A

"New York State Music Camp 1984-1988. I attempted (though not especially well) clarinet, tenor sax, and vocal. At one recital, I engaged a rhythm section to play Cannonball Adderley's "Work Song" with me. As we rounded into the final chorus of what was a spirited - if not professional-level - performance, I squeaked exactly one note en route to the ending. Friends in the stands at Anderson Hall said that my face went from fire-engine red to ashen white in the blink of an eye!
While I was never a very good musician, I enjoyed the people at NYSMC more than any other group of people I knew in my youth. Those were the best summers of my life, and I am so glad there is now an alumni link on the internet. I look forward to reconnecting!"

- May 2011

Facebook!

I was at NYSMC from 1977-1985 starting as a camper and quickly moving up to C.I.T, counselor, dorm coordinator with Wendy Gage (anyone know where she is now?) and teacher of Percussion. Great to see the site. Please include me and my e-mail address on the site. It would be great to hear from old friends! I am living in Hamburg, Germany, and have been here in Europe for 15 years now. I have a German wife and 2 boys (7 & 4).

- December 2006

"Just found you through FaceBook, and jumped over to this website. I was at NYSMC from 7th grade through being a counselor for a few years into college… that’s 1971 through 1980, every summer. Surely all those years must have been important to me! I played trumpet, cello, piano, horn at camp .. sang in the choir and select choir, of course. These days I play horn as my primary instrument, and mandolin. I still have my records from every year, stashed somewhere in a box.

"Thinking of sitting high in the Onondaga mountains, watching July 4th fireworks across the sky during the first week of camp, and wondering what that square whole in the world over there is … being afraid of pscyho band director Tom Brown letting loose with his temper, but absolutely loving his swing five-four piece “Happy to Be” … and in memory of the greatest piano teacher ever, Conrad Strasser, who taught me for free in New York during the school year, just to encourage me to continue between summers!"

Associate Professor
Professor, Director of Disciplinary and Transdisciplinary Studies
Department of Curriculum, Cultures, and Child/Youth Studies
University Coordinator of Visual Literacy
Director of the sTRANGELY fAMILIAR mUSIC gROUP
Arcadia University
450 South Easton Road
Glenside, PA 19038 USA
http://gargoyle.arcadia.edu/appelbaum/"

- April 2008 (updated Nov 2012)

B

"Seeing these pictures REALLY takes me back! Thank you so much for putting this up!

Here’s my info:

Jonathan Babcock
103 Briarwood Court
Kyle, TX 78640
Jbabcock715@yahoo.com

Jonathan Babcock, DMA
Deputy Director for Undergraduate Studies
Director of Choirs
Conservatory of Music
Brooklyn College
2900 Bedford Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11210"

- May 2008

"I attended NYSMC in 1970, 1971 and 1972. I am happy to see that someone has at least started to make an effort to commemorate the camp on the Web. I was sorry to see, though, that the chapters from Bob Swift's book dealing with the 60's and 70's are not on the site. Was this intentional?"

- March 11, 2005!!

"Congratulations on the website.  It looks great!!   I have been searching for a number of years for a site for NYSMC.  I was sure someone would get it started.  I almost wept when I heard "greetings from Oneonta"  . .it brought back some very fond memories of wonderful friendships and great performances.   I will always remember running into you in the music store in New York City!!!    the look on your face as you tried to figure out what a guy from Canada was doing in a music store in New York City was absolutely priceless.

"I certainly would love to hear from some of the others . . . .it would be great to renew some friendships.  The last person I saw was John Sinclair in about 1998.  We were both singing Barbershop of all things on the campus of Missouri Western State University in St Joseph Missouri!    I was walking down the road to my dorm room at about 11 o'clock at night when all of a sudden this guy walked past me and then turned around and literally screamed my name!

"Lynn Tuttle has also remained a close friend of our family.  She's living in Phoenix now and works for the State Arts Council.

"Anyway, enought for now.   By the way I was a camper from 81-83 and a counslor, Senior Counsler and direcotr of choirs from 84-88."

- September, 2005!!

"PS: Once upon a time (1986 or so) I was a counselor/instructor at Hartwick NYS music camp :)."

- October, 2006!!

"Include me on the web site. I was, as you know, a camper in 1972. Dr. Bob's dad was running the show and was the kindest, nicest man you could ever meet. I have never forgotten the experience I had back those many years ago. It was so memorable that our two sons Brian and Jonathan continued in what I hope will be a family tradition."

- June 2007

"Thank you so much for creating this site. Not sure if many people will remember me as I was only a two week camper every summer from ’82-’85. Many of my friends would tease me as I would have come to NYSMC for the first 2 weeks and have to leave for my “other” camp. I was a counselor at a summer camp in the Adirondacks and always had a hard time choosing between the two. (my other camp was just down the road from Dr. Swift’s original Otter Lake site!!!)

"Anyway, I was a cellist – or tried to be anyway. I was never the caliber that most NYSMC attendees were, but I always said that I grew more musically in those two weeks every year than I did all year in my regular school. I never became a musician. I dabbled in cello a little bit in college, but wasn’t that good and ended up giving it up to pursue other things.

" I am now a fifth grade teacher in Oneida, NY and enjoy encouraging my students to partake in musical organizations. I noticed Emily Gitken and Allison Mills on here. I remember them well. I was very close with David Cole and was recently “reunited” with him via email.

"Although I only spent 2 weeks at NYSMC each of those summers, I always felt like I was a “6 weeker.” My hallmates and Dave would keep in constant touch with me and update all of the gossip of the summer. I was fortunate enough to even be included in the Hi Notes now and then.

"NYSMC opened my sheltered, small town of Ilion, NY eyes to the rest of the world. Back then I didn’t know many people of other cultures. In Ilion we were pretty much all the same. My parents always said that I became “worldly” in Oneonta and that I did! I hope that those of you who remember me will get in touch. Hope to hear from you soon.

- January 2008

C

Does someone like me, who was at NYSMC&I during 1989 and 1990, count as an alumna? All the others look older (though I do remember Jerry Sullivan!).

I can say, as will probably everyone else you hear from with this project, that the time I spent at Hartwick those two summers totally defined me as a person and as a musician. 

I'm a professional musician today, in the West Point Band (Army). I'm a clarinet player. I'm also the mother of two really awesome kids (so far!).

I enjoyed what you have so far on your website. I'll keep checking back as I have the time. :)

--Diana Cassar-Uhl

March 1, 2005!

Cavanagh, George & Susan Vroman

"I had to write a short note and thank you for putting this website together. My husband and I still tell stories of our days at NYSMC. .the Swift family, the wonderful friends. . .and, of course, the incredible music.
We started singing along with the "Greetings". George still sings MUCH better than I! Hello to everyone!!!."

- September, 2006!!

"I was very happy to stumble upon your web site. I hope you remember me from NYSMC. We were campers together. I was the percussionist who tried to play the clarinet too. It's been a long time, but I remember our days there as fondly as you do. I stopped working at NYSMC after the summer of 1987. I went to the University of Rochester for undergrad and continued studying clarinet on the side at Eastman and I played clarinet in the University's wind ensemble and orchestra. I went on to law school at GW in Washington, DC and am now a partner in the "World's Largest Law Firm", Baker & McKenzie. Here is a link to my bio in case you don't remember what I look like.

