Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
LOOKING FOR JORMA'S AUTOGRAPH?
Folks often ask Jorma for his autograph, and he is happy to oblige as time permits (no promises). However, due to the large number of requests and the even higher cost of postage, we ask that you send a self-addressed stamped envelope with your request to Fur Peace Management, 39495 St. Clair Rd., Pomeroy, Ohio 45769.
TRAVEL, ARRIVING, LODGING QUESTIONS
Need ground transportation between Athens and Port Columbus Ohio? Let Athens Airport Express do the driving! Athens Airport Express provides quick, prompt transportation service to and from Port Columbus International Airport.
Hours of Operation: 6 am to 10 pm 7 days a week
Only 24 hours advance notice is necessary to make arrangements for transportation.
Contact Athens Airport Express at 740-590-4686 or visit their website for more information.
Mention the Fur Peace Ranch and receive 10% off your travel costs.
www.athensairportexpress.com
SHOULD I DRIVE OR FLY?
Students may fly into Columbus, Ohio. Columbus is about an hour and a half from the Ranch. A car is not needed once you're at the Ranch, but you'll need a rental (or to share a rental) to get to the camp in Pomeroy. Make sure you check the application for rideshare information if you would like to car-pool. Many students drive to the Ranch also, and there is ample parking onsite for cars and occasional campers/RVs.
WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE AT THE FUR PEACE RANCH?
Friday between 10 AM and noon; Orientation begins promptly at noon, so you will want to check in, settle in your cabin and enjoy meeting old and new friends before noon.
WHERE CAN I STAY ON THURSDAY OR FOR OFF-CAMPUS, BUT ACCESSIBLE LODGING OVER THE WEEKEND?
Athens:
Holiday Inn Express 1-888-465-4329
OU Inn 740-593-6661
Baymount 740-594-3000
Super 8 740-594-4900
Days Inn (740) 593-6655
Hampton Inn (740) (740) 593-5600
Near Athens:
Pomeroy:
Meigs Motel
41600 Goeglein Road
Pomeroy, OH 45769
(740) 992-5531
Camping:
Lake Snowden Campground
5900 US Route 50
Albany, OH 45710
Local Phone: 740-698-6373
WHAT ARE SOME PLACE FOR DINING ON THURSDAY EVENING?
In Pomeroy:
Court Street Grill 740-992-6524
Wild Horse Cafe 740-992-0099
In Athens:
Casa Nueva
Court Street Diner
Restaurant Salaam
Stephen's Restaurant
66 North Court Street
740-594-7132
Zoe’s Restaurant
24 ½ East State Street
740-592-4443
WHAT ABOUT BREAKFAST ON FRIDAY MORNING?
Millies on Bradford Rd, Pomeroy (a right turn off Rte 7 W)
Village Bakery & Cafe in Athens on E. State Street,
Court Street Diner on N Court St on Athens
Bob Evans in Athens E. State Street,Athens
Casa Nueva in Athens
CAMP SCHEDULE
FRIDAY | ||
| 9:00AM - NOON | Arrival | |
| 12:00 - 1:00pm | Orientation | |
| 1:00 - 2:00pm | Lunch | |
| 3:00 – 5:15pm | Workshop | (Instructor will schedule breaks) |
| 6:00 – 7:00pm | Dinner | |
| 7:45 - 8:45pm | Workshop | |
SATURDAY | ||
| 8:00 – 10:00am | Breakfast | |
| 10:30 – 12:30pm | Workshop | (Instructor will schedule breaks) |
| 1:00 - 2:00pm | Lunch | |
| 3:30 – 4:30pm | Workshop | (Instructor will schedule breaks) |
| 5:45 - 6:45pm | Dinner | |
| 7:15pm | Gates open for the Show | |
| 8:00 - 11:00pm | Evening Performance | |
SUNDAY | ||
| 8:30 – 10:00am | Breakfast | |
| 10:30 – 12:00pm | Workshop | (Instructor will schedule breaks) |
| 1:00 - 2:00pm | Lunch | |
| 3:00 – 5: 00pm | Student Performance | |
| 6:00 – 7:00pm | Dinner | |
| 8:30 – 12:00 Midnight | Student Jam/Campfire | Weather Permitting |
MONDAY | ||
| 8:00 – 10:00am | Breakfast | |
| 10:30 – 11:30am | Workshop | |
| 12 Noon | Departure |
space
HOW CAN I GET MY INSTRUMENT TO THE RANCH? (OTHER THAN DRIVING)
Onboard aircraft
If you are flying with your instrument: You may on larger aircraft be able to walk on board with your instrument. In most cases , guitars in regular cases will fit in the overhead compartments. On smaller aircraft, you will be asked to gatecheck and then retrieve upon landing. You may wish to invest in a decent travel case (Such as Calton) loosen the strings, dress yourself nicely, and march right on. You will not have to worry about gatechecking (let alone regular baggage) if your guitar is in a Calton or Pegasus-style case. And be careful not to keep wire cutters or other tools in the guitar case if you're planning to gate-check!
