Camp Jam Alums & Band 'Switchfits' Make NAMM'S SchoolJam USA Top 10 Finals

Camp Jam Alums & Band 'Switchfits' Make NAMM'S SchoolJam USA Top 10 Finals

Most camp jammers dream of going from the classroom to the main stage, but Camp Jam alums Sam Koltun, Harry Russell and Tony Pepper of the band Switchfits made their dream a reality by qualifying as top 10 finalists in the first annual SchoolJam USA competition presented by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) in January 2010.

Camp Jam Alums and Band 'Switchfits' Make NAMM'S SchoolJam USA Top 10 Finals

Most camp jammers dream of going from the classroom to the main stage, but Camp Jam alums Sam Koltun, Harry Russell and Tony Pepper of the band Switchfits made their dream a reality by qualifying as top 10 finalists in the first annual SchoolJam USA competition presented by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) in January 2010.

A trio of St. Louis teens who have a passion for music, the Switchfits feature Koltun as the lead guitar player, Russell as the lead vocalist & bassist and Pepper (a.k.a. "Dr. Pepper) on drums. The band began its journey in 2009 by being chosen to compete as one of 50 bands from five regions across the country to battle it out in NAMM's online semi-finals, where the Switchfits gained the national spotlight and secured one of the top 10 finalist slots.

As finalists for SchoolJam USA, the first-ever nationwide battle of the bands for teens, the Switchfits traveled to the 2010 NAMM Show in Anaheim, Calif., to perform live at the SchoolJam USA Finals. And although the Switchfits didn't leave with the first place prize, band member Tony Pepper won "Best Drummer" overall for the competition. The Switchfits were also awarded with cash and other prizes for their band and their school music programs.

Here's a big Camp Jam Congratulations to the Switchfits for their achievements and a 'Thank You' to the band for their kind words below:

According to Switchfits band member Sam Koltun about where it all started, "The opportunity to form a band, learn songs and perform a concert in front of a live audience was a life changing experience gained at Camp Jam rock music camp." Fellow band member Harry Russell adds, "Camp Jam is where I met guitarist Sam Koltun, and our friendship and passion for performing has led us to this rockin' destination."

Sign up now for 2010 Camp Jam Sessions! Learn more about NAMM's SchoolJam USA contest.