Yessiree .... The weather gods smiled on us again, only rather than sun, they surprised us with 3" of snow Friday night - a beautiful white blanket that kept us huddled inside, and enhancing the atmosphere of a warm, close-knit fiddle camp (Of course some serious out-of-season snow-ball fights did occur, prompting me to make feigned calls to the "fun police" given so many overjoyed kids (young and old).  Calvin Vollrath, Evan Marshall, Katie Harvey, Jane Frey and Martha Wild did their magic once again this year, and were joined by camp newcomers, Tyler Grant and Jonathan Trawick.  Wild card, Avery Merritt, shared fiddle duties with Calvin Vollrath, and as expected, wowed all with his prowess on acoustic and electric fiddles.  More pictures will be posted soon, but for now here's a collage that tells a bit of the story:

Hi everyone!

Hope y'all had a great holiday, and that the new year treats you well.

While early, a good number of folks have already preregistered for the camp, and if applications continue to flow in at the present rate, we'll be at capacity much earlier than expected.  That said, the camp's success has a lot to do with an atmosphere of mutual support - a feeling that is generated as much by the participants as it is by the attitude and ability of the instructors. 

To foster the comeraderie that makes a camp experience great, its helpful to get a jump-start on things by registrants posting a brief introduction about themselves, along with a few words about what it is they hope to get from the classes and overall camp experience.  Since a good number of last year's attendees are already signed up, I'm hoping they'll post a personal "welcome", as well as some suggestions as to what those coming for the first time can do to get ready.  

So, for those of you ready to say "howdy", please feel free to do so here.  I'll try to get your posts up as quickly as I can, knowing this forum will (as it did last year) help all "hit the ground running" when camp begins.

Avery

Hi all!

Just one year ago I turned my clasical violin into a fiddle and started attending some of the local San Dieg bluegrass events. The folks I've met have been very welcoming to a beginning fiddle player and they recommended the Julian Family Fiddle Camp. The idea of a fiddle camp was very intimidating but I forced myself to go and I'm so glad I did. I met others at my skill level (I thought I was the only one) and patient instructors that made everything simple gave me the confidence to want to learn and keep trying. The relaxed atmosphere, attending classes and workshops and eating meals together and playing music for the barn dances in the evening, all made for a wonderful lifetime experience. I made many new friends and contacts through fiddle camp and enjoy seeing them around town at different events. I recently hosted a bluegrass jam at my house with some of my fiddle camp friends along with several performance level bluegrass musicians. I was humbled by the joy of that music and those who came to share the evening in my home. I look forward to seeing everyone at fiddle camp next year!!!!

Patty

Top:  Patty Urie and Nancy Brunson / Bottom Left:  Avery Ellisman / Bottom Right:  MaryJane Cupp

Whether "threat" or "promise", I dare say there's follow-through, and the concept of a short video documenting Julian Family Fiddle Camp 2011 is now a reality. 

Filmed by Billy Marchese and Brenda Beauregard (and the now-familiar music of Calvin Vollrath playing in the background), this short is meant to capture and convey that which was experienced at the camp last Spring. 

I welcome your comments, and hope you like it.

Avery Ellisman

The Julian Family Fiddle Camp 2011 has come and gone, and I dare say a good time was had by all.  Indeed, my personal expectations were exceeded on almost every level, i.e., from the number of people, to the caliber of teaching, the phenomal performances given by Evan Marshall, Scott Gates, Calvin Vollrath and Katie Harvey, the wonderful dances led by Martha Wild, and the encouragement and instruction given by the ever-smiling Jane Frey.   As the Producer/Director of the event, its expected that I would write glowingly of what we all experienced, but I am hoping those who "risked" coming to the inaugural year of a heretofore unknown fiddle camp will post their thoughts for all to read. 

I look forward to the comments of those who came as students, instructors, family members and/or visitors to the camp, believing these views will mean far more to those considering whether or not to attend next year's event.

Avery Ellisman here, the guy behind (or in front of) the first Julian Family Fiddle Camp.   Thought it wise to create a place where all who are interested can provide and/or share information about themselves as it relates to our upcoming  experience at camp. As the camp producer, I'm naturally interested to learn more about those who are coming, and am hoping you will take the opportunity to let others know a bit about yourselves as well (e.g., where you'll be travelling from, what you play, how many years on the instrument, type of music you like and what you hope to get from the camp experience).   Blogs are a mixed bag, and while I don't expect to be "heavy handed", please know I plan on keeping a close eye on entries, and will try to make sure all posts are relevant, informative and encourage the playing of music together. 

To start this out, I'll note that I'm 59, a rather advanced fiddler and mandolin player, and a father of 3 kids, Shira - 10, Ada - 8, and Ezra - 5.  All of my kids play the fiddle to some degree or another (yes, they'll be at the camp), and their and my experiences at other fiddle camps over the years has been the impetus for creating the Julian Family Fiddle Camp.   I'll likely expand on this as time unfolds, but, as is said - "enough about me...".

 Okay, with that aside, I'm truly pleased to note that, as of today, there are nearly 50 signed up to attend the camp, and believe me, this is doggone phenomenal given that its year one of what I fully expect to be an annual event.  You all know who you are, so if you're courageous enough to post a note and let others know a bit about yourselves, then by all means, GO FOR IT!

BTW:  To add a comment, double click on  "comments" above and, after filling in the required information, type what you want to say then click on "submit comment".   

Look forward to learning more about you, and of course, meeting you all this April.

Avery