From a parent:

Giving our daughter a life of music was of utmost importance to us. While she enjoyed studying piano from a young age, the piano is not necessarily a “social” instrument; she yearned for an inclusive musical environment in which to participate. Starting at age nine, CMS gave her that environment, in both small group and large group orchestral music experiences. Her summers at music camp expanded her repertoire to other instruments, and enveloped her in a music community that endures today. CMS teachers inspired and mentored my daughter to become a teaching assistant, which remains a strong component on her resume.

From a Teen camper:

Teen camp is a great place to relax and spend time away from any outside events that may be dragging you down. We have a LOT of fun. It’s really cool to be able to sit down with other people your age and just jam. In a regular school you can’t find that. Also you get to learn some really interesting music that you probably would never have found on your own. The teachers are really experienced and encouraging and know what they’re doing. They’re people you can trust. It’s just a great place to find your personal music style.

From a Teen Camp instructor and parent:

Our group of teens pretty much takes over a fantastic spot nestled in an old growth redwood grove…. We start each day with our group classes in the redwoods: fiddles all meet together, banjos and guitars go to another place, flutes/whistles go somewhere else, etc. We work on groovy tunes from each instructor, and finish the week putting on an amazing concert Saturday late morning. Flashlight tag, flute making, games at night, there’s a movie night with junk food…. We completely honor our inner music nerd. What separates this camp is that it’s all kids…. This camp changed my kids’ life, and really set [them] on the course of pursuing music at a high level.

From a parent:

All three of my children attended Community Music School’s Celtic Kid Camp and then Teen Camp. I originally signed them up so that they could learn Celtic music, but they actually received so much more. At Kid Camp they gained self-confidence, the ability to work as an ensemble, and the pride and joy of creating something beautiful to be enjoyed by others, all in a joyful and playful space. The Teen Camp in my opinion is a uniquely special experience for our young people. The administrators and faculty create an environment of inclusivity and acceptance that is unusual these days. Teen Camp is a safe place for our teens to explore not only what they can do musically and artistically, but who they are and who they want to become. Without the distractions of technology, these camps give them the opportunity to connect with others, depend on each other, encourage each other, try new things and take artistic and intellectual risks without fear of ridicule.

The music is the vehicle and the common thread, and my daughters definitely expanded their musical abilities. However, the true things that they gained were the less tangible gifts of tolerance, teamwork skills, self-esteem, and creative courage.