Old Hickory - Posted - 12/07/2017:  11:20:15

Blue Ridge Banjo Camp

Aug 15-19, Brevard Music Center, North Carolina.

Teachers: Bela Fleck, Tony Trischka, Kristin Scott Benson, Mike Munford.

Audition video required!

Edited by - Old Hickory on 12/14/2017 15:26:24

Mooooo - Posted - 12/07/2017:  11:29:54

I would love to attend this. I would hate to pay for this, not that the price is too high, but that it's too high for me.

kjcole - Posted - 12/07/2017:  12:46:52

And you have to submit an audition video. Wonder what they are looking for?

warpdrive - Posted - 12/07/2017:  13:14:53

I'm not pointing any fingers(really i'm not!)



But there are many a banjo enthusiast that would be far better off spending that kind of money for lessons, from that presteigous list of pickers, than they are wasting it on pricey banjos that they don't have the first clue of how to play it!

What do you think they are looking for? Not wasting there time, and your money.

I have first hand knowledge of a man back in the late 80's that got a lesson from one of those listed. I knew the man, and he was a novice at best.

He gave one of the Banjoist listed a goodly sume of money for what was susposed to be an hour lesson, with the lesson being focused on learing some of the instructors "advanced stylings and licks"

Upon seeing the level of the student's ability(after just a few short minutes), the instructor gave the man his money back, and told him he could not help him with learning his style and licks, until he first learned Earl Scruggs!

This took place at Winfield Ks, back in the mid 80's!

Warp!

Edited by - warpdrive on 12/07/2017 13:24:21

Old Hickory - Posted - 12/07/2017:  13:22:23

quote:

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Originally posted by kjcole

And you have to submit an audition video. Wonder what they are looking for?

Based on the stated curriculum of Scruggs, melodic and single string, and the goal of advancing players' abilities, I'm guessing they're looking for proof that players are at least at an intermediate level and are ready for melodics and single string.  Or maybe they want to assess abilities so they can assign students to groups appropriate to their level.

Since I'm thinking of attending, I'm going to ask about that.  I make no apologies for how this may sound, but I don't want to travel hundreds of miles and spend over a thousand dollars to attend three days of all-levels banjo classes.  I can get all of the mixed level playing I want for free at my local jam.  I fully understand there may well be players more advanced than I am who might not want me in their class for fear I'd hold the group back.

It's borderline expensive for me. Especially since I'm probably earning nothing next year.  But I can treat it as a retirement present to myself.  Plus, my wife wants to send me to a luthier camp for my birthday, but the only one we can find has students assembling banjos from a kit.  I can already do that.  So I might go to this banjo camp instead. 

Edited by - Old Hickory on 12/07/2017 13:23:16

Laurence Diehl - Posted - 12/07/2017:  13:42:21

It looks great. Not sure I would pass the audition, but would love to go. Western NC is a beautiful place to visit too.

warpdrive - Posted - 12/07/2017:  13:45:10

Larry,
you have nothing to worry about!
warp!

Dave1climber - Posted - 12/07/2017:  13:52:54

It would seem that they only want the cream of the crop that also have deep pockets. That lets me out on two counts.

Boadicea - Posted - 12/07/2017:  14:53:57

I am years off knowing enough to go to a camp like this! I am a total newbie. I have been having lessons for 5-6 months now.

But it would be exciting to hear how someone experienced such a camp!

Banjophobic - Posted - 12/07/2017:  15:14:08

This is the way to actually run a three day workshop. For each participant to receive instruction that they are ready and able to absorb, it's crucial for the teachers to be able to asses where the person is, skill set wise.

I don't know how many times I've seen camps that are self 'regulated', which means they leave it up to each participant to decide what level they are..bad idea. You either get the usual participants who ink their skill level is higher than it is, or folks who too dismissive of their abilities. This results in classes full of deer in the headlights looks or bored to death. Either scenario is a waste of everyone's time and money.

Knowing these players and their playing abilities, and more importantly teaching abilities, I think three days, with room and board, and intensive instruction is a good deal. How often can you get hands on instruction like this from this caliber of pickers? That's my view and not everyone will agree obviously. In th end it's the participants business and no one else's since it's their time and their money.

warpdrive - Posted - 12/07/2017:  15:35:13

John
You have just said (in a way nicer way) what i have thought for years, not just about this or other banjo camps, but banjodom and learning the banjo itself!