I once met David Soto after I became a lawyer, and he actually felt sorry that I turned to the law. I don't get much time to play music these days. I'm married (Yvonne) and have two kids (Daniel-5 and Adam-1).  I'd like to sing in Church but I can't make it to weekly rehearsals. I know-- that's ridiculous, but that's the life of a lawyer at B&M. Daniel and Adam each love music, and I hope one day they will find the same joy and meaning it brought me while growing up. 

I think you're web site is great, and I will look forward to the time when you can post music from our years at NYSMC, pictures of folks other than Tony brushing his teeth and other memories, etc. It's amazing you still have those cassettes. I can picture folks coming to concerts at Slade Hall with those tape recorders. If I can dig up some stuff about NYSMC in boxes, etc., I'll forward it your way. 

Anyway, I do get up to NYC allot for work. It would be great to catch up. Please let me know how you're doing and feel free to let other alum you speak with know I'm around and would love to hear from them too.."

- May, 2005!!

"I wanted to add my thanks and surprise at finding this site. I have taken a few minutes and there are some names that I do remember! I began my career as a counselor there in 1975 or 1976, I actually can’t remember. I do know that my association with the NYSMC was indeed one of the finest experiences of my life. I moved through the ranks to faculty member and I believe that continued through 1988 or 1989. Frederic Fay Swift was and continues to be a great inspiration to me. Several years ago, when Bob Swift wrote the book on NYSMC, I was happy to contribute to that as well. I have maintained friendships with people for over 30 years. Just this week, I was able to speak to a good friend, Dave Vroman, who helped remind me of some of the “highlights” of our years at camp.

At some point, during my years as jazz ensemble conductor, we re-arranged “Greetings From Oneonta…” for the Jazz Ensemble as a surprise to Dr. Swift. I remember how thrilled he was with our little adaptation.

Today, after a long career as a music educator and school administrator, I have founded a company called Family Friendly Schools (www.familyfriendlyschools.com). I get to travel the country working with schools and districts to promote family engagement and student achievement.

I welcome all correspondences! Thank you again for this page. I wish you a wonderful season in 2007.

Sincerely,

Steven M. Constantino, Ed.D.
Founder and President
Family Friendly Schools
411 N. Main St.
Galax, VA 24333
(800) 890-7794

- June 2007

D

David was a camper and counselor and conductor and Associate Director of NYSMC through the years. But we reconnected when he signed up his son, Andrew, as a 12-year-old first year camper! Andrew has been with us every year since, and is tracking to perhaps maybe follow in the music camp success of his dad -- Andrew has become a fixture and a member of our staff at NYSMF.

I *love* getting to see David and his family every summer! It's like the intervening decades never happened.

For many years David was Managing Director of the Metropolitan Opera Guild. These days, here is his title:

National Executive Director
Young Audiences Arts for Learning
171 Madison Avenue, Suite 200
New York, NY 10016-5110

www.youngaudiences.org

- Keisuke, Dec 2012

E

Ellis, Danielle
(Now Ellis-Teeple)

"Hello! My name is Danielle and I was a camper in '94 and '95. As a vocalist, I have achieved all of my goals and beyond. Much of my success can be traced back to the passion and determination taught to me by my teachers and counselors at NYSMC&I. I have lost touch with so many people, partially because I can't remember last names! I sat down on Facebook today and thought that MAYBE NYSMC would have a page...and there was one!

Please keep me updated with any events, concerts etc. that any alumni may be involved in!!!

Thanks,
Danielle Ellis-Teeple"

- Jan 2010

F

"Oh my gosh, I am so thrilled to have found this site! Please include me and this email on the site. I was a camper at NYSMC from 1980 to 1982. My first year was with the Strassers - I only went for two weeks, but then the following two years I returned for the full season. I won the scholarship one year as well! I have such fond memories and received some of the best education during that brief time - to Michael Cleveland I am especially grateful (anyone know where he is?). I recognize a bunch of names in the directory and will start sending emails tomorrow. Penni Newman was my roomate! I don't keep in touch with anyone (outside of people I went to High School with). Rachel Frank was my matron of honor. I have two kids; my daughter is three and my son is two. I'm teaching elementary orchestra and general music on Long Island, and would love to hear from anyone who remembers me! I'd also love to see some pictures on the website! Thank you so much for doing this!."

- October 2008

"I attended as a camper in 1975 and 1977. I was also there in 1980 as a kind of helper to Jonathan Strasser. As my reward for that, he programmed the Telemann viola concerto, which I performed with the chamber orchestra that year.

"My best friends were my roommates Peter Brown and Bernie Thompson, violinists Diane Donges, Jim Minenna, and Laurie Schifrin (and her sister the cellist whose name escapes me), pianist Jan Friedberger, and Peter Rosamilia, Fawn Wiener, Kenny Jernigan, and lots of others.

"I'm a bit amazed that there isn't more mention of the Strassers on this website. Jonathan suggested that I take up the viola, which I play professionally in an orchestra in Amsterdam, the Netherlands (the Holland Symfonia). Conrad was perhaps the greatest musical talent I've ever met, and that includes all the prodigies at Juilliard.

"Regards to all, and don't hesitate to contact me, Andrew Faughnan."

- August 2007

"I was a camper in the 83-85 ish time.. my memory is a bit clouded. That place really did help me become the person I am now.... I teach 3rd - 5th graders String Instruments in a District here on Long Island and play with some local orchestras/community theater groups. I would love to stay in touch w/ you all."

- March 2009

"“Thanks for your time and effort in developing this site! As shown by the response you’ve received, many of us have fond memories of our time at NYSMC often searching for an alumni site! I am one of those who left the music world, although many years after attending camp. I completed by BM degree in clarinet and played around the NY area for quite awhile. My opportunities outside of music enabled me to start a new life in San Diego almost ten years ago. I am now a consultant with a higher education company and working towards a master’s degree in higher ed administration. My partner is a Queens native and we have two beautiful boys – Zane & Izak.”"

- Sept 2007.

G

"I can't believe I found this website! I have so many fond memories of my years at NYSMC! I attended 1982-84, and had a blast, made many friends, and will always remember growing up there. During those years, I mainly studied piano. I went on to study composition at Juilliard and NYU, and now I am the owner of a music school, and a music teacher in Manalapan, New Jersey. My music school is Risingstarmusicschool.com and we offer private lessons in your home throughout New Jersey. I have teachers all over new jersey. It's really exciting! If you remember me, please give me a holler, I would love to hear from you! -Emily Gitkin"

- July 2007

"Greetings Keisuke!

My three summers were 1962 (3 weeks), 1963 (6 weeks), and 1964 (6 weeks). Conrad and Jonathan Strasser were campers then. Dr. Bob Swift got his PhD. The rehearsals were in the white temporary buildings and concerts were in the red field house and the chapel. My new bassoon was taller than I was. I am still playing it. We would enjoy preparing "Steppes of Central Asia" or Mozart's _Requiem_ or Stravinsky's _Firebird_ and performing them at the end of the week. We worked on Ravel's _Bolero_ but had to bring in a ringer to get the high D-flats. Hey, I was ten.

