Selected Comments from Summer 2015
Thank you so much for a wonderful and amazing camp experience for Sumner. He absolutely LOVED it, every bit of it. He was sad to leave and not be doing 2 sessions! He was able to experience music in a new way, one that was very rich for him. It is very special to provide kids with an opportunity to be fully themselves, growing and shining the whole time! Thanks again and best for a wonderful rest of the summer. See you next year!
— parent from San Francisco, CA
— parent from San Francisco, CA
Patrick and I wanted to say a big thank you to you and your staff for managing such a wonderful camp. In terms of music, Yasmine learned a lot more in that three and a half weeks of camp than she did in the years playing music in school. Not only that, she also had a wonderful time making new friends, interacting and socializing, and basically just having fun with everyone, staffs and counselors included. She said the atmosphere was just amazing!...From a parent's point of view, your camp has exceeded our expectations. Not only that your camp is so impressively focused on music, we liked that the rules at camp were tight and sensible. And what amazed us was that in spite of those rules, they did not stifle the campers from learning and having so much fun. The organization and management of lessons, activities and cabins were superb...Now she has nothing but praise for the camp and is already pestering us to send her again next summer. She has not stopped raving about it...
— parent from Hong Kong, CHINA
— parent from Hong Kong, CHINA
Thank you for an awesome summer! I had a great time at camp all day, every day for 6 1/2 weeks...I can't wait for the NYC reunion!
— camper form New York City
— camper form New York City
I have been meaning to write to you for several weeks to thank you for all that you did to help make Sarah's experience at Encore—Coda such a success. It is hard to start at a new camp at age 15 and we had some reservations about it, but her time at Encore—Coda was truly fantastic and it exceeded both her expectations as a camper and our expectations as parents. From the very first time I contacted you to learn more about Encore—Coda until the last day of session one when she left, you and your amazing staff were sensitive, responsive, thoughtful, encouraging and totally supportive. And best of all, in just one session at camp, Sarah learned a tremendous amount musically and she had a wonderful time socially. She loved her fellow campers, her bunk—mates and all of her counselors. The experience was unbelievably rich and affirming for her and it helped her grow more confident both as a musician and as a person. We are so happy that we found Encore—Coda and Sarah is already looking forward to coming back to camp in 2016. Thank you for helping to make the experience so wonderful for Sarah.
— parent from Newton, MA
— parent from Newton, MA
Year after year you maintain an impressive and extraordinary steadfast high quality experience for your campers. And I believe that your counselors and faculty also have a special time themselves every summer...There should be more areas in life like Camp Encore/Coda where there is so little room for doubt.
— parent from Palisades, NY
— parent from Palisades, NY
Our girl returned last week positively ecstatic from her three weeks at E/C. She loves being there so much, and—while sad that it's over and went by so quickly—is already very much looking forward to next year. She loved being a Seagull, and was surrounded by a very special group of fellow campers, CITs, and counselors. We're so grateful to you, Ellen, and your team for making camp such a unique, special, warm and welcoming community!
— parent from Intervale, NH
— parent from Intervale, NH
I just wanted to write you and thank you for providing Nina with a wonderful camp experience last session...She really had a terrific time. Her counselors were fabulous, and she made great friends in the Bluejays cabin. She truly enjoyed every musical activity that she experienced. She was challenged with her flute more than she ever has been, and she learned a great deal from her lovely teacher. How great to be with other kids who love music as much as she does! ...We were so impressed with Parent’s Day, seeing so many talented kids and teachers working together to create beautiful music. The camp has such a wonderful feel to it; walking through the woods and hearing the sounds of trumpets or cellos in the distance was absolutely magical!
— parent from Hastings-on-Hudson, NY
— parent from Hastings-on-Hudson, NY
Harrison had a great time this summer... He is planning to return for a full session next summer...As I've told you before, but will say it again — I am so impressed and thankful for what you do for young people. They are being exposed to more than just music: good moral behavior, politeness, and general respect for one another. The way our world should act!!!
— grandparent from Burke, VA
— grandparent from Burke, VA
...I just wanted to thank you for giving me the opportunity to be at camp again and work for and with you for the last four weeks. I enjoyed it very much and I wish I could have stayed for both sessions. Camp was and remains the best working experience I have ever had...
— faculty member from NYC
— faculty member from NYC
He loved it. Loved. Loved. Loved it. Thank you.
— parent from Lunenburg, MA
— parent from Lunenburg, MA
...I had an amazing time. I’ve never experienced a camp so wonderful and supportive. From playing in the orchestra to singing songs at the campfire it was truly incredible! Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity...
