Singing Amazing Grace at my first Bluegrass Jam Night! ????????

I played at my first bluegrass jam night in a one room school house in Branson - old time music.

I started playing fiddle & mandolin about 2 years ago after moving to Branson, in what feels like the heart of bluegrass. I went to Silver Dollar City & saw Hillary Klug playing fiddle & buck dancing (making the beat to old
time music & Appalachian mountain music with your feet) and I decided that was my future!

It’s amazing how we can get inspired.

Well I wanted to play with people and then was invited by a friend to come play with this group of talented players! I’m so new and green, but hey you gotta learn somehow! They were so nice and the guy next to me helped me figure out what key to play in.

What they do is go around the circle and let each person choose a song, then during that song they go around the circle and each person who wants to does a little solo, then they finish the song and the next person chooses a song. This has once a week has been going once a week since 1980! Only taking off holidays! So cool. Started by 3 friends.

I made a bunch of curriculum and put it on my iPad so I can quickly know the notes for each key for mandolin, fiddle, bass, guitar & banjo! Maybe I’ll bring my banjo next time! ???? Not sure I could get away with being so new with that one as well with how it cuts through with the high sound.. but you know, now I’ve gotta do it! ???? I like to challenge myself and hopefully not take things too serious.. it’s just music lol. I think people forget that haha. It’s all about having fun and connecting with people.. and hopefully not annoying them. ????

Okay well that’s all for now!

Chop chop - Oh, I learned to “chop” on the off beat. The beat between what the bass player is playing. You stomp your foot with the bass and play between stomps. Good to know! Now go get our own instrument & get busy!! Maybe soon I’ll have my curriculum available on my website CamilleToday.com

Happy almost fall! ????????????
Camillea