[Harp-L] SPAH convention vs. Jon Gindick jam camp

["Doug H" <dough.harpl@xxxxxxxxx>]

Is there any possibility that a jam camp could be held in conjunction with a SPAH convention?  It would most likely reducse the average age of attendees and might be an oportunity to get a younger generation involved in SPAH.  (Just wonderin' . . . )

Doug H
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Tim Bete 
  To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx 
  Sent: Monday, September 06, 2010 4:17 AM
  Subject: [Harp-L] Re: SPAH convention


  I've never been to SPAH but the sales info I've read makes it sound like a huge convention that would be intimidating the new, casual player. 
  I think Jon Gindick is on the right track with his Jam Camps. Jon is getting people who have never played before to spend a grand to come to his camps. I think he's successful partly because of how he describes the experience:
  "A Limited Enrollment 5 Day Jamming and Learning Vacation...with a Focus on You"
  "the Fundamentals of Blues and the Joys of Jamming"
  "We love all levels of harmonica players. Raw Beginners: we have a strong program for you.. Including preseminar phone lesson. Advanced and intermediates: no worries, we offer separate classes on separate levels."
  "Let Jon Gindick and some of the world's most talented player/ coaches help you go there and beyond."
  I realize Jon's program has a narrower focus than SPAH but I think he's on to something. Jon's all about enjoying playing TODAY, even if it's the first time you've picked up a harp. People want immediate gratification and Jon delivers that combined with a long-term focus. When I hear about things like comb tests, it makes me think of high school science class, which doesn't conjure up memories of "fun." ;-)
  I haven't been to Jon's Jam Camp yet but I'm saving my money. For me, the description of SPAH just isn't the same.
  Tim