Selected Comments from Summer 2011
Thank you for giving our kids another great summer at Encore/Coda! Ceci once again had a wonderful summer and grew as a musician with excellent voice and oboe instructors. Eddie, in his first year, had a transformative experience. He thoroughly enjoyed his experience of camp life and also made significant progress in both voice and piccolo. Our experience with your staff was always wonderful. It’s very impressive that the staff and the kids are able to perform full musicals with only 3+ weeks of rehearsing — a testament to you both, your quality staff and leadership. Both Eddie and Ceci are looking forward to 2012!
—parent from Brookline, MA
—parent from Brookline, MA
I hope by now you and Ellen and recovered from another busy summer! I wanted to let you know that Nathan loved Encore/Coda and fully plans to come back next summer, probably once again for second session. He was very fond of his counselors and other campers, he thought the facilities and food were great and he loved all the activities… have a good fall, and be sure to keep us on your mailing list.
—parent from Washington, DC
—parent from Washington, DC
Alanna loved camp! She especially liked her flute teacher and capture the flag (loved it)… She made many nice friends, in fact, she's already gotten together and had sleep-overs with a couple of them. Looking forward to next summer.
—parent from Sharon, MA
—parent from Sharon, MA
Thank you so much for allowing me to come to Encore/Coda... I had a wonderful, eye-opening time and I learned a lot.
—camper from West Rupert, VT
—camper from West Rupert, VT
I couldn't have thought of a better way to spend my summer... I am so excited to come back next year to join Upper Camp and see all my Sandpiper friends! One of my favorite parts of camp were the campfires, I wish we had more! Next year I have to remember to bring a camera to ALL evening events... What I loved the most about camp is that wherever you go music is always surrounding you. Playing in the ensembles was great. It's so different to be playing with people who love music than it was for me at home...I'm really excited to get back to school and play in the concert band, I have improved so much over this summer and have an overall better knowledge of music. Everyone on your staff is not only talented but are truly great people. I wish I could have Jared as my trumpet coach all year. I really enjoyed lessons with him... Thank you for letting me come to this amazing place!
—camper from Natick, MA
—camper from Natick, MA
I have been meaning to write for some weeks now to express our gratitude for Rosie's summer at Encore/Coda… It is not easy to put all the emotions we have felt into words. I overheard her on the phone to her grandmother saying "It was even better than my greatest hopes," which is a wonderful way to describe her stay with you. She has said several times that it was her best summer ever… When we came up to collect her, we felt very moved. We were so tremendously affected by the location - its beauty and tranquility — the friendliness and warmth and, of course, of course! — the music. Speaking with other parents at the inn on Saturday night, they agreed that there was something uniquely special about Encore/Coda.
At Rosie's first singing lesson just over a week ago, her teacher was astonished at the ability with which she reached the upper ranges; even I, who am not a musician, could hear a great new strength and competence in her voice. What an excellent result of three weeks' practice.
It was a gamble for us, trusting Rosie to an experience thousands of miles away, which was completely new to us… The clarity and detail of all that you post on the web made me know that the same high standards, thoughtfulness and attention to detail would be part of the camp experience, as indeed they were…We have also appreciated throughout the efficiency of responses and understanding of our inquiries and, of course, getting a replacement oboe for Rosie was the icing on an already impressive cake!
So now, as autumn gets under way, we have a very happy, inspired daughter with new, exciting friendships — and priceless memories. Thank you so much...
—parent from Essex, ENGLAND
At Rosie's first singing lesson just over a week ago, her teacher was astonished at the ability with which she reached the upper ranges; even I, who am not a musician, could hear a great new strength and competence in her voice. What an excellent result of three weeks' practice.
It was a gamble for us, trusting Rosie to an experience thousands of miles away, which was completely new to us… The clarity and detail of all that you post on the web made me know that the same high standards, thoughtfulness and attention to detail would be part of the camp experience, as indeed they were…We have also appreciated throughout the efficiency of responses and understanding of our inquiries and, of course, getting a replacement oboe for Rosie was the icing on an already impressive cake!
So now, as autumn gets under way, we have a very happy, inspired daughter with new, exciting friendships — and priceless memories. Thank you so much...
—parent from Essex, ENGLAND
We owe you thanks again for the amazing work that you and all of Encore Coda have done with Sam. We will be forever grateful.. Enjoy the Fall!
