Hi Linnea,
I've been to the Song School many times, so here's my tips.
1. Try to arrive Sunday afternoon, so you can get your tent setup, and relax in the evening, and get to know the people around you. Arriving Monday morning and trying to get your camp setup in time for the opening of the school will be too hectic.
2. Most people there are friendly, helpful and supportive. So if you're an introvert, don't worry. I was nervous my first time, not knowing anybody there. But before my tent was setup, I had made 4 new friends.
3. It WILL rain at least once. So prepare.
4. I used to tell people that it gets cold at nights, so bring warm clothing, but with global warming, that hasn't been true the last few years. A fleece jacket or hoodie and a cap is about all you need now at night.
5. There are 3 classes each day, with about 8 options for each class period. There will be tough choices. You can't do it all. But if you go to one class, and after 5 or 10 minutes, it's clear that it's not what you were hoping for, leave and go to your second choice. No point in staying in a class that won't benefit you.
6. By Wednesday you may be feeling a little overwelmed. It's common for people to skip a class and just hang out at their campsite or by the river. And if you've got a song idea and are feeling inspired, skip a class and work on it. Afterall, it's ultimately about writing songs.
7. Rookies are required to supply beer and wine to the veterans. ;-)
Hope that helps.
Listening to:
Lucinda Williams "The Ghosts of Highway 20"
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