Comments from students:
*I went down to the hills of West Virginia for a weekend of Appalachian music and lore at the Water Gap Retreat near Elkins. Had never even heard the place when a friend , who had heard Michael and Carrie Kline and rearranged his life to see them again, invited me. So the weather was perfection (a cloudless cobalt sky and sunlight the color of honey) and the landscape sublime and the cabin was cozy and the food delicious and host gracious. But it was the Klines -their warmth and love for each other and the people whose stories and songs they have dedicated their lives to recording and sharing -that was the ultimate gift. Michael Davis, founder and host of the Retreat writes on his beautifully designed website, that he hopes to offer "enriching and memorable workshops" in a beautiful setting. And that's exactly what this workshop, Appalachian Singing, was -enriching and memorable.
*This class was a life-changing experience! It was amazing. I learned
so many things on so many levels.
*Excellent class.
*Good technique coverage, excellent immersion into events that can
be chronicled. Would NOT have missed trip into flooded area. Excellent!
I have many good ideas as to how to put Oral History techniques
to use. Field trip to mountaintop removal was VERY important. Tell
the college they should have Appalachian Studies Department. They
would increase their enrollment and have something very valuable
to offer the academic community.
*Eye-opening, provoking, educational. Carrie and Michael have so
much to share and are great teachers. They planned a wonderful week
for us. I can’t say enough good things about my Oral History class
and teachers. It was truly an eye-opening and thought-provoking
class and the Klines are to be commended for planning such a complete
week.
Comments from our Elder Hostel Students:
*A simply great and enthusiastic presentation of the power of the
oral tradition by two delightful and competent persons!
*A very engaging couple. One loves both them and their music.
*Both music and commentary proved the thesis.
*Warm, talented, sensitive people
*Especially good, with great sensitivity
*What they are doing is most important.
*Unique insights into special areas of life and culture lovingly
presented
*Carrie and Michael helped each of us to think and express our ideas
and feelings on many things in our past that have reflected on the
way we feel and act today.
*The Klines were inspiring. The classes were always enjoyable and
thought-provoking. Both were charming and friendly. I really was
quite fond of them.
*Unbelievable. Words can’t describe this program.
|
