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Gerald Veasley's inaugural Bass Bootcamp in Reading, Pennsylvania, may have coincided with St. Patrick's Day weekend-but for 33 lucky students the only imbibing was the drinking in of knowledge, and "shades of green" referred to beginner, intermediate, and advanced playing levels. For the two-day, three-night function, which took place primarily at Albright College during the county's Berks Jazz Festival, Veasley assembled an instructor lineup featuring himself, Victor Bailey, Michael Manring, Doug Wimbish, and Gary Willis. Gerald, who was assisted by his wife Roxanne and bassist Lee Patterson, explains, "Our goal for the students is to have an event that's not only `What notes and licks do you play?' but also `How do you transform yourself to become the better musician and person you want to be?.'"
Following a Friday opening-night reception that ended with a concert by smooth-jazz vocalist Maysa (with Spyro Gyra's Scott Ambush on bass), it was early-to-rise on Saturday for Veasley's Orientation class. All 33 campers were asked to ponder why they had chosen to become musicians and what their expectations were from the event. They were also given the Bass Bootcamp Commandments (see below). The rest of the day included master classes by Willis (Improvisation and Instrument Setup), Veasley (Chordal and Melodic Mastery), and Wimbish (Monster Slap...