KBHC


Quotes from past KBHC participants

"Thank you for your patience, interest, and encouragement. It has meant more to me than you will ever know." "Having the opportunity to get this great teaching and exposure to great playing is a luxury, a dream come true. But more and more it has become and essential part of me. It’s been another great camp." "I can’t imagine a better faculty - just fantastic teaching skills." "The BEST EVER! A terrific week for me. Super focus and playing by all the participants and a wonderfully skilled and generous faculty." Kenneth Graupner, MD, ‘95, ‘96, ‘97, ‘98, ‘99, Beaver Dam, WI; psychiatrist.

"I think that this is a great camp and I have learned a lot. In fact, these are the most intense days of horn learning I have (ever) had. They have also been very enjoyable musically and socially and brought me closer to my recital goal." " I came last year, enjoyed it, and had a good feeling about my playing after Kendall’s instruction. Kendall’s guidance has "unlocked" some stuff." Carl Ek, ‘95, ‘96, ‘97, ‘98, ‘99, Toronto, ON, Canada; computer programmer.

"It’s been great fun to get to know other horn players. This is a great camp." "I came to camp last year and learned so much I wanted to come again and learn more." Bonnie Townsend, ‘95, ‘96,’ 97, ‘98, Columbus, OH; freelance hornist and teacher.

"Each year just seems to be getting better and better - excellent faculty, extremely well-organized and lots of fun people. Once again, I’m leaving with a suitcase full of ideas and goals for my horn playing." Peggy Moran, ‘96, ‘97, ‘98, ‘99, Palos Heights, IL; graduate student, Indiana University.

"Again, I have been inspired and re-energized. See you next year!" Paul Balabanis, ‘95, ‘96, ‘97, Silver Spring, MD; retired foreign service officer, US Dept. of State.

"I came back to camp to keep learning on the horn from a first rate staff. Also to try to keep up with Vince on my mountain bike! I’m very proud to be a part of this unique camp. The atmosphere is positive and supportive and I hope it continues each year. Where else do people understand horn players?" "Loved the location and the atmosphere. Great bunch of people. Kendall’s NC bar-b-que made me feel at home." Jeff Warren, ‘96, ‘97, ‘99, Charlotte, NC; assistant principal horn, Charlotte Symphony Orchestra.

"I came last year and learned so much; I knew I would be more motivated to practice this summer after horn camp! I really enjoy meeting the variety of people who come here and now I know horn players from all over the world!" Jenny Stapleton, ‘96, ‘97, ‘98, Ellicott City, MD; student, Indiana University.

"I had a great time and improved a great deal! I hope to come back next year." Trevor Baybutt, ‘97, ‘98, ‘99, Dresher, PA; student, New England Conservatory. 

"I learned a lot and gained confidence with my playing. I know what to work on and ways to go about that. I improved my sound. I enjoyed working with the faculty and listening to them play. I especially loved the (Schumann) Konzertstueck." "It is awesome. I am learning so much and enjoying the ensemble and solo practicing. I especially think that Kendall’s fundamentals are helpful. KBHC is very inspirational." Hazel Davis, ‘97, ‘98, ‘99, St. Paul, MN; student, Harvard University.

"I am so glad I decided to come to this camp because I really enjoyed getting to know everyone here. This week will remain in my memories for a long time! Thanks for a great week!" "Very well planned out with classes, lessons, etc. Ogontz is a beautiful location with great food. Faculty by far the best!" Michele Rimes, ‘95, ‘99, Gainesville FL; graduate student, University of Florida.

"Great exposure to great music by fine musicians in the evenings. Not only was it a totally enjoyable experience but it showed me literature I’d never known about and taught volumes on professional attitudes." Brother Nathanael Reese, ‘95, ‘96, Orleans, MA; Community of Jesus.

"I made a lot of progress last year and I needed some "new" insights to my "old" problems on the horn. Plus it is a great way to relax, become motivated, build endurance and gain confidence." Beth Smith, ‘96, ‘97, Normal, IL; student, Illinois State University.

"KBHC has helped me grasp the larger concept of music as opposed to concentrating on individual skills and notes. I’ve learned that I can listen to myself and be my own teacher." "The structure of camp this year made it easy to get a lot done; talk to everyone; play for everyone." Cally Duncan, ‘97, ‘98, Columbia, MD; student, Duquesne University.

"I can’t thank you enough for all of the instruction I received here. My concept of sound, tone production and musicianship has drastically improved through the course of this week." "I loved the fundamental instruction the most. And Clamarama Night...maybe you should ask Herr Gestopftmitxx@!?*# to join the faculty." "Can’t wait to be back." Jennifer Stahl, ‘97, ‘98, North Wales, PA; student, Princeton University.

"I’ve really enjoyed to stay here, where is the beautiful place, nice food, wonderful faculty and cheerful colleagues!!" Mami Abe, ‘97, ‘98, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; principal horn, National Symphony Orchestra of Malaysia.

