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What the "alumni" and "professors" have said about past HarmoniCollege events

2014

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 This was one of the coolest harp events I've attended, and it wouldn't have been possible without you. You did a great job with the entire event, and I don't think I've had as much fun in any other circle jams as I did at Harmonicollege. The facilities and food were awesome, everyone was so friendly, and you, Jim, are a GREAT musician and host. I was really impressed with the overall event.

If any of you reading this are within driving distance of Huntington, WV, I would highly recommend that you attend Jim's Harmonicollege event next year. You won't be disappointed!

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Todd Parrott

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2017
Hi Donna, Jim and Tia,

Thanks so much to all of you for working really hard to make the Harmonica College 2017 such a success.  And a great success it was.
It was a wonderful time.  I learned a lot from Joe .  The food was exceptionally good, and I enjoyed working with you in the kitchen.  Tia was very organized, it's quite an accomplishment to feed so much to so many, I was impressed.  And the music  - also really good, lots of great harmonica.  Entertaining,  with the mini performances - Joe, Eric, Chris and Charlie.  The many aspects all came together making it fun for all.

Thank you all,
Jane M.

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Jim,
One of the best spur of the moment decisions I've made was signing up for the college. I needed a full immersion in harping. Joe's teaching was excellent, more than excellent. Joe, Eric, Chris, and Charlie were a joy to hear. Good folks, good food, great and challenging jams, right pace, beautiful spot. I hope to be around for it next year.
Thanks very much,
Phil  (Pennington )

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Rob Krumm

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Thanks Jim for a very fun weekend of music...I really enjoyed it.

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Jim,
Another great happening this past weekend, Jim. Thank you, Donna, and your daughter, for the hospitality.
Of course, Joe and Eric were tremendous-just as I expected.
Thanks,
 
Wayne  
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Name of sender: Chris & Kathleen Conlogue
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Jim,

Thanks so much to you and the Harmonica Club for hosting us at the Harmonicollege.  Everyone was so welcoming & friendly, the food was great, and of course Joe and Eric are the best!  Where else can you watch one of the best harp players perform in the comfort of your living room?  Thanks also to your family for all of their hard work and to everyone who made it possible.  Keep us on your mailing list;  we would love to return next year.  


Chris & Kathleen 
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Another wonderful weekend workshop with top tier teachers!

Jim Rumbaugh leads the Harmonica Club of Huntington West Virgina as it continues to offer great workshops with skilled instructors, congenial camaraderie, and good food in a beautiful setting. This annual event is the bargain of the harmonica workshop world. 

I had a blast!
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Doug S
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Harmonicollege is a great event. My only complaint is the weather. Its a beautiful setting and Jim does a fantastic job being organized. For example, when I arrived I wanted to know where my room was. So I went looking for Rumbaugh, and I found the name tags hanging on a coat tree. I found my name tag, and with it was a map to my room! Besides leading jams and organizing things, Jim also helps with the cooking.

Harmonica Bruce
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It was allot of fun and there was plenty of beer
Danny G
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Once again the West Virginia Harmonica Club, out did themselves, with this years event. Jim and Donna Rumbaugh are the ultimate host! The accommodations of an 1800s working village, in a mountainous setting with log cabins were amazing!The spread of food was incredible. The site, lodging, and weekend's endless buffet was worth more than the price of admission. Then you get a weekend of jamming with some of the most hospitable people you could ever meet. And yes there were beverages of choice, but yet; a givin the devil the bluz, prison pastor like myself, felt an awe of love and respect from everyone!!! How noticeable is the fact that through this event, those who continue to come back, see such great improvement in their playing. I'm just amazed at the ability of all who jam each night. Then; on top of that you've got about 30 harmonica players and a dozen guitar players, not only treating each other with respect, but also giving everything away to help each other improve. Joe Filisko and Eric Noden continues the top notch playing and teaching that has become expected by every pro Jim brings in. And I'm sure next year will be no different. And to top everything; you are missin out if you don't come and Jam with $5 Red (Ms. Karen Combs) on guitar and Ms. Barbara James bangin on the Keys!!! Count me in for next year Jim! The only thing I would hope for different is that you add an extra day!!!!! Harmonically Yours! K.C.
(And Don't Forget to Always Give The devil The Bluz!!!)
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And I Thank You !!
KCz
Backwoodz
Bluz
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From Clint Hoover 2019
"HarmoniCollege is great! I've been recommending it to all of my students. It's relaxed, easygoing atmosphere to learn in is welcoming and uplifting to all levels of players. The jam sessions are what they should be: a chance for everyone to learn from each other in a non competitive, supportive environment. I've seen and heard people get better in just one day! There is just one instructor per weekend, so you get a real chance to understand what their approach is and talk to them personally; then the next year you have someone new to learn from. You come away from it having made new friends and really learning something to improve your harp playing. Oh, and the food's great, too. I like to go there myself!"

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2022 Anthony Adkins

HarmoniCollege #9, 2022 - Jim Rumbaugh did it again by pulling off an amazing comeback post COVID!  A crowd of faithful were there and many more would have made it if not for conflicts.  Some even posted their hope to return next year if possible and were saddened by the miss. 
But this year’s teacher, as with all past teachers, brought his own style and boy what a style!  He was technical and knowledgeable on theory and it’s application, but explained things in a way that almost anyone could understand.  He was an amazing dynamic player that handled a plethora of questions from hungry students with style and class; leaving us all wanting more!
The fellowship amongst friends and acquaintances was amazing as always, the food was plentiful and taste (thank you Tia and Donna Rumbaugh and the many others that helped), and the music from the house band and the solos were a joy to just behold.  Everyone seemed to reach deep and try new things which was fun and no one held back or felt they didn’t fit in (Jim’s style as always). 
All I can say is my brain was full and my heart was full of music! 
God bless and look forward to an amazing 2023!
 

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