Saturday was Gilbert Lake State Park day with swimming, sunning, eating, and volleyball.

I just got back from IDRS 2012 in Oxford, Ohio, where ten of us contrabassoon players performed in the "Contraband".

Skit night got curtailed when someone rolled a tire off the stage and crushed a cello.
The next year is was non-moving drama."

- Aug 2012

H

"I just happened across your NYSMC website today. I could not believe my eyes! There I am in all of my 20-year old glory in the photo at the top of the "alumni" page! I'm the tall, gangly guy on the left side of the photo closest to the piano...and Pete Woolschlager! Paul Haggett is my name. Keisuke, I'm almost sure I remember you from NYSMC. Your name is pronounced "Kess-kay", is that correct? I was a counselor at NYSMC in 83 and 84 and was a six-week camper in 1980. What great memories! A number of my contemporaries are referenced on your alumni page...Jim and Perry Orfanella, Tony Kadlek, Penni Newman, Steve Kessler.. I don't really know much about what other former NYSMC staff are doing these days. Last I knew, Pete Woolschlager was band director at his old high school in Upstate New York near Watertown. David Vroman, who I think was dorm director in the early 80s, lives in Potsdam New York and is teaching...not music, though.I live in Massena, New York, and work as director of our community's Chamber of Commerce. Still play and sing quite a bit, but music teaching didn't work out for me. I have a wonderful wife and two daughters....one of which is a music education saxophone major at the Crane School of Music. The reason I found the NYSMC site is because my daughter will be counseling at the New York Summer Music Festival across town at SUNY Oneonta this summer. I read a blog on that site that had a link to NYSMC.com.Anyway, thank you for creating this site. My years at NYSMC wre not many, but I learned so much and played and sang so much music...it was just a wonderful time in my life.Feel free to post this to the alumni page. Thanks again, and best of luck!

Paul Haggett
Massena, New York"

- April 2007

"Nice to see somebody still remembers those good old days at NYSMC. I enjoyed my 7 years there and am still playing trumpet.
Sincerely,
Pete Harrison
NYSMC 1981-1987

BIO

Pete began playing trumpet when one day his dad brought him and his brother 2 trumpets to keep them entertained instead of fighting each other. Orignally from New York Pete has gotten his feet wet early on sitting in at Sunday Jams at the Village gate when guys like
Roy Hargrove would pop in in the early 90's. He got to perform and hang with some of todays top players at at summer camp for 7 straight summers such as Dave Liebman, Randy Brecker, Jon Faddis, Delfayeo Marsalis, Conrad Herwig, Steve Davis, Jerry Coker, Tony Kadleck, Jim Rotundi. He started playing professionally at 16 with a bunch of older guys at the Westchester Conservatory of Music.
He attended SkidmoreCollege on a music Scholarship as a finalist for thier filene competition. In school as a Freshman got to open for Reggae great Yellowman, performed at Madsion Square Garden and play in about 15 different bands. He perfromed and studied with  with Jazz great Mark Vinci as well as famed pianist Mark Davis. Pete Spent the next year as an intern in a NY recording studiio and got to play on several records with several of the artists that came through. Pete says,"It was really wierd we put trumpet on a whole bunch of stuff that you would never have thought "including a solo with the metal group THE KRACKED SKULZ . After college Pete joined the the famed Hansen Guitarist Ravi and his R&B review and perfomed the and New York and Greenwich Conn. club scene where he met and the Great R&B and forer towerof power trumpet man Don Harris which further exposed him to what the trumpet can sound like in the ultimate R&B setting. 
After playing professionally in Isreal from 92-93 with the big band of Eilat and playing the jazz festival after a year decided to come back to the US.  He has been in Florida for the past 10 years has played with The Swinging Johnsons/Big Z Band/TNB/ Dan McMillion big band and is proud to be perfrming the music he loves with LNB. Pete says, "It's been a long time coming but I really feel like I have found my musical home with late night brass it is rare to have the work ethic, inergrity, musicanship, and all round great people when you have a band this size" he just wants to keep on doing what he does and is happy to be part of the band."

- June 2006

Music Camp Guy: Co-Founder / Director of Communications, New York Summer Music Festival (NYSMF)

Actor:
- IMDB (Internet Movie Database) Listing
- Legend Management
- The Teahouse of the August Moon / Unofficial Site

Writer:
- Memoirs of a Ninja: The World's First Martial Arts Musical Comedy
- "A Cockeyed Optimist": a blog about the New York Mets Baseball Club
- Memoirs of a Geisha.org - Media Commentary

"Hello, Keisuke -- I was a camper at the NYSMC Otter Lake facility in the summers of 1951, 1952, and maybe also 1953 (not so sure anymore, after all these years.) Those experiences are among my fondest memories, even if somewhat hazy in many respects. I found your fascinating Website via Google the other day, when in reminiscing about the camp I couldn't remember exactly where in the Adirondacks the camp was located, and thought, "Google knows everything, why not try it?" (Fittingly, the reminiscing was triggered by our visit last month to Glimmerglass Opera in Cooperstown, which got me thinking about my youthful summers not far away.)

In 1951 I was a not-quite-14-year-old about to enter 10th grade at the Bronx H.S. of Science in New York City. I'd taken the then-common three years of piano lessos, and then persuaded my mother to let me switch to percussion, which I adored. How she found NYSMC for me I have no idea (probably an ad in the NY Times camp directory). I just loved the place, and returned for a second (or third) summer. At the camp, I played tympani in the symphony orchestra, miscellaneous percussion (mostly snare drum) in the concert band, and drums in the jazz band, and also studied basic harmony and conducting. These experiences were the core of my music education, and laid the foundation for my lifelong love of music even though my performing days are long, long past. (For several summers after NYSMC, I played drums in small "house" bands at obscure Catskill Mountains resorts, and during the school year I was the tympanist in my high school and college orchestras, as well as in pick-up groups playing what were then called "club dates" around NYC -- not "clubs" in the modern sense, but weddings, bar mitzvah parties, etc. Even in law school I still managed to play occasionally in pick-up jazz groups, just for fun, but since then my musical involvement has been solely as a frequent classical concert-goer in the Washington, DC area, where I've lived all my professional life.)

My memories of the Otter Lake setting are pretty dim, really nonexistent. But some of my musical experiences there are still vivid. In the course on conducting, for my final "exam" performance I for some reason chose the 3d movement of Tschaikowsky's Fourth Symphony, which is in 5/4. I suppose it was the challenge that inspired me, but I'm ot so sure I actually measured up to the challenge. Still, the faculty was very forgiving. By the time of my final summer at NYSMC I'd also taken up clarinet, and somehow talked my way into being allowed in alternate weeks to join the 3d clarinet section in the concert band, even though for this I was totally unqualified. The condition of my participation was that when I came to a passage I couldn't handle (and there were many), I was to stop blowing and just go through the fingering motions.The jazz band was a "big band" in the swing-era format, and the counselor/teacher/leader was a clarinetist who idolized Woody Herman. So naturally we played numerous arrangements from the various Herman Herds -- "Four Brothers" stands out in my mind, featuring each member of the sax section soloing in sequence. The high point of the week for the jazz band was playing the Saturday night street dance at Old Forge. At one of those performances, someone from the camp brought a direct-to-disc recording machine (remember, this was 1951-53), and gave out souvenir discs to band members who wanted them. I still have mine, which includes "Four Brothers" and "Early Autumn." Do not ask how good the band sounded. (Must be the recording, right?)

