JAMboree Music Camp

Amanda Malachesky

1. Progressive Mandolin Basics ​​​​- Covering movable chord shapes, rhythm, scales, picking techniques, and tremolo. Start from the beginning and develop your basic toolbox for playing mandolin! (X3 progressive)

2. Swing and Jazz Mandolin Chord Shapes - An intermediate mandolin class to learn handy movable chord shapes for playing jazz, including dominant 7, major 7, minor 6, major 6, and more. Plus, learn “Minor Swing” to put it into practice.

3. Music Theory Basics for Beginners - Have you ever heard people talking about keys, 1-4-5 chords, flats and sharps, triads, arpeggios, or fourths and wondered what the heck they’re talking about? In this class, we’ll cover these basics so you can feel confident about what you’re doing on your instrument and be more able to talk about music with other musicians. (All Instruments)

4. Swing and Jazz Mandolin, Circle of Fourths - An intermediate mandolin class to learn an easy way to handle circle-of-fourths chord changes, like in the classic jazz tune “Sweet Georgia Brown.” We’ll use “Sweet Georgia Brown,” and maybe other songs, to test-drive it!

5. Mandolin: Closed Position Scales for Improvising - If you are comfortable changing chords at tempo, can play melodies, and are ready to take the next steps, this class is for you. We’re going to discuss playing melodies and scales in “closed positions,” arpeggios, the pentatonic scale, and how to use these concepts to work on improvising.

6. How to Practice Your Musicianship - How do we become better players? Is it magic? No - we practice! But how do you practice to achieve your musicianship goals? In this session, we’re going to talk about ways to deepen your practice using techniques to work on rhythm, tone, and melody. Bring your instrument! (All Instruments)

 

Barbee Corff

1.  15 Minutes With Barbee - Personal advice one on one time: Review your experiences & growth at jamboree & talk about what’s next. Share your challenges and get advice for navigating nerves. Help with making great song choices. Create a plan for improving your vocal confidence. (one on one signups)

2. Nurturing Your Vocal Identity - Lift your confidence ​with fun activities, real conversation and professional practices. ​Understand your own vocal qualities to find ​the ​perfect song. Practice exploring songs for nuances that match your strengths. (for all levels)

3. Performance Toolkit - Create your own 'safety-check' list for how to bring a new song or a song you love to the stage or an open mic. What makes a great performance? Being ready, relaxed and in the present. That means you've taken care of a lot of things behind the scenes! 

       Basics: Ask yourself “What is my…Intention: purpose, goal, mantra, and why are we here             together?

       Process: recipe for success based on life experience?

       Readiness: need for enough time to dress, tune up, check in, practice, rehearse, socialize,           focus?

 

Ben James

1. Songwriter Circle with Ben - (X4) 

2. One-On-One Sessions for songwriting, basic guitar or harmonica - (Daily sign ups / One session per student)

 

Billy Buckman

1. Playing “Boogie Woogie” on the Piano - keyboard provided!  Billy will give you the basics of this pattern. One on One sessions (daily sign up) 

2. One on One Sessions - Critique of your songwriting, arrangements, questions answered and advice given. Billy is here to help! (daily sign up) 

 

Brian Rivers

1. Blackbird: Unlock the Magic - Learn the iconic guitar part from Blackbird while discovering the simple techniques that make this beautiful arrangement work. We’ll break it down together in an approachable way, giving you the tools to take what you learn into other songs.

2. Crosspicking: The Secret Sauce of Flatpicking - Discover the rhythmic and melodic magic of crosspicking and see why this technique is such a powerful tool for guitarists. We’ll explore practical patterns and ideas you can immediately put to use in your own playing.

3. Dust in the Wind: Your Gateway to Travis Picking - Learn the timeless Travis-picking pattern behind Dust in the Wind and discover how one simple pattern can open up a whole new world of fingerstyle guitar. You’ll leave with a technique you can use far beyond this one song.

4. Fearless Improvisation: Finding Your Musical Voice -  Improvisation doesn’t have to be scary, complicated, or reserved for “real” musicians—it’s simply another way of expressing yourself through music. Through playful exercises and guided exploration, discover how to trust your ears, let go of perfection, and find your own musical voice.

5. Less Is More: The Magic of Three-String Chords - Discover how a handful of simple three-string chord shapes can make the guitar easier, more musical, and more fun to play. These deceptively simple shapes will open up new possibilities for rhythm playing, songwriting, improvisation, and exploring the fretboard.

6. Songs That Refused to Be Silent: Resistance, Resilience & Justice - Explore the powerful tradition of songs that have given voice to struggle, challenged injustice, celebrated resilience, and brought people together. We’ll sing, listen, share stories, and discover how ordinary songs can become extraordinary tools for change and connection.

