Member Login

River of the West Mandolin Camp XIII June 9-12, 2022

River of the West

Instructors

Overview

The 13th annual River of the West Mandolin Camp is June 9 – 12, 2022, in Corbett, Oregon, located in the majestic Columbia River Gorge just 20 miles east of Portland, Oregon. The instructors, chosen for their masterful mandolin playing distinction and exceptional teaching abilities, include Don Stiernberg, Carlo Aonzo, Grant Flick and Camp founder Brian Oberlin. During the four days of mandolin immersion, each Camper will experience seven – 90 minute workshops from all four teachers, ensemble rehearsals and performance, structured and non-structured jams, faculty concerts, open-mic concert, bonfire jam, meals, and lodging. The maximum student capacity is 55 which makes for smaller classes from some of the best mandolin players and teachers in the world.   The Camp will be in-person.   The cost for Campers and commuters is an affordable $600.

Don Stiernberg Carlo Aonzo

Workshops and Level of Instruction

Each student will attend the same number of workshops at the ROW Camp; totaling seven – 90 minute workshops from all four teachers. This makes for a wide variety of learning and is one of the unique aspects of ROW. However, each student can self-assign to an ensemble of their choice. During the Camp, there will be several rehearsals for the ensembles and the music played is arranged and/or written by the specific teacher.  Although the Camp is intended for all levels of mandolinists, absolute beginners (people who have no idea how to play anything on the mandolin) are encouraged to take private lessons before attending the Camp.  All of the educational materials will be in standard notation and mandolin tablature and available for PDF download before the Camp.

Brian Oberlin    Grant Flick

How to Sign-up

Click on the PDF registration packet below and all of your questions will be answered about the Camp, including details on how to sign-up.

ROW 2022 registration packet

How to Pay, Cost, Deposit and Terms

The cost of the River of the West Mandolin Camp 2022 for Campers and commuters is $600.
A deposit of $300 AND a submitted application are required to hold your spot at the Camp.
The three payment methods are....

  • Venmo - @BrianOberlinMandolin   *(last four digits of phone number are 8673)
  • PayPal - brian(at)mandoberlin(dot)com  
  • Snail mail check payments (payable to Brian Oberlin) mailed to
    Brian Oberlin
    P.O. Box 272
    Rockford, MI 49341

The remaining balance of $300 is due May 12th, 2022.
Cancellations:

  • Cancellations made on or before April 13, 2022 will receive their deposit minus a $25 fee.
  • Cancellations made April 14 – May 11, 2022 will receive their deposit minus a $100 fee.
  • Cancellations on or after May 12, 2022 will not receive a refund.
  • Should Covid or any other virus render the Camp inoperative for ALL attendees, everyone will receive a full refund.

save the date

The 14th annual River of the West Mandolin Camp will be at the Menucha Retreat Center in Corbett, Oregon on June 8-11, 2023.

Testimonial on Brian Oberlin’s teaching style

Brian met, and vastly exceeded my musical expectations. I really like him, and his casual teaching style that does not single out the confused players, although he teaches to them. Further, he encourages the good players, with ideas for them to arrange and grow musically . . . all the while being a spot-on musician as a role model for us all. I have consumed a lot of classes over the past few years, and there is a lighter attitude in this adult education field, that some really great musicians haven't cultivated yet. They put in their 10,000 hours on that instrument to get on the first rung of the fame ladder, and you should put in that work, too, before they will waste any time with you. A good teacher realizes that you are here because you want more, and haven't gotten there yet . . . maybe need someone to encourage you along a few of those hours, and say what you could do to make it easier, or more fun. Brian Oberlin has both the compassion and expertise to make it work.”
Karen Leis, Anchorage, Alaska
November 2014

review of the River of the West Mandolin Camp 2012

I was lucky enough to attend the 4th annual ROW camp this weekend outside of Portland, OR. It was a fantastic event put together again by Brian and Liz Oberlin. The faculty were so open, warm and FUNNY! Don Stiernberg, Rich DelGrosso, Marijke and Michiel Wiesenekker, Mary Flower and my new favorite mandolin player, Brian Oberlin. It covered the entire range of mandolin styles (and guitar!). The faculty were very accessible and friendly. A ton of instruction was packed into the Thurs-Sun event but it was really relaxed and casual. The faculty concert was incredible! Brian's friend Josh played some amazing bass. The other students were generous and supportive. Lot's of sharing of info went on. I have enough material to work on for quite awhile...... at LEAST enough to last me until next years camp! Thanks to Brian, Liz and all the faculty, thanks to Collings and Blue Chip Picks for sponsoring, & thanks to Paul Lestock for being so generous and letting us "have our way" with his instruments. I will be coming back.
Kevin Johnson

PHOTO OF THE River of the West Mandolin Camp 2012

River of the West Mandolin Camp 2012

PHOTO OF THE River of the West Mandolin Camp 2012

River of the West Mandolin Camp, 2012

Here is a youtube video about the camp:

ROW Along - The Official ROW Camp Song:

Read an article about ROW Mandolin Camp 2011.

 

Testimonials from Participants

“High quality of instruction, really nice people, immersion, good blend of comfort range and challenge. Gives me months worth of material to work on - then, I’ll start counting the days till next year’s camp!”

“On Saturday afternoon, I realized I hadn’t thought about anything but mandolin playing since I arrived. I would do this again.”

“Very laid back, relaxed style. Friendly, funny people. Well organized with great information. Beautiful and comfortable location. The Camp provided a fun and supportive environment for learning new material.”

“A cacophony of knowledge and tips; leaving pleasantly over stuffed.”