Taught by Harry Gambrill using the Wernick Method*
Silver Bay, NY at the Silver Bay YMCA Conference Center
87 Silver Bay Road, Silver Bay NY 12874
August 21-26, 2022
Assisted by Tom Behan
Tuition: $460
$10 off through April 21. $100 deposit holds your spot; 50% refundable for cancellations more than one month in advance.
In 2022 we will have two concurrent camps:
| Basic Camp (this camp) | Level 2 (directed by Pete Wernick) | |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifications | Ability to change chords smoothly between G, C, D, A (fiddlers and bass players: know which notes go with which chords) | Experience with bluegrass jamming; able to play in more than one key; able to follow guitar chord changes; willing/able to lead songs; know basic chord number system and jam etiquette |
| Tempos | 60-95 beats/minute | Ranging over 100 beats/minute |
| Singing | Please try! | Ability to sing melodies accurately is expected; harmony singing taught to those who can learn and “hold” a harmony part most of the time |
| Soloing | Minimal “placeholder” soloing taught, and acceptable; more advanced soloing taught but not required | Willing/able to fake passable solos (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 |
| 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 |
| If you’re not sure if you qualify, write Pete regarding your skills in these areas. |
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.
For accommodations reservations, call 518-543-8415 or email reservations@silverbay.org.
Call any time… Your message left will get a callback during the next business hours. The Silver Bay reservations team will help you with housing choices and all info.
Harry Gambrill was bit by the bluegrass bug early and began playing the banjo at age twelve. He plays banjo with regional bluegrass band The Jersey Corn Pickers. Harry also plays the bass, dobro, and guitar, and has been giving lessons for over 20 years.
Harry’s students say:
Tom Behan teaches and performs in the Capital District area of Upstate NY and has been playing the guitar and banjo for over 40 years. He currently holds down the guitar and lead vocal spot with the High Peaks Bluegrass Band based in Saratoga Springs. Tom has been successfully teaching guitar and banjo to children and adults for over 20 years, including a Beginning Bluegrass Guitar Workshop at the Saratoga Library.
Tom’s students say:
Click any photo to enlarge.
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