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Camp Nirvana 2007 Camp Nirvana 2006 Camp in a Day 2006 Parents Others
While I was at Camp Nirvana, I felt free to make individual choices while at the same time having a solid schedule and structure to follow. The faculty was easy to talk to and I felt that they were fully available to talk with and focused on us as individuals. When I began the two weeks with wrist problems, I talked to the faculty and they gave me tips and encouraged me to do exactly as I felt right – taking breaks often. I managed to make it through the two weeks with a relaxed attitude AND no injury!
Working with our music for hours a day was awesome as we tried many creative strategies, improving our group sound throughout the two weeks. Communication is a vital part of the chamber music at Camp Nirvana and I love that! It’s an opportunity to communicate with others without talking. In the chamber music setting, we are equals. The opportunity to hang out with nineteen other advanced high school musicians for two weeks was amazing! After knowing my roommate for a few days, I saw her play and was so impressed. It was a different experience than seeing ourselves ranked in orchestra before meeting each other and finding out who other people really are.
The way everyone sight-reads the great pieces of chamber music for fun is an amazing part of camp. Nirvana is a community of people who love playing music.
I also had the opportunity to play fiddle music with other classically trained musicians - which are such a fun experience for everybody to be trying something new and leaving embarrassment behind. Camp Nirvana includes plenty of recreation and time to bond with other musicians.
With only twenty students, it’s possible to know each individual and become a community of friends, as well as musicians – and that is what I love about Camp Nirvana – all of us coming together for the goal of making music and improving as individuals, and then bonding and becoming our own community.
Kayla Reiman, violinist, age 15 September 1, 2007
Camp Nirvana was the best summer camp experience I have ever had. I became a more capable musician, took advantage of the friendly and supportive environment, and deepened my understanding of chamber ensemble. I will always be grateful I had the opportunity to attend Camp Nirvana.
Nathan Reiman, violist, age 19 September 15, 2007
Thank you for letting me attend your camp. The food was really good. The teachers were nice and very helpful. The activities director was imaginative and successful. It was a really nice environment. I liked the chapel. I hope that I am accepted back next year. I was intrigued by the Beethoven that a couple of other groups played. I would like to play Beethoven next year, and maybe Debussy, Ginastera, or Dvorak.
Colin Kelly, cellist, age 16 August 14, 2007
Thank YOU so much for having us! It is a very fun thing to do, and I find your energy and direction so inspiring. The jam session was great and I think really adds to the whole experience. I was very happy to do that!
Cathie Whitesides, Seattle fiddler July 28 2007 (guest performer at Camp Nirvana)
Julia, Kate and I came out to the church and listened to the amazing players and playing at the Camp Nirvana concert. Just left us breathless! Congratulations you on a great concert!
Joanne Emmons, mother of string playing students, July 28, 2007
It was my pleasure to get to hear all of the kids play at the Camp Nirvana concert, especially the two who had studied with me. I could tell that the chamber music and Camp Nirvana experience had a profound effect on both of them. What a tremendously talented tour de force from all of the students and led by a magnificent person and musician! Brava.
Kim Zabelle, Seattle violin/viola teacher and performer July 28, 2007
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This last Sunday was so wonderful and I love it when everyone gets
'more' than their wildest dreams. You all did such a great job and my
guests just loved being there and spending their money...
Koryn Rolstad, Owner, Koryn Rolstad Studios, CMM Board Member May 7, 2007
What a fun auction! It seems to me that it was a HUGE success. Congratulations.
I am a huge believer in what you are doing. It was so great to see all
of the kids performing at the auction! You have obviously made such a huge
positive impact on so many people. I look forward to many, many more
years of your fabulous teaching.
Anna Edwards, Orchestra Director, Roosevelt High School, Seattle May 7, 2007
Our family has deeply appreciated the sincere way that Karen and the Chamber Music Madness Program has accepted and supported developing young people interested in exploring and making music together regardless of their level of focus. Every child is welcomed and celebrated for who they are. Our children both enjoyed the security of coming to your sessions to have fun speaking with other young people in a musical language, as well as for the social outlet provided where musically interested kids come together on a common ground. I have always felt that Karen was someone I could turn to with questions and concerns about guiding my children appropriately in their musical endeavors, and that has meant so much to me and to our family. Karen is truly a special, giving person, and has created a unique environment for young musicians. Thank you!
