RockyGrass Bluegrass Camp For Kids
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| Final performance in the Wildflower Pavilion |
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The Bluegrass Academy experience isn't just for parents. Children of registered Academy students can also join in the fun with a special program for kids ages 7-14 who are either new to bluegrass or at a novice or intermediate level. Join members of the award-winning band, Bearfoot, now in their eighth year of teaching, for four full days of instrument, vocal and band instruction that includes a final performance on Thursday afternoon. This is the perfect opportunity to bring the whole family to the Academy.
Students are encouraged to try different instruments and to learn to perform bluegrass music together. Your children can choose from one or more of the following instrument classes: guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo and bass. Vocal and band classes are also offered.
The Bluegrass Camp for Kids is now sold-out. The total cost of the Kids Camp is $275. A non-refundable $100 deposit will hold your place. Registration for the Kids Camp was handled using the online Academy lottery - from November 10-18. Kids camp students must be accompanied by an adult who is registered for a class in the RockyGrass Academy.
Registration Application
If you have already reserved your space (by paying the $100 deposit), please read the following class descriptions and complete the official registration form ( download registration form as PDF file ). Mail this registration form back to us, along with the remainder payment of $175 by May 1. Mail this form to us: Planet Bluegrass, 500 West Main, Box 769, Lyons, CO 80540.
Daily Schedule
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| 2007 Kids Camp |
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To give you an idea of how the days are structured, here is a typical day from last year's Kids Camp:
- 8:00-9:30 a.m. - Monday - Registration (in kids' classroom area)
- 9:30 a.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday (join RG Academy)
- 10:30 a.m. Block 1
- 11:15 a.m. Snack time
- 11:30 a.m. Block 2
- 12:30 p.m. Lunch (unsupervised)
- 2:00 p.m. Block 3
- 3:00 p.m. Band practice
- 4:00 p.m. Snack time
- 4:15 p.m. Activities
- 4:15-4:45 p.m. Thursday - Kid’s performance in the Wildflower Pavilion
- 5:00 p.m. Done for the day
Camp Concert
The end of camp concert will be held from 4:15-4:45 on Thursday at the Wildflower Pavilion.
Lunch Break
Students need to bring their own lunch. Food and childcare from 12:30 - 2:00 will not be provided. For those parents of local children not enrolled in the RockyGrass Academy, please meet your child at 12:30 for lunch. Water bottles and recording devices are recommended. Snacks will be provided by Planet Bluegrass.
Faculty
Members of the award winning band, Bearfoot, will be teaching and conducting the camp. These highly qualified music teachers have taught thousands of children across the U.S., Canada, and Ireland. In addition to teaching music camp, two of the band members are certified elementary education teachers in Alaska, California, and Idaho.
- Kate Hamre - Acoustic Bass & Guitar
- Mike Mickelson - Guitar & Banjo
- Jason Norris - Mandolin & Fiddle
- Angela Oudean - Fiddle & Vocals
- Odessa Jorgensen - Fiddle & Vocals
(Read full bios on the RockGrass Academy instructors page)
Class Descriptions
Students will take an elective class during each block time period, in addition to participating in a band. Students will select their top two choices on the online registration form which will be available after the lottery has closed.
Bass
Beginning Bass
No prerequisite. Students will learn how a bass fits into a jam or band. They will learn 4-5 chords and how to back up a guitar on some simple singing songs.
Intermediate & Advanced Bass
Students should have been taking lessons in orchestra or otherwise for at least 6 months. Students will learn chords to back up a guitar, as well as scales, patterns for following new chords, new songs, and how to walk.
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| 2008 Kids Camp final performance |
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Dance
No prerequisite. This is a chance for students to explore different types of traditional dances: square dance, contra dance, waltzes, swing dancing, clogging, and more! Students will learn basic moves of each dance, and how to call a dance.
Fiddle
Beginning Fiddle
No prerequisite. This class is geared towards students who have no or very little background in playing fiddle or violin. Students will learn how to correctly hold and bow the instrument as well as a few basic fiddle tunes.
Intermediate Fiddle
Students should have been taking fiddle for one year or be in Suzuki Book 1. In this class, students will work on becoming stronger players and learn a few basic fiddle tunes in first position.
Advanced Fiddle
Students should have been taking fiddle lessons for 2 years or be in Suzuki Book 3. Students will learn 2-3 fiddle tunes, some basics on how to improvise, different bowings, backup, and other techniques to bluegrass fiddling.
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| 2007 Kids Camp |
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Twin Fiddle
Students must have been playing fiddle/violin for 2 years. This class will teach students how to find and/or play harmony parts on the fiddle. Students will learn the lead and harmony part to a few different fiddle tunes.
Guitar
Beginning Guitar
No prerequisite. Students will learn 4-5 basic guitar chords, how to strum with a pick, and a few basic bluegrass songs.
Intermediate and Advanced Guitar
This class is geared towards students that can play several chords comfortably and the boom strum rhythm. Students will learn to flat pick, along with strengthening their chord and rhythm knowledge.
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| Banjo class at the Kids Camp |
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Mandolin
Beginning Mandolin
No prerequisite. This class will teach students the basics of how to hold and play the mandolin. They will learn a few easy mandolin chords, some bluegrass tunes, and mandolin rhythm.
Intermediate and Advanced Mandolin
Students should be quite comfortable playing 2 finger chords. They should also be able to play a few basic tunes. Students will learn how to play closed finger chords, work on their rhythm, and lead on a few new bluegrass songs.
Vocals
No prerequisite. Students will learn fun singing songs to sing with a group, a guitar, or by yourself. They will also learn warm-up exercises, talk about the importance of lyrics, touch on how to harmonize, and take solos.
Choosing Your Classes
Students will take an elective class during each block time period in addition to participating in a band. On the application form, please select a first and second choice class for each block.
Block 1 (10:30 a.m. - 11:20 a.m.)
- Beginning Mandolin
- Beginning Guitar
- Beginning Fiddle
- Intermediate & Advanced Fiddle
- Vocals
Block 2 (11:30 a.m. - 12:20 p.m.)
- Beginning Bass
- Beginning Fiddle
- Beginning Guitar
- Beginning Mandolin
- Intermediate and Advanced Mandolin
- Vocals
- Twin Fiddles
Block 3 (2:00 p.m. - 2:50 p.m.)
- Beginning Fiddles
- Beginning Guitar
- Beginning Mandolin
- Dance
- Intermediate and Advanced Bass
- Intermediate and Advanced Guitar
- Vocals
If you have any specific questions regarding classes, please contact Kate Hamre at kate_hamre@yahoo.com