When the pop show "American Idol" came out 18 or so years ago, people thought that Simon Cowell was the cruelest most rude and heartless (judge, critic, host call him what you will), and the masses were aghast. But yet he served a purpose, and that was to let people know where there abilities were, when family and friends and self, just were not getting it.

I've often wondered if there was an american idol for banjo pickers, how many would and could handle the decision of the judges?
I think it would be very interesting.
Warp!

Brian Murphy - Posted - 12/07/2017:  15:48:06

It would be nice if they gave you some idea of who would qualify. The site strongly suggests that there is a level of skill required, which is fine, but it would probably lead to less hurt feelings if they gave you an idea up front.

I hope it works out well for them. It is important to keep classes well grouped by skill so people are not bored or lost, especially if they are paying tuition. But for this to work they are going to have to have a fair number of people that have three things: (1) Time; (2) money; and (3) skill. Many of us have one or two of these. But power to the folks making a living playing the banjo. This would be really fun to attend.

Mooooo - Posted - 12/07/2017:  16:12:41

My first thought about the audition was that it was for placement with others of similar skills. But this was based on nothing at all, just an assumption that no matter the caliber of instructors that they #1 would be able to teach just about anyone something worthwhile, and #2 that they like more money instead of less money.

*I guess what I really mean is that they aren't only looking for the cream of the crop, but also they probably won't take in people who can't play a tune either...

Edited by - Mooooo on 12/07/2017 16:17:28

Brian Murphy - Posted - 12/07/2017:  17:35:32

I think the fact you read this differently (perhaps correctly) is good proof that the site should be more clear. Last thing you want in business is people upset because there was a misunderstanding as to expectations.

Dave1climber - Posted - 12/07/2017:  21:08:44

As I thought about this more, I think that what may happen is that they take as many of players as spaces for players. As in most auditions some may be at professional quality, and some might be some what lesser skilled players. Would I like to go? Yes but my level of skill is such that I believe that I would not make the cut.

Edited by - Dave1climber on 12/07/2017 21:09:27

n1wr - Posted - 12/08/2017:  06:30:36

I couldn't come close to being ready for this. I struggle with 'real time' instruction - I can pick a lick up quickly by rote repetition, but five minutes later its gone - have to relearn it all over again. I would be a horrible student, and I recognize this is not for me. That said, I would give anything to be at a point where my memory skills were such that I could handle it. Being 70 years old doesn't help! Message here for you younger players - learn what you can now, and build your skills while you're able.

Old Hickory - Posted - 12/08/2017:  13:50:52

quote:

---

Originally posted by Laurence Diehl

It looks great. Not sure I would pass the audition, but would love to go. Western NC is a beautiful place to visit too.

---

Pass the audition?

With performances like Our Love is Here to Stay, Here There and Everywhere, and so many more, you could be teaching. 

Laurence Diehl - Posted - 12/08/2017:  14:38:10

quote:

---

Originally posted by Old Hickory

quote:

---

Originally posted by Laurence Diehl

It looks great. Not sure I would pass the audition, but would love to go. Western NC is a beautiful place to visit too.

---

Pass the audition?

With performances like Our Love is Here to Stay, Here There and Everywhere, and so many more, you could be teaching. 

---

That's very nice of you Ken, I just meant that there's so many great players out there...most of them wouldn't pass up a chance to study under Bela and Tony.

Old Hickory - Posted - 12/08/2017:  15:06:05

I think Bela is the only one of these four who rarely, if ever, teaches at camps.  So that could certainly be a draw.

I've written to the camp to ask what they're looking for in the audition:  a minimum level of ability to qualify; an assessment of ability in order to assign campers to level-appropriate groups; some combination of those; or something else.

I'll report back what they say.

Since it costs nothing to apply, I'm going to do it.  I figure if I get in, it's then my decision whether to actually spend the money and go.  But I can't go if I don't apply.

Goldstarman - Posted - 12/08/2017:  17:58:09

Heck, im going to give it a shot. Bela is my favorite with Tony a close second. Its not to awful far from me. Problem is I havet picked much in ages and cant cut it very good right now.

banjohood - Posted - 12/12/2017:  12:10:29

I'm really interested in this camp. I am a banjo (+ other instruments) teacher and public school music teacher, and I teach a lot of workshops and sessions. I would think this camp would be a great place to be challenged by some of the best banjoists in the world and explore ways to push boundaries on the banjo. The fact that there's an audition is great, because it will likely attract more experienced players. I've been waiting for a camp like this.