The Holland Family 2/26/07
I want you to know that over the past 2 years, you have really inspired me and made me love chamber music and love playing it! I know i will continue to play chamber music all my life!
McKenzie, violinist from Boise (Camp Nirvana 05,06)
Palma has started to tutor at Kumon Math Center. She uses the same technique you
taught her when she was a teaching intern at "Mini Chamber Madness". She encourages the kids even when they give the wrong answer and helps them to find a better way. Thank you for teaching her a life skill.
Gloria (Feb.07)
You have been a great support to Kayti in her musical training since her first workshop with you at 12 years of age. Through your chamber music madness program she has developed excellent chamber skills and a real love of working in chamber groups. She also has learned to hear all of the different musical voices in pieces as well as the counter melodies. Her sight reading and rhythm have been greatly improved as a result of her work in your monthly groups. We will always appreciate you and Irv for your generosity of spirit and willingness to put your musical talent to work helping the next generation learn to love and perform chamber music.
Sincerely,
Diane Williams, November 13, 2006 (mother of Kayti Williams, violin/viola, from Ferndale, WA.)
Dear Karen,
You cannot possibly know how much you, Irv, and the other instructors, the ensembles and camps have meant to Jesse. It's the quality not the quantity. It always is and always will be. Everything else is beside the point for the children.
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Hinda and John Yukimura May 1 2006
Karen and Irv,
The camp was absolutely awesome! I couldn't have imagined anything better. Thank you so very much. I certainly hope our group can come back again.
Carol Hennessy, parent with the Corvallis, Oregon string quartet, October 15, 2006.
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Dear Karen,
Your Madness programs gave our daughter Halley a stand-alone unique opportunity to make beautiful music with her peers and to be part of the most inclusive community in the musical world of young people in the Seattle area. Her Camp Nirvana 2005 experience re-ignited her excitement about ensemble playing and, just as important from our perspective as parents, made her feel like she belongs. Halley has found her passion in chamber music, and the give and take of the quartet experience has taught her more about teamwork and good communication skills than any other experiences she has had in high school.
You, Irv and Leslie, with your lively, engaging personalities and your superb musicianship, have re-engaged her enthusiasm for making music, while ahaving fun, at the same time! Your selection of chamber repertoire and quartet "teams" reflects enormous care and attention to each individual student in your program, creating unparalleled opportunities for individual musical growth and sharing. It's been wonderful for us to reflect on Halley's growth and changes over the past 5 years, from her shy testing the waters at Madness while still in middle school, to her embrace of the "complete experience" at Nirvana 2005 and 2006. We feel so blessed that the development of CMM coincided so perfectly with Halley's. You are a great gift to all the students, as well as their parents, who are lucky enough to participate in CMM programs.
Harriett Cody and Harvey Sadis May 4 2006
(parents of Halley Cody, Camp Nirvana 2005 & 2006, Chamber Music Madness 2001, Beyond Nirvana 2005)
Dear Karen, Leslie and Irv,
I wouldn’t have the love that I have for chamber music if it wasn’t for all of you. I will never, ever forget my wonderful coaches on a warm sunny day at Nirvana or at Madness. Please keep inspiring young musicians as you inspired me from the very moment I met you all.
Sincerely,
Lisa Kim (student)
Congrats to you and your fine team! It was a wonderful concert presented by your Camp Nirvana 2005 groups! I very much enjoyed watching the work and progress of my own students as well as the kids I have coached over the years in Junior Youth Symphony. I thought you did wonderful things with them. The Bartok was especially impressive! Thank you so very much for all you bring to my students - I really appreciate you!
Debra Zadinksy, private teacher of violin and viola; July 24, 2005
I've learned so much more than how to play quartets. I've learned about how to deal with people, how to plan rehearsals effectively and so much about communication and expression through music. I feel infinitely lucky to have had the opportunity to work with Karen, Irv, and Leslie.
- Hannah Pressley-cellist, Seattle, age 17 Camp Nirvana 2002, 2003; Chamber Madness 2001-2004
Chamber music has allowed me to connect with my peers in profound ways. These programs have had a deepening affect upon my musicianship by providing me with immense opportunities for musical and personal challenges.
