Youth enjoy traditional music and fun at Bluegrass Camp

From June 10 through 14, the Michel family’s Weddings at the Homestead venue was once again filled with music, fun and learning at the annual Youth Bluegrass Camp, presented by Ozark Mountain Music Association. Thirty-five nationally and locally recognized instructors joined OMMA volunteers to help pass traditional music skills on to 110 campers, with individual and group lessons on guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, bass and vocals. Many parents, older or younger siblings and camp alumni were also present to cheer on the campers and enjoy the fun. 

Jeff Michel,  who owns and provides use of the Weddings at the Homestead venue, teaching a young camper a fiddle lesson (Photo by Cynthia J. Thomas)

The OMMA camps are becoming a yearly highlight for many families, who appreciate the wholesome atmosphere, opportunity to make new friends with similar interests, and the social anchor provided by such music and traditional values often neglected or lacking in today’s chaotic culture. Some also combine the trip with other Branson area activities. One such family, attending for the second year, was the Mulkins family, who travel as a family ministry sharing the gospel through traditional and bluegrass music. Four of the family’s nine children participated in camp, and Mom Cindy Mulkins said it is not only a good time to hone their music skills but also a wonderful opportunity to relax and make new friends. 

In addition to the lessons each day, there are evening square dances. The week culminated in a Saturday concert showcasing 19 young bands, some already acquainted and attending as a group and others assigned to bands to be coached in performance and stage presence by instructors. “I am so honored to attend and teach fiddle to these young musicians,” said instructor Gerald Jones in a social media post after his week of teaching. “The camp was awesome and the future of bluegrass is in good hands with these young’uns.” 

There’s still time to register your teens for the next OMMA camp opportunity, “Old-Time Music & Dance Camp,” planned for July 16 through 19 in the nation’s “Folk Music Capital,” Mountain View, Arkansas. Young people will receive individual and group instruction on traditional instruments as well as old-time community square dancing, along with opportunities to visit the historic Mountain View courthouse square jam sessions and of course, reconnect with friends or form new friendships. Visit https://www.ozarkmountainmusicassociation.com/camp for registration details.