—parent from West Orange, NJ
—parent from West Orange, NJ
Thank you so much for creating such a unique opportunity for music-oriented kids!... We received no emails till day three... when we finally received an email from Robert stating that he was having a wonderful time, making all kinds of friends and was “too busy to write replies to our emails.” It became clear that Robert was getting everything out of camp we had been wishing for. Socially he had found out that there were a whole bunch of kids his age that had similar interest and were great kids. His percussion skills continued to grow and he picked up a second instrument (bass) while at camp… Camp Encore/Coda has been a key component of Robert’s personal growth and one that has ensured that he will continue to grow as a musician. But even more importantly, it has contributed to his overall happiness and confidence. What else could a parent ever ask for? Thank you!
—parents from Boxford, MA
—parents from Boxford, MA
This past summer was so fulfilling in many ways… The chamber music groups went so well — the repertoire that was chosen by the coaches were really great teaching pieces, and well suited to the level of the campers. I would love to come back next summer, and I'm going to do my best to make it! Let me know the dates…Thank you so much for all your hard work, dedication, and love you put in to this camp!!
—faculty member from Cincinatti, OH
—faculty member from Cincinatti, OH
Camp was truly a transformative experience for me. I went to Encore/Coda after my freshman year worried that everyone there would be much better at music and more committed than I was. I came home with a new passion and motivation for music, wanting to play more and more. Camp not only instilled a passion for music in me, but is also the place in the world that I feel most comfortable. The environment there is so open and welcoming, and I know that I can be myself while doing something that I love to do. Camp also provided me with amazing friends, great memories, leadership, and job experience. I couldn't have asked for a better way to spend my summers during high school, and I can't thank you enough for providing this opportunity to me.
—counselor from Brookline, MA
—counselor from Brookline, MA
The students here are amazing, hard working, curious, respectful and all those wonderful adjectives put together and they are only this way because of the atmosphere at camp. More than getting a wonderful music education here, these students are given the opportunity to grow as a community and be part of a community that cherishes their abilities and personalities. I have to tip my hat, in this case to the exceptional counselors... I truly feel as though they did an amazing job, took their jobs seriously and truly understood the importance of being a camp counselor. Furthermore, the faculty this session have been really quite amazing... It was a joy to watch the children and faculty interact. This mainline of excellence goes all the way to the top and I could not be more honored to call myself a staff member of your camp.
—faculty member from Philadelphia, PA
—faculty member from Philadelphia, PA
I have never seen my son hug so many others as I did on pick-up day. He hugged with a mixture of joy and sadness that tugged at my heart and made clear to me that his three weeks at Camp Encore/Coda had been a profound experience. On the two-hour ride home, my conversation with Jake confirmed what I understood on a purely emotional level earlier that day. Jake talked about the fun of exploring musical ideas, the pleasure of learning under remarkable teachers, and the thrill of playing with musicians as dedicated to music as he is. But most of all he talked about the friendships, the powerful bonds he formed with so many peers, none of whom he knew existed before coming to Camp Encore/Coda. Every day since pickup day, without exception, Jake at some point will say, "I miss camp." These are words from deep in the heart. On a musical level Jake grew too. Having so many gifted teachers, rich and varied with their musical experiences, exposed Jake to so much musically. Much of what Jake knew about music had been self taught or you might say came from within. Camp gave him the opportunity to grow and learn with so many accomplished players and exposed him to so much more. We want to thank you for giving Jake this experience, and our thank you comes from as deep in the heart as Jake's "I miss camp."
—parent from Waterville, ME
—parent from Waterville, ME
Our daughter had an even BETTER time at camp this year! She talks about it all the time, and can't wait to come back next summer. She especially loved her chamber group and the great kids and counselor in her cabin. Thank you so much!
—parents from Cambridge, MA
—parents from Cambridge, MA
Sam just loved his summer at Encore/Coda and is already dreaming about next year. Sophie, Sam's younger sister (11 years old), is also seriously considering joining him next summer — she is a singer and drum player... Sam loved the quality of the instruction and counselors, loved the food and facilities and the amount of free vs. structured time each day... All the best and thanks again for creating such a wonderful little world up there in Sweden, Maine.