As for people, I fondly recall the clarinet teacher and jazz band leader, but can't recall his full name (Jim, from what then was Oneonta State Teachers College). Only a acouple of campers come to mind. One is Fred Mills, whom I remember not by name but as a boy of 16 from Guelph, Ontario who was an outstanding trumpeter. Seeing his name somewhere on your Website identified as a former member of the Canadian Brass ensemble, I thought, could that be my fellow camper? And so it seems he was. (He is reported to have died last year in an auto accident in Georgia, where he was on the faculty of Emory University.) Another trumpeter was Fred (?) Schuman, of NYC, with whom I actually kept up for a few years and who I believe became a practicing physician. Overall, my primary remaining impression of my fellow campers is that they were a group of really nice, talented, kids. And this was pretty much my first experience meeting and getting to know kids from elsewhere than NYC, coming from small towns around central NY State, places I hadn'd even heard of. The educational value of that should not be discounted either, wholly apart from the music.

Good luck with your Website, and with your new incarnation of NYSMC. I hope you find these reminiscences interesting."

Joel E. Hoffman
Alexandria, Virginia

- Sept 2010

I

J

K

http://www.kadleck.com

"Hi - When it was called the New York State Music Camp, under the direction of Frederic Fay Swift, I was fortunate to attend the summers of 1968 and 1969 - it was located at SUNY Delhi those two summers due to construction work on the Hartwick campus.

"I was wondering if any of the music camp alumni ever stay in touch with you or possibly get together. I have a couple of photos - names included - I'd be willing to share.

"I would love to be included! I attended NYSMC in 1968 and 1969 when it was on the SUNY Delhi campus (where I now work). 

"Have oftened wondered what became of so many talented muscians!

"Whatever happened to Beth Moss, Mark Sachs, the Greenhouse twins, Stu Noodleman? 

"Thanks so much - and have a wonderful and successful summer!

Sincerely,

Jo Ann Cole Kaufman

- July 2007

http://www.thebigsmoothies.com

"Steve Kessler here (NYSMC 1974- mid 80's). Stumbled upon the website this morning. What a fantastic time I had reading it and checking out all the old memories. Wow. Thanks. Loved that jazz band picture of the 5 of us. I remember that concert. I think Tino was conducting or Holober? I have many archived tapes of Tony screaming during Ice Castles, etc. I think I even have some recordings from my first summer there in 1974 of Tom Brown directing the band."

- March 2009

Kline, Tamara

L

"I was NYSMC Camper from 1986-88 as a flute/piccolo player. Never did a full season since it would have conflicted with my Boy Scout Troop 318 (Edison, NJ) going to Summer Camp at Kittatinny Mountain Scout Reservation (KMSR). Maybe I was THAT crazy to do both in the same summer. For 1988, for once I choose NYSMC over my Boy Scout Troop.
Favorite faculty/Counselors (from memory) were Eve Nezich, Dr. Bob, Peter Woolschlager, Gail Gage, Renya Baker, Dave Soto, and Loyal Beggs.
"A "short" summary since the farewell party in '88: Only made 3rd chair flute in my HS Wind ensemble senior year, attended and graduated at NJIT (BA in Information Science), bounced on several jobs, worked on 6 Boy Scout Summer Camp staffs at both Sabattis Adventure Camp and KMSR, attended both the 2001 and 2005 National Scout Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill, into digital photography, and an Uncle.
"I played and my flute and piccolo once in a while though I should get around putting the former in the repair shop.
"I believe that my years NYSMC made me a better flutist at my high school. Also I've learned a lot other than music such as the value of hard work and a bond with those I knew over at Hartwick.
"For those who I knew during my years there, I am sorry for "dispapearing" in contact with over the years. My regret is that I lost contact with my high school buddies, NYSMC buddies, and my T-318 buddies I hope through the internet, I can restablish contact with you.
--
Mario P. Labot
mlabot@ix.netcom.com
Edison, NJ

-July 2007

Landecker, Peter

and his mom, Mildred, also a NYSMCer!

"You said on http://www.nysmc.com/ that it makes your day to hear from NYSMCers. I hope this will make your day!

I attended the New York State Music Camp in the years near 1957. I played violin, viola, piano and organ. More information about me and my continued interest in music is available at http://www.lafn.org/~bf684/index.htm#Violin.

I remember going to the initial NYSMC orchestra rehearsal with my violin. But the Camp needed violists. I had never played the viola. Nonetheless, I was given a viola and struggled with the C-clef with no special instruction.

I remember I was taking organ lessons in the Hartwick College chapel. I was practicing there when I noticed an extra keyboard above all the others. I was a curious young boy at the time so I tried to play this keyboard. Nothing happened. Then I noticed a switch to the side so I flipped it and tried again, and there was a distant response. I was later berated for playing "Pop Goes The Weasel" to the entire countryside on the church bells!

My mother Mildred Landecker was on staff in 1957. She is well and just celebrated her 96th birthday. A photo of her conducting the New York State Music Camp chorus, with me and Marsha Cheraskin playing the piano, is shown in the attached photo. More information about my mother is available at http://www.lafn.org/~bf684/mlandecker.htm."

- Aug 2009

"I attended the music camp at Hartwick College during the summers of 1956 and 1957. My experiences there gave me a solid start toward my years at Hartwick and my career in music education. I have many memories of camp and one of the highlights was the week that the great Sigrid Rascher came with his family.

I am retired from thirty eight years of teaching public school music (mostly instrumental) in upstate New York and I currently conduct a local community band in Greene County, NY."

- Feb 2010

"As my 14th year of teaching music draws to a close, my students are asking,"What are you doing over the summer, Mrs. Virkler?" Instantly, memories of NYSMC flooded my mind.

"At the time (1987-1990:camper,CIT, counselor), it seemed there was no better way to spend a summer. Now I wish my students could have such an experience; one that shapes their youth in such a way that it stays with them for a lifetime. I feel fortunate that every day I can have a mini NYSMC reunion with my colleague, Peter Woolschlager. We've laughed until our sides hurt over one NYSMC memory or another; usually Dr. Bob is found in there somewhere.

"After living in Saratoga Springs for three years, I moved back to my home town and am teaching at my alma mater. Peter was correct, the grass is greener right where you're standing and I've been watering it for 10 years now. I'm the choral director for grades 7-12. My husband and I have a son, 5 months old, and I'm thrilled that my summer will be spent playing with him. Thanks for the website. I've recently been in touch with Giselle Stern and Noelle Stevens (my NYSMC sisters). I hope everyone is well and hope to hear from more of you."

- June 2008

"If you are reading this, you had a pretty big impact on my life during my time at NYSMC. I stumbled across Keisuke's website, and then saw the alumni roster....wow!!

"After my three years at camp (82-84?), I attended Deb Swift's camp in Wilkes-Barre, PA, for one year. I continued playing the trumpet through my first year at West Point, (yup, West Point), but stopped, and have not picked it up since....I figured it would be hard to fix my embouchure and get rid of the "Hugo tone" (that's a shout-out to Pete Harrison!!!).

