Comments From Past Campers

While the camp has a new name and management team there is a continuity of dulcimer staff and students. Sharon Lindemeyer was a yearly camper before becoming part of the Heartland staff in 2001 and taking over as director of Heritage in 2002. Mike and Mary Jo Lepage were at the first Heartland Camp and have been there ever since. Edith and Carl Hinrichs were new to dulcimers when they first came to camp. They have been there every year since. Carl is the web master. Other comments are gleaned from evaluations turned in by campers at the end of each session. We invite any former campers or instructors to contribute to this page.

The name Heritage Dulcimer Camp was chosen because of the nature of the Camp.... we will be living part of our history in the instruments that we play, the music that is learned, and the location of the camp. We have as part of our history Heartland Dulcimer Camp, which gained a reputation for fine instructors, nice accommodations, a comforting feeling of "family," and absolutely great food. It is the intent of the directors to maintain the level of excellence in all those areas as we continue the experience of Heritage Dulcimer Camp.

I've been a student of music since the age of six. I've attended a number of workshops and festivals and have learned from the best. I'll be assisted by Mike and Mary Jo LePage who also have backgrounds in mountain and hammered dulcimer. Together, we hope to be able to provide a great summer experience for all who attend. - Sharon Lindenmeyer

Greetings from the LePages (Mike and Mary Jo for those who don't know us). We first became intrigued with the mountain dulcimer when we were traveling in Kentucky and stumbled upon a festival which featured dulcimer players. As soon as we heard the beautiful sound the dulcimer can make, we knew we wanted to learn how to play one. As the saying goes--"the rest is history"! We subscribed to the DPN and started attending workshops, festivals, and week-long camps. We've been to Black Swamp, Boone, Dulcimer Camp in the Mountains, Heartland, Shady Grove and Buckeye to name a few.

Several years ago, Mike won a hammered dulcimer at the Buckeye Festival, so we have a new challenge! We have met so many wonderful instructors at these gatherings, and we have formed some very special friendships with people we've met. We've come to the conclusion that most dulcimer people share some common qualities--they are very friendly, caring, and giving people. We hope you will join us at Heritage Dulcimer Camp next July and find out for yourself! If you do decide to come, we think you will leave with new friendships and lots of special memories that will keep you smiling for a long time!
- Mike and Mary Jo LePage

We were new to dulcimers when we discovered Heartland in 1997. We have returned every year since, considering it our major vacation of the year. The instructors we've studied with were chosen from the "Who's Who" of the dulcimer world. The friendships we've made will last our lifetimes. Coming back to camp is a family reunion. We look forward to an even better summer ahead and the new faces who will become "family."
- Carl and Edith Hinrichs

• It was a great week. Congratulations on making the transition form Heartland to Heritage--- building new traditions.

• Loved the sing-a-long and jamming. I've come for the past eight years and it gets better every year.

• The instructors are excellent, the camaraderie is fabulous, the surroundings peaceful. There is a lot to do if one chooses. This is such a wonderful experience.

• Everyone feels welcome and included regardless of ability level.

• I chose this program because it offers the best instructors and a closed campus.

• Always an adventure.

• It is my jump-start for the rest of the year.

• I feel so lucky to enjoy such a wide range of talent. The instructors spent time with us during free time which was nice. Enjoyed the camraderie of the participants.

• This was a "third choice" this year--- will be a "first choice" next year.

• Wonderful week of music, friendship, and memories.