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mike2jb
Lokahi
USA
213 Posts |
 Posted - 12/27/2006 : 07:30:01 AM
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Yahoo! I might get to go to a week-long slack-key workshop this summer. Now I have to choose: Aloha Music Camp or George Kahumoku’s workshop. They’re back-to-back in June. Wish I could do both, but can’t.
I’ve looked at old threads on this topic here and I understand the differences in location and so forth. Looks like each one has its strong points.
My question to those who’ve tried both: is one of these workshops better suited for a beginner like me (one year of lessons under my belt—nothing at all before that).
I’d appreciate any other general thoughts on this subject. Mahalo to all.
-Mike
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Reid
Ha`aha`a
Andorra
1526 Posts |
Posted - 12/27/2006 : 07:59:40 AM
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Mike,
What do you really want to get out of the Camp? It sounds like (but this is only inference, because of your emphasis on the fact that you are a beginner) that you *might* want to get technique lessons, or maybe learn some new songs. But, this might be totally off the mark. Could you be more specific?
...Reid |
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mike2jb
Lokahi
USA
213 Posts |
Posted - 12/27/2006 : 12:08:18 PM
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Hi, Reid-
I suppose I'm lookng for a next step at this point. My teacher has taken me through some taro patch tab pieces (Ozzie and a little from Hanson), but he's pretty "anti-tab," so I do a fair amount of vocals or trying to pick out tunes I know by ear (with limited success so far), usually as a brief pa`ani in a vocal.
I'd like to develop a basis to begin learning that sort of improvisation and also find out how to keep up with others kanikapila-style. (Guess I really always wanted a report card that says "plays well with others."  )
-Mike |
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Julie H
Ha`aha`a
USA
1206 Posts |
Posted - 12/27/2006 : 6:52:50 PM
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Aloha Mike,
It is true that both George's workshop and Keola's workshop are excellent adventures. At the same time, there are some major differences.
At George's camp, we all get together everynight and play kanikapila style with directions and help from all the instructors. It is a learning experience in the many ways to play together, usually lots of fun, and we are loath to quit at the "quiet time" the hotel has specified. (So some of us end up at the beach to play way into the night. Or at least until it starts to rain, or the sprinklers at the adjacent hotel go on...) Then on the last day of the workshop, we all go to the Maui Slack Key Festival, where George performs a couple of songs and then drags the whole workshop body on stage for another couple of songs. A blast all day long as we settle back to listen to the rest of the musicians, then head out for dinner and more playing.
This next June will be the 10th Anniversary for George, and we hear that the facilities will be renovated into luxury condos, so this will be our last time there at the Mauian in Napili.
At Keola's camp, after the lessons everyday, there is usually a show performed by the different instructors. One night the Beamer Family takes to the stage. Kanikapilas are arranged on the private "platforms", and jams may spontaneously occur, but it is not normally organized per se for the students to participate in. On the last night there is a "student show" where you can sign up to play your one song. (The first time I did that in front of the Beamer family I thought I was going to die from nerves!  )
I can't say that one is better than the other, because I love them both, but they do have different formats. It all depends on what you want to gain from your one week.
This year we are hoping to be able to go to both, and I hope I can handle that much stimulation!
Me ke aloha, Julie |
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mike2jb
Lokahi
USA
213 Posts |
Posted - 12/28/2006 : 4:55:07 PM
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Thanks for the personal insights, Julie. At this point I get chicken skin just imagining playing in front of the Beamers or at the Maui Slack Key Festival, even in a big group. Whew!
-Mike |
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Admin
Pupule
USA
4551 Posts |
Posted - 12/28/2006 : 5:54:03 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by mike2jb
My question to those who’ve tried both: is one of these workshops better suited for a beginner like me (one year of lessons under my belt—nothing at all before that).
I don't think that there are really right or wrong answers here. You know, it's not black and white?
Whatever level, each person takes something different away from a camp/workshop. Sometimes, you learn a song, a chord, technique, tuning. Maybe you make friends. The choice could come down to who your favorite slack key artist is -- who do you want to hang out with for a week? There are so many variables.