Shipping
Obtain a Guitar shipping box from a local vendor (Sam Ash, Guitar Center, etc) They have these and are usually generous about giving them away. Taylor boxes have the excellent slings inside. Pack your guitar in its case with plenty of padding and stuffing in any open area (eg, near a cutaway; under the head.) Loosen those strings of course!. Place the guitar in its case inside the cardboard shipping box with Styrofoam peanuts galore and newspaper stuffing. Allow for very little wiggle room in there! Tape closed securely at every crevice. Ship to the ranch from a UPS hub or Mailboxes type store. At a UPS hub, even insured, the cost is about $18-25. From a Mialboxes outlet it will be a higher price. This is for Ground shipping.
UPS delivers to the ranch premises and we will take good care . For the return trip, you can provide a check and shipping label , and pack up your instrument when camp is over on Monday morning. we will ship from the premises.
What kind and how much of equipment should I bring?
Bear in mind that Cabin space is limited ! Bringing a fleet of instruments may not be practical or necessary. If you play guitar, bring one that is well set up and easy to play (your fingers will thank you!); a second one if preferred for fun and jams.. and additional instruments are often seen such as mandos, harmonicas, accordions and basses. Naturally if you are a mandolinist, banjoplayer, bass player, or keyboardist, adjust this advice for your instrument!
Are amplifiers needed?
Unless you are taking an electric class or a bass class, no.. if you are, a small amp is needed. If you bring an electric guitar for your class or for jamming, you will need to bring an amp. And make it a small amp! Marshall stacks are not needed! Bass players, as well as keyboard and pedal steel players, will need to bring a small practice amp for class, jamming and performance.
What sundries should I bring?
Tuner, capo, fingerpicks if desired; songbooks for jams and campfires;extra strings; a recording device, camera. Videotaping is not permitted during classes or professional performances, but student performance may indeed (omit word) be videotaped. Bring whatever toiletries you need, prescription medicines , etc. The camp store has a variety of sundries and personal and musical supplies, and there are pharmacies and a WalMart in reasonable proximity.
WORKSHOP LEVELS AND PLACEMENT
HOW DO I CHOOSE A WORKSHOP/LEVEL APPROPRIATE TO MY SKILLS?
Please read our Skill Levels descriptions.
CONSIDER THESE QUESTIONS, WHICH ARE POSED ON THE APPLICATION FORM:
What are some examples of songs you play now?
For guitarists: How do you play them (fingerstyle, strumming, combo, flatpick)? Are you aware of, or do you utilize chord shapes or partial shapes other than in first position?
How would you describe your thumb independence (ie, reliable alternate bassline played against melody line?)
What are your areas of confidence and weakness?
From the instructor's repertoire, what song, and what skill , would you love to learn?
What kinds of songs/music do you enjoy listening to, and would love to be able to play? (feel free to include any Jorma/Hot Tuna songs in that list! Please limit to no more than 4 titles)
Do you sing? Compose any originals, or would you like to explore this?
For further analysis of skills/placement, contact our Educational Consultant
FACILITIES AT THE RANCH
Please check out our Photo Tour for details of many of the facilities
TELL ME ABOUT THE CABINS: SIZE, ELECTRICITY, HEAT?
Cozy, comfortable, warmly painted and appointed with shelves and area rugs, these sleep two in good twin beds. They are well insulated with heat, air conditioning and ceiling fans. There is an overhead light and reading lights.
The Cabins are (8' x 12'). They are cozy quarters, and there is room for belongings and a guitar stashed under the beds. The workshop areas are also secure for additional equipment.
WHAT IF MY ROOMMATE SNORES?
Pack a set of ear plugs or purchase at our store... alert management if there is a serious concern.
WHAT ARE THE WASHROOMS LIKE?
There are commodious men's and women's washrooms, each with two sinks, counters, bathroom stall s and 3 excellent showers. There is full electricity, outlets and heat.
HOW FAR ARE THE CABINS FROM THE WASHROOMS?
It varies with cabin location but the average distance is about 50'.
WHAT KIND OF CLOTHING/ATTIRE IS SUITABLE?
Casual, and comfortable.. dress for the weather and your ease in playing for hours, indoor or out (layers are good!)
IS THERE MERCHANDISE AVAILABLE AT THE RANCH?
Yes! For an overview of clothing, CDs, souvenirs and musical accoutrements, For a sampling, check out the Fur Peace Company Store.
IS THERE HIGH SPEED INTERNET ACCESS NEAR THE RANCH?
Yes, In Athens there is free wireless at the Casa Nueva, Donkey Coffee & Espresso and Amerihost Inn.
In Pomeroy the Public Library offers free high speed wireless internet access. The main library at 216 W. Main St. in Pomeroy is only about a 10 minute drive from the ranch. Hours are 9-9 Monday through Friday, 9-5 on Sat. and 1-5 on Sunday.