"I am a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army, fly helicopters, and have been in for 17 years. My wife Claire and I live in Lille, France, and I work with the French in a NATO headquarters. We are expecting our first baby in September.

"My friends make fun of me for attending "band camp," especially after the American Pie movies, but I look back on that time and my experiences at music camp as some of the most formative of my life, and all of you made it a unique, growing, interesting, sometimes frustrating, but ultimately HUGELY rewarding experience. I was young, immature, and I am sorry if I was a pain in the ass or annoying, but realize that if you are reading this, I have a definite fond memories of you, even if those memories are a little hazy. I half expect some of these emails to be out of date or closed down, but please feel free to write back....and thanks to Keisuke for all his hard work in putting this together....YOU 'DA MAN!!! Very sincerely, Hugo Lentze"

- July 2008

Keisuke,

Dr. Swifts name and the New York State Music Camp flashed through my head on the way to work this morning for no apparent reason. I have thought of the camp many times over the years but admittedly, not in a very long time. So I Google searched both and go figure, there’s your web site and even a Facebook page.

I have very fond memories of being a camper (1968) and a counselor (1969) when it was held at SUNY Delhi . I played French horn and also sang in the choir and select choir. Plenty of memories came back as I read the comments on the web site. Someone posted about the queue for the select choir to bow at the end of a song, Dr. Swift clasping his hands behind himself. I had forgotten that but laughed when I read it… It was simple but it worked!

I saw a few names I remember from those years and sent a request to friend the Facebook site. I think I have a couple of photos from that time and I know I have the albums (not played in decades!). One of my fondest memories is visiting some country churches on Sundays around the Oneonta / Delhi area and singing in a quartet, as the guest music for their services with my friend Tom Ives who was a counselor/instructor and a tremendous musician.

NYSMC was a great experience. It was such a pleasure to make music with such gifted musicians. Thanks for making the effort to develop the history and the website."

Alan | Senior Director | Corporate Relations
Syracuse University

- Nov 2011

M

"I was so happy to see this website! I attended from 1986 - 1993, and can't begin to describe the impact that those summers had on my life, not only as musician, but as a person. There are several former NYSMC&I campers and counselors that I'm STILL friends with, many that I stumble across from time to time (Dave Soto in London a few summers ago!!), and many that I just wonder about. I'm so glad to see that Bob Swift is still going strong - he was the heart and soul of the festival. To this day, I can't hear that Old Irish Blessing without getting choked up. Good luck, and I hope that more people discover this site!"

- March 2006

"Hi Keisuke,

I was at NYSMC for the entire six weeks during the summer of 1971.

Without the slightest doubt it was the best summer of my life.

I played trombone. I was second chair to Alan Steinberger. My roomate was Seth Schwartz. The RA on my floor was Jack Greenhouse.

Please include me in the alumni list.

Tom Martel"

- June 2010

Shelton, Rebecca
(now Martin)

"Hey, I went there too! My name at the time was Rebecca Shelton... I was there (I believe, this was a looong time ago) 1989 thru 1991 as a camper (ages 12-15). I played clarinet and piano. Those were the best summers I can remember in my younger years. I met some of my very best friends there, and I'll never forget about them. Some other memorable people to look for would be Andrew Crisman (trombone), Steven Pickering (trumpet, I think) Ben Lewis (trumpet, and very good at it), and also Steven Hembree, who only went for one year I believe in 1990, and died in a car accident the following February...one of those newsletters was dedicated to him. He was an amazing person...he played drums and was learning the flute. Dave Soto was also a counselor and conductor. He would be worth finding as well. :) Best of luck! I will always miss those days."

- January 2007

"PLEASE include me on the NYSMC website. What a hoot to read what’s there already. You will all be sorry when I start posting pictures!"

- October 2008

Miller, Tammy
(now Lathan)

"Greetings From Oneonta......" I found this website through Facebook and I am so glad I did! I began attending NYSMC in 1977 as a camper, and became a counselor in 1980-82. I ended up attending the Crane School of Music, which seemed to be the typical progression from the music camp back then. I have been teaching elementary music for 25 years and performing on flute in the Chicago area. My husband is a saxophonist (commercial lender by day) and we have 2 children, both in music.

I have so many fond memories of NYSMC. Watching Dr. F.F. Swift personally greeting everyone who came to the concerts and beaming with pride every time an ensemble took the stage. The summer of "Fame"! I was so excited to have friends who were in the movie. I remember doing "Old Abram Brown" with Dr. Bob with the lights off, and only one candle. The audience didn't move a muscle when we were finished. I also remember crying at the end of every final concert, particularly during the "Old Irish Blessing". To this day it gives me goosebumps. Most of all, I remember the music and the friendships. I am fortunate to still have some of those friends in my life today.

I want to give a special thank you to George and Sue Cavanaugh, who's glowing recommendation earned me the music position I've enjoyed for the past 25 years."

- Aug 2009

"I went to NYSMC in 1982, 83 and 85. I googled the name out of curiousity and found this. SO many familiar names! I was a vocalist but also played flute and french horn. Anyone that wants to get in touch with me please do. I still live in Connecticut after all this time."

- July 2007

"I have it on very close authority that Mr. Jonathan R. Mintz is in fact a pharmacist and does in fact still live in Rockand County, New York. He's married to a wonderful wife named Caren and has two children, ages 13 and 15.

"He is also completely freaked out to have just stumbled across this page to discover that this photo with his good friend Judy has found its way onto the internet and can't belive that at one point in his life he actually looked like that. He had actually forgotten that the first of the "reunions" were in fact at his house and is flattered as hell that Allison and Rachel remembered this. He is also glad to see all the old familiar names and is so happy that everyone out there seems to be doing very well!!

"It can be noted that he still can throw one hell of a party, often producing several people who happen to wind up dancing on top of the bar. Ironically, he has had two Oneonta references surface very recenlty in his life...one as he drove up the all to familiar Route 28 on the way to the Catskills and one as he stumbled across someone whose daughter recently graduated from Hartwick College in Oneonta.

"He wishes to convey to everyone that he is indeed alive and well and often thinks of those he knew in the hallowed halls of Hartwick. And while he may be absolutely awful at keeping up with people via email (as he's sure Judy, Donna, and others will attest to), those who he's lost touch with are welcome to reach out any time to him at pharmerj@optonline.net.

" And revenge is a dish best served cold......he too has pictures.....lots of pictures...."

- Dec 2012

"I attended NYSMC oh around 1977-80. Played cello. Those were the best summers of my life. Please include me in the list of Alumni."

- March 2010

N

"Indeed it's a small world....thank you for the work you put into the NYSMC site! I stumbled upon it as I was looking for some summer to-do options....I settled in Albany, NY--only about one-and-a-quarter hour from Oneonta. I, too, have many fond memories of the haven that enveloped us in music making and afforded us so many special opportunities to develop connections that, while not life-long, were (at least for me) life-changing.  I attended from '79 through '85 with my last 3 years as a counselor."

-- July 2005!!

O

"I attended for two summers: the first, 1988, as an "older" camper, already in high school, and was there for only two weeks; my second summer, 1989, was as a CIT, of course for the entire 6 week session. Discovery these wonderful memories made me search the web for any information about the summer festival. I cam across the current "official site" and yours....

