Last year we had a thread like this. So since no one started it yet, thought I would.
We all had an incredible time. A big part of it was to meet and hang with you all awesome folks. Driving energy for me is to soak up new ideas and to grow as a musician.
Jimmy Heffernan showed us some important points for standing with a reso. Of course it's different for everyone but, Reso slanting down with right arm pushing up on the strap really solidified my instrument. Also the strap on the left needs to be tight. Left hand always down - he puts a good amount pressure on his left hand, which never comes off the finger board.
He pointed out that many students are lifting their bars too much. I tip my bar a bit too much, so I'm working on keeping my bar flatter like Rob does.
Sally Van Meters pick blocking class was very helpful. (I think we have another thread on how to do it.) She is the queen of tone.
Rob Ickes class Key of B no capo. B blues lays out very well on the reso. But B major is another storey. Bottom line I got was that for a barn burning B major sounding bluegrass song, even Rob may use a capo. Made me feel better.
I also took Tim Scheerhorn's 3 hour Dobro Makeover class. I was a little concerned that 3 hours might be over kill for me. I was wrong. I was totally fascinated for the 3 hours. He took the mystery out of bridge and nut slots. He made over an old pre-war Dobro. End result was clearer and louder. Great class.
Much was learnt just being around great musicians like Andy, Rob, Randy, Sally, Dave Giegerich, Jimmy, Mike Wicher and Mr. Auldridge. And hearing some great muscial ideas in the jam sessions each night.
The jamming was %1000 percent improved over last year. I did'nt get to sleep much before 1am each night, and then getting up by 6:30am has left me still fairly wasted. We had bass, guitars and some banjo to help with the jamming. Betty brought in a female duet of bass, guitar and vocals to jam with. Also a great western swing guitarist/singer showed up.
Had a few great jams with Dave Giegerich, great swing player / teacher. What a great guy, really enjoyed him. The level in the jams was very high. Had a really fun jam with Mike Witcher, Freddy, Gregg, Abbie and Dan. All the jamming was good. Emily was inspiring (plays without seeing the neck).
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