Overall, I would rate it the best musical learning experience I have had with the greatest effect on my overall musical life. It surpassed all my goals. I came to camp barely able to sing a song, unable to harmonize predictably and with no idea of band mechanics, working together, moving on stage etc., with unformed ideas about kick offs, taking solos etc.

Using a highly structured format with daily harmony singing sessions, daily instrument sessions, daily band rehearsal, some general bluegrass learning, I became familiar with all these things. To put it simply, by continuing to use the things I learned at camp, (and practicing), within 4 months,  I was transformed from the guy who sits at the back of the jam, never leading songs, shy about harmonizing, and an inconsistent solo and rhythm player,  to someone who can lead the jam, sing lead, harmonize and fit in.  In small group sessions, I now can play with semi-pros comfortably, help design or guide the harmony and have a better sense of how to make a small group work.

My wife who was initially a supportive disbeliever in how far I could go, now rates me higher than locals who have played out for years. I am truly amazed and inspired.

The staff at this camp were all excellent.  I make special  mention of  Hereford Percy who spent lots of extra time with jams sharing great musical knowledge and inspiration. Doug Lindsay also spent lots of extra time in extended jam sessions.  Another feature of the camp was the staff''s ability to take those who had not had band experience and turn them into functioning band members in such a short time. They were available to give special help in learning to do harmony arranging and addressing other special requests.

I plan to attend the upcoming camp Jan 2018 with a small group to further refine my individual and group skills.

One important thing, while all the staff are amazing and diverse musicians, camp activities focus entirely on bluegrass ( except very  rarely at jams).  While some ( including me initially) felt this was limiting, in the end I see that to achieve the goals in 1 week, such focus was needed.  Once the skills are learned they can be transferred to other genres without a lot of difficulty.