FAQ For Future Campers
Some of you reading this might have arrived having been accepted into the next Bass/Nature Camp and are looking for hints on what to expect from the camp. First of all, congradulations on being accepted! You're in for a whirlwind experience, one of which you are not likely to ever forget. However, if you want a play-by-play of what you're going to go through, you're not going to find that here. Not only is it really hard to put into words what happens at camp, you'll have a better time and get more from the experience if you go in without any preconceptions.
Accordingly, there are a number of things about camp that I will not tell you:
- What kind of music you'll play.
- What techniques you'll learn.
- Who will be there (because even if I knew, I couldn't tell you).
- How the camp is structured.
- Anything that you can't find in other places (like Victor's website or biography, for example).
What I will generally tell you:
- Keep an open mind. This is probably the most important thing. Just be willing to try what the instructors have to offer, and you'll come out smiling.
- Camping tips.
- You'll be better off camping towards the upper side of the compound; the facilities are much nicer, the land clearer and you'll be further away from the main hall (which will let you sleep easier when the late night jam sessions are getting loud).
- Take sandals or something for the showers. You will need them.
- Be careful where you set up the tent itself -- to avoid poison ivy, stay away from three leaved plants and hairy vines.
- Sitting down. You'll be spending a lot of time sitting down. The benches are very hard with no back support. While the chairs are softer and do offer some sort of back support, it's still not what you would call comfortable. Just be ready for it.
- Pay attention during the sessions. This may seem like a given, but you'd be surprised at the number of people that were playing to themselves rather than listening to what the instructor had to say.
- Flying with a bass. It's a pain to fly with one bass, let alone two. I've done it quite a few times, and it can be a hassle -- particularly with the post-9/11 security. Having said that, there are some workarounds:
- Be courteous and professional. The folks checking your bag are working hard, trying their best to balance all sorts of things. If you act professional to them, they will act professional to you.
- Dress the part. If you look like a slob, you'll be treated like a slob. This doesn't mean wear a three piece suit, but a little good grooming (nice shirt, decent pants) will help with the initial impression that you are professional and should be treated as such.
- Check out other sites for information -- indie music has some good tips, and the advice from both Victor and Steve have helped me out several times when I have flown with my instrument.
- The AFM (American Federation of Musicians) have a letter you can print off concerning what the union and the TSA have agreed about instruments. It may or may not help you, but it can't hurt to have handy.
- Volunteer for a seat in the back of the plane. There's more turbulence, yes, but you get to have first dibs on the overhead storage comparments -- a big plus when you consider the size of a gig bag.
- Wear the gig bag so that your body is between you and the attendents at the gate. Getting on the plane is half the battle.
- Only your gig bag should be your carry on -- check everything else.
What I will tell you about my experiences specifically:
- Things that aren't likely to be repeated. The odds of Will Lee or Stanley Clarke coming back are small, so I don't feel like I'm spoiling anything by mentioning it. Your trip to camp will have it's own share of special guests, all of whom will be amazing in their own right.
If you want to read about my experiences, go to the bottom and start scrolling up. Photos can be found here.
Finally, thanks to Rob for all his help with both the FAQ and the recollections of the trip.
Posted by Casper at September 13, 2004 10:40 AM
