Camp MMW 2009

Medeski Martin & Wood

Camp MMW is an incredible opportunity for musicians of varying levels and ages, to live and study with MMW in the Catskill Mountains. Campers will gather together for five days of intensive workshops and seminars, deep listening, musical exploration, and improvisation.

Applications are currently being accepted for the second annual Camp MMW, to take place August 4 - 9, 2009 at the Full Moon Resort in Big Indian, NY. All types of musicians are encouraged to apply. APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY APRIL 1.

Last year's Camp MMW was a great success! John Medeski discussed the Schumann Resonance and expounded on the basic human need for sound and music, and how not to let the creative flame extinguish. Billy Martin presented the idea of rhythmic harmony, and showed how identical rhythms have permeated cultures around the world - long before the internet. Chris Wood presented a lecture by brain scientist Jill Bolte Taylor called “My Stroke of Insight," then went on to explain how to “serve" the music by practicing how to relax while playing. Special guests included John Scofield, Steven Bernstein, and Marc Ribot. All of this hints at what Camp MMW 2009 will be...

No matter what instrument an attendee plays, they will expand their approach to music, improve listening skills, and interact with other musicians in a completely fresh, innovative way.

Break with convention, bust out of the safety zone, and dare to try new things. Think of Camp MMW as musical cross training. A guitarist can study melody with keyboardist, John Medeski. Or a horn player can work on mastering rhythm with drummer, Billy Martin. A pianist may develop their groove with bassist, Chris Wood. There will be special guests, group collaborations, and, of course, exclusive performances by MMW. In the anything-goes, non-traditional atmosphere of Camp MMW, experimentation will be encouraged, limits tested, risks taken, and newfound freedom gained in the process.

80,000 acres of New York State's Catskill Mountain wilderness is the backdrop to the collective creative energy of Camp MMW. The lovely Full Moon Resort features charming accommodations in either their turn-of-the-century Catskill country inn known as the Valley View House, or one of seven lodges, cabins, or cottages. The Valley View House is the center of activities at Camp MMW, and offers cozy and comfortable common areas, including a wrap-around sun porch, library and the main dining room.

A typical day at Camp MMW begins with a buffet breakfast with the band, from 8AM to 9AM, followed by a Master Class/Seminar with MMW at 9:30AM. At Noon, camp will break for a buffet lunch, from 12:15 to 1:15PM, followed by some free time until 2:45, when everyone will breaks into workshops groups with individual band members and special guests. At 6:00, everyone gathers for a seated dinner, followed by the evening's event, which might be a performance and jam sessions, or a film and discussion, a bonfire, a dance party, - OMIT or who knows what! Campers will share most meals with John, Billy, and Chris, and participate in fun and exciting activities together throughout the week.

Camp MMW runs from Tuesday, August 4, to Sunday, August 9, and is for musicians ages 16 and up. Space is limited to 80 students. Applicants must provide a recording of one's work. All instruments are welcome, with an interest in creating variety! Applications, along with pricing and detailed instructions, available on-line at www.mmw.net. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The deadline for submissions is April 1, 2009.