— camper from Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY
— camper from Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY
Erica and Karla absolutely loved their time at Encore/Coda! It is their favorite camp and we plan on being back for next year too...
— Parent from Needham, MA
— Parent from Needham, MA
Sam loved your camp! We hoped that he would like it and we were very happy that he enjoyed himself and really improved as a musician...The performance day was excellent...The counselors all had a fun spirit which seemed contagious.
— parent from Pelham, NY
— parent from Pelham, NY
...I need to say thank you again for everything this summer. I truly can't find the right words to express how much the past two summers have meant to me. Thank you so much for all of the responsibilities that you and Ellen have trusted me with—from being a bunk counselor for lower camp girls to all of my various musical responsibilities, I have grown so much both as a person and a future educator. It has honestly been such a joy and I feel so lucky to have found this camp—it has become a second home for me...I hope you and Ellen have a wonderful year, and I look forward to next summer.
— counselor from Clifton Park, NY
— counselor from Clifton Park, NY
...I want to thank both of you for yet another amazing opportunity to work at camp this past summer. Every year I return knowing somewhat what to expect and yet every year still surprises me, in a good way. Thank you for keeping camp such a wonderful place for people to enjoy and I wish both of you the best in closing everything up for next year. Thank you so much!
— counselor from Dedham, MA
— counselor from Dedham, MA
...The boys are full of stories, they had such a wonderful time. Parents Day was fantastic—it's amazing what they can achieve in 3 weeks...Thanks to you and Ellen for creating such a special camp.
— parent from NYC
— parent from NYC
...I regret not seeing you both to say thank you very much for your wonderful camp and all that you do! You are both such talented and kind people, I am grateful that Declan has spent time with you and the great teachers you bring together too! He said that he enjoyed himself even more this year and that he worked harder and practiced more while doing. I think this says a lot about what you do and the exciting yet challenging environment that you’ve created. I wish you both lots of rest and a joyful end of summer.
— parent from Hastings, NY
— parent from Hastings, NY
Encore/Coda has been a big part of Nathan's musical and personal development over the past three summers—we are so grateful to you and Ellen for creating such a nurturing and fun camp environment.
— parent from Cambridge, MA
— parent from Cambridge, MA
Thanks again for another great summer. Daniel had a blast and was sad to say goodbye to all his friends yesterday.
— parent from NYC
— parent from NYC
...The past 7 years have been so incredible and I've grown tremendously because of camp...Thank you and Jamie so much for everything that you do. I can't even fathom the amount of time and care you put into every summer, but it definitely shows. Camp will always be a huge part of my life, and I know I won't be able to stay away for too long. Hope to see you soon.
— camper & staff alum from Pelham, NY
— camper & staff alum from Pelham, NY
Thanks for another great summer! I had a super time at camp again...Just wanted to let you two know how grateful I am for Camp Encore/Coda and what a special place it has in my heart ...I hope the closing of camp is going/went smoothly for you and the rest of the staff. It was a really beautiful and special summer...
— faculty member from Denton, TX
— faculty member from Denton, TX
Another formative camp experience for Natalie!!! Every summer I send her off to you all knowing that the friends she makes there will be like no others in her daily teenage life. That the events, music, daily routine of camp is brilliantly different from her life at home...We are blessed that she has such a stable and loving environment to call her own. I can put aside comfortably all the other summer options knowing that her time spent with you at camp is gently forming her to become her best she can be. Her confidence and resilience to what life throws her is shored up by her experiences she has at camp...Very best for the rest of the summer.
— parent from Cambridge, MA
— parent from Cambridge, MA
...It was great to see you and to have Nathaniel spend a second season at Encore/Coda. As wonderful as Nathaniel’s camp experience was last summer, this past summer was even better. He felt truly at home with the camp routines and we were impressed by how much more music he took on. He said that the time just flew by and he admitted to missing camp quite a bit for several days after he left...We are pleased that he has a camp community where he feels so very much at home. I truly appreciate that Encore/Coda is such a supportive and close knit community; it creates an atmosphere where kids feel comfortable to take risks, challenge themselves, and try new things. We were very impressed by the number and quality of performances on Parents’ Day. We went to quite a few performances that day—all of Nate’s performances, of course, but several others as well—and we loved seeing the joy that all the kids took in making music. Thank you for all the work and thought that you and Ellen put in to creating this lovely experience for our kids...Have a wonderful year!
— parent from Melrose Park, PA
— parent from Melrose Park, PA
This is a note to say thank you! My son Liam had his first experience at Encore/Coda this year and was so happy! He loved it!