I have such fond memories of those weeks spent on the hills of the Hartwick campus with Dr. Zvenkrosky (sp??), David Soto, Yu Sik Kim (one of the counselors) and many friends that I have forgotten (Berry was a viola player from the Manhattan School of Music, Sacha, a trombone player and my first year roommate). It is hard to believe that I have forgotten so much when I spent such an intense and wonderful time with these people.

Although I wasn't really much of a musician, I did go onto college to study musicology along with English literature. I also received a Watson fellowship after college which I used to study Anglican Choral music at Coventry Cathedral in Great Britain. Coming from a small country town in CT it was wonderful to spend time with other people who were as passionate about their art and music as I wanted to be. To this day I still credit my interest and love of music to the NYSMC&I.

Unfortunately, it appears that I have either lost or trashed the majority of my stuff. I remember having copies of every concert program and many more tapes. I also know that I have some photos - when I am able to dig them up I will send them out to you. I'll also send a copy of the tape and program. I use to have a copy of my Highnote...I'm still searching through boxes.

I am glad that you have taken the time to chronicle the program and wish you continued success. Please include my name on your alumni list - if it is not too much trouble include the e-mail address below and johotnicky@yahoo.com. One never knows how long they may stay at a job....

Again, thanks for your efforts and best of luck. I hope to be in touch soon with additional information.

All the best

John O.College Registrar

Fisher College

118 Beacon Street

Boston, MA 02116

Phone: 617-236-8827

Fax: 617-236-8869

johotnicky@fisher.edu

P

"After almost 22 years, I found myself having a conversation with my daughter’s percussion teacher earlier today, asking about potential summer music programs, and telling about Dr. Swift, Dr. Bob, and the whole gang. I then thought, why don’t I see whatever happened to NYSMC and here you are ...

"Formerly, Judy Parker, now Judy Markowitz. Mom of two little girls, Sammy 8.5 and Allison, who just turned 1, living in Easton, PA. We went up to The Baseball Hall Of Fame over the Christmas break, and I looked into the possibility that the Farmhouse still was there, thinking to myself, it couldn’t be, it was a long time ago. We had an awesome dinner there!

"I couldn’t help but be nostalgic and think back to five summers spent at NYSMC and thinking of how often so many of the wonderful friends I made up there really made an impact on me and wondering how everyone was doing and what everyone went on to. I really appreciate that you have done this and hope to hear back from you."

- May 2007

"Hi! My name is Bernadette Pasley. I came across your wonderful site today and have been thoroughly enjoying a fantastic walk down memory lane.

I attended NYSMC during the Summers of 1977 and 1978. I played the cello, and I have fond memories of playing in the orchestra, under the leadership of Jonathan Strasser, and of taking cello lessons with Rick Wise, who, by the way, was also my teacher back home in New York City.

I also enjoyed singing in Girls Choir and Concert Choir. I can still remember some of the songs we sang! One of them, the title of which I can't remember, was all about a beautiful morning in May. It went something like this:

Gee it's a beatiful day.
A beautiful morning in May!
A beautiful beatiful beautiful beautiful
beautiful beautiful day today
a beautiful morning in May!

I'm not entirely sure, but I believe this song was written by Dr Frederic Fay Swift. In any case, it was a fun song to sing.

Another memory I have is of going to town with a group of friends from camp to see the Oneonta Yankees play. It was the first time I ever went to a baseball game. Within a year I was a die-hard New York Yankees fan and have been one ever since.

Thanks for taking the time to put the site together and for starting the facebook group. I have sent a request to join the group and am looking forward to reading the updates posted by members.

Have a beautiful week!

Bernadette Pasley"

- October 2011

"When I went to Queens College I started out as a music major (thought I'd be a music teacher, then switched to English and Elementary Ed--now I teach middle school reading). I ran into a fellow camper there, too--you guessed it--I can't remember his name either. Gee, this is fun.
I'll tell you one name that still strikes fear in my heart--Dr. Brown. He had the personality of a cactus and was just as prickly. One time I put my mouthpiece cap on the music stand. Someone bumped the stand and made my cap fall and clink on the floor. He stopped the rehearsal cold, stared me down, and went into a tirade. I got a lot of sympathy after the rehearsal but I sure wasn't having fun.
I think the dorm you are fondly remembering was the girls' dorm (at least when I was there). I believe it was called Smith. Did you have room checks when you were a camper? If our beds weren't made or the closet door wasn't shut we got demerits. I remember running all the back from the dining hall to shut my closet door before the day's activities started because I wanted to go swimming that night and I couldn't go if I got a demerit. With all these fond memories it's amazing that I sent my kids there, isn't it? What a turnaround Jungeun made."

-2005.

" I attended NYSMC in 1979 for two weeks. I learned of NYSMC from Dr. Bob, because he directed the Aaron Copeland opera "The Second Hurricane" during the Copeland Festival the previous year at Memphis State University and I had one of the leads. He encouraged me to attend NYSMC and I was really pleased that I did.

"I must admit that I laugh at myself when I think about my arrival at camp. I was a naïve white Southern teenager from a working class family who had never visited the northeast. I flew to DC to visit a distant cousin and see the capital and then took the bus from DC to NYC to Albany to Oneonta. This was my first time on a plane or a bus. I wore overalls, a beat-up black cowboy hat, and flipflops and was carrying a guitar. I'm sure I stuck out like a sore thumb, but I quickly made friends with other campers.

"I remember that some of the campers had been in "Fame," when the orchestra of the NYC Performing Arts School played in the movie. I especially remember the symphony playing the overture to the Marriage of Figaro. Wow! I also remember Dr. Bob conducting some of the double choruses from Handel's Israel in Egypt. I can still recall some of the bass part.

"I continued my vocal work, especially in choruses, into college at Phillips University in Enid, OK and during my Ph.D. in the Chapel Choir at Duke University. I currently sing in a fine church choir at First Mennonite Church, Bluffton, OH. I am now Professor of Religion and Chair of the Department of Philosophy and Religion at Ohio Northern University, a United Methodist school of about 3500 students."

- June 2008

"Hello Keisuke. My name is James Phillips and I attended the NYSMC in the summer of 1955, the last year it was at Otter Lake. Perhaps Dr. Bob remembers the 11 year old kid that played the Hammond organ.

Willard Musser was the band director that year, and in 1961 when I attended the Crane School of Music in Potsdam NY, there was Willard Musser again, director of the wind ensemble.

I taught High School music for a few years, but I was in a progressive rock band and we got signed to Columbia records and moved out to LA. I stayed in LA for several years and worked as a studio musician. I can be heard on records from the '70s and '80s with such artists as, Leo Sayer, the Pointer Sisters, Tina Turner, Rick Springfield, Prism, and Burton Cummings.

I've since moved back to Massena NY, and I now run my own recording studio, and I am organist and music director at two different Churches. It was great looking at the NYSMC website. I remember it as though it was yesterday. Thanks so much, James Phillips "

- April 2012

"I was at NYSMC for the summers of 1979 and 1980. My nephew, Jonah Watt will be attending the Festival for a few weeks this summer. Please take good care of him!!"

