Overview
Teaching Method
Materials
Schedule
Staff
Location
Accordions
Food & Lodging
What to Bring
Camp Dates
Fees
Registration
Video

Overview

Button box players from across the nation gather once a year in a beautiful mountain setting near Lake Tahoe to share in an intensive, but fun filled week of music instruction and performance. Daily music classes are supplemented by private instruction, recitals, singing, and dancing. For relaxation there are numerous hiking trails, swimming in nearby lakes, several parks and museums, and miles of scenic back roads. Don't miss this wonderful experience - join us for our Annual Button Box Camp in July. The camp is designed to provide a relaxed, friendly, and warm learning environment for both beginning and advanced button box players. It is an opportunity to meet other players from the United States and other countries and share in a dynamic learning experience. The camp is organized around four daily group classes, practice sessions, opportunities for ensemble and solo recitals, and other related music and local activities. Classes are geared to individual needs with numerous opportunities for personal interaction with the staff. Attendees learn to read music or improve their sight reading skills. In addition to providing instructions in music reading and theory, the Camp emphasizes improvement of individual playing technique, musicianship, performance experience, and expanding solo and ensemble repertoire.
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Method

All instruction is based on a method developed by Joe Smiell that uses normal music notation. This method is a simplified gradual self directed course of study leading to a fully developed and well rounded musician. Relying on correct and precise teaching techniques, this course will improve both beginning and experienced players through the incremental development of music skills, including proper technique, fingering, and articulation. Fundamentals of musicianship are learned through guided instruction in phrasing, dynamics, and diverse musical styles and performance practices. Sight reading and accompaniment skills are introduced and practiced through a series of exercises and repertoire derived from traditional folk tunes and original compositions.
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Materials

In addition to a week of group and individual lessons, all attendees receive a personalized binder containing all course materials including:

• reference materials
• music exercises, methods, performance pieces, new solo and ensemble repertoire
• theory exercises and notes
• a recording of the principal exercises and piece

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Schedule

Camp begins Sunday evening with a "get acquainted" dinner and continues through the following Saturday morning. Wednesday afternoon is free allowing campers time to relax, explore the local area, or add additional practice. A typical day includes 2 group seminars, 2 technique/instruction classes, 2 theory classes, an ensemble class, individual coaching by instructors, and several study breaks. There are also evening performance activities. Hearty breakfasts, lunches and dinners are provided daily.
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Staff

The lessons are taught by three talented musicians, each with many years of experience.

• Joseph Smiell Jr.
• Sally Ann Smiell
• Otto Schnauber

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Location

The camp is held at a European Style Alpine Lodge in the Sierra Nevada mountains near Norden, California. It is nestled in a pine forest valley of the Tahoe National Forest among the precipitous 9,000 foot peaks of Donner Summit. Numerous hiking and walking trails wind through lush nearby meadows connecting a chain of scenic mountain lakes and panoramic vistas. Swimming at Lake Tahoe, gambling in Reno, golf courses, and several parks and museums are all within a short scenic drive from the lodge. Traveling via 1-80 the Lodge is about 1 hour West of Reno Nevada or 3.5 hours East of San Francisco. Camp staff will assist attendees in organizing car pools from San Francisco and Reno, if needed.

Accordions

All Accordions used at the camp are 3-row (CFBb) or 4-Row (GCFBb). There are accordions available to loan during the duration of the camp. Arrangements to borrow an accordion must be made in advance with the camp staff. There are often new and used accordions available for purchase.
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Food, & Lodging

This spacious mountain retreat provides scenic views and clean, comfortable accommodations. Large open common rooms and a sunny outdoor patio provide comfortable areas for classes, meals, and daily activities. Delicious meals catering to mountain appetites will be provided from dinner Sunday evening through breakfast the following Saturday. Sleeping quarters are dormitory style (bring your own sleeping bag, pillow case and flashlight; towels are provided). The cost of meals and lodging for the entire week is included in the registration fee.

There are several hotels within easy driving distance of the Lodge. These facilities, however, are used at the attendees' own expense. There is no fee discount for outside lodging or dining. Most attendees prefer to remain at the Camp Lodge.
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What to Bring

All you need to bring is your personal effects, a sleeping bag, pillow case, flashlight, music stand and your button box accordion. We have accordions available to use during camp if you do not have one. Some campers like to bring a digital recorder and a camera.

July 9 - 15,  2017
 

Fees

See the note under Registration about deposits and refunds.

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Registration

Use the form available at the link below to register. Questions? Call or send an email to Button Box Music.

Enrollment is limited to 30 people. Fee must be paid in its entirety by June 30th.
Deposit: A $100 deposit per person will hold a place at the camp until June 30th for the July camp.
Cancellation Policy: All deposits and fees are refundable until one week prior to the start of the Camp. Substitutions are permitted. Should the Button Box Camp be canceled, all fees and deposits will be refunded.

Download Camp Registration Form that can be completed before printing

To download and view the form, you need a copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader which is available free. Click the following graphic to down load Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Video

If you would like to get a feeling for a typical week at camp, one of our campers, Larry Sikora, made a video of his experiences. To view a video of a typical week at the Button Box Camp, click here.