Here are the questions I answer most often.  I hope yours is here, but if it isn’t, please feel free to email me.  Bonnie

Do you take credit cards?  Yes, we accept VISA and MasterCard

Will there be harps available to rent?  No, but there are builders who will often loan harps for workshops and attendees who are happy to share.

Do I need to bring a harp?  A harp will certainly enhance your festival experience, but is not a requirement or a necessity.  You are free to attend any of the workshops sans harp.  It is possible to gain valuable knowledge just by listening and there will be some harp-free workshops.

I am just a beginner, will there be anything for me? There will be lots of things for beginners.  Most of the workshops will be presented so that beginners can gain some benefit from them. Even attending a workshop that is listed as intermediate or advanced can be beneficial. Be attentive, keep all the handouts, and as you progress in your playing you’ll be surprised that things you have heard will come back to you.

Can I stay somewhere other than at the resort?  Yes, but you will need to find your own accommodations.  We have a room block at the resort for attendees and cannot make arrangements at other facilities.

Are there campgrounds in the area?  Yes, but you need to make your own arrangements and reservations.

I can’t come for the whole festival; can I come for one day?  Yes, complete the one-day registration information on the registration form.  Be sure to include what day you are coming.

Does the registration fee include my room and meals?  No, rooms and meals are separate, but we have a room block for attendees (see Accommodations) and are offering an optional meal plan for an additional fee.  Meals will  be served buffet style in the Huntley Dining Room beginning with dinner on Wednesday evening and ending with breakfast/brunch on Sunday morning.  Thursday, Friday, and Saturday will be breakfast, lunch, and dinner for a total of 11 meals and will include all taxes and gratuities.   Tickets are $200 each, must be pre-ordered, and will not be available once you have arrived at the festival. 

Is there a fee for people who only want to attend some performances? There is a companion fee (see registration form) and concerts are always open to the public for $10 admission.

I have a harp for sale.  Will there be a place to advertise it?  No, exhibitors pay for a spot in the exhibit area to sell their harps and it is not fair to them to have attendees at the festival selling harps at what is usually a lower price.  You may want to check with your builder to see if they can sell your instrument on consignment in their booth.

Can kids come?  Yes, if they are serious about their harp playing, can carry and tune their own instrument (or have someone on site to help them), and can sit through a 1 hour and 30 minute workshop without being disruptive, they are welcome. 

Will there be special rates for kids?  No, everyone takes up the same amount of space, so everyone pays the same. 

Is there any scholarship money available?  Yes, see “Scholarships”.

Will there be something for my spouse to do while I attend workshops?  There are many activities at the resort: hiking, golfing, swimming, horseback riding, sightseeing, rafting, fishing, spa, etc.  In fact, companions who came to HarpCon 2005, and Big Sky 2007 said this was one place they did not feel left out or bored and they had a great time.  There will also be selected workshops companions can attend if they have a companion pass.

What should I wear?  The festival is very casual, so wear whatever is comfortable for you.  Also, keep in mind that the resort is in the mountains, so regardless of how warm it gets during the day, it will be cool at night.

How hot will it be?  This is Montana, so climate is unpredictable and temperature varies a lot from day to night.  It should be in the 70s during the day, but evenings can be quite chilly.  The weather in 2007 was unseasonably hot and was in the 90s.  This was extremely unusual and not expected again, but it IS Montana, so you never know.  Maybe this time we will have snow……….it’s possible!

What is the altitude at the resort and what about altitude sickness?  The conference center is at 7200 ft.  If you keep yourself hydrated and take it easy, you should have no problems.  Most people feel no symptoms, but the few who do report slight fatigue and shortness of breath, which generally lasts the first day they are there.  Remember, the resort has people coming from all over the world to ski and the elevation at the summit is over 11,000 ft.  If this were a major problem, they wouldn’t be able to stay in business.

Can I bring my pet(s)?  A festival is not really a good place for pets since most of your time is spent away from your room, so it is not recommended.  However, when you make your room reservation, ask about the resort’s pet policy.

Do I need to sign up for workshops ahead of time?  No, just plan to attend the ones you want when you are here.  Your desires may change over the course of the festival, so nothing is assigned.

What airport do I use?  The nearest one is Gallatin Field Airport in Bozeman, Montana.

How do I get from the airport to the resort?  There is shuttle service provided by Karst Stage Transportation or you can rent a car.  Please see “Travel” for shuttle information on the website.

Will I be able to record the workshops and concerts?  Because of copyright issues, concerts cannot be recorded, but workshops can be with the permission of each facilitator.  Just ask before the workshop begins. 

Are private lessons available during the conference?  Yes, just let us know on your registration form which performer(s) you would like to have a lesson with and we will give them your contact information or you may contact them yourself.  You will be responsible for paying the performer directly.

Can I make payments for my registration fee?  We ask that payment be made in full at the time of registration, but if you have special circumstances, please contact us and we will do our best to work with you.

Can we go to Yellowstone Park?  Yes, many conference attendees take time to drive to Yellowstone and love it.

Can we park an RV at the resort?  Yes, the resort will specify an area for us, but you must be 100% self-contained.   It is a parking lot with no hook-ups.