PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
DATE: May 19, 2011
CONTACT: Cheryl Winston--303-551-5370 or Cheryl.Winston@gmail.com
Update! Wernick-Method Bluegrass Jam Classes Now in High Gear
. In late 2010, he launched the Wernick Method Bluegrass Network to train and certify qualified teachers to offer jam classes in their own communities.
Over 200 people have completed or signed up for 11 Wernick Method classes as of this May, with numbers growing weekly. Wernick says, “We are scheduling new classes well into the fall all around the U.S.”
Metro areas where Wernick Method classes are offered include Boston, Washington, DC, Chicago, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Phoenix, Reno, and Seattle. Several classes have also been held in communities in North and South Carolina, Wisconsin, Wyoming and Colorado. In April, Australia's first-ever 3-day bluegrass jam camp was hosted by Wernick Method teacher Greg McGrath.
Typical classes happen weekly, 6-8 sessions on weeknights or 4-5 longer sessions on weekend afternoons. Students play in large and small groups, helped by jam coaches. The newest Wernick Method teaching mode is at bluegrass festivals, with several 1- or 2-hour sessions spread throughout the weekend. The classes teach practical jam skills including how to follow and learn new songs, faking solos, leading songs, finding melodies, and the informal ground rules and etiquette of bluegrass jams.
“The success we’ve had with the classes this first year has been gratifying,” says Pete, “but it didn't surprise us. We knew we were filling a long-standing gap. What's really nice is how the teachers appreciate having a ready-made system that works, and how the student comments have been so positive about the teachers and what they've learned."
Wernick continues to train and certify teachers in the Wernick Method and to refine training materials including video, audio and written teaching guides. Teachers can learn more at his DrBanjo.com website to learn more. Nine teachers have received full certification, with more pending students’ evaluations following their first set of classes.
For updated class schedules, visit www.DrBanjo.com and click Classes. For “all things jamming”, visit BluegrassJamming.com.
2011 Summer & Fall Wernick Method Classes
May 21-Jun 11—Phoenix, AZ, Saturdays 9am-2pm with Mark Miracle
Jun 2-Jul 21—Brielle, NJ, Thursdays 7-9:30pm with Heidi Olsen
Jun 5-26—Greenville, SC, Sun 1-6pm with Gilbert Nelson
Jun 10-12—Palisade, CO, 7 hrs at Palisade Bluegrass and Roots Festival, with Guy Stephens
Jun 13-23—Hartland, WI, Mon/Tue/Thu 6-8pm with Jon Peik
Jun 13-Jul 18—Phoenix, AZ, Saturdays 9am-2pm with Mark Miracle
Jun 17-18—Cherokee, NC, 2 1½ hr sessions/day at Cherokee Bluegrass Festival, with Gilbert Nelson
Jun 20-23—Owensboro, KY, 3½ day jam camp with Pete & Joan Wernick
Sep 2-4—Woodstown, NJ, 6 hrs at Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival, with Heidi Olsen
Sep 6-27—Seattle, WA, Tuesdays 6:45-8:45pm with Rob Bulkley
Sep 8-Oct 27—Elmhurst, IL, Thursdays 6:30-9pm, with Keith Baumann
Sep 12-Oct 31—Buffalo, WY, Mondays 6:30-9pm with Lynn Young
Oct 4-25—Seattle, WA, Tuesdays 6:45-8:45pm with Rob Bulkley
Oct 8-29—Elizabethtown, PA, Saturdays 1-5pm with Patsy Kline
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