2011 Student Comments

- Midwest Banjo Camp was amazing. The people, teachers, staff and students, so friendly and helpful. As a beginner, I am inspired to continue on with learning and playing. The concerts caught me by surprise. I didn't not know the banjo was so versatile! The guitar and fiddles as well--what a joy! My face muscles got tired from smiling! :) It was great! (CJ: Potterville, Michigan)

- This was my first year attending and I just wanted to share my first-timer reaction: Fantastic experience – I plan to return in 2012. I'm a relatively new bluegrass banjo student and Mike Sumner was really a terrific instructor – strong basics but not "dumb" basics. I also took classes from Michael Miles and Terri McMurray, both outstanding instructors as well. Please keep me on the mailing list – I'm coming back next year! Really, really terrific program. (Maria: Beverly Hills, Michigan)

- We had a wonderful time at Banjo Camp!!! Wow, it far exceeded my expectations and we’re both motivated to practice, practice, practice so we can come back and go to the intermediate classes! So much fun! Thanks for all your hard work, and keep it up! (Jan: Wilmette, IL)

- Teachers are fantastic; faculty show was amazing. Fantastic Camp! My first time and I was amazed and inspired. Thanks so much. ( Jim: Canton, Michigan)

- Wonderful, exceptional, better than I expected; very professional, high quality camp, well done. (Andie: Hamilton, Indiana)

- Excellent! Having never received formal instruction it made a huge difference in my playing. (Ariadne: New York City)

- Welcoming & inclusive! As this was my very first camp I had a lot of uncertainties but now have come away with a new resolve to practice. Hope I may be able to return next year. Thanks to all. (Lani: Guelph, Ontario, Canada.)

- This was my first year: had a great experience. The whole event seemed to run like clockwork. Thanks for putting on a great event! (Martha: Louisville, Kentucky)

- It was a great experience; I will be back! Shaul: Bloomington, Indiana

- More than I expected. I was impressed by the accessibility of faculty, and their ability as teachers. The quality and variety of staff was superb. (Dan: Hinesburg, Vermont)

- This was my first camp of any kind and I was really impressed. The level of talent is incredible! I hope to return again. (Ritchie: Keller, Texas)

- This was my first such camp and it went way beyond expectations. Having such contact with world class musicians is remarkable. I learned more than I could possibly internalize. All classes I attended were wonderful. (Roy: Cleveland Heights, Ohio)

- Fantastic. The faculty show is worth it alone. But the change to be with and learn from so many others is the best. See ya next year. (Larry: Lake Balboa, California.)

- Fabulous. I liked literally everything: staff instructors, variety, fellow attendees, faculty show. We want a lifetime membership. (Susan: Lake Balboa, California.)

- Wonderful. This is my 5th camp. It is great: keep up the good work. I’ll be back. (Larry: Watson, Illinois.)

- This is year 5 – so I enjoy coming here! (Gary: St. Charles, Illinois)

- My 4th year, keeps getting better. I live 90 miles away and can’t afford not to come. (Doug: Holland, Michigan)

- Great!! Will be back next year for my 3rd year. I loved the variety of classes, exposure, teachers. (Greg:La Grange, Illinois)

- Very well organized. I was impressed by the skill of the faculty and their friendly attitude towards the participants. (Harold: Canton, Ohio)

- I learned a lot and my playing skills noticeably improved. At the jams I fit in and it was easy for me to take a solo. (Blake: Hilliard, Ohio)

- I just want to thank you for the wonderful and enjoyable Banjo Camp. The "instructors were great. (Sean: Farmington, Michigan)

- What a Fantastic time. Still reeling from it all! - - (Dan: St. Joseph, Michigan)

- Congrats to Ken & Stan! Great organization of entire event. We will be back. (Ron: Guelph, Ontario, Canada.)

- It was an excellent & fun experience; the concerts were super great – the best part! (Michael: Fort Wayne, Indiana.)

- I was impressed by the depth & talent – variety of the faculty. (Merle: Granger, Iowa)

- Wonderful experience! (Ben: Vienna, Georgia)

- Fantastic instruction, opportunity to play with others. I got more than my money’s worth. If I can help with MBC 2012 I would like to do so. I am going home determined to start [my own] jam. (Lauren: Traverse City, Michigan)

- Great, very helpful. The teachers were patient and individually helped. (Shane: Cape Girardeau, Missouri)

- Super Camp, great instruction. I liked that teachers were willing to interact with students outside of classroom. (Bob: Clinton, Michigan)

- Great: everything I needed. I was impressed by the accessibility to teachers. (Dennis: Homeworth, Ohio)

- Not to be missed! (Harley: Lansing, Michigan)

- Every instructor was willing to talk to you and answer any questions I had. Total enjoyment; I will be back next year. (Bill: Rothbury, Michigan)

- Fantastic experience! What a treat. (Larry: Jackson, Wyoming)

- This is the best time a guy can have standing up. (Mike: Saginaw, Michigan)

- A far richer experience than [another banjo camp I attended]. I will return. (Tuck: Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada)

- 5-Star!! Great teachers and organized well. (Joe: Bloomfield, Michigan)

- This was a very good camp. You obviously explore ways to make the Camp more effective and meaningful. Well done!! (Pat: Hillman, Michigan)

- Very well done! (Ben: Chicago)

- Excellent; great instructors, good food, camaraderie: who could ask for more? Ill be back! (John: St. Clair Shores, Michigan.)

- Classes were exactly where I am in my learning process. (Mary Lou: Pinckney, Michigan)

- Loved it, want to come back next year. I was impressed by the family-like atmosphere and access to great musicians. [Guitar instructor] David Grier took the time to sit down with me and explain technique sand styles of bluegrass guitar. From this experience I now feel I have the tools to grow and accompany my wife who plays old-time banjo. Thanks, and see you next year. (Bryan: Washington, DC.)

- What I most liked about camp was the jamming and the chance to hang out with world class instructors, in my case [bluegrass fiddler] Byron Berline. Thanks, a wonderful experience. (Mike: Faribault, Minnesota)

- Awesome, loved it! I was impressed by the variety of styles and instructors in clawhammer. (Laura: Washington, DC)

- Great, well worth the money & time. I think this is a great, well run, supportive atmosphere for all , especially a beginner. (Kenn: Orion, Michigan)

- Very enjoyable. I still can’t believe I was jamming with [old-time fiddler] Alan Jabbour at 2:00 AM! Once again, great time. I like that the camp has legends like Jabbour and [Art] Rosenbaum who are totally approachable. And I got to learn from them! (Jack: Gurnee, Illinois)

- Excellent, enjoyable, educational, and with congenial company. (Chuck: Dearborn, Michigan)

- The concert was awesome. We haven’t got such in Russia. Thank you very much to everybody in organization of this camp. (Stepan: Saint Petersburg, Russia)

- Excellent as usual!! Great choice of class topics with excellent workshop levels. (Don Somers: Indianapolis, Indiana)