Banannajo - Posted - 09/04/2024:  18:48:34

into the Blueridge Banjo Camp?
I'd like to apply for 2025. I'm such a novice, it's kind of scary
to think about. But, If I pick out songs now and practice, practice
maybe I'll stand a chance, since submissions start in January.
I hear they do take beginners.

Brian Murphy - Posted - 09/04/2024:  19:03:51

The videos are more for putting you into an appropriate small group than to exclude people altogether.

Texasbanjo - Posted - 09/05/2024:  04:32:36

If the camp you want to attend has various group sessions; i.e., beginner, intermediate, advanced, then you'll easily find a place in the camp for your experience level.

I don't think the instructors expect beginners to be proficient in playing with others. That's why you go: to learn how.

Go ahead, apply. Hopefully you'll be picked and will attend and learn a lot.

First time I ever went to Camp Bluegrass, I was a complete beginner and very fearful that I'd make a fool of myself. The instructors couldn't have been nicer or more helpful. They taught at my level: complete novice! There was a beginner jam just for those who were trying to learn how. That helped a bunch. There were nightly concerts by the faculty that were worth the price of admission.

If you get a chance go. Enjoy, have fun and meet people who are at your experience level and you'll see you're not alone.

Bob Buckingham - Posted - 09/05/2024:  05:32:49

While I am not familiar with this specific camp I have taught at camps many times, instructors are well aware of the range of abilities students will possess. It is best for you to find the correct level for your current abilities. If you are a beginner, take the beginning level class. Even if you have played at the banjo for a while but have not attained a great deal of proficiency , find a class that teaches you what you need to learn. You can probably shift classes on the first day if the class is too easy or over your head. The teachers and staff will help you be in the best place for you. They are all there to teach and help you. Communication is the key.

Ira Gitlin - Posted - 09/05/2024:  06:03:57

What Brian said.

Sunrise Lee - Posted - 09/05/2024:  07:45:21

quote:

---

Originally posted by Banannajo

into the Blueridge Banjo Camp?

I'd like to apply for 2025. I'm such a novice, it's kind of scary

to think about. But, If I pick out songs now and practice, practice

maybe I'll stand a chance, since submissions start in January.

I hear they do take beginners.

---

This year was my third at the camp.  This camp has been my favorite out of the camps and jams I have attended and I look forward to it every year.  The level at this camp is much higher than others that I have attended.  There are five groups according to skill level, the highest being crazy good with a lot of professional banjo players.  That being said there are all kinds of banjo players at varying levels of skill, some folks with little to no jam experience.  They usually except around 100 banjo players, I heard ~300 applied this year but I have no idea if it is true.

If you are interested I encourage you to apply.  The great thing about the camp has been how welcoming our follow banjo players are, and the amount of great information that you will have access to.  I think the best way to learn is to put yourself into situations that might make you a little uncomfortable, they worst they can say is you didn't make it.  I tried out for the camp before COVID and had only been playing banjo for six months, I did not make it in.  After COVID they started the camp up again and I ended up making it in.  My goal that year was to insert myself into jams though I was not a complete banjo player.  This year I am playing things more to speed and improvising in jams and having a great time.  Is it always comfortable, no, but it has lead to some amazing experiences.  

I'm happy to answer any questions or share my audition videos if you are interested.  I do have prior musical experience, and put a ton of time in on banjo, which has helped me get up to speed on the instrument.  

Old Hickory - Posted - 09/05/2024:  09:17:17

The camp can only accommodate about 100 campers. I went the first year. Word among campers that year -- and the information may have come from the camp during the review process -- was that around 170 applied.

I can tell you for a fact that while the online description (at least the first year) said the camp was geared to players at the intermediate level and above, there were plenty of people there who were not even intermediate. They could not play even the most basic versions of Scruggs-style tunes at speed. They could not improvise in a jam. Yet they got it.

I have read elsewhere -- possibly in the private Facebook group for camp attendees -- that the number of applications continues to increase. There were over 200 this year. I forget how close to 300 it was.

Even at 200, that means only half all applicants can get in. So the better your video -- getting cleanly through two well-chosen pieces with good time and moderate speed -- will improve your chances.

There were a lot of old folks such as myself in attendance in 2018. So if there's any bias toward younger players who have more years to do something with what they learn, it's only slight.

Search out previous discussions of the camp. I gave an in-depth review of my experience. Short version: If you're in one of the four groups below the very top group ("Mahogany") then the content and level of instruction you receive will be the same. I'd been playing for over 45 years when I went to camp. My audition included my original three-finger arrangement of a Broadway show tune with fairly sophisticated chords and picking. I didn't expect to be in the highest level group. but I expected a truly graduated method of group assignment. Nope. I was in a group with people who had been playing for under two years, who could play very few tunes, and who could figure out even fewer.

Old Hickory - Posted - 09/05/2024:  09:37:38

On the plus side:

The food was excellent. The last night, we had a beer, wine and cheese reception after our participation in the Blue Ridge Banjo Concert at the adjacent performing arts center. There was a great bbq buffet that night, too. Maybe that was before the show.

