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Ozark
Mountain
By CINDY THOMAS, Staff Writer Sounds of bluegrass music mingled with voices and laughter as young musicians and their sponsors and instructors gathered for another successful Ozark Mountain Music Association Youth Bluegrass Music Camp. From June 7 to 11, the Michel family’s Weddings & Events at the Homestead venue hosted the annual camp sponsored by OMMA, Southern Missouri Arts Connection, and the Society of Ozarkian Hillcrofters. The week included individual and group instruction on guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin and bass, plus band coaching, jam sessions each evening, and square dancing, along with time for fun and games, fellowship, and of course, plenty of good food. Fifty-five youth ages 10 to 18 attended this year’s camp, which continues to grow each year. Some attendees already perform as established bands, and several competed in the recent youth bluegrass competition held at Silver Dollar City. Campers also include individual students at all levels of expertise on their instruments, placed in bands to learn vocal technique including harmonization, complementary instrumental technique, and stage presence as a group. The Saturday evening finale featured 11 bands in performance. Several locally and nationally prominent musicians make time in their schedules each year to teach at the camp because they believe strongly in continuing the legacy of traditional music with a younger generation. One of those is Stephen Mougin, Nashville songwriter and musician, who performs with the Sam Bush Band and also operates Dark Shadow Recording. Mougin learned to appreciate bluegrass music at an early age and after a few years as a public school choir teacher, moved to Nashville to pursue his love of the genre. “The cornerstone of bluegrass is the authenticity of the stories the songs tell,” stated Mougin. “Every young person can relate to the experiences, imagine themselves in a similar place, and learn the core values of honest living and respect
Music
for others that come through in this traditional music.” Mougin also spoke to the importance of arts and humanities in schools. “If you think about what you’re likely to keep doing as an adult,” he said, “those are the skills that don’t have an expiration date.” Mougin and others commented on the welcome sight of kids not spending time on their phones and other technology as they engaged in music and enjoyed the lovely outdoor setting of the Homestead venue. He also expressed appreciation for older musicians and band members who took time to
Bluegrass
show him new skills and encourage him as a young person, the very thing he and other instructors now see value in doing at camp. Vocal instructor Kari Garrison, who sings with Clay Cooper’s Country Express in Branson, echoed Mougin’s comments about passing on the legacy. “I was fortunate to grow up around bluegrass,” she said. “I’m so excited to help carry on the tradition through these camps.” Other instructors are former campers who went on to pursue college degrees and careers in music. The next fun and exciting oppor-
Camp
tunity to learn traditional music and dance skills will be at Ozark Mountain Music Association’s Old-Time Music & Dance Camp, July 28–30 in Mountain View, Arkansas. Youth ages 13 and up will learn traditional Ozarks fiddle music and old-fashioned community-style square dancing through
a
JUNE 17, 2022 • 5
success
individual and group lessons and evening jam sessions and dances. This camp will be held at the Baptist Church in Mountain View near the Picker’s Park. Visit www.ozarkmountainmusicassociation.com and click on “Camp Info”, and follow the Facebook page for updates.
Jim Stockton ABR, GRI, CRS Broker Licensed in Missouri & Arkansas
cell: 417.230.2520 email: Jim@JimStockton.com web: JimStockton.com o: 417.335.6611 f: 417.338.9820
P.O. Box 2062 • 45 Notch Shopping Center Lane • Branson West, MO 65737
A more experienced and a beginner student compare favorite versions of a song. (Photo by Cindy Thomas)
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