- June 2011

NOTE: Jonah actually took one of my classes that summer and is now a buddy of mine on Facebook! Thanks Lisa and Jonah! -Keisuke

"Thanks for doing this page. I will write a longer note with contact info and memories in the future! Here are the camp photos from the 1970 Album.

• Concert Band
• Concert Choir
• Girls Choir
• NYSMC 1970
• Orchestra
• Select Choir
• Stage Band

"I also have the LP tracks transferred from vinyl to digital (with an assist from Mike Beecher on Fandango as my LP had 2 skips). If any alum need help transferring anything to digital I would be willing to help.If you want to hear a group of kids kicking butt at 9AM in the morning check out the last 60 seconds of Fandango. Also note Alan Steinberger's fine trombone solo on Switch In Time (I'm playing Bari Sax)."

- June 2009

"I attended NYSMC for a few summers in the early 1980's (my memory is a little fuzzy from back then as to the exact years). I can tell you that it was some of the best times I have had growing up.

I was a percussionist and enjoyed my time playing in the different groups and ensembles. I miss it greatly.

Currently, I work as an EMS Captain for Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue in South Florida. I am married with 2 girls. If anyone remembers me, please drop me an e-mail either here or on Facebook. I would love to hear from my former camp-mates.

... and for the record, Peter "Chicken" Harrison and myself started the "handball" craze that carried over for several years in front of the common area ouside of Smith Hall. I brought a racquetball from home, but no one had racquets ... to we decided to use our hands. It caught on."

- Aug 2009

Q

R

"WOW - I just stumbled upon the New York State Music Camp website and boy did it bring back memories.

I was there as a camper in 1971 and a guitar instructor in 1975, while attending Ithaca College School of Music.

Do let me know how to add my name to the alumni list, as well as share some memories in the memories section. Thanks!"

www.ericroberts.org
www.musicmagicproductions.com
www.theindiemusicchannel/profile/ericroberts*
*Voted "Best Male Jazz Artist" in the First Annual
Indie Music Channel Awards

- May 2012

"Hi, nice to see the New York State Music camp site online. I attended in 1978-79 (primarily focusing on piano and guitar), and had a great experience both years. I especally enjoyed singing in the Concert Choir and still have a couple of vinyl recordings from the concerts, from which I remember a few highlights ("Plenty Good Room" and a couple of songs from South Pacific). The jazz ensemble was quite good as well. In those years, we had a lot of students from the High Schol of Performing Arts in NYC which I also attended. I enjoyed working with Dr. Swift and his family that were on the faculty. The bowling alley on-site was great as well, had some of my best games there. After it appeared that I wouldn't be able to make a career in music, I got into computer programming and worked at IBM since 1983, but I'm still active playing guitar and singing in choruses such as Marist College, where we got to perform in a couple of Kenny Rogers Christmas concerts.

- May 2007

--" Thanks, good to see that the site is still alive. Next time I get over to my house in Kingston, I'll see if I can make a recording of the vinyl from the 1977-78 sessions. I think I had already copied on to cassette but might sound better with an MP3 copy. I worked at IBM Kingston up to 1993 when the site shut down, used to run the Tools disks there. My mom used to drive me in to Poughkeepsie from there every day as I'm partially sighted. She had an accident last year and broke a bone in her back, and is in a nursing home, so I moved closer to work, and it may be a while before I can get to my vinyl collection over there."

- May 2007

"I was at NYSMC in the summer of 1986. Such great memories of that time."

- June 2008

Miami, Florida

"... It is so great that you have made this site. those summers were some of the most influential times in my life. i look back on them with the fondest of memories. i even ran into jeff alpert back in '94-96 when we were both playing euro tours of west side and chorus line. it is a small world and nysmc made it smaller ... i am very happy that i stumbled upon this site. i only wish there were more photos from that time."

- March 2009

S

UCLA, Los Angeles, CA

I really don't remember exactly when I was a camper and when I was on faculty, but I played the flute. I ended up at the Yale School of Music and even played with a chamber group comprised of the New York Philharmonic. I played in Paris and everywhere else, but I ultimately became a child psychiatrist. It was not a big leap - teaching students at the New York State Music Camp reminded me of the problems and pain people brought to music.

Personally, I have to regard my time at the NYSMC as the happiest and most influential days I remember. I have too boys that have sung in England at Westminster Abbey as part of a group of choristers. Anyway - I miss it , and I dream about it - it was a type of imperfect Camelot.

- 2005

"Bumped into the site on a dull afternoon's trip down memory lane, and thought I would drop a note. Seems as though life is treating you well!

- July 2005

"Hey, I went there too! My name at the time was Rebecca Shelton... I was there (I believe, this was a looong time ago) 1989 thru 1991 as a camper (ages 12-15). I played clarinet and piano. Those were the best summers I can remember in my younger years. I met some of my very best friends there, and I'll never forget about them. Some other memorable people to look for would be Andrew Crisman (trombone), Steven Pickering (trumpet, I think) Ben Lewis (trumpet, and very good at it), and also Steven Hembree, who only went for one year I believe in 1990, and died in a car accident the following February...one of those newsletters was dedicated to him. He was an amazing person...he played drums and was learning the flute. Dave Soto was also a counselor and conductor. He would be worth finding as well. :) Best of luck! I will always miss those days."

- January 2007

"Again, as others have said; truly an awesome website!! For those who may or may not remember me, I was the incredi-geeky 15yr old kid that used to be the last one standing during Dr. Bob's Bass Low Note Sing Off belting out the low-D's!!

"John Sinclair here, camper, CIT, Counselor, and long-time Ethan Smith Roomie 85-89 or something like that. (Cello, electric bass, singer) I've only just scratched the surface of this site and already I'm flooded with memories of places and friends I haven't seen or heard from literally in decades!!

"Quick update: After graduating Ithaca College in 1993 with a Cello Performance degree, I made the obvious career leap into computers. Married, three boys (7,4, and 1), and living in southern NH. Drop me a line at john@sinclairfamily.net, look me up on Facebook or just check out family pics at http://www.sinclairfamily.net !!!

"Yes, I was truly shocked and amazed to see Loyal in a barbershop school in Missouri of all places, and have since re-connected with Lois (and Hugh) Ash and Ethan (and Ian) Smith. I've touched paths briefly with other NYSMC alum, but would always love to talk to more, if only just to try to fill in some obvious blanks in my increasingly hazy memories... Liz O'Brien? Amy Cole? Kendra Lehman? Greg Ott? John Fuente? We could almost make a whole series of "Where are they now...?" shows."

- April 2008

"It was so great to find this website! Having attended NYSMC for 12 summers (1981-1992 - a six-weeker for 11 of them), I saw NYSMC through the eyes of a camper, CIT and Counselor. It was, by far, the best experience of my formative years. Some of my closest and most-enduring friendships were forged during those wonderful summers in Oneonta. The fun, the laughter and, of course, the music will always be a part of who I am. I applaud your efforts to bring the magic back!

