WALLOWA — The 18th Wallowa Fiddle Tunes Camp takes place July 7-12. Registration is still open for those who want to experience a week full of music at a family-friendly, multi-generational music program.

Robyn Burns, director, and Mike Burns, co-director, are creating an opportunity for lessons in music and building community through music. Offering instruction in various traditional stringed instruments and more, they have recruited top instructors from across the country.

But more than that, Robyn Burns said their intention and greater purpose is to provide students “the tools to create musical communities” of their own.

Registration is $220 (or $110 for half-day classes) plus $80 for lunches.

Classes

Classes are offered each morning in all levels of fiddle, including “Kidz Fiddle.”

Fiddlers must have at least one year of experience, be familiar with their instrument and be ready to learn by ear in a group setting. All instructors are highly accomplished and experienced.

Familiar and new faces can be found in the list of instructors. John Weed, a founding Fiddle Camp instructor and touring musician, is returning this year. And the Weed legacy continues with the addition of his son, Tyler Weed, teaching Celtic mandolin. They bring the experience of a touring band who has toured the British Isles.

A new instructor is Jaci Sites of Pendleton, a three-time national fiddle champion, Grand Master Fiddle Champion and member of the Mountain River String Band.

Guitar instruction is offered to beginners, intermediate and advanced players. All skill levels will be challenged by this year’s instructors, including the return of Matt Bell of Bad Penny Pleasuremakers from New Orleans, Louisiana.

Instruction will also be provided in bass, clawhammer banjo, ukulele, dance, singing and yodeling, as well as performance and an Irish band lab.

The popular mini-musical theater camp presented by Amy Fairchild for children ages 7–12 is sold out. But there is still room in Mary Ambroson’s mini music/art class.

All classes are geared for adult attention spans, but all ages are welcome. Young campers with experience, focus and appreciation for the music are encouraged to enroll.

Camp Schedule

Each morning is spent focusing on the camper’s instrument of choice. In the afternoon, campers can broaden their musical knowledge and interact with the camp community in several elective classes. Students are encouraged to share their skills with the camp community by teaching classes during this time as well.

Evenings are spent building community and performance experience with a square dance, open mic and campsite jams. Also, the camp faculty will perform for the Courthouse Concert Series at 5:30 p.m. July 11, in Enterprise.

Life lessons in music

Wallowa Fiddle Tunes Camp strives to provide lifetime lessons for its campers. The camp is a comfortable and encouraging space to learn and grow as a musician and perhaps a musical community builder. Burns said that her hope is for campers to return home confident, with the tools necessary to participate in or even facilitate the growth of a musical community.

For more information, assistance with class placement or questions, contact Robyn Burns at 503-423-7730. Read more about the camp on the Wallowa Valley Music Alliance website, wvmusicalliance.org.