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Selected comments from Summer 2007
Hi Jamie,
I wanted to thank you and Ellen for a wonderful Parent's Weekend. Everything was great, from the performances to the delicious gourmet lunch buffet! All I can say is WOW! -- And you guys have everything so organized and well planned, it was truly a wonderful day. And as for Alex and his time at Camp, well I don't even know what to say! Words don't seem to do the trick!...He had an unbelievably fantastic time, and of course he definitely wants to come back again next year...He learned so much, and he said being with kids who are musical and still have other interests, kids like himself, well, that was the BEST! He made so many friends and has already started keeping in touch with them. He learned so much from his teachers and has such wonderful things to say about them...
—parent from Sharon, MA
Dear Jamie & Ellen,
Thanks for another great summer! I learned so much music and made so many new friends. It gave me knowledge and memories for the rest of my life.
—camper from Conway, NH
Jamie,
We're writing to thank you and Ellen for another great summer at Camp Encore/Coda. Sam had a supremely enjoyable three weeks at Camp. His stay in Maine was a real highlight of his summer. While the music was the centerpiece, he had a terrific time sailing, he looked forward to the campfires, and he savored the beauty of the pond and woods. Musically, we think he advanced markedly in jazz theory and soloing. He came back from camp with more confidence in his playing, which translates into more opportunities in his school jazz band and renewed energy for his private lessons. The teachers were talented and accessible -- plus they were great role models as performers and composers. They gave Sam a glimpse of what it would be like to pursue a career in music. Sam valued the opportunity to spend concentrated time with other kids serious about music -- he solidified friendships from last year and made new friends as well. These kids help each other learn about the broader world of music. Sam came home from Encore/Coda certain that he wants to come back next year!
—parent from Columbia, MD
Dear Jamie & Ellen,
Thank you for a memorable summer! Second session here at Encore/Coda was the trip of a lifetime for me. I enjoyed every minute of the three weeks! I will certainly miss the full schedules and all of the practice sessions that helped me improve so much in the last three weeks...What I will probably miss most are my bunkmates, counselors and CITs. My cabin was so much fun!...My bunkmates were the best friends I could ever have! Thank you for the best summer of my life! Hope to see you next year.
—camper from Nokomis, FL
Hi Jamie & Ellen,
I just wanted to drop you a line to let you know what a pleasure it was to be a member of the Encore/Coda family again this year. I'm always amazed at how you run things so efficiently, and always do it in a relaxed manner, and with a sense of humor!...It's always a joy to work with the diverse group of kids you bring to camp.
—staff member from Jersey City, NJ
Dear Jamie & Ellen,
I just wanted to type a quick note to say thank you so much for Parent's weekend. I left for Europe for business on Monday morning and I cannot tell you how happy and reassured it makes me to know that Michael is so well cared for both physically and emotionally. I know in my heart that the experience at your camp will make him a greater man one day both from the perspective of understanding team work and more importantly to understand that different personalities construct a team. The experience is simply priceless...I love that he smells like pine, tells funny jokes from your camp fires and is having an all around great time!...I am grateful to have you both in Mike's life during these very turbulent adolescent years. Thanks for making a difference!
—parent from Milford, MA
Hi Jamie,
...This was a wonderful experience for Gracie...so excited to come back next year and it's a motivating factor in her work already. She really admired her teachers and the older kids. And you should have seen the goodbyes with her cabin mates chasing our car waving and her crying...Thanks for a great experience. Gracie is a lucky girl. We appreciate all the work and all the heart you put into Encore/Coda!
—parent from New York City
Hi Ellen,
Hope everything is going well. This is so hard for me, but I’m writing to let you know that I won’t be able to return this summer...And believe me, this was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. I really hope I can return to camp another year. These last four years have been the best summers of my entire life. Thank you for all your support, and for all the amazing memories that camp has given me -- and please pass this message along to Jamie as well. Camp really is my favorite place in the world. My sister is already counting the days until first session and hopefully I’ll be able to stop by this summer and say hi to everyone. Have an amazing summer... and once again thank you so much for everything.
—former staff member from Wayland, MA
Hi Jamie,
Sam is having a magical summer! I am really amazed at how mature and focused he has become this summer. Sam has made so many strides in his musicianship -- he is playing the high notes effortlessly, and he has developed a beautiful tone in a matter of weeks!!! It's clear that Sam is really motivated, and Peter (and his other teachers) have had a great influence on him. Even more importantly, Sam has matured as a camper and has made many good friends who share similar interests, who I know he will continue to be in touch with during the winter. I can't say enough good things about Sam's counselors!!! Kelby, Sam and Alex are wonderful role models and they are nurturing and kind (and firm when they need to be) and they have a great sense of fun! Sam has loved being a Stingray, and I know he looks forward to many more great summers at camp...
—parent from Larchmont, NY
Dear Jamie & Ellen,
This year has been another terrific year at camp. I loved every minute of it! Each year, it amazes me watching the performances on Parent’s Day and during the large ensemble concerts. Each year, I have more fun and I can’t wait for a year later, when I get to come back. Thanks for everything.
—camper from Conway, NH
Jamie,
Harper had a marvelous time at camp, exceeding all expectations in terms of musical growth, challenges, friendships, you name it. I'm sure she'll be regaling us with stories for weeks. During the drive home, Dana innocently asked if she'd like to return next year. You should have heard the vehement YES!!...Thanks for a glorious experience for Harper.
—parent from Boston, MA
Jamie,
Thanks for another wonderful summer. You’re wonderful!!
—parent from Houston, TX
Hi Jamie,
Again, thanks so much for everything! Thanks especially, for giving Jeffrey the opportunity to work at camp this summer. The experiences you are willing and able to provide campers and staff are unique, special, and so very important. I look at the folks at camp and think, where else could you get this opportunity? Sure, there are other programs out there but I challenge any to match the quality of yours! You've made an enormous difference in our lives...We are so very grateful!