I started playing banjo because I saw Bela Fleck while in high school in the late 90s, and he just blew my mind. I was like, I want to do THAT. The chance to learn from him would be incredible.

Edited by - banjohood on 12/12/2017 12:10:57

danielburdett - Posted - 12/12/2017:  14:25:47

I spoke with a friend, who is a professionally touring banjo player, and he said that he heard they were accepting 120 people to the camp. He was apprehensive to apply, because he didn't think that he'd get any one-on-one instruction, which is what he'd be most interested in receiving. I tend to agree with him. If they're going to accept that many people, I don't see how they'd have any time for that type of individualized instruction.

Banjophobic - Posted - 12/12/2017:  15:35:01

quote:

---

Originally posted by danielburdett

I spoke with a friend, who is a professionally touring banjo player, and he said that he heard they were accepting 120 people to the camp. He was apprehensive to apply, because he didn't think that he'd get any one-on-one instruction, which is what he'd be most interested in receiving. I tend to agree with him. If they're going to accept that many people, I don't see how they'd have any time for that type of individualized instruction.

---

I dont think they advertised this as one on one instruction. Its nearly impossible to do this at any camp unless the number of participants is small, and its set up for this. The best way to get one on one is wth a teacher, in private lessons. "Camps" are called camps because its a group and they are tryng to get, within reason, a good sized crowd, Im sure the crown will de divided into classes with smaller numbers and within that scenario you can have some on on one time. It wont be like you are the only guy there but im sure some will be possible.

warpdrive - Posted - 12/12/2017:  16:18:04

John,
I think your pretty close to right.
Its makes sense that people will be grouped according to skill level,( but i would think because there is a application process, these guys probably aren't looking for beginners.)
I would think that the teachers are going to instruct there current strong suits or whatever style they happen to be touring with now!

And for some of the (money is not a problem)attendee's , i would think you could find a way to inquire about extra time for extra cash,( i mean they are there to earn a living also!).
I know for me, if i was going to apply to something like this, Bela and Tony would be the only ones i'd be interested in sitting down with.
Warp!

Banjophobic - Posted - 12/12/2017:  16:21:34

quote:

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Originally posted by warpdrive

John,

I think your pretty close to right.

Its makes sense that people will be grouped according to skill level,( but i would think because there is a application process, these guys probably aren't looking for beginners.)

I would think that the teachers are going to instruct there current strong suits or whatever style they happen to be touring with now!



And for some of the (money is not a problem)attendee's , i would think you could find a way to inquire about extra time for extra cash,( i mean they are there to earn a living also!).

I know for me, if i was going to apply to something like this, Bela and Tony would be the only ones i'd be interested in sitting down with.

Warp!

---

I would pay extra $$$ for an intravenous feed of Belas grey matter.... 

warpdrive - Posted - 12/12/2017:  16:45:12

The ultimate workshop for me would be a weekend divided up with the following
1. Noam
2. Bela
3. Jens
4. Alison
5. Scott, although we do have a connection, and i've got to sit down with him a couple of times.
Funny thing about the casual stuff, i never think to pick there brain just sitting around shooting the breeze.
I've been lucky enough to sit down with several of the legends and i just get so caught up in talking to them as regular folk, i forget they play the banjo.

I just realized, i really am not right!
Kevin

lazyarcher - Posted - 12/13/2017:  06:10:24

quote:

---

Originally posted by Laurence Diehl

It looks great. Not sure I would pass the audition, but would love to go. Western NC is a beautiful place to visit too.

---

Oh man..if you have 2nd thoughts about making the list, I'm pretty much screwed

lazyarcher - Posted - 12/13/2017:  06:18:15

quote:

---

Originally posted by warpdrive

The ultimate workshop for me would be a weekend divided up with the following

1. Noam

2. Bela

3. Jens

4. Alison

5. Scott, although we do have a connection, and i've got to sit down with him a couple of times.

Funny thing about the casual stuff, i never think to pick there brain just sitting around shooting the breeze.

I've been lucky enough to sit down with several of the legends and i just get so caught up in talking to them as regular folk, i forget they play the banjo.



I just realized, i really am not right!

