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What a great workshop! Thank you so much for all of your insights and enthusiasm for chamber music. The Ferris students really got a lot out of the day, and particularly enjoyed watching other groups play and get critiqued. I am always in awe of the work that Chip and Dan do with their kids, so gain a lot just by being in a workshop with them and their students.
Thanks for keeping this workshop alive Karen!
Carol Pederson, Orchestra Director, Ferris High School, Spokane
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
Thank you for providing this really neat opportunity for the kids to play as an ensemble; I don't think they realize how lucky they are to be able to sit down and make beautiful music with other neat people. What a gift!
Autumn Hjort, mother of Evan, Mini Madness violinist, age 15 November 2008
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
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