FAQs For Attendees - 2013
REGISTRATION
Q: What is the registration timeline?
A: For 2013 it is as follows:
November 26, 2012 - The Swannanoa Gathering pre-registration opens when the newsletter is mailed to everyone on our mailing list. Online pre-registration opens after Thanksgiving. To find out what it means to pre-register, read "What is pre-registration and how can it help me get the classes I want?" below.
February 15, 2013 - Pre-registration closes.
February 18, 2013 - Early registration begins (open only to those who have pre-registered by the February 15th deadline)
March 1, 2013 - The mass mailing of the catalog will go out via the USPS to the general mailing list.
March 6, 2013 - General registration opens online.
June 7, 2013 - Final payments are due.
Last day to cancel and get a refund: (should an enrolled student need to cancel, we can refund all monies collected other than the deposits, if notified four weeks before his/her program begins)
- Traditional Song Week - June 7th
- Celtic Week - June 14th
- Old-Time Music & Dance Week - June 21st
- Guitar & Contemporary Folk Weeks - June 28th
- Mando & Banjo/Fiddle Weeks - July 4th
Q: When does registration for next summer begin?
A: Pre-registration for the 2013 workshops begins November 26, 2012 and runs through February 15, 2013. General registration opens in early March 2013.
Q: When will online registration be available?
A: Early registration for those who pre-registered begins February 18, 2013.
General registration opens in early March.
Q: What is pre-registration and how can it help me get the classes I want?
A: Pre-registration begins when our Fall Newsletter is published. The newsletter lists the staff that have confirmed to teach for the summer. Once the newsletter arrives, you can fill out the pre-registration form online by paying a $100 deposit and letting us know which week you wish to attend. Once pre-registration ends on February 15th, all pre-registrants have access to Early Registration on February 18th. You receive a digital copy of the catalog and have first dibs at getting the classes you want. The bulk mailing of the catalog will go into the US Postal system in early March, so during this ‘grace period’ you have a head start on registering for classes.
Q: I’ll be registering for classes and want to bring my partner/spouse. What are the rates and what kind of activities are available?
A: Non-students can pay a $130 activity fee to gain access to all of the Gathering events in the evenings. This includes concerts, dances, jams, student showcases, etc. During the day while the students are at classes, they have access to the Warren Wilson College gym, pool, library, trails and student center. Some weeks also offer Tai Chi, meditation or yoga classes in the mornings. If you and your partner/spouse choose to live on campus, each of you would pay the shared room fee of $385. This includes a double room and full meal plan. You can read more about Non-student activities on the Non-student Activities page.
Q: I’d like to make this a family vacation. What kinds of activities do you have that might be appropriate for my children?
A: For children 6-12, we offer a Children’s Program during our Traditional Song, Celtic, and Old-Time Weeks. You can read more about the Children’s Program here. For older children, our classes do not have age limits, so we recommend enrolling your child in a class or two.
Q: I am an Americorps/Vista employee and would like to use my Americorps Education Award to pay for my Swannanoa Gathering expenses. Is the Swannanoa Gathering an approved educational institution?
A: Yes! We are Warren Wilson College's continuing education program and as such are considered a Title IV Institution. Your Americorp Education Award will cover your tuition and housing expenses of your stay at the Gathering.
CLASSES
Q: How are the classes scheduled and how many classes can I take?
A: The classes run Monday-Friday and are held at the same time each day. So if you choose to take a 9:00 AM Fiddle class, you will meet with the class Monday-Friday at 9:00 AM in the same room. Our program’s ‘open’ format encourages students to take several courses a day. For example, a fiddle player may take a class in her instrument in the morning, then, after lunch, a dance class that uses tunes from her fiddle class, and a folklore class in the afternoon describing the cultural context in which both tunes and dances developed. How many classes you take is an individual decision. You can take from 1 to 3 or 4, depending on the week.
Q: How long are the classes?
A: Classes are usually an hour and 15 minutes and run from 9:00 in the morning to 4:00 or 5:00 in the evening, depending on the week you choose.
Q: How large are the classes? Do you have waiting lists?
A: Classes limits are typically 15, but most weeks offer a few unlimited enrollment classes as well. Once a class fills, we begin a waiting list based on a first-come, first-served policy. The earlier you get on the waiting list, the better your odds of getting off. Once a student makes a class change or cancels their registration, we offer their slot to the next person on the waitlist. Some of our busier weeks tend to fill very quickly, so we recommend registering early.