 

Catfish Jack

1. Beginning Blues Harp (harmonica) - This class is for folks who already blow a little blues but need some guidance. Students will be introduced to the basics of blues harmonica technique. Topics will include single note playing, tongue-blocking, bending and understanding different positions on the diatonic harmonica. You’ll learn train rhythms, Sonny Terry countrified rhythms, the blues scale, and classic blues harp riffs.

2. Beyond Beginner Blues Harp (harmonica) - Get ready to hit the wood shed! Here is where you’ll go to the “magical” next level of blues harp playing. Catfish Jack shares the secrets of wailing the blues on the harp! You’ll learn famous blues licks, how and when to solo, and most importantly  to turn your brain off and Jam!! We’ll do it all. This class will emphasize improvisation, finding the right key and playing from your soul. Pick up your harp and let’s go!

3. Beginning Harmonica - This is it folks, your chance to get down and dirty with the harmonica. Well, maybe just quickly learn how to play the Mississippi Saxophone. Get down with Single notes, Chugging (not beer), your own Train Sound, and of course the magical Wah-Wah. These techniques will allow you to play the harmonica..now! Playing the Harmonica is Fun and Good for you! Find a ten hole diatonic harmonica in the key of C and let’s do this!

4. Playing Harmonica on the Rack - Who needs a band? Neil Young, Jack Bruce, Jimmy Reed, Bruce Springsteen, Slim Harpo, Billy Joel, Jimmie Fadden? What do they all have in common? They all play guitar, bass, piano, drums and the harmonica at the same time! Now you can too! Your trusted guide Catfish Jack is here to lead the way. Learn to play simple folk songs, wail the blues, or accompany yourself singing your original songs. So grab your guitar, bass, keyboard, mandolin, or drums and your harmonica (a diatonic harp in the key of C please) and let’s get rocking!

5. ​Jack's Tips For Better Jamming - There’s nothing like the unity of playing well with others. (All Instruments) 

 

David Budries

1. Improving your Amplified Live Sound - Explore the proper use of sound gear related to live performance and learn how you can improve your live sound. We’ll do this by listening to participants play and sing through a good, small sound system that will be provided. We’ll ask questions about instruments, pickups, personal sound systems, monitoring, microphone characteristics, microphone technique, cables, virtually anything sound related. We’ll work to find solutions to any problems you encounter, including bad room acoustics.

2. Learning About Microphones - This workshop is open to anyone who has questions about the use of microphones, including basics, terminology, application and what to buy. 

 

Ethan Hoffman 

1. Introduction to Guitar - Learn the fundamentals of the most ubiquitous folk instrument there is! Ethan’s 3-day progressive will get you strumming with chord shapes, scale patterns, reading tablature, and principles of improvisation that will get you comfortable on any 6-string (but of course, guitars of any string count are welcome)! (Progressive X3)

2. Beginning Fingerstyle Guitar - See your guitar in a whole new way! Learning fingerstyle opens up so many avenues in your playing, from playing cascades of interwoven notes to making it sound like you're playing two instruments at once! We'll demystify the art of fingerstyle through some fundamental patterns and explore a great deal of what ditching the pick can offer you.

3. Voice Acting Fundamentals for Singing - If you’re a singer, chances are you’ve tried to imitate your favorite artist or done some manner of goofy impression before. But not many singers realize just how useful the ability to stretch their voices to cartoonish timbres can truly be. In this class, we’ll explore some ways you can integrate strategic texturing to your voice to decrease straining, increase your comfortable range, and support your sound in various genres. This is a companion course to Intro to Voice Acting, but attendance at both is not compulsory (as much as it would make you the coolest person ever to do both!

4. Composition for Large Ensembles - There’s nothing in music that quite compares to a big group of musicians contributing their own integral part to a grand performance. Have you ever wanted to feel the rush that comes from being the one that weaves them all together? We’ll talk about how special attention to each part of an orchestra, such as instrumentation, textures, and contrast, can make for a whole greater than the sum of its parts. While sheet music familiarity is useful in this class, it is not required, and some basics of sight reading will be taught. 

5. Ethan's Tunes & Tales - Lullabies of love! Tales of treachery! Melodies of magical mythos! Performers, poets, bards, and madmen: if you've got a story, tell it here! All walks of life and experience levels welcome at this fantastic night of fables. This IS a Jamboree, after all, so why not jam?? We're the only part of the universe that gets to experience itself; lean into it! Monday Night 

 

Forrest Allen

1. Fiddle Bowing - Tone, rhythm, and the drone string. The fundamentals that make fiddle feel right. Beginners welcome! 

2. Cross Tunings for Fiddle - An intro to alternate tunings and what they open up. We'll explore, play around, and learn a tune along the way. Come ready to re-tune your fiddle.

