General Comments MBC 2010:
- Each year MBC seems to get better and better for me, as well as for so many others. I think that this fact is well supported by the many returnees and that seems to be an ever growing number. What a great camp this year was and what a great time was had by all. What I liked best was the camaraderie that has developed between so many of the students and faculty throughout the years. Seeing old friends, jamming with old friends and just plain sharing a fantastic four days with them is so worth the experience. I will be back, good Lord willing, to what I am sure will be an even better camp next year. (John: St. Clair Shores, Michigan)
- This was my first Midwest Camp experience and I left elated and inspired. I loved the diverse styles and music each faculty member brought to the camp. You guys did an awesome job. This was a huge event and you kept everyone motivated and stimulated. (Bill: Euclid, Ohio)
- I didn't expect that 48 hours of banjo immersion would make me a better player but I believe that it has. I think that the camp brought my playing up to the next level. (Stuart: Seattle, Washington)
- Amazing – had at least half a dozen "Ahah!" moments. (Vicki: Northfield Minnesota)
- Banjo camp was even better this year! The teachers are all very nice and supportive, which creates a great atmosphere, especially since it is so easy to get overwhelmed trying to learn so much in such a short time. The welcoming and supportive environment is important. It is almost overwhelming how many great players there are, which could be bad, but somehow you pull it off. (Liz: South Bend, Indiana)
- The camp seemed to run like a well-oiled machine. The organization reflected what I'm sure were many, many hours of hard work behind the scenes. Well done! (John: Germantown, Ohio)
- Very inspiring, motivating – I recommend it to any beginning student. It's better than any bluegrass festival! (Larry: Watson, Illinois)
- Unbelievably informative and entertaining. (Jim: Elgin, Illinois)
- I learned enough over this weekend to practice for a year and I look forward to coming back as an Intermediate student next year! Thanks for a great weekend! (John: LaGrange, Illinois)
- I came home inspired to practice even more if that's possible. (Scott: Marengo, Illinois)
- The frustration of not being able to be in three places at once during the classes is greatly mitigated by having the concerts and being able to see what each teacher has to offer. There were some wonderful musical moments from these concerts that I will remember for a long time. (Warren: Littleton, Colorado)
- Just wanted to thank you and Stan for an inspirational time at your camp. It ran flawlessly and what a faculty! I just can't stop raving about it, will definitely be back in the future. (Chrissy: St. George, Ontario, Canada)
- Each year I think you can't top the previous year's camp but again in 2010 you did it. Thanks to all who made this the best camp yet – and that's saying something because they all have been excellent. (Donald: Indianapolis, Indiana)
- MBC is the best way I've discovered to recharge my batteries and meet new friends. (Margie: Palatine, Illionois)
- I completed an evaluation and couldn't think of anything to put down for "one thing we could have done better." Just keep it up if possible, and I look forward to MBC 2011! (Mike: Ludington, Michigan)
- Great camp! The tradition and legacy is growing. From my view point this is turning into THE camp. Possibly a bias but the numbers and enthusiasm amongst both the participants and the teachers tell the story. (David: East Lansing, Michigan)
- Excellent – a 12 out of 10! Both my wife and I had a great time and learned a lot. The novice class must have been good judging on my wife's interest in practicing. Now she is even beginning to participate in a local jam. She was inspired throughout the camp. I have tried to get her enthused many times in the past with no results. So someone must have done a good/great job! (Bill: Marquette, Michigan)
- I just wanted to thank you for running such a great camp this year. The instruction I received on the fiddle and the banjo was superb. Jamming after hours was fun too; I managed to get in some great late night sessions. Heck, I even bought a fretless banjo from Will Fielding!!. I'll definitely be back next year. (Alana: Evanston, Illinois).
- The Best Ever; the instruction this year was just stellar! (Loren: Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
- When and where do I sign up for next year's camp? (Terence: Westland, Michigan)
- I feel very motivated and excited about playing banjo! (Len: Ypsilanti, Michigan)
- Awesome Faculty, very well organized, great people! (Joe: Bloomfield Hills, Michigan)
- It was my first time at a banjo camp so I have nothing to compare it to, but I've had had a great time – I definitely recommend MBC. (Peter: Hood, Virginia)
- The old-time faculty was beyond my expectations! (Earl: Staatsburg, New York)
- I'm very happy I came to this event and will look forward to attending in the future. The atmosphere, quality and quantity of classes available make this a great value in my judgment.
- Got to say you hit a home run! Wonderful experience – can't wait for next year! (John: Cadillac, Michigan)
- What a great Camp! (Joy: Austin, Texas )
- This was my first time to an event such as this and enjoyed it immensely. I will do this again! (Matt: Athens, Wisconsin)
And For Fiddlers:
- Sent to old-time fiddle instructor Alan Jabbour: It is difficult for me to express my gratitude after attending your classes at banjo camp this last weekend. I taught myself how to play fiddle four years ago and have been playing "by the seat of my pants" since. You really opened my eyes to bowing fiddle, and your response to the gentleman's question of "why do I have to bow it like you're telling me" actually helped all of us. The history and personal reflections you expressed about the music you taught the class were as important to me as the actual technique, and so I will also study the history of your tunes as well as learning how to play them. I truly hope to learn more from you in the future and to attend the banjo camp again next year. Thank you for being so generous with your time and knowledge. (Bob: Lombard, Illinois)
What Students Liked Most About Midwest Banjo Camp
- That beginning students were given an opportunity to learn from masters too, not just the most advanced students. (Jodi: Mason, Michigan)
- I cannot think of anything I did not like. Good instructors, good clsses and who could ask for more. (John: St. Calir Shores, Michigan)
- Teachers' attention to individual students during class. (Terence: Westland, Michigan)
- Music, comraderie and my first jam! (Joe: Chicago)
- The friendliness of the faculty; they were always available for questions and encouragement. The concerts were beyond excellent. (Gary: Minoqua, Wisconsin)
- Can't pick one thing out – instructors are great, organization was excellent. (Mary: Mundelein, Illinois)
- Jamming with the top pros, being able to chat with pros. (Peter: Hood, Virginia)
- Being able to work closely with the masters and to learn first hand about different styles. Faculty concerts were AMAZING! (Margie: Palatine, Illinois)
- Your choice of instructors was unbeatable! (Duncan: East Grand Rapids, Michigan)