DavePA - Posted - 04/30/2015:  11:37:24

Hi folks. I'm wondering if anyone has attended Maine Fiddle Camp (mainefiddlecamp.org/) - and if so, I'd love to hear any thoughts/experiences/opinions.

I'm an experienced musician (guitar, bass, mando), but a novice fiddler.  I've been playing steadily for a few months, and am loving the fiddle. I'm considering signing up for June week.

Thoughts?

UsuallyPickin - Posted - 04/30/2015:  12:00:33

Any fiddle camp I have gone to , though not Maine , has gifted me with new ideas, techniques and tunes. The added benefit is to be able to sit close enough to watch and learn. Don't be afraid to ask to be shown something again. Fiddle Workshops are like Pizza even when they aren't great they are still pretty good. The added benefit is all the other fiddlers you get to meet , jamw with and ask questions of..... R/

Swing - Posted - 04/30/2015:  12:02:11

I have been and can only tell you that you will have a great time with great people, playing and learning great music, and did I mention that the food is really good... what else do you need to know..... the June week will be great fun... there is a lake there and you can go swimming, plenty of people to jam with and they welcome beginners and experienced alike....the only thing that is the slightest inconvenience is the showers and once you learn the system, just go swimming....



Play Happy



Swing

DavePA - Posted - 04/30/2015:  12:37:10

Thanks guys. I'm excited about the possibility of going, and I'm looking forward to everything you say about it. I just want to make sure I don't hear a chorus of "oh, I went there once and I'll never go back because of...."

GeeDubya - Posted - 04/30/2015:  12:54:04

OK - disclaimer: I've been on staff at MFC for the past 10 years (intermediate adult fiddle, mostly) and can guarantee you'll have a good time.  Swing has mentioned the highlights.  Fiddle instruction available at all levels, so no need to worry on that front.  Lots of jams, afternoon workshops, evening concerts and dances.  Rustic cabins are available, but most folks tent camp under the pines.  Plenty of opportunities to use your other instruments in pickup groups, student presentations what-have-you.  And the price is super-reasonable and great value.  Check out the website (if you haven't already): mainefiddle.org There's lots of  tunes there, videos of camp experience, staff listings, etc.  I'm happy to answer any specific questions you might have.

Edited by - GeeDubya on 04/30/2015 12:57:25

Mandogryl - Posted - 04/30/2015:  18:20:50

I've been a cello student there for 5 years. In addition to the great instruction there are three levels of jam sessions every night, and a contra dance every night. Food is all organic. I thought the showers were okay, though I hit them at 5:30 am.  I highly recommend it. BTW, plenty of the staff are members of FHO