The Jam Camp Experience by Angie Sumpter

I had the wonderful opportunity to attend a Pete Wernick Jam Camp at Wilkesboro, NC this past April. What a great experience that was. My level of jamming with others is very minimal to say the least but my goal for this year was to gain more experience and confidence in doing just that. So I thought attending one of Pete's 3-day jam camps would get me going in the right direction to accomplish that goal. And I was RIGHT.

The first day at jam camp for someone who's never been before can be a little intimidating but Pete and his teaching staff really help to put you at ease right away. This particular jam camp was for the "closet and new pickers" and I would definately be considered a "closet picker" with one foot out the door. You don't need any jamming experience in order to attend. The only requirements you need are to be able to tune your instrument and change chords smoothly between G, C, D and A chords. And fast playing is not expected (thank goodness). The whole camp is based on a slow and easy pace. Pete puts you into a jam group starting on the first day and with the help of some very qualified teachers your taught how to condult yourself in a jam and take "fake" breaks on songs you may have never learned before when it's your turn. That was very eye opening and a LOT of fun. On the last day of camp the whole group played on the "Cabin Stage" at Merlefest. What a great time that was! So now I can say I played on stage at Merlfest.

I would recommend Pete's camp to anyone wanting to learn to jam with others but not quite sure how to make that happen. I believe you'll come away with a great feeling of accomplishment like I did plus a good foundation to continue forward. I hope to attend another one some day.

You can find more detailed information about this jam camp at Ted Lehmann's blog at http://tedlehmann.blogspot.com/ Just look in the April archive.

Keep on Pickin'

Angie's Banjo.com