Hi there,
Does anyone have experience with the Ashokan Camp? In particular, I'm interested in hearing about how intense the banjo classes & workshops are and whether they are productive, from a hands-on learning point of view? The schedule posted on their web site doesn't give a lot of particulars.
For reference, I enjoy the Midwest Banjo Camp because of its immersive syllabus as opposed to "laid" back camps that are more camping mini vacations with a bit of instruction.
Molly Mason and I plan Southern Week at Ashokan each August. The classes are hands on, our instructors are prepared and are attentive to students needs. They're also accessible members of the musical community. In addition to classes thee are scheduled jams, guided jams and informal spontaneous jams. And there's a relaxed, fun and friendly vibe at camp that inspires learning. Bluegrass Banjo is taught at our Bluegrass Camp and at our Banjo Weekend. I can say essentially the same thing about those camps and also about the Old Time Rollick which is a weekend in May this year. It's organized by Emily Schaad. If you have questions about the Rollick contact Emily, her contact info is here. I hope to see you at Ashokan!
One of my Louisville Folk School students went to the Banjo Weekend last year and had a great time. She returned for another weekend event later that summer. Jay and Molly do a fine job at Ashokan.
David
quote:
Originally posted by Jay UngarMolly Mason and I plan Southern Week at Ashokan each August. The classes are hands on, our instructors are prepared and are attentive to students needs. They're also accessible members of the musical community. In addition to classes thee are scheduled jams, guided jams and informal spontaneous jams. And there's a relaxed, fun and friendly vibe at camp that inspires learning. Bluegrass Banjo is taught at our Bluegrass Camp and at our Banjo Weekend. I can say essentially the same thing about those camps and also about the Old Time Rollick which is a weekend in May this year. It's organized by Emily Schaad. If you have questions about the Rollick contact Emily, her contact info is here. I hope to see you at Ashokan!
Thanks Jay. The Banjo Weekend camp was about to be my next question but you beat me to it.
I attended Banjo camp in November and had a great time. I have been playing for over 40 years, primarily clawhammer, and concentrate on fiddle tunes. This was my experience.
I attended the clawhammer instruction sessions and thought the instructors, Maggie Shar and Hilary Hawke, were very friendly and organized. I camped which not many people did. It was cold at night but no big deal. There were "jambassadors" who were very skilled and ready to play at a moments notice. I participated in a great jam Friday night before the instructors' concert. On Saturday I jammed outside (it was in the 60s and sunny) with members from Maggie's and Hillary's band for about 90 minutes. Saturday night I signed up and played with Melissa (another jambassador) for open mic and played Brenda Stubberts, a PEI tune. Everyone I met was friendly and into the music. The food was excellent. My only disappointment was that I couldn't find a fiddler who played jigs but as I said I had a great time and would definitely recommend it to any banjo player.
I've been to both the years of Banjo Camp, though last year I only had time to come out Saturday.
Both years were a lot of fun with great instruction. Second year, they improved based on lessons from the first: they had the instructors upload videos related to their lessons as well as the tab they handed out on paper. Also, it felt like there was something for every skill level, every session. (The first year there was one hour where there was no intermediate 3-finger class, so a bunch of us Scruggsers mobbed a Joe Newbury class and were comically inept.)
Also, Ashokan Center is kind of a special place. It's really a beautiful environment with cool buildings. I didn't stay over; I live about 40 minutes away, but it both years folks talked about the jams going late and being fun.
Jay, since you're watching this one, just one comment: The food this year was kind of bad. I don't specifically remember the food from the previous year, but I'm pretty sure I liked it pretty well. This year I was just sort of surprised how bad lunch was, so I just went home for dinner rather than sticking around. Not sure if there was trouble in the kitchen.
Anyway, I'll definitely be going again in the fall. (I'll probably pack some snacks, though.)