3. Learn a Fiddle Tune - Pick it up by ear. Melody, phrasing, and the details that make it jammable.

4. Fiddle in the Band - How to listen, find your role, and play in service of the music.

5. Improvisation by Ear - There are a lot of ways to approach improv. This is Forrest's. It might click for you, it might not, but it'll give you one more perspective to work with.

 

Gail Dreifus

1. Songwriting Using Tarot Cards - Get your creative brain unclogged and write a song using the magical means  of a tarot deck. I will provide the cards, you will create the magic! You will be amazed by what you write!

2. Writing From Your Roots - Before there was social media there were ballads to tell your story. Bring a piece of your ancestry to this class and write your narrative.  What does your last name mean? Who were your great grandparents?  These are just some questions to help you write the story of you.

3. Why Do We Write Songs? - “If nobody ever heard the song you wrote, why would you still write it?” This class will unlock the processing of emotion and finding a personal voice instead of diving into music theory or rhyme schemes. We will focus on the purpose of songwriting and sharing honest communication regarding  why we do this in the first place and why it is important. 

4.  Write Your First (or second) Song - If you thought you could not write a song, give it another thought and come to this class. I will have templates, prompts and encouragement so that you will be able to write a song.  Give this a try, you have nothing to lose and perhaps you too will be a songwriter!

5. Song Salon - Song Salon is an opportunity for you to present your works-in-progress to the group and get feedback, ideas and encouragement. Bring us your tired, your weak, your half-written, yearning to be finished. Come ready to share, give feedback, and be supportive and respectful

 

Greg Begin and Anna Joyce

1. Rio Samba and Samba Reggae - a quiet ensemble weaving the complex tapestry of Brazil’s most famous rhythms. Great class

2. New Rhythms Of Northern Brazil 

       Maracatu:  rhythm from the state of Pernambuco and Maculale: dynamic rhythm derived             from the sugar cane plantations of Brazil.

       a. Baiao:  the rhythm of Forró music, played with accordion, triangle and a unique drum               called the zabumba.

       b. Rhythms of Capoeira: a call and response pattern, accompanying the martial art of                   capoeira! Very cool instruments & rhythms! 

   3. Washboard For All Occasions - Using this traditional instrument which has roots in           both early African-American tradition and the improvisation of Appalachian musicians, we           will include riffs for blues, jazz, zydeco, and other genres. Washboards provided! (X2) 

   4. Many Voices of Percussion - (and how to fit into a jam without                            overwhelming it) This course will look at the many large and small instruments of                    percussion that can be gracefully woven into a jam…from larger instruments like congas              and snare to handheld ones such as shakers, triangles, bells, quica not to mention                        clapping, body parts, foot on the floor, and whatever else you can grab! 

 

Greg McDonald

1. Swing Guitar - Learn the Jazz Classic “Sweet Georgia Brown” - The 1st session will be basic chords and melody, the 2nd session will be expanding on chords and soloing. (Progressive X2)

2. Essential Swing Rhythm; Basics - This will be a progressive class as well.  Basic chords and rhythm technique will be taught to loosen the wrist up. (Progressive X2)

3. Essential Swing Rhythm; Beyond the Basics - Explore more exotic rhythms as well as a deep dive on gypsy swing. 

4. Essential Swing (Basic Soloing) - Introduction with arpeggios and simple blues lines will be taught to get you playing through the changes! 

5. Essential Swing (Advanced Soloing) - expanding arpeggios and connecting lines up and down the fret board.

6. Slow Jam - Sunday night

 

Hattie Craven 

1. Ukulele Playground - Let’s Play N’ Sing Together !  A fun & friendly introduction to the Uke. Think of it as Slow Jam For Ukulele. 

2. Harmony Hootenanny - A big ‘ol time singing harmonies w/ with Jessica, Hattie and JB - Wow! 

 

JB Barton

1. Beginning Upright Bass - JB covers the ‘bass’ics; posture, progressions, walking lines, fingering for primary keys and, of course, your questions. 

2. Creative Rhythm for Guitar - Back by popular demand! Syncopations with the right hand…valuable stuff. (X2) 

3. Beginning Flatpicking for Guitar - strum, strum strum… holding the pick… hand position + more, more, more! 

4. Singing With JB - fundamentals and, if time, he’ll touch a little on harmony! 

5. Harmony Hootenanny - A big ‘ol time singing harmonies w/ with Jessica, Hattie and JB - Wow! 

6. Slow Jam - Monday & Tuesday nights 

 

Jessica Malone

1. Ukulele Orchestra - we take a classic song and everyone gets assigned a different part; strumming, picking, melody, etc,…building a dynamic arrangement. (X2)

2. Harmony Hootenanny - A big ‘ol time singing harmonies w/ with Jessica, Hattie and JB - Wow! 

3. Strum Thing Wonderful - Explore strumming patterns for ukulele.

4. Uke Can Write A Song - We’ll write a simple 3- 4 chord song together on the uke. So fun!

 

Joe Craven

1. Songetry - One word prompt. Puke on a page for 5 minutes. Read the magic. Add rhythm, then some chords to inspire a freshly sung melody and “Poof!” You’ve got a great start to a new song!