Both workshops offer classes aimed at different levels. Moreover, some of the instructors change too. Well, what you're doing is correct. Ask and talk to as many people as you can. Sometimes chatting with people online and meeting them make the perfect start for yoru first slack key camp. I've attended both and loved both. Good luck an have fun! |
Andy |
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jlsulle
Lokahi
USA
284 Posts |
Posted - 12/28/2006 : 6:05:11 PM
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Hi Mike,
I too have attended both Keola's and George's camps and have also attended Led Kaapana's camp in Waikiki. They are all worth the price of admission and then some. Choose the "floor plan" that looks the best to you but in the end it is all about the wonderful and lasting friendships that you will make. Juss Press, Jerry |
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mike2jb
Lokahi
USA
213 Posts |
Posted - 01/01/2007 : 6:59:57 PM
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Thanks, Andy and Jerry-
I'll review past posts about both of these workshops and guess I'll have to make a choice at some point.
Happy New Year to all,
-Mike |
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mahimahi
Aloha
USA
43 Posts |
Posted - 01/03/2007 : 09:13:44 AM
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| Morning everyone!...I'm also considering attending an Aloha Music Camp or any other music camp...and as an absolute beginner with two months of self taught experience and hitting a wall....with the good intention of enrolling in a beginner's guitar class next month....I'd like to know just what criteria would one need to attend a music camp in Hawaii....what basics would I need to know and understand before I attend....I don't want to be tossed in there in a complete lost....like to learn the basics and build an foundation first....need to read music instead of just tabs?...all help is appreciated.....Also I'm just antsy to just get on the beach there and enjoy the energy and sunrise & sunsets kind... regards....James |
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Reid
Ha`aha`a
Andorra
1526 Posts |
Posted - 01/03/2007 : 10:51:54 AM
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Aloha e Kimo,
No you do not need to read music. Tab helps, but, no real need either. It is mostly look, listen, play. Both camps have instruction for absolute beginners (and pros, too). And, you can do *loads* of other stuff, too. Just read the stuff on the web sites.
And, you will never forget the experience.
...Reid |
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Julie H
Ha`aha`a
USA
1206 Posts |
Posted - 01/03/2007 : 5:28:05 PM
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Boy, I remember being an absolute beginner in 2001 (well, I knew 4 or 5 ukulele chords) and working my way, all alone, through Hilo down to the workshop at Kalani Honua, where I would meet the Beamer family!
I was scared to death!
But from there I was allowed glimpses into many other avenues of music, dance, culture, language, etc. And I got to meet some phenomenal people! (Like Reid and Sarah)And my life has not been the same since...
Reid is correct, you will never forget the experience. Just keep an open mind and an open heart. No fear about inadequacies regarding reading music or such. But you'll probably to be too busy enjoying yourself to waste time lying around on the beach!
Aloha, Julie |
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mahimahi
Aloha
USA
43 Posts |
Posted - 01/04/2007 : 8:20:25 PM
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| Thanks so much Reid and Julie H and the rest ...gives me confidence in what I'm capable of accomplishing at this point in time...I'll most likely sign up for the June workshop sign up ...Aloha...James |
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Julie H
Ha`aha`a
USA
1206 Posts |
Posted - 01/05/2007 : 10:24:02 PM
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Hope to meet you there, James!
Aloha, Julie
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mahimahi
Aloha
USA
43 Posts |
Posted - 01/23/2007 : 06:06:03 AM
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| Just wondering what would be the best way to travel with the guitar to the music camp in Molokai...Hawaiin Airlines says instruments need to be checked in...I would like to know what cases are bombproof....no worries...James |
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Admin
Pupule
USA
4551 Posts |
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wdf
Ha`aha`a
USA
1153 Posts |
Posted - 01/23/2007 : 08:57:10 AM
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I've been using a CaseXtreme Clam from Bruce Lamb for about 3 or 4 years now. I've flown with it to Hawai`i about 10 times. I put my guitar in it's hardshell case and put that in the CaseXtreme. I always just send it with my checked luggage. It has worked great - no problems. It's less than 1/3 the price of a Calton.
See his website http://www.casextreme.com/. |
Dusty |
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Best June workshop for beginner?
