Re: Jam Camp

[larryboy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

I'll say this right upfront.  I was one of the coaches at the Jam Camp, so you
may not think my opinion is unbiased.  But hey, everything on harp-l is just
someone's opinion.

The Somerset, NJ Jam Camp was special for me in a lot of ways.  First, I was
totally shocked that Jon invited me to participate as a coach.  We met at the
DC-area Camp in February.  He is one hell of a nice guy, enthusiastic about the
harmonica, and genuinely interested in helping harp players of all levels
improve their game.  I accepted his invitation so I could improve my own
teaching skills.  My "assignment" was to engage the class on Friday night and
get the beginners ready to jam, while Jon, Dennis, and Allan did one-on-ones
with each player, It was especially rewarding to hear some of the "real"
beginners improve their play every day, whether it was bending a note or
chugging a rythym, and then playing with the band on Sunday.  

One of my favorite parts was late Saturday night, about 15 guys sitting in a
circle lead by Allan Radcliffe-Holmes and Dennis Gruenling.  We started out
trading 4's. Dennis or Allan would kick it off with 4 bars and pass it to thier
right.  That guy would play 4 and pass it on.  The solo morphed and changed in
creative ways as we went around a couple of times.  Then we traded 2's, just 2
bars and pass it on.  Things got crazy when we went to trade 1,s.  I'd start a
lick and you'd finish it.  

Jam Camp is about harmonica, but also about the friendships and relationships
you develop with your fellow harp players.  I'm looking forward to the next one
I can go to, whether as coach or player.


Best Regards to All,

Larry Boy Pratt
www.parkhousejam.com

- ----------------------------------------------------------------
This message was sent using IMP, the Internet Messaging Program.