groups meet daily.
- Consistent and familiar jam groups along with mixing and mingling with others is all part of the Boomer experience.
- This is the core of the Wernick Method, for all students at all levels. Key concepts will be covered and implemented, and feedback provided.
Breakouts
Instrument: Instrument-focused sessions will be offered based on skill level. Any student can attend any session for any instrument.
Possible Electives:
- Duet and Trio Harmony
- Lead Singing
- Songwriting
- Music Theory
- Capo Management
- Improvising
- Learn Bass
- Band Dynamics
- History of Bluegrass
- Instrumental Tunes
- Playing Under Pressure
- Stagecraft
Other Activities
Performance at MerleFest: A limited number of students will work on 3 songs and perform on MerleFest’s Cabin Stage Thursday evening, concluding the camp.
Evening Activities:
- Karaoke (Monday)
- Open Mic (Tuesday)
- Jamboree (Wednesday)
- After Hours Jamming (nightly)
We encourage students to stay on-site at Camp Harrison in order to fully enjoy the after-hours activities.
Youth
The youth contingent has always been a tradition at Boomer camp, and we encourage it! These students enjoy playing with others of all ages at their skill level, and our teachers are very experienced in working with students of every age.
Bands
While this camp is primarily about jamming, working bands or individual band members can register for camp and get customized experience throughout the week. Bands and informal ensembles will have opportunities to perform and get performance coaching including working with a sound system on stage, band cohesion, rehearsal guidance, band decision-making. After all, Pete Wernick wrote the book: “How to Make a Band Work”!
What’s a “working band”? It’s a low bar! Contact Leigh Nelson to discuss this and any other band questions.
Scholarships
We expect to offer scholarships for some or all of tuition and possible housing allowance, according to financial need. Grants depend on contributions to the Boomer Bluegrass Scholarship Fund. To donate or apply, write to Pete. Applicants should give their age, instrument(s) played, and experience and goals in bluegrass, and a short statement of their financial need. Special consideration given to combat veterans. Application deadline: March 31, 2025. Notifications will be sent within 3 days of application deadline.
Camp Leadership Team
Gilbert Nelson
Gilbert Nelson is a seasoned hand in the jamming community. Self taught as both a player and teacher he has led jam camps under the Wernick Method banner for more than a dozen years and has been a fixture at Boomer since 2014. For 2025 Gilbert steps into his role as co-director of Boomer camp alongside Pete Wernick. Banjo and guitar are his first love, along with mandolin and dobro. His energetic and encouraging style sets students at ease while calling them to higher levels.
Read More About Gilbert
Leigh Nelson
Leigh Nelson blends her bluegrass jamming skill and experience with her former career in small business and corporate management to create jam camps that work. Affectionately known as General Leigh, she orchestrates all the people, and myriad elements of a jam camp. All agree she’s the secret sauce behind her and Gilbert’s success. Leigh plays bass and guitar, knows jamming well, and is a favorite at jam camps. You’ll find her wearing her trademark ball cap with clipboard.
Read More About Leigh
Pete Wernick
Pete Wernick (aka “Dr. Banjo”) will be in residence, co-directing with Gilbert and sharing his wisdom with students. He’s renowned worldwide for his contributions to bluegrass music: the hot-picking force in Hot Rize, innovative teacher, author, songwriter, and creator of the Wernick Method. At Boomer camp, Pete will coach jam groups, cover special topics such as How to Make a Band Work, and direct the Cabin Stage preparation and performance. And he always has a good story to tell!
Read More About Pete
Register
Tuition: $500
Tuition includes lunches, snacks, and Camp Harrison student fee. $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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Need help? Contact us at tech@letspick.org or complete this form.
