Saskatoon Blues Society - 2012 Blues Camp Guidelines

2012 Blues Camp Guidelines

Registration Deadline Is February 17, 2012

Objectives

The Blues Camp, sponsored by Affinity Credit Union gives youth aged 12 to 17 a positive way to express emotions through blues music. The program is a mixture of hands on musical instruction taught by professional musicians combined with a blues history lesson. Students are taught at a wide range of proficiency levels and are encouraged to build their improvisation and performance skills.

During camp, students learn to play blues music on their choice of voice, guitar, drums, bass or harmonica. By practicing and performing together, Blues Camp students learn teamwork, social skills, discipline, and improve their self-confidence. The camp culminates with an open house performance, in which the students are able to showcase their skills for the public at Bluesday on Broadway located in the Cosmopolitan Senior Citizens Centre at 614 - 11th Street East on Saturday, February 25th.

Instrument Classes

Guitar Classes: Classes will be divided in to 2 sections depending on level of ability. Curriculum lesson plans cover scales and soloing, rhythm playing, chords and inversions, licks and techniques. (bends, pull offs, hammer ons, mute strums etc) All examples are used in the context of well know blues songs. Students will learn from instructors that may specialize in a particular style or technique and want to share it with the class.

Drum Set Classes: Through instructor led classes students will be able to garner many of the essential techniques needed to become a more successful drummer. Topics include drum rudiments, effective listening, reading music, improving coordination, narrowing the gap between ‘strong’ and ‘weak’ hands, learning essential blues beats and fills, and creating the most effective drum beats for songs.

Bass Classes: Students will learn the essential skills needed to be part of a strong rhythm section. Class topics include warm ups, muting, scales, various styles, 3 note chords and various techniques. Bass students will have the opportunity to play in several bands at Blues Camp and these small group sessions will assist them in learning the repertoire quickly and accurately. Sessions will enable the instructor to teach his personalized style and share his “bag of tricks” with the class.

Vocal Classes: The vocal class will focus on warm ups and cool downs, breathing, voice placement, stamina, technique, singing harmony, different styles and stage presentation. Vocal students may also have the opportunity to sing in multiple bands to as a lead vocalist and backup singer.

Harmonica Classes: The instrument closely associated with blues is the mouth harp. To get those 'blue' notes the bend is a necessity. Trills, fills, backup or soloing, the student will have the opportunity to learn breath control and techniques to blow the blues harp.

- Blues Camp will be conducted at Walter Murray Collegiate Music Room -

Students should bring their instruments, such as guitars, acoustic or electric, amplifiers where practical, harmonicas, drums sticks, etc. Drum kits and amplifiers will be available for student use.

Timetable

Dates: 3 days - Tuesday, February 21st to Thursday, February 23th

Times: Reception - 9:30 to 10am

Sessions: 2 a day - 10am to noon & 1pm to 3pm

Lunch Break: noon to 1pm

Rehearsal: Friday, February 24th - 1:00 to 3:00pm

Fee: $100.00

All of the above at Walter Murray Collegiate Music Room

Public Performance Saturday, February 25th from 2pm to 4pm Bluesday on Broadway Cosmopolitan Senior Citizens Centre 614 - 11th Street East Beverages, snacks and lunch will be provided at Walter Murray on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Students will be selected based on their application. An attempt will be made to include a manageable number of students for each instrument. Space is limited.

Blues Camp is a program presented by the Saskatoon Blues Society and sponsored by Affinity Credit Union as part of the events of the Saskatoon Blues Festival.

For contacts and further information dowload the following PDFs 2012 Blues Camp Application, 2012 Blues Camp Waiver.