- Emily Cole-violinist, Seattle, age 18 Camp Nirvana 2001, 2003; Chamber Madness 2000-04
Expression Enterprises is a program unlike any other, and one that I wish every young musician could have the privilege of participating in. Karen, Irv, and Leslie are extraordinary teachers; they are not only knowledgeable and creative, but are constantly overflowing with energy, warmth, and understanding. I have seen first-hand as this organization opened the eyes of countless young people, allowing them to discover the joy of music (which is all too easy to lose sight of in the high-strung, competitive atmosphere in which most students learn music). In Karen's hands, music also takes on a magical transformative power to bring out the best in people, build the foundations of great friendships, and cause teenagers to appreciate themselves and others for who they are.
Rose Hashimoto, October 20th, 2005 (freshman viola major at the Juilliard School)
I feel like participating in Camp Nirvana really helped my confidence in sight reading and now I just have a lot of fun when I got to Chamber Music Madness.
Halley Cody, September 2005 (Camp Nirvana 2005)
Under the inspiring instruction of Karen, Leslie and Irv, I have gained a great love and appreciation of chamber music and have become more confident in my violin playing. Playing chamber music has allowed me to learn effective communication skills - both musical and verbal, how to give and receive critiquing, and how to take on the role of a leader. These are skills I know I'll be able to apply to many areas of my life in the future. I'm very grateful for all I have received from Expression Enterprise's programs. And.....chamber music is so much fun to play!
Katie Kowalski, November 2005
What an incredible experience the camp (Nirvana 2005) was for Hannah. And the concert –wow. Just amazing. What a wonderful opportunity for these kids. Hannah thought all of them were simply outstanding people. She really enjoyed everyone. Thanks for the fabulous two weeks!
Karen Rivenburgh August 2005
We're so grateful for all of the training, encouragement, and help that Brian has received from his teachers and music directors over the years, and you're right at the top Karen. I don't know if I've ever seen anyone -- coach, teacher, director - who can combine a pure focus on excellence with absolutely positive energy to the degree that you do.
Patrick Jankanish, September 2005. (Parent of a viola student, Brian, currently in his freshman year at Peabody Conservatory)
Aside from the very competent and high instructional value, our son couldn't wait for the next sessions because of the camaraderie that existed among the students. Two graduates of EE are together with our son in Peabody and they are still a tight group. During their first chamber music session at Peabody, our son claims that the three of them proved to have the best chamber music skill sets in the whole class. We, currently, have another son in EE and highly recommend the program to parents who want their children to enjoy the music experience and make friends in the process.
Miguel Maliksi, October 28th, 2005
Karen, Irv and Leslie created an atmosphere of joy, humor and love for music in every facet of the Expression Enterprises chamber music experience in which our daughter, Rose, participated--and I think that included just about everything...Camp Nirvana, Chamber Music Madness, the Anti-Contest, sight reading parties, you name it! Rose learned to cross bridges to meet friends and communicate with her peers through music, watching Karen, Irv and Leslie model this approach to chamber music, which celebrates the sheer fun of it, as well as the understanding necessary to play beautifully together. I am sure that wherever music takes Rose, these lessons will be the cornerstone of her work.
Molly Hashimoto, Oct.26 2005.
The Camp Nirvana CD sounds great, and it was certainly a fabulous camp. Thank you again for providing such a superior program.
Allan and Susan Richardson, October 26, 2005 (parents of Camp 2005 violist)
Camp Nirvana has helped George to discover a new love of music and the violin. His improvement in only two weeks is an amazing surprise. Best of all, he loved the camp experience and can not wait to come back again next year!
Diana and Tony Chen, October 2005 (parents of Camp 2005 violinist)
Chris and Matt continue to LOVE "Madness"! We are thrilled!
Jan and Kent Coleman, November 2005; parents of "Beyond Madness" student
I had a great time and I felt much more comfortable with the kids. I have to admit that the last time I did this, I felt a bit intimidated by the kids. It may sound strange. But this time I was excited to get things happening in the ensemble between everyone. I am excited for next time!!!
Kim Blanchard, September 2005. (Teaching intern for Mini Madness; cellist, graduate of Cornish College of the Arts in June 2005)
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