...I had the pleasure of attending BCN and had a great time -- I think everybody did. Kick yourself for not going. WM

...I am very much a beginner...I had never attended any sort of music camp before BCN and did not know quite what to expect. I was extremely pleased with what I found...classes and jams were held in a variety of buildings scattered over the extensive grounds. Sleeping accommodations were bunk beds in cabins and some larger buildings. Meals were served buffet-style in the dining hall; the food was quite good and available in vast quantities...Jams started about as soon as enough people got through the registration process...[actually, before I arrived while cars were lined up waiting -- MIH]...Not only were we presented with many of the finest musicians in the field, they all seemed happy to be there, happy to perform, happy to teach...I cannot express how wonderful it was to sit a few feet from true masters of their craft and share in their joy of playing...The faculty was incredibly pleasant and approachable; this greatly enhanced the camp experience for everyone. I thought they were well-prepared for their classes and conducted them in a friendly and useful manner. BWS

...For my part, I thought it was great! I'm a beginning player (less than a year) and I wondered if I would actually be able to participate, but there was plenty for me to do. I took a number of classes which were geared to my level, there were some very interesting lectures about instruments and banjo history and the faculty concerts were outstanding...I definitely recommend BCN for all levels. It's a 48 hour immersion in the banjo (with a little welcome relief provided by fiddler and guitarist) and I definitely feel that I learned a lot, not just from the instructionals but even by osmosis... Hope to meet some of you next year at Banjo Camp North. BA

...Amen to all the comments about Banjo Camp North. I realized when I came home that I had been smiling for three days straight while there...Incredible...The good things were many: unbelievably talented and nonegotistical faculty, adequate sleeping arrangments, thoughtful scheduling of sessions, supportive and friendly co-campers, fantastic food, few bugs, good mix of old-time and bluegrass players, and encouragement of new players. As an advanced beginner, I was still able to learn an enormous amount...The best part of it all? Getting to see all the different kinds of banjos, and listening to banjo music gently wafting through the trees at all hours. Kind of like moving to paradise! SPS

...I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and it was so enriching for me that I came back home and have been composing original melodies (I hope) ever since. They are literally pouring out of me. I'm a songwriter by trade, but these are instrumental pieces. I think the banjo immersion of that weekend really had an effect on me. I've been composing songs literally all my life, but I can't remember a time when I have written so much in such a concentrated period. BCN has had a lot to do with it, and for that, I am truly appreciative. MR

...I had a great time...plan to come next year. You guys did a great job. JD

...I think the decision to not allow non-players in either as campers or to attend the concerts was quite correct. The focus of the event is properly on playing and learning; non-playing family or friends distracts from that. Considering how well BCN 2001 went, I can easily imagine it growing to the point where attendance even by players might have to be limited. BWS

...I particularly liked BCN because you had provided really helpful classes directed toward singing with the banjo...In BCN you provided real resources, with actual participation, for those who wanted to sing with the banjo...The camp was fine, and the food ditto...Your lineup of faculty was unquestionably first-rate...I certainly appreciate the counsel you gave me in our one-on-one. DO

...Even though I've been playing banjo for most of my life, I've had very limited exposure to most of the music as played by the excellent staff, and I've come away with a new appreciation of range and diversity of both bluegrass and clawhammer...I like to sing in public, the public doesn't like me to sing in public. Nevertheless, I got a lot out of your workshop about singing with the banjo...I'm looking forward to next year's BCN. BS