Yes: You're going to work up a piece for group performance in front of 1500 paying concertgoers! Sessions started on Thursday our year and the concert was Saturday night. I absolutely don't remember when Bela sprung that on us, when the pieces were decided, and when and how we practiced. I understand this year the campers participated in a performance of Bela's arrangement of Rhapsody in Blue. Campers received their respective groups' parts by email in advance to begin practicing at home.

Despite my criticisms and disappointment with some aspects of the curriculum, there were parts that were excellent. I don't want to imply I learned nothing. Being able to approach top banjo stars to ask questions outside the classroom was a treat. After one faculty concert, I asked Bela about a particular run he played. He knew what I asking about, told me why it sounded somewhat melodic but not fully melodic to me (because it was arpeggio, not scale-based), and he taught it in the Q&A part of our group's one session with him. It goes to Steam Powered Aeroplane.

Either last year or this year, they lengthened the camp by a day. Check-in is now Tuesday, and sessions begin Wednesday, going all the way through Sunday morning. Our year, there was no lunch after the Sunday morning session. There were box lunches to take on the road.

If you're at all interested, you should apply. It costs nothing. Acceptances start going out in March. I think you get 5 days to submit your deposit or decline the offer.

The Old Timer - Posted - 09/05/2024:  10:56:52

Any camp has some kind of limit on how many folks they can "accept" based on housing, dining capacity, number of instructors, etc. They need a good "spread" of student capabilities so they don't over-crowd any certain level, or leave some instructors at some levels with one or two or no students.

I agree that an audition video is mostly to help figure out which group you most likely belong to.

I teach at Banjo Camp North in Massachusetts. There is no audition video. They ask applicants to state what they believe their level is, offering a few guidelines. Students are free to change groups once they get there if they are unhappy with their suggested level group.

Novices and beginners always seem to be the largest group and the instructors know how to deal with that. Same for novice and beginner jams.

I would guess that Banjo Camp North is probably more first come first served. When the dining/housing capacity is filled, that's the practical limit.

Different camps have different methods. The only way to know is to apply.

Sunrise Lee - Posted - 09/05/2024:  11:42:12

quote:

---

Originally posted by Old Hickory

Search out previous discussions of the camp. I gave an in-depth review of my experience. Short version: If you're in one of the four groups below the very top group ("Mahogany") then the content and level of instruction you receive will be the same. I'd been playing for over 45 years when I went to camp. My audition included my original three-finger arrangement of a Broadway show tune with fairly sophisticated chords and picking. I didn't expect to be in the highest level group. but I expected a truly graduated method of group assignment. Nope. I was in a group with people who had been playing for under two years, who could play very few tunes, and who could figure out even fewer.

---

Ken, maybe you sparked some change in the camp with your review...  The content that gets taught in the classes has been different between levels at least for the last two years.  I have gathered all that information and have asked fellow campers (now friends) what they learned in their sessions.  The largest gaps I have seen are between the lowest level, and the highest level.  The middle two, Ebony and Walnut seem to have a lot of overlap in terms of overall skill.  I have also seen folks move up and down year over year, probably due to more folks applying and their auditions.  There was a girl in 2023 that asked to move up  as she felt the information she was receiving was redundant to her skill level, they moved her up.  She was playing some really cool jazz stuff when I jammed around with her after one of the classes.  It sounds like you were probably placed incorrectly.  If you end up going back I would love to hear how the camp has changed.  

Old Hickory - Posted - 09/05/2024:  12:25:32

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sunrise Lee

Ken, maybe you sparked some change in the camp with your review...  The content that gets taught in the classes has been different between levels at least for the last two years. . . . It sounds like you were probably placed incorrectly.  If you end up going back I would love to hear how the camp has changed.  

---

I don't think I can take the credit for any change. Bela, the first-year faculty, and the folks from Mountain Song discovered for themselves the campers were more capable than they might have thought. Bela even said, I think in his final morning lecture, that the team was surprised at how quickly we as a group "ate up" the material that was offered and they'd take that into consideration in the future.

I didn't go back in 2019 because the camp conflicts with our extended family beach week. I had to miss most of it to attend in 2018. I'm sorry I didn't go the second year because Alan Munde and Noam Pikelny were both on the faculty. Then the camp didn't happen in 2020 and 21.

I definitely believe I was placed incorrectly. I think my group name was Birch. Pretty sure that was the lowest.

Look at one of the songs I included in my audition tape and see if you think I belonged in a group with novice players who didn't know how to work out their own solos.

Sunrise Lee - Posted - 09/05/2024:  14:52:35

quote:

---

Originally posted by Old Hickory

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sunrise Lee

Ken, maybe you sparked some change in the camp with your review...  The content that gets taught in the classes has been different between levels at least for the last two years. . . . It sounds like you were probably placed incorrectly.  If you end up going back I would love to hear how the camp has changed.  

