Quandry: Swannanoa or Augusta?

Whistle
1

I know this is early to be thinking about next summer’s festivals, but I already need to make a decision about which week I’ll be going to a festival next summer. Maybe some of your past experiences can help me decide.

The decision is between Durham, Swannanoa, and Augusta. I’ve ruled out Durham, since many agree it’s for the more advanced players who want really good sessions and feeling like their in Ireland. I’m more of an advanced beginner/intermediate player, so my main concern is the quality of teaching and the opportunities for session play.

The pros and cons of each:

Swannanoa seems to offer different level 1.5 hour classes in whistle, by John Skelton and Kathleen Coneelly, while Augusta offers a 4 hour all-levels class by Brian Holleran (teachers may change).

Augusta offers slow session opportunities for everyone, while you kind of have to “find your own place” at Swannanoa.

You can sleep in at Swannanoa, but you have to be up and at class by 9:00am at Augusta – which rules out getting to stay up late and drink a lot at a good session. :wink:

What are all of your experiences with teachers, schedules, sessions?

2

I had an absolute blast at Swannanoa. I had been playing flute for about 5 months prior to going (But learned fairly quickly because of a lot of translatable whistle and GHB experience.)

Anyways, yes, the whistle instructors at Swannanoa are good. But, the focus for many is on the sessions, concerts, and socializing. The environment is gorgeous. The dorms dont necessarily have AC though, which can make things uncomfortable. The food was edible, not gourmet.

At Swannanoa there was a scheduled slow session for everybody every evening. The problem was that it was huge - around 40 or more people the first night. If you want to stay up and sessionize, there were usually people up to around 4 am or later. Many of the hardcore players schedule only one or two classes so as to minimize burnout. I have not been to Augusta, so no comments there,but I think that if you want to immerse yourself in playing for a week Swannanoa would not be a bad choice.