KITSAP BANJO CLUB

Bremerton, WA

Hello,

            The Kitsap Banjo Club is dedicated to the preservation and awareness of the four string banjo. We became a non-profit organization in 1996 after a couple of years of “testing the waters” for banjoist in this area.  About seven years ago, I decided to give free lessons in order to demonstrate my commitment to the club and to its goals. Lessons became a place to promote the club and many of the experienced members contribute music, ideas and goals that they would like to see the club move toward. The lessons are not directly related to the club but are partners with the club. 

            Let’s talk about banjos. The 5-string banjo is the oldest and is used in country, folk and bluegrass music. The fifth string was taken off during the minstrel days and the banjo was strummed thus producing the four string “plectrum” banjo. At the turn of the century, dance bands found the need for a banjo tuned more to the violin family and the four string “tenor” was born. These three types of banjo are the main stay now. That’s not to say that one of the other 20 banjo types and /or tunings are not popular, just not in the main stream. The four string guitar tuned plectrum banjo is gaining popularity and the club has two members using guitar tuning.

            Because of the clubs charter, I ask 5-string banjoist to remove or “de-tune” the fifth string and strum the banjo with a single pick like the plectrum players. Plectrum banjoist, along with converted 5-string banjoists, learn “C” tuning (C,G,B,D). Tenor banjoist learn standard tenor tuning (C,G,D,A). These are the only tunings that I teach but I do have information on “G” tuning for 5-string banjoists and on four string guitar tuned banjos.

            Knowledge of music (chords, melody, rhythm or ability to read notation) is not required. Anyone can take lessons but I do ask that children under 12 be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The club has two tenor banjos that we provide for students for a two month period. They are in high demand and it may take up to a few months for one to come available. At the end of the loan period, we will help you look for a banjo of your own. New banjos can run from $300 to thousands of dollars and used banjos are some times more costly to repair then the price of a good new instrument. Most music stores carry 5-string banjos. I’ve been playing tenor banjo for over 30 years and I still hear, “You don’t want a four string banjo.” or “You can’t play anything on them!” from music store clerks. 5-string banjo sales are hundred of times greater then four string banjo sales. That’s why we started the club! 

            I give lessons on Wednesdays from 5:00 to 6:00 P.M. and the club practices from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. in Bremerton. I didn’t give you a location because from time to time lessons and practice are cancelled (rarely). E-mail me at zbanjo@msn.com if this sounds like some thing that you would like to do. I hope that I have answered some of your questions about the Kitsap Banjo Club and banjo lessons. Playing a banjo is not easy but it sure is fun!

Mike Zawlocki

360-373-0746

zbanjo@msn.com