—staff member from Columbia, SC
Good Morning Jamie!
Hope 2nd session is going well... Parents Day was FABULOUS... Hunter had the BEST time... he will be attending all 6 1/2 weeks next year!
—parent from Andover, MA
Hi Jamie & Ellen,
Will had another wonderful summer. He made some new friends and really enjoyed spending lots of time drumming! The opportunities to try new things and different sorts of music are great, and we're listening to new beats and rhythms every day (and glad for the diversity!). The ensembles he participated in are much more demanding than his music at school, and I think he rose to the challenge. His teacher, Kevin Norton, was very encouraging and spent a lot of time with Will on jazz, which Will loved. We were hardly off camp property before Will started lobbying for next summer, both sessions. ...Will reports that he liked the people, liked the classes, liked the teachers, liked what you get to do. I like that everybody there likes music.
—parent from Hingham, MA
Hi Jamie & Ellen,
The camp setting and atmosphere seems ideal to us. Kids seem kind, responsible, talented, dedicated to their music and to developing good friendships...We loved it that Gianni has a chance at Encore/Coda to experience a wide range of performance opportunities --everything from a small combo to a big band and large wind ensemble. We like it also that he has been able to continue to focus in the musical groups on classical AND jazz... Gianni loved being in Wind Ensemble...We loved it that he was. We were so impressed by the level of skill and the interpretation of the wonderful selections chosen for performance. The pieces were both challenging and engaging and we thought it helped Gianni "to stretch."
—parents from Cambridge, MA
Dear Jamie and Ellen,
Thank you for helping me get Brandon to camp...This year was the best yet. Brandon came home with so many stories about friends he made while he was at camp and things he learned from his piano and saxophone teachers. I know I have said this before but I am so grateful that Brandon has the opportunity to be around kids that have the same interests as him...I know it means a lot to him....Encore/Coda is the one place where he feels like he can be himself and be accepted by his peers...Thank you both again for everything...
—parent from Poland, ME
Jamie,
A HUGE thank you for another wonderful summer -- even better than last year's (terrific) summer!!! You guys are the best! You make David feel so good, like a special part of a community of very good people...At camp, his worries leave him -- nowhere else is he so comfortable. There are no words to express our gratitude.
—parent from Holliston, MA
Hi, Ellen!
So nice to hear from you - I've been thinking a lot about Encore/Coda recently, for a reason you might find interesting. I am about to launch my own consulting business around the knowledge management stuff that I do. In the process of this I've had to do a lot of soul searching around values and things that were important to me. I need to engage my passion if this is to be successful. I've often reflected that my ideal for a business is one where I feel as energized about bounding out of bed to do it as I did when I ran downhill from Coda to camp every morning the year we taught there (1988). I had a feeling of aliveness and excitement that I recall to this day. It was because I knew I would be doing a ton of creative things, for kids who would really dig it, and the day would likely end with a great performance of some sort, including me or in my presence, that would complete the circle of creativity for the day. So you should know that my camp experience is still a benchmark of passion that speaks to me. (We'd love to connive some way to get out there again)...do keep us in your thoughts, as we still feel very connected to Stearns Pond in the depths of our souls!...
—former staff member from Sammamish, WA
Hi Jamie,
I have not had a chance to write you with a formal "feedback"; but would like to request that when you set the date for next summer's sessions, that you please let me know...so we can plan our family vacation around the first session...I guess that probably says just about all you need to know. It was a wonderful experience for Sophia; she is already looking forward to returning...Thanks so much.
—parent from Duxbury, MA
Dear Jamie,
Evan's musical experience at Encore/Coda was excellent. His technique, knowledge and passion for music all blossomed. His lessons with Kevin Norton really pushed him to explore his instrument in new ways. It was very exciting for me to watch and listen to his performances on Parents' Day and experience just a little of the thrill of performing with a group of people all committed to the same goal. It was clear to me his playing had matured and deepened over the course of three weeks and his desire to really dig into the complexities of his pieces increased as well...He also learned a lot of music history which will be very helpful as he pursues his Independent Study of Jazz Drumming this year.
—parent from Lincoln, MA
Dear Jamie and Ellen,
I wanted to thank you both for having me back to camp this summer. You have a unique and wonderful program in an absolutely beautiful place...Wishing your family the best in the coming year.
—staff member from E. Lansing, MI
Hi Jamie,
I wanted to let you know how much Sarah enjoyed camp and her piano teacher. We are amazed at her progress and her enthusiasm continues. She is still playing for hours a day and looking forward to resuming her lessons.
—parent from Brookline, MA
Hello Jamie,
I wanted to personally thank you for giving me this experience, I enjoyed it a lot...This was my first sleep-away camp, and it set pretty high standards if I attend any others in the future. I have a new, deeper appreciation for music now, and I actually want to take up the double bass now after watching Josh in his concerts. The food I ate there everyday was great. I truly had a wonderful time at camp...
—camper from Boston, MA
Dear Jamie,
The boys have given high marks to the camp experience. As I witnessed myself on parents day, you have created something very special. Thank you!
—parent from Milton, MA
Hi Jamie,
I wanted to thank you for everything. Sharlys had a wonderful time. She's all gung ho about going again, and now her brother wants to go as well...We were very impressed by the performances, and the kids seem to be so nice...Thanks again.
—parent from Madison, NJ
Winter: 32 Grassmere Road, Brookline, MA 02467 -Telephone: 617-325-1541
Summer: 50 Encore/Coda Lane, Sweden, ME 04040 - Telephone: (voice) 207-647-3947 (fax) 207-647-3259
email: jamie@encore-coda.com
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