---

I don't think I can take the credit for any change. Bela, the first-year faculty, and the folks from Mountain Song discovered for themselves the campers were more capable than they might have thought. Bela even said, I think in his final morning lecture, that the team was surprised at how quickly we as a group "ate up" the material that was offered and they'd take that into consideration in the future.

I didn't go back in 2019 because the camp conflicts with our extended family beach week. I had to miss most of it to attend in 2018. I'm sorry I didn't go the second year because Alan Munde and Noam Pikelny were both on the faculty. Then the camp didn't happen in 2020 and 21.

I definitely believe I was placed incorrectly. I think my group name was Birch. Pretty sure that was the lowest.

Look at one of the songs I included in my audition tape and see if you think I belonged in a group with novice players who didn't know how to work out their own solos.

 

---

Beautiful playing!

Banannajo - Posted - 09/07/2024:  09:16:45

Old Hickory, That was amazing. I think I remember you saying you were going to make a book of banjo tab for classical music. I'd buy it.
If I ever got accepted and you were in my beginner basic group, I'd glean as much information from you as I could. So while they were definitely wrong about your placement, maybe you helped others without realizing it.

Banannajo - Posted - 09/07/2024:  09:19:48

After reading the responses I figured I should wait another year or two just so I can improve enough to have a decent audition tape. But given some time to think, since it doesn't cost anything to apply, I've come around to thinking it would be a good experience to record myself and allow others to listen.

jwold - Posted - 09/10/2024:  15:02:17

Great adaptation there Ken. Perhaps you were put in that group to help the beginner students figure how to work up an arrangement of a song for the banjo since you can clearly do that so well.

Owen - Posted - 09/10/2024:  19:33:49

Ken: "I think my group name was Birch. Pretty sure that was the lowest."

Onto a tangent, but I'm reminded of one of my primary teacher's reading [ability] "groups": Robins / partridges / magpies. ['Twas a long time ago, but I don't recall magpies ever metamorphosing into anything else.]

Bart Veerman - Posted - 09/11/2024:  06:51:11

I'm guessing that for them to receive your tuition will do the trick to being accepted provided there's room left for you.

ceemonster - Posted - 09/11/2024:  10:29:14

/////Perhaps you were put in that group to help the beginner students figure how to work up an arrangement of a song for the banjo since you can clearly do that so well.//////

I assume this is a joke of some sort. That is not why people give up precious funds and precious off-time to attend music camps. Unless they are doing so all expenses paid as a teaching assistant.

FenderFred - Posted - 09/11/2024:  15:28:47

quote:

---

Originally posted by Banannajo

into the Blueridge Banjo Camp?

I'd like to apply for 2025. I'm such a novice, it's kind of scary

to think about. But, If I pick out songs now and practice, practice

maybe I'll stand a chance, since submissions start in January.

I hear they do take beginners.

---

Hi Diane.

So I understand your anticipation and concern that because your a beginner you wont fit in. A bit like going to high school or collage. That initial step is so scary. But if you think about it most students joining feel the same.

I cant speak to the Blueridge Banjo Camp but I know that all the students joining Banjo Ben's Cabin Camps find the experience really welcoming and rewarding.

Banjo Ben has just posted his cabin camp program for 2024 over on his forum. So if there is anyone interested be sure to click on the link below for more info. These places go fast so don't hang about.

banjobenclark.com/forum/

Some folks sharing their experience

Banannajo - Posted - 09/11/2024:  16:51:28

His camps sound like fun, just can't go to one until next year. Right now it's work, work, work, work, work. lol

FenderFred - Posted - 09/12/2024:  03:55:18

quote:

---

Originally posted by Banannajo

His camps sound like fun, just can't go to one until next year. Right now it's work, work, work, work, work. lol

---

Opp's my Bad Diane. That should read 2025 

ceemonster - Posted - 09/12/2024:  19:23:51

That Cabin Camp thing sounds neat. It's nice they offer a virtual version too. I think it's also very smart--In addition to medical reasons why some people in the COVID age would prefer a remote event, there are people who would love to do a camp but don't want to burn their all-too-scarce vacation time sitting in classes. I love Fiddle Hell for offering a virtual camp once a year in addition to an in-person camp once a year. It's nice that these Cabin folks seem to be offering both. They also seem to be more focused classic bluegrass, which would be more my choice. I'm sure the Blueridge one is premium quality, but I'm not interested in melodic/progressive/single-string, or week's end performances that involve arrangements of "Rhapsody in Blue," with parts being sent out like an orchestra, or whatever. It just wouldn't be "me."

Edited by - ceemonster on 09/12/2024 19:26:32

Dale Diehl - Posted - 09/29/2024:  07:23:48

@old hickory

That is beautiful. Hard to believe that would put you in novice category. I know it's not a flashy bluegrass break down, but it's takes a lot of courage just to submit a tune like that. Beautiful arrangement, and played well.

Now I'll have that song in my head for who knows how long. Very nice.