Any comments on the Timber Flute Festival in Elkins, WV?

[azw]

Can anyone tell us of their experiences at the Timber Flute Festival in Elkins, WV? It sounds interesting, but there isn’t much info on their web page.

What is a typical day like? If you’re just interested in the Irish Trad classes, how many hours a day are you in class?

What do participants do for meals and housing?

Was it worth while? Did you enjoy it?

Web page: http://www.randolpharts.org/flutefest08.htm
2-page PDF: http://www.randolpharts.org/Timber%20Flute%20Flyer%205%2008.pdf

[plunk111]

I’m planning on going this year, but I haven’t been before.

Pat

[Meadhbh]

I wasn’t able to make is last year, but I am planning on going this summer. Here is a schedule from last year’s camp: http://www.randolpharts.org/finalsched.pdf

Also, I found where Grey had posted the list of tunes that he would be covering (from last year) here: http://www.randolpharts.org/flutefestivalwelcomeltr.html

You may also want to contact Wendell Dobbs with your questions. His e-mail is- Dobbs at marshall dot edu
Or, if you like, I may just send him an e-mail regarding this posting and see if he can provide some more detailed information. Just give me the word and I’ll see what I can find out.

[azw]

Thanks Pat & Meadhbh. That info on last year does give a pretty good sense for what the days will look like.

Any idea of how many students are in the classes?

What do you plan to do for housing and meals?

[Meadhbh]

@azw

What do you plan to do for housing and meals?

I am still in the process of researching housing. I haven’t called the Graceland Inn or the Conference Center (that the brochure suggests) however after an internet search I found that their standard rates for one person is just over $100 per night. I tend to be a little more economical and decided to search the area. There are other places that range from $52.00 and on up per night.

As for meals…I don’t recall too many options in Elkins. But then again, I didn’t wonder out much while at Augusta last summer. I generally take some items with me and make sure there is a “frig” in the room. I’ll see what else I can find out though.

[azw]

Here’s a listing of lodging options, but some of them are pretty distant.
http://www.randolphcountywv.com/Lodging.htm

That was a good idea to write to Wendell. I’ve asked him for more info.

[azw]

Here’s most of Wendell’s friendly reply:

@Wendell Dobbs via email

This is our second annual Timber Flute Festival, Sunday evening June 22 through Friday afternoon June 27. I’ve attached the flyer that has information about our teacher/artists - Grey Larsen, Colin St. Martin, Ron Warren, Wendell Dobbs and of course our flute maker John Gallagher.

This year we are going to have bright and early fife classes at 9 am each day; however, for those not-as-early risers the day will begin at 10:30 am with a class devoted to each of the traditions featured. The Irish tradition is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday. The festival is located right downtown so at noon every goes to one of numerous eateries and enjoys lunch.

The afternoon starts at 1:30 pm, until 4:00 everyone will go to the ensemble of their choice. If you want to devote yourself completely to the Irish tradition then you could attend that session Monday through Thursday.

There’s free time at 4:00 to either visit the John Gallagher shop or go find dinner or play with newly-found colleagues.

Each evening has a different activity. Dances were very popular last year so we are hosting a Colonial Era dance on Monday evening (no costumes required) with live music. On Tuesday and Thursday evenings there are concerts. On Wednesday evening there’s a Contradance with a local band. Friday afternoon there will be a participants’ concert. In the case of Grey Larsen and Cindy Kallet, they seem to continue to play with the participants well into the night, just informal sessions. I’m not sure when they sleep.

[azw]

@Wendell Dobbs in a follow-up email

Last year we had 32 enrolled total. So, judging from that I would think there would be 10 to 15 in Irish flute this year. Grey will teach Irish flute every afternoon Monday through Thursday from 1:30 to 4:00 and will give a general session on Tuesday morning for the Irish folks as well as the folks concentrating on the other traditions. It’s our way of making sure everyone gets a taste of everything.

Seneca Rocks are about 30 minutes and the gate to the National Forest is about 10 minutes out of town. I believe there’s camping and trout fishing at both.