— parent from North Conway, NH
— parent from North Conway, NH
...I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful experience and opportunity. My four weeks at Encore—Coda was very special and I learned so much from working with wonderful and talented students...I have been sharing my experience at Encore/Coda and spreading the word. Ever since I came back from camp, I've been so active and full of energy and happiness! No wonder students and staff keep going back!...Thank you again and have a wonderful rest of the summer.
— faculty member from Boston, MA
— faculty member from Boston, MA
Just a quick note to express my gratitude and delight of Camp Encore/Coda. Both Zoë and Sasha enjoyed their three and a half weeks thoroughly and came home with substantial musical and personal growth. How fortunate [we are] to live so near to a summer camp of such magnitude. We enjoyed parents day greatly and I was truly inspired to witness the intimacy between the musicians in some of the performances. Both Zoë and Sasha are intent on coming back next year and have already discussed in great detail with which subjects they would fill their weekly schedule. Thank you for all the attentiveness and kindness you and your staff gave us at any given time...I remain with best wishes to you and a heart filled with joy and anticipation for Camp Encore/Coda 2016.
— parent from Lovell, Maine
— parent from Lovell, Maine
Thanks for another fantastic session at Encore Coda. I can't believe how much the two kids improved...See you next year!
— parent from Beijing, CHINA
— parent from Beijing, CHINA
Thank you so much for the Parent's Day! What a lovely culture you have built there at your camp. I cannot recall any place I have been where everyone seems to be completely absorbed and enjoying what they do. Clearly, Graham so adores being there...To see Graham in the thrall of a new gang—shorthand nods, goofiness and mischievous gestures—is a revelation...What I saw at your camp was a child who is more deeply absorbed than he has ever been...Please express our gratitude to your entire team.
— parent from Washington, DC
— parent from Washington, DC
...Camp was amazing! I loved every second of it. I liked how I learned a lot about piano, I got stronger in counting, and how to make music. I met so many wonderful people!...
— camper from Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY
— camper from Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY
We can't tell you how much Lou, Mira and I enjoyed visiting camp yesterday and listening to all the wonderful music! It's such a joy to see Joe to happy and so in his element. Thank you!
— parent from Concord, MA
— parent from Concord, MA
From the bottom of my heart I want to thank you for all the great care and wonderful time you gave my child Itai!! It was shown yesterday at parents day. We enjoyed it very much and this is his first experience of two weeks out of the house which made it very memorable!! Wishing you more fun summer days at the camp!!
— parent from Hopkinton, MA
— parent from Hopkinton, MA
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to come to camp these past seven summers. I learn so much each year, and I feel like after these 3 and a half weeks I always come away having a greater appreciation for music, nature and this wonderful community here in the woods...
— faculty member from Boston, MA
— faculty member from Boston, MA
As always, thank you for running a fabulous place where people can build life-long and intercontinental friendships.
— camper & staff alum from New York City
— camper & staff alum from New York City
Thank you again for such an awesome summer. I had so much fun and hope that I can come back again next summer! Have a great year!
— faculty member from Spring, TX
— faculty member from Spring, TX
...I wanted to let you know how amazing of a summer it was at your camp and how thankful I am towards you and Ellen for letting me be a part of such a great experience...I was amazed by, and miss every single camper and staff member from camp, and I hope to meet them all again someday. I enjoyed working with my teachers and friends at camp, as well as I loved being a fun and responsible leader to the lower camp kids. I honestly can't give you, Ellen and everyone at camp enough thanks for blessing me and granting me [the opportunity] to be in this wonderful community of campers and friends that I can call family.
— camper from Flushing, NY
— camper from Flushing, NY
Eva loved being a musician among musicians. She was inspired and challenged by her peers (camper concerts—senior orchestra) and felt like she was guided expertly by her teachers. I noted from Eva's initial audition for the advanced choir...that your camp is professionally run...and it was further evident when we visited on parent day. It seems to me the only way a group of nearly 100 kids can perform like they do in an atmosphere that feels laid back yet highly charged at the same time is if these kids are getting great modeling and instruction and have a place and the space to "go big"...Eva loved the camp experience—her counselors, CITs, cabin bunk, dances, food, studios, friends, etc...Day-camper style was easy. You both thought of everything and always seemed one step ahead of it all.
— parent from Center Conway, NH
— parent from Center Conway, NH
Words — there are none to describe how wonderful it has been for me to be a part of Encore/Coda this summer! Thank you both for everything!
— faculty member from Baltimore, MD
— faculty member from Baltimore, MD
