Come join our jams!  There will be a lot of spontaneous jamming during the camp, and you’re certainly welcome to jump into them. However, these below happen regularly, and are big fun. If you’re a newbie and experiencing the (unfounded) Jam Fear that everyone does, don’t be intimidated. Everyone experiences Jam Fear when they start, if they have any sense. At first it may be a little scary, but it’ll soon turn into a lot of fun. Some reasons you might hesitate:

• “They’re going to hear me mess up.” No, they’re all busy trying to do their own thing. Very rarely in the average jam does anyone even hear the stuff you’re doing, since they’re worried about their own.
• “I’ll make mistakes.” Yes, you will, as everyone does, and if you’re not beating the daylights out of your instrument, you’re the only one who will hear them.
• “I’ll be put on the spot.”  No, in a jam, you can always choose to hang back. If anyone calls on you to take a solo, a shake of your head is a perfectly legitimate response.
• “I can’t keep up.”  Maybe so, maybe not. If you can’t, you can still play the chords or notes that sound OK to you as the music passes by.

The fact is that just like that cold water, it’s sometimes a bit scary to jump in the first time, but once you’re used to it, you’re telling everyone that they should jump in; what a bunch of weenies! Please, give the jams a try:

Afternoon Jam with Gretchen (All Levels) – Gretchen Priest

Gretchen hosts Inclusive Multi Level Jamming “wether you’re first time jammer, or if more seasoned; don’t be shy and come join in on the fun!