BCN-FE September 2010...

Thanks for posting the notice on the [2011] list of instructors. I'll be sending in my reservations shortly and would like to let you know that you and Phil made some FABULOUS faculty choices. Janet Beazley, Dick Bowden, Bruce Stockwell, Bob Altschuler are all GREAT instructors who have both the talent and the ability to effectively teach. I attended classes taught by each of them during BCN FE last Sep and all of them were incredible. Keep up the great work. JL

On a "fan" basis, I was really tickled to see Eric Weissberg for the first time, to meet Paul Brown (whom I've heard on many records) and find out he's the morning anchor voice on NPR! See Bill Evans in action as a teacher, experience a bit of Tony Trischka, see Dave Kiphuth really play some old time banjo, meet another guy I've heard on records - Riley Baugus, get to learn fiddle tunes looking over Alan Jabbour's shoulder, see the Howie Bursen melodic playing I've heard on records, experience the calmness of Greg Cahill, etc. DB

Everything about 2010 BCN was more than I had expected being a first time camper. The people were warm and welcoming. There were no borders at BCN. We were all there because of the love of the banjo and acoustic music. BW

Congratulations to the inimitable Mike Holmes & family on another successful BCN celebration of "the glory-beaming banjo"! And especially for 10 glorious years! Kudos, too, to a great staff of professionals who are down-to-earth, approachable, hard-working and inspiring! What a line-up of such talented people all in one place! Once again, it was a great experience to listen and learn and participate in what has become a great New England tradition! PLEASE consider planning another BCN for the fall. Now that's a WONDERFUL idea! SS.

Not possible to state this any better than Sandy. My first time there and learned so much and had a great time. Can't easily go wrong being with people who love what they do. Put my vote in for a fall version as well. DS.

First and foremost, thank you for putting together one of the best weekends I have had in a long time! The staff was inspiring, patient, normal, and just a joy to work with and hear. Being surrounded by 227 banjo players was like a fantasy come true (I guess I do need a life:). I had been eyeballing banjo camp for a few years, and I am so happy that I finally took the plunge. I cannot wait for next year, and would be interested in an Old Time Banjo Camp. JP.

I loved it, every minute of it. It was just so great! Every thing about it was wonderful! One of the best experiences of my life since taking up the banjo. I was sad to see it end. ... I definetely want to be on the list to come next spring.. God willing and the Creek don't rise! JM.

First I'd like to say, great banjo camp again. Next, sign me up for another camp this fall if you can set it up. Everyone I spoke to said they would do it. If you send out an email to everyone, I bet you'll get a full camp again. I also wanted to be sure I ordered a picture when I registered. I'm pretty sure I did. Thanks again and see if you can put together another camp this fall. That would be great. P.S. All the teachers were great. My wife and kids loved the concert Saturday night. It was really great. DB.

I just want to thank you for Banjo Camp North! I just had a feeling of being very privileged to be there, surrounded by so much talent. What a success. The faculty was top notch as was the whole operation! I had a very nice time and learned a lot! I would be very interested in a fall Banjo Camp North! Again, congratulations on a job well done! KS

Thanks for a wonderful time! It was really fun to get out my dusty banjo again, realize how much I've forgotten & how fun it is to hang out with banjo players & try to play along. I got up before 6 Saturday and someone was playing in the chapel already! That place has great acoustics. The concerts were amazing, and I especially loved the eclectic one Saturday night. Lorraine & Martin were endlessly patient & helpful for the beginner track & at the jam. Paul Brown's workshop on fingerpicking for claw hammerers was a hoot, as well as very helpful, Alan Jabbour was a gracious intermediate jam leader & I really enjoyed his amazing knowledge about the music. His and many others! And everyone was really friendly. Thanks, Michael, for the American Spirits, and thanks to my tolerant cabinmates. You couldn't beat the weather, too, and what a pretty spot to return to! I finally got to see the lake, at only my 3rd camp! And for the few people who didn't ask, Glenn Nelson of Mockingbird Music made my red banjo neck. Again, congratulations on 10 years & thanks to Mike & his family for a great experience! EC.

This years camp was terrific..You've created something very special in BCN.I feel so lucky that there is such a great camp so close to home.I also would be very interested in going to another in the fall.. To all the staff/instructors: Thank you so much!! I had a blast. KO.

Just wanted to thank you for organizing such a great event, this was my first year and I had a great time. If you do a fall camp I am pretty sure I would come down, maybe even bring along another player. In any case you can count me in for next year. MZ.

You and your family are wonderful to continue to create this incredible banjo picking and musically inspiring event...and please extend a congratulations to Phil from me also as this was one of my favorite camps ever ( but I say that each time I attend!) For without you our colleagues, this warm and engaging banjo and music experience would never be possible and my entree to this intricate and complex yet all-so-rewarding instrument would not be the same. The instructors are more than what one could ever ask for in a teacher and passionate down to the core. And so warm, friendly and of a truly kind and generous spirit that is awesome and inspiring! And that's true for each and every one of them, not even just a handful. ( By the way, I loved the new addition of the class n Doug Dillard and the single string course ( Tony and Bill) along with Eric W's New Dimensions and Janet Davis' finding the melody notes, plus Glen's arpeggios--all fantastic!!) This has been a truly memorable experience for me and certainly my colleagues that I will cherish forever and even more, gives me the motivation to forge ahead! And perhaps that's the kernel that counts the most for those of us who are still novices at the instrument! I would definitely appreciate a camp 2 in September also. SL.

Thanks for all your hard work in organizing this event. It was my first time attending the camp, and I got a lot out of it. SS.

This was my first banjo camp ever. I've always wanted to do this since I read about TBI 1988 in BNL. I was able to actually see many of the people I've only read about in BNL. I had a great time. The funniest line I heard this weekend was in regards to the concurrent mens' retreat. I heard several reports that they weren't particularly friendly. One of the pickers suggested that camping with 227 banjo pickers was their final test of faith. DW.

Response to above: I suppose that the legions of banjo players were an unexpected surprise for most of them, but I know there were several hanging around the fringes of the up-to-speed bluegrass jam on Saturday night who were clearly having a great time. At least two of them came up to me on Sunday to shake my hand and tell me how much they'd enjoyed hearing the music. NR

If finding a place that has 227 banjo players to share with doesn't prove that there is a Heaven, then what does? I am a veteran of several BCN's, and they never disappoint. BK

I agree. Nothing but good natured teasing happened in my presence. DR

I had a great time at BCN this year, just like every year!!! Check-in was a breeze...amazing considering the number of campers this year. The dining was great, and there were at least 2 classes at any given time I wanted to be in. Paul Brown did a fantastic job; providing history, technique, and crystal clear instruction at a pace that had all the students in class making good progress with several tunes and styles. Riley Baugus was very entertaining, easy to listen to and learn from. Like Paul Brown, he gave us some interesting insights into the history of old time banjo. I appreciate your bringing fresh instructors to BCN, but....still miss having class time with Hank Sapoznik. CD.

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