2. Singing with an Editor… Blindfolded! - Without visual distraction, this experience of doing more with less will create a whole new connection to emotion and dynamics in your singing. It’s the power of a cappella in your repertoire! (Inspired by my friend Margo LeDuc.)

3. Vocal Improv - Use your voice to create highly expressive sounds… organically. (X2)​

4. Singing Like Family (w/ Sheridan) - Bluegrass Duos by the Louvin and Osborne Brothers. Learn some classic “brother” duets and the singing secrets for making it sound like you grew up making music with your partner. For men and women with voices, ears, and an interest in close vocal harmony. (X2 / Monday and Tuesday)

 

Laura Frank

1.  Learn to Play a Keyboard Accordion - Ready, set, go! Laura will teach you "from scratch" how to play the right- and left-hand sides of the accordion. You will also learn to sing and play at the same time with a couple of songs by the end of camp. Some small student accordions are provided, or students can provide their own. (X3 Progressive)

2. Intermediate/Advanced Accordion - Left-Hand Technique - For students that play beyond beginning level. Bring your own accordion.

3. Laura’s Irish Session -  Aye lads & lassies!  Music handouts provided. (All Instruments)

 

Mary Canote  

1. Nose Flute Orchestra - We’ll supply your nose flute…and you provide the talent. Mary is one of the finest nose flautists in the region and has won awards that we can only dream of. Besides, she’s a lot of fun and this class will be a rip snorting’ good time.

 

Sheridan Malone 

1. ”Rise & Shine!” - Get your body moving and sing “Cocka-doodle-doo” with our fav greeter of the day; Mr. Sheridan Malone! Body & breath…mouth & movement. Get tuned up before the breakfast buffet and the morning news! (Monday Morning)

2. Singing Like Family (w/ Joe Craven) - Bluegrass Duos by the Louvin and Osborne Brothers. Learn some classic “brother” duets and the singing secrets for making it sound like you grew up making music with your partner. For men and women with voices, ears, and an interest in close vocal harmony. (X2 / Monday and Tuesday)

3. See What You’re Singing: Breaking The Fourth Wall - a physical performance workshop about investing yourself in the song, connecting more intimately with your audience, and minimizing your nerves or doubts.

4. Economies of Accompaniment - a class for ukulele and guitar to help add double stop leads, fills or flourishes without losing your pulse or place. Yes!

 

Steve Gust / Dennis Mitchell 

1. Percussion; Train Beat & the Shuffle! These two basic beats, the train beat and shuffle, will be taught for any surface (not specifically on cajon) and they will cover the basic techniques for these 2 rhythms.  After covering basic techniques, Steve and Dennis will coach students as they play along to easy pre-recorded music. (X2)

2. Percussion; Beyond the Train Beat & Shuffle!  Steve and Dennis’ second workshop will be aimed at teaching experienced players (or students from our first workshop looking to take their skills to the "next level....") offering some play along with challenging music. They will still be placing emphasis on train beat and shuffle so that our students can feel more confident joining in on the evening jams, but might venture into basic samba and calypso, and perhaps reggae !!!

 

Tara Williams

1. The World Is Your Snare Drum: A Soundscape Painting Workshop - Discover how the world around you can become your snare drum using just jazz brushes and a little creativity. Everyday objects like pizza boxes, paper plates, and magazines transform into instruments of rhythm and sound. I’ll have some boxes and a few extra brushes to share, but if you can, please BYOBB (Bring Your Own Box and Brushes) and let your surroundings inspire you to create a vibrant soundscape!

2. Stomping Grounds: The Joy of Flatfooting - Come tip-tap, stomp, and slap your way into the heart of Appalachian percussive dance, also known as buck dancing, clogging, or simply “fixing to make a ruckus in the barn.” We’ll let our flat feet follow the fiddle’s lively tune—guaranteed to get your body moving and your spirit lifted! Leather-soled shoes are ideal, but we’ll make magic with whatever’s on your feet!

3. Social Dance - No partner required. Come learn the basics of two-stepping, waltz, and swing, and potentially other styles if requested. 

4. Tarah’s Cabaret Showcase! - Learn about the art of cabaret in a supportive and playful environment. Cabaret is storytelling through song in an intimate setting, often incorporating other art forms to create an engaging and eclectic show. Students are encouraged to bring a song they know well to workshop and play; however, familiar printed songs and plenty of exercises will also be available to embody the spirit of cabaret without worrying about preparation. (x 2)

5. Tarah’s Cabaret - Tuesday night