—parent from Washington, DC
—parent from Washington, DC
School is in full swing here in Texas. Helena started last week and now I have a few moments to write to you. Helena enjoyed her experience at your camp very much and has indicated that she would definitely like to go back. She appreciated her cabin mates and really liked her camp counselors. Socially, the experience was very good for her. As for her piano playing, we were pleased to listen to the pieces that she worked on while at camp. It was obvious to us that she had practiced and had absorbed the teaching that she was receiving at camp. She didn't think it conflicted in any way with how she had been taught up to that point and easily flowed back into playing for her piano teacher her in Dallas... We look forward to seeing the DVD in the fall... Take care!
—parent from Houston, TX
—parent from Houston, TX
We can't thank you enough for probably the best experience we ever gave our kid. Walking around on family day I was just soaking up the magical place Encore/Coda is. Every kid seemed so happy and at home and Bela just thrived in your care...
—parent from Natick, MA
—parent from Natick, MA
I've been very lucky to be able to work as a musician since graduating from college, both informally in the classical world doing some accompaniment and fancy lobby gigs, as well as in the pop world performing with my band and doing session work. I keep up a teaching studio as well as working as the faculty manager at the MW School which has been great! I know that Encore/Coda was integral to my formation as a musician not only through excellent instruction, but more importantly by learning to find my place in the world as a musician. It was such a gift to feel so at home surrounded by music in the woods. I hope someday to send my own children up to Sweden for the summer! Feel free to post my website on the alumni page...
—camper alum from Philadelphia, PA
—camper alum from Philadelphia, PA
Thanks a million for giving Joseph the opportunity to be a part of the Camp Encore/Coda experience again this summer as a CIT. Every summer it just gets better and better. Both Alex and Joseph have grown both musically and socially at the camp in so many ways over the years that words don't give it justice. You create MAGIC with these kids in such a short period of time and every Parent's Day we are blown away by the performances and the growth that occurs in only a few weeks. We hope Joseph can return as a counselor next summer and join Alex as a staff member.
—parents from Sharon, MA
—parents from Sharon, MA
I just want to thank you for a great experience for my daughter Breeana. She loved your camp and learned a lot from all your fantastic teachers. She can't wait for next summer and is already talking about it...You have a wonderful camp and thank you again for exposing her to the wonderful world of Encore/Coda.
—parent from Fryeburg, ME
—parent from Fryeburg, ME
I have been meaning to thank you for providing Will with a phenomenal experience at your camp this summer. He came home with newfound confidence in his cello and, especially, trumpet abilities, and with the marked improvement in his skills to back up that confidence. Since he's been home, he's practiced the cello twice a day, and the trumpet about every two hours! I was very sorry that I missed the performances (as I was in Europe picking up my younger son), but my husband was very impressed. Will, who was not keen on attending (manly because of a shyness, I think) ended up making lots of friends and really loving it... it couldn't have been a better experience for him, and we are very appreciative. I am quite sure he'll want to attend next year... What a great camp — thanks again!
—parent from New York City
—parent from New York City
Thanks for sending the evaluation of Eli, and thanks for a great summer for him! He learned a ton, had a wonderful time, made great friends, played a huge amount of music — and even grew an inch... But much more than that — we really loved the whole way you ran camp. It was organized, friendly, fun, clean! — and it was clear the kids cared about each other... At any rate, thanks for taking care of Eli. I know he wants to return, and I know he's feeling he stepped up his game of drumming. He just wishes he played you in pingpong. Next year!
—parent from Farmington, ME
—parent from Farmington, ME
Thank you for the most amazing summer for Sarah and Jay! They are still talking about camp, telling camp stories and expressing how much they love it there. After 5 years, Encore/Coda is a home-away-from-home for Sarah. She loves the people she interacts with, her camp friends, her counselors, and her teachers. It is a unique environment where she feels totally comfortable. For Jay, his first full session was "the best!" They can't wait for next summer!
—parents from Nashville, TN
—parents from Nashville, TN
My son, Tyler, just back from 2nd session, had another great experience at camp, and Parents' Day was wonderful!... Thanks for another great session at camp.
—parent from Hamden, CT
—parent from Hamden, CT
Thank you for this camp experience for Amanda. She said she "enjoyed it a lot and it is really fun". Thanks for the well organized camp activities and instructions, warm-hearted counselors and beautiful camp site. She came back with more interest in music and a lot of laughs... We have seen that she has picked up positive effects not only in her violin performances but also in life experience in general. We are glad she could make it this year and thank you for everything!
