CMW Summer Camp 2016

What was your favorite thing about summer camp?

“Playing my violin”

“Climbing up the waterfall”

“Playing capture the flag”

“The swim meet”

“Costume night”

“The talent show”

“The treasure hunt”

“The food!”

These were snippets of CMW students’ responses upon leaving our Summer Camp week with the Chorus of Westerly at Ogontz Camp in New Hampshire. 

My own favorite thing about camp this year was getting to jump into a summer camp that had a long history of successful summers, but was open —and interested—in continuing to change and improve every year.

This year, the Chorus of Westerly’s collaboration with Community MusicWorks was part of the change. CMW students jumped into the mix as cabin counselors, as field day competitors, as leaders of the evening reflection before taps, and as talent show performers.

For 7 days, students practiced, worked on chamber music, rhythm & improvisation skills. The group created a new ensemble piece inspired by the soundscape of our environment: one where we could hear crickets, birds, thunderstorms and waterfalls throughout the day and night.

Jessenia, a CMW student serving on our Board said,

“Meeting new people is one of the best parts of camp. I have made new friends and I hope to keep in touch with them. I also realize that I underestimated our younger CMW students. They’re amazing musicians, and they even taught me how to have fun and enjoy the childhood I have left! I have had so much fun and even though I wasn’t even aware I’d be a counselor, I came to love the job and the girls in my cabin. Ogontz has taught me that even the people you least expect, can become like family.”

It was magical to see a full-blown overnight summer music camp in this 8th year of CMW’s own summer camp programming. I’m looking forward to seeing how this unique collaboration between two fantastic organizations grows from here. 

–Rachel Panitch, CMW Summer Camp leader and Fellowship Alum

All photos graciously shared by the Chorus of Westerly!  To see more photos (and videos!) check out their Facebook Page.