SCC hosts successful Old-Time Music camp

DOBSON, N.C. – Hands were busy picking and strumming guitars, bows moved across fiddle strings, banjos rang out, and toes stomped as voices rose loudly at Surry Community College’s Old-Time Music Camp. Novice and veteran musicians learned traditions of the Appalachian Mountains during the 5th Annual Surry Old-Time Music Camp held in July on SCC’s main campus in Dobson.

Sherry White, Career Technical Education Coordinator, reflected on the Old-Time Music Camp, saying, “The 2024 Surry Old-Time Music Camp enjoyed an outstanding turnout and was a tremendous success. It was heartwarming to witness our passionate instructors dedicated to preserving and teaching the rich tradition of old-time music from our area, ensuring its legacy continues. Students enjoyed an enriching week filled with learning and fun. I am deeply grateful to the Wright Traditional Music Fund and the Martin Guitar Charitable Foundation for their invaluable contributions to this camp. We are already looking forward to another fantastic camp next year. I've received numerous compliments from students, parents, and instructors about their exciting experience.”

Surry County has an intact music culture that is passed down from generation to generation. The “old-time” music style of the Appalachian Mountains uses fiddle, banjo, and guitar as core instruments to create unique folk music. Old-time music of the North Carolina and Virginia mountains date back to before the invention of sound recordings.

The camp featured some of the area’s finest old-time and bluegrass musicians including Caroline Beverley, Mecca and Adam Lowe, Chester McMillian, Meredith Wilkerson and The Biscuit Eaters, and Lucas Pasley as instructors.

A total of 47 students enrolled and were able to choose a primary instrument and skill level to study for the week. They chose from beginner through advanced levels of lessons for the fiddle, banjo, and guitar.

Among these students were brothers Jase and Demitri Ginekis, ages 11 and 13 respectively. Born and raised in California and now living in Italy, Jase and Demitri arrived in Surry County to visit family. Their uncle, Lucas Pasley, an intermediate to advanced fiddle instructor at the camp, invited them to join the classes.

Jase and Demitri both mentioned that their favorite class was fiddle class. “Something new that I’ve learned is that the fiddle is probably the hardest instrument I’ve played, but the teachers have been very helpful. I’ve hit many rough spots, and they’ve helped me through,” says Jase. “We will also be participating in the Surry Old-Time Music concert with the rest of the beginner fiddle class,” adds Demitri.

Jase mentions, “Overall it’s been great fun; I’ve learned new things, and I got to spend time with my family.” Demitri agrees, adding, “I would rate my experience 9 out of 10 stars.”

Students John Daigle, 79, and Morris Alexander, 69, from Taylor, Mississippi and Tupelo, Mississippi, respectively, share the same sentiments. Daigle mentions that he came across SCC’s Old-Time Music Camp while he was searching for guitar camps in Appalachia, as he was helping Alexander learn to play rhythm guitar for old-time music and decided to enroll.

Daigle says, “I had a great time and learned a lot at the workshop, especially from Adam Lowe. I think this sort of workshop is valuable in the extreme, and I’m really glad I attended. This was the first time I have played with other old-time musicians since the band I was in had a reunion in 2003.”

Alexander mentions, “I was unfamiliar with the genre of old-time and decided to accompany John (Daigle) to the Old-Time Music Camp. It was a wonderful introduction to this delightful music. I particularly enjoyed that it not only involved playing your instrument but also included the associated history, dance, and singing, which is part of old-time music. It was a great experience.”