Photo courtesy of Lena Stevens, Virginia Intermont College
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion has developed partnerships with Capo's Music Store to create the Youth Music Competition and with Virginia Intermont College to offer a Bluegrass Jamming Camp.
The inaugural Youth Music Competition is open to youth ages 5 to 18 who play the upright bass, banjo, fiddle/violin, guitar, mandolin or ukulele. A preliminary competition will be held Saturday, Sept. 7 at 10 a.m. at Virginia Intermont College in the Harrison Jones Auditorium. The final competition is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 21 during BR&RR.
Pre-registration is suggested since each category is limited to 25 entrants. Registration will be allowed the morning of Sept. 7 if there are spaces remaining in a category. To register, visit www.bristolrhythm.com.
Prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third place finishers. First prize is a new banjo, guitar, mandolin, fiddle or ukulele and a cash prize. Second place will receive a $50 gift certificate to Capo's Music Store and third place will receive a $25 gift certificate to Capo's Music Store.
Did you know there's etiquette to jumping into a bluegrass jam? Want to know how to find melodies and fake solos? That's what participants will learn at Jam Camp. The festival's first Bluegrass Jamming Camp will be taught by Gilbert Nelson using the Wernick Method.
Nelson has been a regular on the jam scene for 30 years, with a passion for jamming, performing and teaching a variety of instruments. His teaching emphasizes fun and success, providing a safe and supportive learning environment while still finding ways to stretch comfort zones and bring students to a higher level of musical maturity.
The camp takes place Wednesday, Sept. 18 through Friday, Sept. 20 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Jam Camp will be held in the Harrison Jones Auditorium on the campus of Virginia Intermont. Lunch and one weekend pass to Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion will be provided to each student.
A $120 deposit is required, and a $175 balance is due first day of class. To register or for more information, visit www.bristolrhythm.com or www.drbanjo.com.
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-- Former "closet' musician takes to the stage at BR&RR
