Message: 1

• Date: Wed, 18 Feb 2004 13:07:30 -0500
• From: "Dolores Magro" <dolores@pabreastcancer.org>
• Subject: words of wisdom please

HI!
I'd like to ask the experienced jamcampers what words of wisdom you would share, like ....

• If you were going for the first time again, what would you be sure to bring that you didn't think of?
• Pete's packet mentions bringing a tape recorder. What kind did you bring, and how was it used there?
• What skill would you work on having more under your belt ahead of time?
• Are there any particular songs you'd get to know the lyrics to?

Thanks. This'll be my first jam camp, and I'm REALLY looking forward to it! Just started playing a few months ago, so definitely putting in some time trying to get that "smooth chord changes" happening.

Dolores

Message: 2

• Date: Wed, 18 Feb 2004 13:59:01 -0500
• From: Rick Saenz <saenz@draughthorsepress.com>
• Subject: Re: words of wisdom please

On Wed, 18 Feb 2004 13:07:30 -0500, Dolores Magro wrote:
What skill would you work on having more under your belt ahead of time? Are there any particular songs you'd get to know the lyrics to?

Dolores,

Probably nothing was more helpful for us than getting a copy of Pete's bluegrass jamming video and playing along with it as much as possible. It begins with two-chord songs in G, moves on to some three-chord songs in G, then some three-chord songs in other keys (D, A, and C, I think). The tempo is always moderate. It's a lot of fun to play along with--Chris and I still use it frequently, even a year later--and you'll end up knowing seventeen bluegrass standards. It also gives you a head start on understanding Pete's philosophy of bluegrass jamming, something you'll hear much more about during the camp.

Rick and Chris Saenz

Message: 3

• Date: Wed, 18 Feb 2004 14:33:05 EST
• From: ncnyshirl@aol.com
• Subject: Re: words of wisdom please

Hi, Delores,

Rick's advice is very good. I also used Pete's video to prepare for Jam Camp about 4 years ago and highly recommend it!

In addition, a lot of the Campers get together at the Holiday Inn for an informal jam the Sunday night before Camp. I was really nervous my first time, but after that evening jam, I had no more fears. We always seem to have a great bunch of friendly and supportive Campers. You will have a wonderful time!

Shirley

Message: 4

• Date: Wed, 18 Feb 2004 14:33:20 -0500
• From: "Dolores Magro" <dolores@pabreastcancer.org>
• Subject: Re: words of wisdom please

Rick,

Hey, thanks a lot! I've had a reminder note to myself to order that stuck to my computer for the past two weeks. Your comments were just the nudge I needed, and the DVD and the songbook are now both ordered.

Dolores

Message: 5

• Date: Wed, 18 Feb 2004 20:03:57 GMT
• From: marionwebster@juno.com
• Subject: Re: words of wisdom please

Hi Dolores,

I just got back from my first jam camp. It was great - I envy you going to one soon! I ended up buying a tape recorder half-way through. I used it to tape Pete's talks and our practice sessions - he goes into why this is valuable. I'm glad to have some of the camp on tape, and expect to listen and use the tape as I get to work on improving my jamming. I especially was glad to have it at the end of the camp to record some pieces we worked on all together. Pete recommended to me to get a small cassette recorder that had a cue/review button (to be able to rewind easily, without having to use the stop button), an easy on and off button, and the microphone should be part of the unit, not separate - user-friendly is the idea. I got one from Radio Shack for $39, which I'm pleased with.

Practicing some of the songs from the packet that Pete sends you is a good idea, as well as learning the lyrics to at least a couple of them. I hadn't done either, since I signed up late, and I wish I had. Learning the melody for one song would be good to, if you can. (I'm not there yet with my instrument...)

Have a great time!

Marion

Message: 6

• Date: Wed, 18 Feb 2004 12:06:55 -0800 (PST)
• From: R J <rj7388@yahoo.com>
• Subject: Re: words of wisdom please

Hi Dolores,

I attended MA04, just last week and only about 5 months worth of mandolining under belt.

And yep, I cannot make smooth chord changes , but I will be there for next time.

I took a small micro-cassete recorder, a few others at the camp had digital recorders, heck use what you have and have a great time.

Some of the more experienced players had slow jam music with them, but the stuff you do in Pete's camp is really all you need to stay quite busy.

And its guaranteed you will have a good time & learn more than what most music teachers will provide.

Enjoy your jamcamp !

Randy

Message: 7

• Date: Wed, 18 Feb 2004 15:15:16 -0500
• From: "Dolores Magro" <dolores@pabreastcancer.org>
• Subject: Re: words of wisdom please

Thanks! I appreciate the specifics about the tape recorder; that will be VERY helpful.

Dolores