Is this camp for me?
This camp is for you, if ...
- You love Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs or the Stanley Brothers, and you recently started playing a bluegrass instrument (guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, Dobro, double bass) and you are able to change chords comfortably between the 4 major chords: G, C, D and A.
- You already play an instrument in another musical genre and you have the intuition that bluegrass music can help you progress technically and in improvisation.
- You are an advanced bluegrass musician and you want to go further, to explore new directions by moving to a higher level and sharing fantastic moments between musicians.
What will I learn?
The workshop is organized around 4 themes:
- Instrumental classes : (3 full mornings) : bluegrass playing techniques on your favorite instrument, rhythmics, phrasing, licks, solos...
- Workshops : bluegrass vocal harmonies, advanced instrumental techniques, thematic modules (composition, clear cues for improvisation...)
- Wernick Method jam teaching: in small groups divided by level, each group being marked by one of the teachers. The best way to learn!
- Band Labs: groups formed during the workshop and coached by a teacher with the aim of playing one or two pieces on the festival's main stage on Thursday night.
More than 20 hours of instrumental or vocal lessons with the teachers of your choice, covering all the essential aspects of bluegrass music, not to mention informal meetings and exchanges!
Where will I stay?
The workshop is fully residential. All classes and meals take place in Lycée Sainte Famille (High School) of ESCR, the La Roche Catholic School Association.
Students sleep in the residential part of the school (2-5 to a room with shared bathrooms) or at the ENILV school next door (the National Agricultural College for the Milk and Meat Industry).
Both schools are partners of the festival. ESCR also runs Sainte Marie Junior High School, which hosts the festival itself.
Students may also choose to sleep elsewhere and take only meals in the school dining room.
For more information about where the school is or where to stay, see the maps of La Roche and where to stay.
Wifi is available on the ground floor of the main Sainte Famille building
When should I arrive?
The school will be open from 3pm on Monday afternoon to register and move into your rooms.
There will be a reception at 6.30 with food and drinks hosted by the festival organising committee and the teaching team.
Can I stay for the festival?
Students at the camp may keep their room during the festival if they wish. The price will be the regular rate and you must inform the organisation of your intention to stay when you sign up for the camp.
The organisation has decided to grant trainees a special rate on the 4-day pass for entry to the festival.