Q: Are there age limits for class participants?
A: We welcome and encourage students of all ages to attend our classes. We do not have an age limit for class participants and just ask that the student be sincerely interested in the subject and not a distraction to others.
Q: How/where can/do I register for classes?
A: Anyone can register for classes by filling out the registration form on our website, by mailing in the registration form at the back of the catalog, or by faxing the registration form to 828-298-3434. We are unable to take registrations over the phone.
Q: How do I know which skill level to register for?
A: Our students come from all backgrounds and skill levels, from complete beginners to serious hobbyists to professional musicians. Some class descriptions define required skills in detail, but when the following terms appear, Beginner refers to those with no experience at all, or those who play some but are not yet comfortable with the basics. Intermediate students should have mastered basic skills, and be able to tune their instruments, keep time, play the principal chords and scales cleanly, and know how to play a few tunes with confidence (dancers should know basic steps and figures, and how to lead and/or follow). Advanced students should be very comfortable with their instruments and able to focus on style, arrangement and ornamentation.
Q: Can I get credit for the classes I take?
A: The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction has allowed three hours of Teaching Certificate Renewal Credit for each week of the Swannanoa Gathering. Interested teachers should contact their local school board for prior approval.
Q: Will there be down time to practice and/or relax?
A: Students may choose to take a class during each of the offered class periods, but concentration on a few classes is strongly recommended. You can use open class period for practice or to schedule a massage with the massage therapist, take a walk on the campus trails, take a nap, enjoy a yoga class, head to the gym or the pool or just sit and enjoy a new friend. Your schedule is entirely up to you!
FEES AND DEPOSITS
Q: How much is tuition?
A: Tuition is $485 for 2013. You can read more about our fees here.
Q: Is there a deposit required for registration?
A: Yes – there is a $100 deposit for students, $50 deposit for non-students and $25 deposit for the Children’s Program.
Q: Are there work study/volunteer positions available?
A: Yes – click here to read more about our Work Exchange Program
HOUSING AND MEALS
Q: What kinds of housing accommodations are available?
A: Click here to read more about housing.
Q: Are there private rooms?
A: We do have a limited number of single rooms available at an additional fee of $150 for a total of $535.
Q: Is it possible to camp on the campus? Are there alternatives to staying in the residence halls?
A: We do not allow camping on the campus, but there are campsites nearby. Click here for a list of local off-campus options.
Q: Can you tell me about the individual meals vs. full meal plan?
A: Anyone choosing to live on campus is given a full meal plan as part of his or her housing fee. Those living off-campus can choose to either purchase individual meals as needed, or purchase the full meal plan. Individual meals are $6 breakfast, $7.50 lunch and $8.25 supper for Adults and $3.50 breakfast, $4.50 lunch and $6 supper for children 6-12.
Q: I have special dietary requirements, can you accommodate them?
A: The College is catered by Sodexo (828-298-1041), and low-sodium, gluten free, vegetarian and vegan meals are available upon request. Please let us know in writing what your diet consists of and we will communicate with the kitchen staff before your arrival.
Q: I can find a cheaper flight if I arrive Saturday instead of Sunday, can I check in a day early?
A: Due to the rapid turnover of the residence halls each week, we do not allow early arrivals. For certain circumstances, we do allow a stayover on Saturday night for those with late departures. The cost is $75 per person.
CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS
Q: I may have to cancel my registration. Can I get a refund?
A: The deposits are required for registration and are processing fees credited toward tuition and not student funds held in escrow, and are thus non-refundable and non-transferable. Should an enrolled student need to cancel, we can refund all monies collected other than deposits, if notified four weeks before his/her classes begin. No refunds other than the cost of meals ($123 for adults, $79 for children) can be made within four weeks of the event.
VENDORS
Q: Will there be vendors on site?
A: We will have several vendors on hand, including:
- Michael Ginsburg (Tune Town), offering recordings and other staff items. Contact Michael via email here.
- Acoustic Corner (www.acoustic-corner.com), offering instruments, rentals, accessories, books, and musical supplies. Those wishing to rent instruments or special order items should contact Acoustic Corner in advance.
- Massage Therapist Kim Tewksbury who will offer massage on campus on the Health Center porch. Contact her via email to schedule an appointment.
more to come...