Augusta Heritage Mandolin Camp

[Clamdigger]

I am thinking of signing up for the Augusta Hertiage Mandolin Camp at Elkins College in West Virginia. #Anyone ever attended the camp and if so, how as it? #Clamdigger

[WV Mike]

Clamdigger, that's in my neck of the woods. #

I haven't been to any of the Augusta workshops, but I've heard lots of good feedback about Augusta. #

I had a really hard time deciding between Augusta and Alleghany Echoes in Marlington, WV (they have a website also). #I'm going there the last week of June. #I finally choose Alleghany Echoes for this year since I could take Old-Time mandolin instruction, plus it's all WV instructors and focused on regional flavor tunes/songs. #I figured I could get bluegrass-style instruction about anywhere and the WV flavor appealed to me.

I don't think you could go wrong with either one. #They are priced very similar. #My 1-week workshop is $560 with resident discount for room and board, except dinner. #

Both places (Elkins and Marlington) are in the mountains and great places to be, especially if you also like to hike, fish, etc.

Are you looking at bluegrass-style instruction? #

Who's the instructor for the session you're looking at?

Good luck on your search.

Mike

[John Rosett]

i attended a week-long workshop with jethro burns in 1983 at the augusta heritage festival.for a whole week, we had six hours of jethro, then we'd all get together and go over the stuff he showed us, then we all met jethro at the bar in town 'til closing. i can't really say what the rest of the festival was like. as far as i was concerned, it could have been in jersey city...
john

[Clamdigger]

WV Mike, my son is getting married on June 19th so Alleghaney is out. #I am going to sing up today for Augusta. #It looks like a difficult place to get to. # No easy route from Rhode Island. #I am going for bluegrass mandolin and my instructor will be Murphy Henry's son in the intermediate class. Thanks for the feedback. #Clamdigger

[Seth Rosen]

clamdigger,

You will have a great time. #All of the Augusta workshops create a great mix of learning, pickin' and listening to great music. #My NE Ohio buddy Paul Kovac always puts together a great bluegrass week staff. #His priority is always to get great teachers who are great 'campers', if they are great performers too that's a bonus.

I'm sure it'll be well worth your trip.

For others on the board, there a five weeks of classes at Augusta, each week with a different theme: Cajun, Blues& Swing, Old Time and Bluegrass mando classes are available.

Check it all out at:

Augusta (http://www.augustaheritage.com)

--seth

[Clamdigger]

Thanks Seth. #I sent a check in today. Clamdigger

[johnnymando]

I attended Augusta with a banjo player friend in 96.Had classes with Mike Compton and got my first exposure to the true Monroe style.The site is great with dorm room accommidations,GREAT food and some of the best jamming I've ever had the privilage of participating in.Had instruction and mini-camps with Dudley Connell,Lynn Morris and Lori Lewis. Came back from Augusta with a new style and appreciation for the music.Had lunch with Johnny Hartford too!

[sailaway]

Have to say I went to Augusta bluegrass week last year 2003 and it was a great week, top quality instructors and jams everywhere all night til the wee hours. be sure your calluses are up for 16 hours a day of playing from 9 am to 3 am before you go.(that means, start now and don't stick your left hand in water, -- forego doing dishes or washing the car -- which will ruin your calluses, http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif as Chet Atkins said .) bring a recording device (tape, Minidisc, etc., ) and a FAN because the dorm rooms are hot at night, even tho it's the W Va mountains. And if you are intending to go you should sign up soon as the classes do CLOSE. augustaheritage.com ( just googling 'augusta' gets you some $%# golf tournament.) they have instructors like Bill Keith , and Butch Baldassari, need I say more !?!?! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[luckylarue]

Cd,

I've attended Augusta the last two years and each time had been incredible in terms of learning and improvement. I'm still proccessing and working on stuff from Butch Baldassari's class. The man can teach. Augusta is a fantastic world where you play or are with your instrument for 18 - 20 hrs/day! It's a top-notch camp and a great deal for five days. We camped about ten miles up the valley where it was a bit cooler than down in town. Didn't spend much time there though. I highly recommend August.

Caio - Scott.