"I really enjoyed Kendall’s sense of humor but he also knew how to work and teach." "I thought it was very organized and well run and I really got a lot out of it. It was fun." Jessica Hughes, ‘97, ‘98, Sykesville, MD; student.

"IT RULED! I’m now inspired to lock myself in a practice room and play Kopprasch for hours on end." Adam Watson, ‘97, ‘98, Bowie, MD; student, University of Maryland. 

"Because I only have last year to compare to - I think that this year’s faculty was absolutely FABULOUS!! I have learned even more from the great diversity of teaching methods and ideas. I think everyone can get really overwhelmed from the amount of knowledge you absorb your 1st year. But since this is my 2nd year, I haved been able to sort out the information into categories for myself and my beginner through college age students. I could only recommend everyone returning next year!!" Nancy Joy, ‘97, ‘98 Las Cruces, NM; instructor of horn, New Mexico State University; second horn, El Paso Symphony.

"I really appreciated Jean Rife’s yoga class. The large diverse faculty is great." "(I) love: the food; having Jean Rife here the whole time; the small coached ensembles; the small class sizes; the mix of people; the faculty; the (small) faculty/student ratio; the view." Paulette Altman, ‘98, ‘99, Redmond, WA; graduate student, University of Cincinnati.

"Very helpful. Many interesting teachers with different viewpoints. Liked being able to choose from many instructors’ ideas. Liked having private lesson time." Nichole Sunday, ‘98, ‘99, Dillsburg, PA; student, Towson State University.

"It’s a real enjoyable, uplifting and productive experience: all the teaching staff are fantastic: insightful, positive, knowledgeble, great players." James Code, ‘98, ‘99, Sackville, NB, Canada; faculty, Mt. Allison University.

"Oh the joy to be at KBHC - I liked yoga, the personal attention from such wonderful teachers and learning with and from my peers." Emily Wong, ‘98, ‘99, Houston, TX; student, University of Illinois.

"The highlight was (of course) Prof. G.! Also pleased with every member of the faculty and their willingness to instruct and their thoughtful insight into horn and music in general. I have absorbed an immense amount of help. Thanks!" Jay Sewell, ‘98, ‘99, Benbrook, TX; aerospace engineer.

"I was impressed with the friendliness and genuine interest in helping us that I saw in every single faculty/staff member." Jo Oliver, ‘98, ‘99, Austin, TX; computer professional.

"Well-run, good structure. Beautiful environment. Wonderful faculty support, guidance and interest - something for everyone who came. Exceptional morale among all - not backbiting of a competitive nature (refreshing from an observer’s position). Your comments on continuing to grow musically, forever ...(are) so important for everyone to know (that) they can continue to grow and accomplish (their goals)." John Morse, ‘98, ‘99, Payne, OH; music educator; freelance professional.

"Littleton, NH is a good setting for a horn camp....meanwhile, Kendall, thanks for being your wondrous self as horn teacher....You are both professional and endowed with humanism. A pleasure to be in your company." Joel Barg, ‘95, Montreal, PQ, Canada; artist.

"Camp definitely beneficial!" Doris Mae Smith, ‘96, Rangely, CO; faculty, Colorado Northwestern Community College.

"Outstanding faculty. They were extremely talented, available and supportive." Jeremy O’Dette, ‘97, Clifton, VA; student, Eastman School of Music.

"I learned a lot. The faculty was more than helpful and available. Mr. Mayer, especially. Overall, a great learning experience." Laura Leech, ‘97, Alexandria, VA; student.

"I loved the camp. I feel that I really learned a lot while I was here. The non-competition attitude that Kendall set forth from day one was very relaxing and refreshing. The simple repetition of important concepts is great teaching method - it worked well for me." David Posner, ‘97, LeGrangeville, NY; student, Eastman School of Music.

"I had decided to quit horn, my parents gave me the camp because they wanted me to rediscover the joy of playing. It worked. You all have hearts as big as Texas." Suzanne George, ‘97, Houston, TX; freelance professional.

"I would just like to say that this has been an opportunity of a lifetime and that I have learned an amazing amount from the incredibly nice and understanding staff and I hope that I may be able to attend this camp again next year." Sean Blaise, ‘97, Miami, FL; HS student.

"This has been a really great camp. I have learned a lot and I think with all this new information I can really improve my playing!" Kristy Woodard, ‘97, Plano, TX; student, Southern Methodist University.

"Great food! Excellent opportunities! Fantastic clinicians! I can’t say enough good things!! Thank you!" Dana Burkett, ‘97, Fort Worth, TX; music educator.

"This camp is neat! I hope I can remember everything I learned. I am very happy that there was food for vegetarians." Christina Gergis, ‘97, Thousand Oaks, CA; student, CSU Northridge.

"It sounded like a great camp for me to prepare for college at: great horn players in a beautiful area away from home. I appreciate the time Kendall spent on me even if I didn’t catch on too quick." Jenny Sanford, ‘97, Wever, IA; student, Indiana University.

"I came to KBHC because I have a dream. I want to be the best horn player ever and to learn from the illustrious, great, incredible Kendall Betts." Richard Arnow, ‘97, St. Petersburg, FL; student.

