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Level 2 Bluegrass Camp
Aug 24 – Aug 28
Taught by Pete Wernick & Austin Scelzo using the Wernick Method
Silver Bay, NY
Silver Bay YMCA Conference Center, 87 Silver Bay Road, Silver Bay, NY 12874
Monday-Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm
Tuition: $525
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Camp is FULL — except for one banjo slot, 2 fiddle slots, 3 bass slots. Bass Player Discount Available, $100 off tuition.
$30 off if you register by December 31. Deposit of $150 holds your spot; 50% refundable for cancellations more than one month in advance. Scholarships available; and band discounts available.
As soon as you register you’ll receive our Student Prep Guide and new Level 2 Prep Guide including links to online playlists of Bluegrass Jam Favorites. A digital copy of our JAM Songbook will be emailed shortly thereafter, and you’ll also get a hard copy of the book at your class if you don’t already have one.
Please use this link to reserve your accommodations at Silver Bay. As you plan your travel, keep in mind that camp runs Monday through Friday. Many students arrive Sunday to get settled and informal gathering. Friday night includes a teacher concert, and most students choose to stay until Saturday.
All Bluegrass Skills Taught
9am-12:30pm: Daily classes for banjo, guitar, fiddle, mandolin, dobro, bass…AND… Coached small jam groups, intermediate/advanced.
1:50-5pm: Coached small jam groups, coaching on harmony singing (one coach per trio), classes on songwriting, music theory, practice methods, playing under pressure, stagecraft, more!
Activities every evening: fiddle tune jam, open mics, karaoke, history, jamming, beautiful sunsets!
Discount for Organized Bands
For band members registering together, to work together as a band throughout the week: $65 off each member’s tuition.
Bands will have opportunities to perform and get performance coaching including working with a sound system on stage (band lab), band cohesion, rehearsal guidance, band decision-making, “how to make a band work”.
Band members must first contact Pete as a group, for approval of the group members’ band discount.
Is there a Level 3?
Some students have requested “a higher level of challenge” (than the stated Level 2 minimal requirements) in their instruction and their assigned jam groups. With our pro-musician teachers, this is possible. You may indicate that preference on the registration form when signing up.
Two Concurrent Camps
| Qualifications | Level 2 (this camp) | Basic/Early-Intermediate, directed by Harry Gambrill |
| Overall | 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 | Ability to change chords smoothly between G, C, D, A (or the notes that work on bass and fiddle) |
| Tempos | Ranging over 100 beats/minute (if not sure you can handle that speed for soloing, please check) | 60-95 beats/minute |
| Singing | Ability to sing generally melodies accurately is expected. Harmony singing is taught daily to those who can learn and usually “hold” a harmony part | Please try! Song leading is especially valued |
| Soloing | 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. | Minimal “placeholder” soloing taught, and acceptable; more advanced soloing taught but not required |
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 2 (this camp) | Basic/Early-Intermediate Camp, directed by Harry Gambrill |
| Performing | Performance opportunity (expected but optional); some performance coaching; extra coaching available for bands | No performing expected |
| Night Activities | Open to participate in open mic and karaoke | Attendance welcome at all nighttime activities |
Both camps will have the same hours. Sunday evening following dinner is an (optional) informal kickoff get-together for all. Classes and coached jamming run Monday-Friday 9-5:30 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. Individuals 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 May 20 and applicants will be notified by May 27.
Tentative Schedule
silver-bay-schedule-2026Photos & Student Comments
“The small jams were challenging and empowering, a big confidence boost for me.”
“Awesome location!!!”
“A wonderful experience! The camaraderie was palpable!”
Register
Tuition: $525
$30 off if you register by December 31. $150 deposit holds your spot; 50% refundable for cancellations more than one month in advance.
Please log in or create a new account to register.
Need help? Contact us at tech@letspick.org or complete this form.