Kevin

---

Kevin--love the list man. Alison and Jens would be my dream dates. Ive got to sit up close to both and they both kill me.

As far as the instructors at the camp, Mike and Kristen SB would be my go too's. I admire Bela and Tonys playing, but depending on what the musical idiom would be, it might not be my place. Don't matter though..with only 120 people in camp, Id do better on the Gong Show..

warpdrive - Posted - 12/13/2017:  07:56:30

Yeah,
That camp is going to be more of a drooling hero-worship than workshop for serious pickers!
At least that is my initial thinking!
Warp!

Dave1climber - Posted - 12/13/2017:  09:27:15

quote:

---

Originally posted by warpdrive

Yeah,

That camp is going to be more of a drooling hero-worship than workshop for serious pickers!

At least that is my initial thinking!

Warp!

---

Kevin

Is this just sour grapes, or something else? 

Edited by - Dave1climber on 12/13/2017 09:27:49

warpdrive - Posted - 12/13/2017:  10:20:09

Oh no sour grapes here.
If i was going to spend that kind of money for banjo lessons, it certainly makes more sense to me to do it in a one on one situation!

I would not find any joy in being around that many banjo pickers!
Warp!

banjomike19 - Posted - 12/13/2017:  12:51:01

All good Post, I've been seriously thinking of doing the camp. All great pickers for teachers. Yes the price kinda blew my head off for a moment, but after thinking about it I paid pretty close to the same thing attending IBMA. Which included the conference, ramble and I purchased red hat tickets separate. That along with room and board was just a little over what there asking, and there was no teaching like this.

I'll be interested to hear what they are looking for int he audition. I've been playing seriously for the past 5 years and three of them in a band around NC. I don't think I'm good at all but would hope they would accept me in.

This is a great forum on this. Keep up the chatter.

JosieHogg - Posted - 12/14/2017:  13:24:53

Hey all, my name is Josie, I'm the director for the Blue Ridge Banjo Camp. 

Thanks for starting the thread @old-hickory , as I can see there are lots of questions on BHO as to what we're looking for. For this first year we are looking for pickers in the intermediate to advance level. As one of the writers on the post noted, often with these banjo camps people tend to either over or underestimate their abilities and thus don't get the most out of the camp which is why Béla & I will be working together during the selection process to find the players we think that will be best for this years' camp. What exact level of player that ends up at the camp depends on the pool of applicants that we have to choose from. Since there is no application fee there isn't much of a risk in applying whether someone thinks they are at the "right" level or not. We are looking for engaged learners who are eager to listen and learn from some of the best, we want students who are just excited about the banjo as we are and that are banjo nerds to the core! While the camp will be working on skill-building, I truly believe that we are going to put together programming that will build up banjo players with a holistic approach, an approach that will hopefully have a long-lasting effect on each players' ability to improve even after the camp is over.  

Please keep in mind that we’re learning as we go and that the audition is a tool for understanding who we will be teaching. We will be creating the curriculum after we’ve seen all of the auditions. It’s also a chance for Béla to give individual attention to each players’ needs, he will be listening with kind ears. Don’t worry so much about making it perfect, the audition tape is intended to give us an overall sense of who you are and giving us a starting point. 

We may split people into groups. Right now we are discussing various structures for the camp and we expect to continue that process for a while. We are also hoping to add an additional teacher or two to the lineup, stay tuned for more announcements. 

We will be updating the website to answer several of these questions, 

Josie

Director - Blue Ridge Banjo Camp

info@blueridgebanjocamp.com

Old Hickory - Posted - 12/14/2017:  15:32:12

Thanks for joining the conversation, Josie, and answering some of the top questions from prospective campers.

Here's one more: How many campers will you be able to accept?

1935tb-11 - Posted - 12/16/2017:  05:38:29

quote:

---

Originally posted by warpdrive

The ultimate workshop for me would be a weekend divided up with the following

1. Noam

2. Bela

3. Jens

4. Alison

5. Scott, although we do have a connection, and i've got to sit down with him a couple of times.

Funny thing about the casual stuff, i never think to pick there brain just sitting around shooting the breeze.

I've been lucky enough to sit down with several of the legends and i just get so caught up in talking to them as regular folk, i forget they play the banjo.



I just realized, i really am not right!