"Loved every minute - will be back!!! Thanks Kendall and all!" Kathy Smith, ‘97, Burlington, IA; music educator.

"Thank you for taking me in and be part of this wonderful camp. I’ve learned so much not only through playing and applying the techniques but also just through listening. Again, thanks!!!" Maria Ina S. San Diego, ‘97, Manila, Philippines; music education major, Jersey City College.

"I felt I needed to come here to improve my playing, technique, etc. I wanted to play and listen to other horn players around the country/world to see exactly where I was in comparison. Now I know where I stand how much I need to improve. In general, this was a time to get away from everything and just focus on horn." Jennifer Greupner, ‘97, Lake Elmo, MN; student, University of Minnesota.

"I came to camp to meet a lot of horn players and motivate myself to work harder on the horn. Kenny’s Kamp is Kool!" Kyle Bozeman, ‘97, Dubach, LA; student; University of Southern Mississippi.

"I came to camp because I wanted to learn everything about the horn that I missed in college IN ONE WEEK!" Dale Camara, ‘97, Peacham, VT; music educator.

"Words just can’t describe...! I loved it!" Diana Oshen, ‘98, Glen Ellyn, IL; student, University of Illinois.

"GREAT FUN!! It was a great immersion into the horn world (from one who has been living in a vacuum)!" Lynda DeWitt, ‘98, Stowe, VT; ski instructor.

"It was great. I have learned so much in my time here." Robert Fant, ‘98, Theodore, AL; student, University of Kansas City Conservatory.

"It was fantastic. Barry Tuckwell was great and the context of him critiquing us was perfect. Having the faculty play at night was inspirational. Kendall’s morning sessions on fundamentals were clear and easy to apply to my playing. I feel like I really improved." Sarah Twombly, ‘98, Cape Elizabeth, ME; student.

"I would just like to thank you again for the wonderful week of experience and learning at your camp. I feel that I have gained more from that one week than anywhere else in my musical career. You have contributed in a tremendously positive way to my horn playing." Matt Sutton, ‘98, Danville, IL; HS student.

"This camp was wonderful - it completely exceeded all of my expectations and we had a brilliant time - I feel I have learned a enormous amount." Bernadette Williams, ‘99, Aukland, NZ; student.

"Well organized. Great facility (especially the food). Very supportive and helpful faculty. A very motivational, educational and musical experience." Emily Zappe, ‘99, Sparks, NV; student, Brigham Young University.

"This was amazing!! The experience is almost too hard to sum up. I have learned so much but the best part has been meeting this great faculty. Thanks, Kendall, this was awsome and I hope to be back." Justin Hageman, ‘99, Rogersville, TN; student, Tennesee Technilogical University.

"Even though my playing was weak this year, I met my goals and got lots of input on getting back into shape. The access to the wonderful faculty was the cornerstone of the camp. They were all so available, open, friendly, helpful....Incredible food!...Very good, well thought out schedule....Facilities at Ogontz seem well suited to the camp with plenty of room to spread out and rehearse, practice and (I liked) the recreational opportunities. Thank you for a great week!" Barbara Hunter, ‘99, Glen Carbon, IL; music faculty and instrument technician, Southern Illinois University.

"It was very helpful talking to all of the faculty members. It is very inspiring listening to hear them play. Good food, good company, good experience." Scott Wevers, ‘99, Toronto, ON, Canada; student, University of Toronto.

"I loved it!! I sincerely hope to be back next year. I am in awe at the level of playing and instruction of the faculty. Thanks you so much for a wonderful experience here and for all your fine efforts to organize this camp. My lessons with Abby and Vince: I just want to say that those two hours were the best; I both admire and enjoy being with them; They are very fine players, teachers and gentlemen. I felt somewhat out of my element here but the atmosphere was supportive and encouraging and I appreciated that. I liked working hard here and striving to achieve my best. Now I must go home and practice. I have learned so much to take home with me." Sue Peeples, ‘99, Rochester, MI; wife, mother, graduate student, piano teacher.

"Your personal attention deeply moved me. Thank you for caring about those of us who will never be professionals. You are a generous, kind, person--one not concerned with the number of students who will "further" your name and musical reputation....The deep breathing exercises in Yoga have allowed me to play longer phrases, sleep better at night and get off most of my allergy medication. Thank you for including Yoga (and Jean!) in your camp....You have assembled a terrific set of teachers. Mike Hatfield taught me how to be a more "focused" teacher when he gave me a private lesson....He was well organized and keenly observant. My low register is much better as a result of this one-hour lesson."  Kathryn Urbonya, ‘99, Williamsburg, VA; Professor of Law, College of William and Mary.

"I thought KBHC was great experience! The faculty was excellent and the people I met here will be friends for a long time. The facilities were great, even though I got eaten alive by bugs." Kevin Jones, ‘99, Tacoma, WA; student, Pacific Lutheran University.

"I learned so much. The most positive horn related event in my life. It was so beautiful here." Tim McFadden, ‘99, Issaquah, WA; HS student.

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