—parent from Lexington, MA
—parent from Lexington, MA
We were all so busy yesterday that we didn't get a chance to thank you for making Sophie's summer so wonderful...Every year Sophie comes back from camp more confident and mature. I know that this summer was a tremendous success for Sophie because she left saying, "I wish camp never had to end!" From what I could tell, all of your campers felt the same way. Leaving camp is always a teary, emotional experience; but I heard a few of the senior campers quoting Dr. Seuss, "Don't cry because it's over- smile because it happened." Maybe they heard that from you.
—parent from Briarcliff Manor, NY
—parent from Briarcliff Manor, NY
I hope that the second session is going well for everyone...Julia had a great time at camp this year and I think it was clear that she came back feeling a sense of pride and appreciation...not only for her own contribution and feedback, but with motivation to play, learn songs, to read the fake book and to be with music. Also, her teacher was and is a total inspiration for her. Thank you both for creating a camp that celebrates all genres of music wholeheartedly. With best regards to you both...Thank you again for your spirit and vision.
—parent from New York City
—parent from New York City
My daughter Emma started as a day camper a few days ago, and Monday happened to be her 13th birthday, and I was a bit bummed that I wouldn't get to be a part of it. BUT, she came home, completely beaming, and so happy from the wonderful day she had had. Bubbling over telling me the events of the day, I also heard of the birthday cake and singing to her on her day...never in her life have so many people wished her a happy birthday. Thank you for the spirit of friendship and camaraderie that you and your staff have instilled in all the campers. And to think that this all happened on the very first day. Encore/Coda is a magical place.
—parent from Fryeburg, ME
—parent from Fryeburg, ME
I´m sending you this e-mail to give our special gratitude to you and all the staff with a special mention for Lauren Potter for her excellent job at the airport the day before yesterday with the setback on Carmen´s flight... Carmen is now at home and she`s telling us about the great time she had in Encore/Coda! People like all of you is what make this world a wonderful place to live in. Our very best wishes for all and hoping to see you in the future .
—parents from Barcelona, SPAIN
—parents from Barcelona, SPAIN
Sorry I did not get to speak with you more today. Callula loved her experience and will definitely be back next year. I was thrilled with her work and her progress...I will definitely sign her up for orchestra and chamber this fall in addition to her lessons...Thank you so much for helping her appreciate the work she has done thus far in her short life and making her inspired to keep going!
—parent from Hull, MA
—parent from Hull, MA
I attended Encore/Coda in summer 2010, a second session camper eagerly clutching my saxophone. Over those few short weeks, I truly feel I grew as a musician, and that my skills were honed and greatened. After an audition process this spring, I was chosen to go on a month long trip to China in which we create and perform a show across the nation for millions. I would just like to say thank you to everyone at EC who helped me become such a well-rounded performer to be able to be selected for this. Sorry it's a little late, but a giant thank you all the same!
—camper alum from West Wordsboro, VT
—camper alum from West Wordsboro, VT
Just wanted to say Hi and give you a quick update on Sam. He was accepted to 5 jazz performance/studies programs including Berklee, NYU, The New School with scholarship, William Paterson with full tuition scholarship and SUNY Purchase... We are delighted for Sam and can’t thank you and Encore Coda enough for the impact you’ve had on his development as a jazz musician and a person. All the best and looking forward to staying in touch.
—parent of camper alum from New Rochelle, NY
—parent of camper alum from New Rochelle, NY
This year we decided to check out the Fryeburg fair (What a hoot!). On a hunch I decided to see whether that town happened to be close to Sweden, where I remember having spent several wonderful summers — 45–47 years ago!... I was very impressed at what excellent condition you’ve maintained the property in. And what an onrush of memories! I remember working through the initial discomfort of being from home, the challenge of playing with other kids at a higher level than most (or all) in my school, the trumpet waking us to reveille every morning, games of Capture the Flag, a performance of Paint Your Wagon, my clarinet teacher (Ed Palanker), whom I liked immensely and from whom I learned so much, the kindness and dedication of your father — too many to name. I eventually attended Oberlin Conservatory and Oberlin College... I freelanced and taught for several years in the New York area but eventually decided to give up music as a career, leveraging the college side of my education... but I will always remember my summers at Camp Encore with great affection and appreciation... To quote music of the popular variety, thanks for the memories, and keep up the good work!
—camper alum from the 1960s
—camper alum from the 1960s