Kevin

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funny thing you mentioned that  kevin.... the only 2 banjo  lessons i ever had was  as much time sitting and jawing about the banjo as it was actual lesson time ,, it was more like a visit ,,but i learned more then i first realized after i left,,, he was the  very in tuned with what i was lacking,,,   oh that was with craig smith....   it was some boot i had him throw in when i sold him a h&f neck

terry m

JosieHogg - Posted - 12/22/2017:  14:17:58

@old-hickory we will accept 120, with some of those slots going to "observers" and spouses who won't be participating in the hands-on playing aspect of the camp

musician - Posted - 12/29/2017:  06:34:42

For those in the mood for another camp alongside Bela's, I am proud to announce a new progressive banjo camp May 11-13, 2018. The Banjo Summit will be held at in Fort Collins. Faculty includes Jayme Stone, Wesley Calder Corbett, Catherine "BB" Bowness, Dr. Ben Krakauer, Jake Schepps, and resident guitarist the great Ross Martin. Click the link below to learn more and apply.

thebanjosummit.com 

Old Hickory - Posted - 12/29/2017:  07:54:45

Working link to Banjo Summit.

Tractor1 - Posted - 12/29/2017:  08:47:46

For my own taste ,good idea putting Mike Munford in there,a man that still goes melodic exploring ,when others go single stringing . Melodics has much to be unearthed yet imo.
This is just my taste,not a put down of other styles

Old Hickory - Posted - 12/31/2017:  11:45:01

Application deadline extended to February 28.

nechville - Posted - 01/02/2018:  16:10:48

I’m thinking of applying as a student and if they need a camp luthier, I’ll have my portable workshop.

Goldstarman - Posted - 01/02/2018:  19:50:12

That would be awesome.

pipes5050 - Posted - 03/02/2018:  11:55:58

Im curious if anyone has heard yay or nay yet?

Kstevensmd - Posted - 03/02/2018:  12:15:23

I believe notifications are going out the end of March. Good luck!

Old Hickory - Posted - 03/02/2018:  12:24:15

quote:

---

Originally posted by pipes5050

Im curious if anyone has heard yay or nay yet?

---

Way too soon.

Applications just closed two days ago.  As Ken S says, they've told applicants to expect to hear by the end of the month.

My application video hasn't even been viewed yet -- except once, and that was by me to be sure that it plays.

Old Hickory - Posted - 03/02/2018:  12:41:44

Kind of late to add this information, but they added a fifth instructor -- Steve Cooley.  So, with a possible 120 students, each period of the day could have 24 students each in 5 concurrent classes.  Or 30 students in 4 concurrent classes.  They could set up the schedule so that everybody gets three or four classes with each teacher over the course of 3 or 3-1/2  days.

pipes5050 - Posted - 03/02/2018:  12:45:01

i figured they would go in waves. im sure some applicants did it for their own entertainment and have no intention of paying for the camp. you have 5 days to pay a deposit once notified. ill bet they dont wait till the end of the month to get it rolling.

Old Hickory - Posted - 03/02/2018:  13:01:13

I don't remember seeing that you had 5 days to pay a deposit, but that makes a lot of sense.  Rolling acceptances and deposit deadlines give them a better chance of filling the camp.  So if 120 is their actual limit, they can notify their top 120 applicants first.  Five days later when they see how many spots are still open, they can send acceptances to that many more and so-on.

Old Hickory - Posted - 03/04/2018:  09:40:07

I just received the confirmation/thank-you-for-applying email that  says you have one week to pay a deposit after being notified of your selection. For the benefit of the curious who did not apply, here's the email:

Now that the application acceptance period is closed we just wanted to reach out and say thank you for your interest in being a participant at the inaugural Blue Ridge Banjo Camp presented by Béla Fleck. We are totally blown away by the overwhelming response that we have received and are incredibly excited for what’s to come.

Over this month we will be processing applications and will inform selected participants no later than March 31st. Please remember, if you are accepted to participate this year, a minimum $500 deposit is required within ONE WEEK of receiving notice of acceptance to hold your place or your spot will be passed on to alternates. 

Hmm.  Note the mention of "overwhelming response."  Even if some applicants auditioned with no intention of spending the money to go, I'm taking this message to mean that a large number of very good banjo players -- even working musicians -- jumped at the opportunity to attend the first-ever banjo camp with Bela Fleck as an instructor.  The rest of the pro faculty -- even though they teach at camps -- are an impressive group to have all at once.