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1. What is the Maryland Banjo Academy
(MBA)?
MBA is a three day gathering of banjo players, enthusiasts and
builders at the Bishop Claggett Center in Buckeystown, Maryland.
People will be in attendance not only from the Baltimore/Washington
area, but from all over the country and abroad. MBA IV events
will take place April 19 thru 21, 2002. There will be workshops,
demonstrations and mini-concerts as well as a mentoring program
and a vendors' hall.
2. How are classes organized?
MBA has an "open" format and no sign-up is required
for classes. We encourage participants to attend as many classes
and concerts as possible. The mentoring program is on a first
come-first served basis with sign-up sheets available each morning
for 20-30 minute lessons. Classes will denote type or level (if
applicable) on the schedule which registrants will receive in
the mail, along with other registration information.
3. What does Room & Board include?
We are fortunate to have found this 300 acre farm with a campus
that can house about 180 people. Most of the sleeping arrangements
are dormitory style, and lavatories and showers are semi-public
rather than semi-private. The Claggett Center provides linens
and one towel for each member, but we advise MBA students to
bring additional towels. Well cooked meals are served buffet
style. Salads and vegetables are available for vegetarians. There
will be two meals on Friday (lunch & dinner), three meals
Saturday (with a hot breakfast) and breakfast, lunch and a wrapping
up party on Sunday.
4. Where is Frederick, Maryland?
Frederick is on US Rt 70 where it joins Rt 270 on the foothills
of the Appalachian mountains. Buckeystown is 5 miles south on
Rt 85 and the Claggett Center is on the left hand side down a
long driveway. A map will be provided on request.
5. Will there be banjos for sale?
Many vendors and banjo builders will set up their wares at the
Claggett Center, and there will also be seminars on banjo set-up.
Just about anything banjoistic will be available.
6. What should I bring to the Academy?
You will need your banjo of course, and perhaps a tape recorder
(please do not record a class without first getting permission
from the class leader) and
camera, video or still. April in Frederick can be brisk so a
sweater and
sleeping bag will come in handy.
7. If I fly, can you advise me?
We suggest that you come into Baltimore-Washington International
airport (BWI) and on leaving the airport take the Baltimore Beltway
(Rt 495)West towards Towson to Rt 70 West towards Frederick.
We will be happy to send you directions on request. Rental car
companies at the airport will have maps to assist you. We are
working with volunteers to pick up people flying in but will
not pick up anyone arriving Friday or Saturday as there is too
much going on at the Academy those days. Pick-ups will be at
1, 3, 5 and 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 18th.
8. What if I arrive Thursday, April
18th?
If you plan to stay at the Clagget Center on Thursday night we
need to know in advance. there is an additional $40.00 fee (on-site).
We need to know your names in advance. No meals will be offered
before noon Friday.
Following is a list of hotels in the
area.
-- Comfort
Inn - 420 Prospect Blvd. - (301) 695-6200, (800) 228-5150
-- Days Inn - 5646 Buckeystown Pike - (301) 694-6600
-- Hampton Inn - I-270 at Rt 85 - (301) 698-2500
-- Holiday Inn Express at FSK Mall -5579 Spectrum Dr -
(301) 695-2881
-- Holiday Inn - 999 W. Patrick St - (301) 662-5141
-- Holiday Inn Holidome - 5400 Holiday Dr - (301) 694-7500
-- I-70 Motor Inn - 200 East Walser Dr - (301) 663-0500
-- Knights Inn - 6005 Urbana Pk - (301) 698-0555
-- Red Horse Motor Inn - 998 West Patrick St - (800) 245-6701
9. What if my spouse or signifigant
other wants to attend?
MBA can only offer housing to registered students. If a spouse
or companion wishes to accompany you, we suggest the aforementioned
Motels/Hotels. |
