« All Events

  • This event has passed.

Basic/Early Intermediate Jam Camp

Attention!

You’ve landed on the 2024 camp page. See the 2026 page… we hope you can join us!

August 25, 2024 – August 30, 2024

Taught by Harry Gambrill using the Wernick Method

Silver Bay, NY

Silver Bay YMCA Conference Center, 87 Silver Bay Road, Silver Bay NY 12874

Tuition: $490

$10 off through April 25. $150 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.

Assisted by Tom Behan

Reduced Rates for Housing! Thanks to being recently re-classified as “off season”, Silver Bay has lowered most applicable housing/meals prices. See details below.

All rates include 3 daily meals. The first 4 categories are reduced as of mid-July 2024. These will apply to all reservations, including any previously made.

  • Bayview Lake View: $198.50 Single Occupancy / $124.25 Double Occupancy / $77.00 youth / $54.00 child / $20.00 2-5 year old
  • Bayview Non-Lake View: $187.50 Single Occupancy / $118.75 Double Occupancy / $77.00 youth / $54.00 child / $20.00 2-5 year old
  • Inn Private Bath Lake View: $253.50 Single Occupancy / $151.75 Double Occupancy / $90.00 youth / $63.00 child / $20.00 2-5 year old
  • Inn Private Bath Non-Lake View: $237.00 Single Occupancy / $143.50 Double Occupancy / $77.00 youth / $54.00 child / $20.00 2-5 child

The following will remain the same as the rates are lower than rack rates:

  • Inn Shared Bath: $115.00 Single Occupancy / $74.00 Double Occupancy / $50.00 youth / $30.00 Child / $20.00 2-5 year old
  • Hemlock: $100.00 Single Occupancy Adult / $70.00 Double Occupancy Adult
  • Spruce Mountain Lodge: (at least 10 people must book together) – $100.00 per person, per night
  • Hillcrest: (at least 6 people must book together) $100.00 per person, per night

In 2024 we will have two concurrent camps:

QualificationsBasic/Early-Intermediate (this camp)Level 2 Camp
OverallAbility 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
Tempos60-95 beats/minuteRanging over 100 beats/minute (if not sure you can handle that speed for soloing, please check)
SingingPlease try! Song leading is especially valuedAbility to sing generally melodies accurately is expected. Harmony singing is taught daily to those who can learn and usually “hold” a harmony part
SoloingMinimal “placeholder” soloing taught, and acceptable; more advanced soloing taught but not requiredWilling/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.

ActivitiesBasic/Early-Intermediate (this camp)Level 2 Camp
PerformingNo performing expectedPerformance opportunity (expected but optional); some performance coaching; extra coaching available for bands
Night ActivitiesAttendance welcome at all nighttime activitiesOpen to participate in open mic and karaoke

Both camps will have the same hours. Sunday evening following dinner is an informal kickoff get-together for all. Classes and coached jamming run Monday-Friday 9-5 daily, in separate but close-by locations at Silver Bay. Both camps’ students will have meals together and may arrange accommodations on-site together.

Scholarships

Grants from our Scholarship Fund are available for any instrument in either camp, and especially for bass players in the Level 2 camp. Partial or full tuition grants may be given People under 25 and service veterans are especially encouraged to apply. 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. Applications must be received by July 19 and applicants will be notified by July 24.