Novice Clawhammer Banjo Class-Shona Carr

This is a class is for the novice level (not absolute beginner) clawhammer banjo player who wants to improve their right hand rhythm,  add in drop thumb techniques, play more than simple melody and how to play with a fiddler in a jam. We will use a fun learn by ear approach designed to help you get the music and rhythm in your head, improve your musicality and get you playing new tunes and songs quickly!  You will expand on your basic “bum ditty” rhythm, learn chords, and more commonly played Old Time tunes and songs, so you can play in jams and have fun with Old Time Music! 

Intermediate Banjo Class-Janie Rothfield

This class is for banjo players who can play at a moderate to faster speed in a jam, are comfortable in playing in double C and G tunings, have little or some experience with drop thumb and are looking to ramp up their banjo playing.  In addition to learning a number tunes, we will also focus on improving rhythm, drop thumb, various right hand "moves".  You will learn many left and right hand techniques and tricks with slides, hammer-on’s, pull offs, triplets, more intricate rhythms and tunings.  We will also explore how to back up a fiddler with a variety of chordal and note techniques, how to play harmonies and lead melody and maybe a little improvisation too!

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Advanced Clawhammer Banjo-Gailanne Amundsen

This class is for clawhammer banjo players who can play in a jam at speed, in multiple keys (GDAC) and tunings (Double C, G and modal tunings), and who are able to pick up tunes easily by ear. The class will focus on new tunings, playing up the neck, chordal and right hand rhythm and melody playing techniques to get you to the next level in your playing.  In addition to working with well known tunes, you will learn a selection of unique traditional and newly made tunes too! 

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Intermediate/Advanced Old Time Fiddle-Betty Vornbrock

This class is for the intermediate-advanced fiddler who already has a good repertoire of tunes in a variety of keys and can play at a medium to fast speed in a jam.  Betty will focus on rhythm, drive and phrasing through bowing and rhythm exercises, and learning a variety of tunes. The tunes will mainly be drawn from her repertoire of West Virginia, Kentucky, and Blue Ridge styles, and the tunes and sounds of J.P. Fraley who was known for his sweet tone and expressiveness.  Betty will help unlock the “mysteries” of J.P’s playing and help you develop drive, texture, and feeling in your fiddling and have fun! 

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Stringband Class-This will be optional class taught by a combination of Jumpstart Staff (including Pete Peterson, Kellie Allen and Billy Cornette), during the open or jam periods where a variety of classic Old Time Stringband songs will be taught, arranged and played!  

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Singing Class-This is also an optional class that will be offered at sometime during the weekend (TBD), and will focus on improving vocal tone, pitch and harmony singing-open to everyone!

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IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER TO DO

AND BRING LIST FOR JANIE'S JUMPSTART WEEKEND CAMP

Please play your instrument often for 2-3 weeks prior to camp to build up calluses!

• Strings

• Capo

• ​Audio/Video Recording Device: ipad, iphone, camera 

• Electronic Tuner

• Bow re-hair

• Change your strings

• Note pad and writing utensil