Submitted by Anni Beach, President of Jam Pak Band, 501(c)(3)
This was the second year of coordinating a three-day Bluegrass Summer Camp with Jam Pak. Indeed, we built upon the great success of the 2023 camp. It was a most joyful and big learning experience for everyone involved. Every effort was made to provide the most excellent and participative experience for both the youngsters and the coaches. We had a total of 18 coaches and 30 youngsters, not including six adults who also participated in the bass and guitar sessions. Nine of the coaches were people of color.
Our camp was held Tuesday, June 4 through Thursday, June 6, 2024, from 2:30-8 p.m. all three days. The first two days were held in the Jam Pak home and included a fabulous two-hour session with LaVon Woods, known as “the mother of Black Gospel Music in Chandler,” on being in a gospel choir. That kicked off the afternoon. After dinner everyone had a two-hour session on their instrument with a coach. The camp song was “Aragon Mill” by Si Kahn in honor of his 80th birthday and because we like protest songs.
Day Two focused on harmony singing in small groups, as well as singing. Everyone played ukulele for the second hour and enjoyed songs like “You Are My Sunshine,” “Keep on the Sunny Side,” and “Bad Moon Rising.” After another delicious dinner prepared by parents, the three groups had songwriting sessions which was a favorite part of camp. They came back for the final half hour, and each group performed their song. It was amazing what even the smallest children composed!
Day Three was held at the large home of the Egbe and Tambe-Ebot family. Everyone gathered: over 50 people for the final afternoon and night. First a band scramble was held in which everyone participated. Three bands were created and, after a few minutes of practice, they each performed one song. Then a jam was held to teach jamming techniques. We had a big pizza dinner, and then Gieselle Tambe-Ebot (Leadership Bluegrass Class of 2023) taught some Cameroon dancing and singing and gave great history linking African music to bluegrass. The finale was the Showcase and Closing Ceremony. The whole group performed “Aragon Mill.” Certificates were handed out to every person who helped and participated. Then it was party time!
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force of the City of Chandler gave Jam Pak a grant. That, combined with the Shultz Fund grant from the IBMA Foundation, added up to $2,250 in grants. Stipends for the 17 coaches totaled $2,100. There were no administrative costs. The food and snacks for the three days was approximately $300, thanks to donations from parents. Any other costs were taken care of by Jam Pak.
Every camper received a notebook with the schedule, the song sheet for “Aragon Mill,” and the coloring pages created by Jam Pak for the camp. A video has also been created with photographs and some video.
Jam Pak is so grateful for this financial support. Everyone had a great time, learned new things, and was encouraged in continuing to learn bluegrass music and be a part of building this community.
RETURN to the September 2024 issue of The Cornerstone.
Check out the JAM Pak Bluegrass Camp 2024 video here: https://youtu.be/RleievnWpmQ
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