Ethan W. Smith
esmith@starfieldsmith.com
www.starfieldsmith.com

- January 2008

NOTE: Ethan's son, Tyler, is now a two-year veteran of the NYSMF camp -- and I get to see Ethan every summer again!!! -- Keisuke, Nov 2012

North Shore, Long Island, NY

- August 2007

Camper, 1987-1991...Eastman School of Music grad, currently a band director in the W. Irondequoit CSD, and a director of two bands at the Hochstein School of Music and Dance, Rochester, NY. Dr. Bob remains a inspiration, and NYSMC&I is the source of some of the best musical moments of my life. Thanks so much for putting this site together, and I'd love to hear from anyone!

- July 2009

"This site is so cool! Please add me (my many links are below). I attended NYSMC from 1980-83 if I'm remembering correctly and was counselor in 83 and 84? Something like that. I was called 'Sandy' back then (since 1985, I've been called Alex). And we definitely met - your name is completely familiar to me. 

"I was poking around the internet today and was just thrilled to find the site and see what people have been up to. I hope you are still keeping it updated. I could send you pictures but I still keep in touch with some of the New Yorkers in the bunch and I value my life. That said, I'll feel them out because I have some major blackmail material that I'm sure all would enjoy. :-)

"Hugs! and take care."

Alex (Sandy) Sweeton

http://www.alexsweeton.com
http://www.sonicbids.com/alexsweeton
http://www.myspace.com/alexsweeton
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/sweeton2

"Pastor of South Presbyterian Church in Rochester and the Director of Operations for St. Joseph's Neighborhood Center where we provide health care and counseling (never could get far away from that stuff) to people who are un- or under-insured.

"Right now I'm a single mom of a bright, beautiful, talented African-American daughter, Carly Fae, who just turned 11.

"No dull moments around here. A true soccer mom: driving a van, 2 dogs, a cat and a goldfish! But still the camp represents a most amazing part of my life. A couple of weeks ago I sent our youth fellowship off to an overnight lock-in at a local movie theater and found myself saying, "Just remember: how you act there reflects on your families and how you were brought up at home." Where did that come from? We all know it was the opening (Don't even THINK about getting into trouble here!) orientation talk at camp. Funny how those things turn up.

"This is a wonderful thing to keep going. Thanks, Keisuke (and everyone).

"Blessings, peace and big hugs (I know, I know ... some things never change!)"

- March 2009

"This is Jerry Sullivan from NYSMC. I saw the NYSMC Alumni list and noticed I had not been updated. I wanted to give you my contact information updated through this year.

I am married since 1994, My wife is Renee,
Son Christopher is 14, daughter Rachel is 10.

I live in Auburn, MA (about 45 miles west of Boston, MA). I am the regional manager for Jenn-Air and KitchenAid appliances for all of New England.. I recently was able to get together with Dr. Bob and had luch with he and Margot at their home. (I live about 2 hours from them).

I continue to sing in the Greater Auburn Community Chorus and cantor and sing in the choir of St, Joseph's Catholic Church in Auburn, MA.

I play keyboard, bass and guitar in local bands and record in my home studio.

I attended NYSMC from 1984-1986 as a camper, 1987-1992 as a counselor, 1991-1992 as director of the Jazz Choir. I also was stage crew manager from 1991-1992.

I would love to get in touch with all former campers and counselors (especially Rob Johnston, Lois Ash, Amy Reese, Barry Stern, Paul Hall and Tony Morris.

Please feel free to update my information on the alumni site. Feel free to call me or e-mail me for any special NYSMC memories that you may want to post."

- Aug 2009

T

"I attended NYSMC in 1973 and 1974. Although I wound up owning a plant nursery (without the least idea how it happened), I still play music regularly, and made a living at it in the 1980's. Although I "studied" guitar at the camp, I now play bass primarily (a decision guitar teacher Jack Greenhouse would probably applaud!)"

- Oct 2009

"Bless you for doing this! I've often thought of starting a NYSMC page, but it wouldn't have been nearly as nice as yours. My thoughts often turn to NYSMC, where I spent the summers of 1979 to 1982. To give you an idea how much it meant to me, I regarded the six weeks of music camp every summer to be "home" and the entire rest of the year was what I had to endure to get home again. On the first days of camp I would just kind of wander around in disbelief, so grateful to be back. To this day I have "first day of camp" dreams. Even thinking of "Old Irish Blessing" still makes me cry every time.

"I already see some names on your page that I am dying to contact, and I hope there will be more. I also would like to contribute. I have a *lot* of goodies, including records, tapes, photos, hi-notes, recital and concert programs, and a host of other ephemera. I had a strong sense of the specialness and rarity of the times even then, so I saved as much as possible. To give you just an idea, after the Counselor Frolic in 1979 (which I have on audio tape), I wandered up onto the stage and picked up some of the tissue paper flowers that were used in the costumes. I still have them, along with a photo showing how they were used.
Today I'm an engineer, but I continue to make music, and I don't think a day goes by without my using something (usually several things) that I learned at NYSMC. I'm directing a church choir now and I even have them sing the "ahhhhhh... nouncements" song that we always sang at the beginning of rehearsals, trying to pass on just a little of the magic.
I must share one more experience before I close. I was a sad and angry kid in those days, and sometimes I wasn't nice. When I think of how I treated my fellow campers, versus how kindly I was treated, I am greatly humbled. What brought it home for me was a Christmas card from Hugo Lentze, a younger camper that I used to make fun of. The card didn't say anything much -- it was just a simple Christmas wish -- but it served as a poignant reminder of a place and time where I was happier and safer and it was possible to take goodness for granted. A rush of emotion overcame me when I opened that card, because I realized that the kid that I saw fit to make fun of, the one whose friendship I did not care about at the time, was a better friend and a nicer person than anyone I had access to all year.
It is my hope that by chipping in some photos, audio, and whatever else I've managed to save, I can give a gift similar to Hugo's card, a reminder of that wondrous experience we all shared, and in some ways, finally, I can be a real friend.
Yours Thankfully,
David Thomas
(back of the second violins, next to the timpani)GA

"It’s wonderful that you have created a NYSMC&I site. I’ve enjoyed keeping in touch with my NYSMC&I friends, even if many years have passed since we last created rap songs about “Concert Decorum,” waited anxiously for the last day of camp when we could infiltrate the boys’ dormitory, and talked for hours on the hill before lights out. I was also delighted to remember that I won the award for the “most mutilated meal card” in 1990.

If you are maintaining a list of alumni with email addresses, do you think that you might be able to add mine?"

Sincerely,
Meg Thomsen
NYSMC&I ’89, ’90, and ‘91

Meg Thomsen, Program Associate
Center for Health and the Global Environment
Harvard Medical School

- March 2006

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"Hi Keisuke - I came across your fantastic website and wanted to write to thank you for doing it - and to give you my information. I was a camper at NYSMC for the 1984-86 summers, a CIT in 1987 and then a counselor in 1988 and 1989. Six wonderful summers with some of the most amazing people I have ever met. I often recall those years and am so thankful to have had the opportunity to be in such a great place in my most formative years. I'm now a corporate partner at a big law firm in Los Angeles - not a musician, but I still try to find ways to express that side of me. I hope fellow alums will find the site and keep in contact."

- July 2008

Somewhere in Atlanta, GA

Wooley's Wonderings

"What a great surprise it was to discover your NYSMC web site!!! I will definitely be getting some photos to you as soon as I scan them and move them to my work computer. It is amazing how the years have "flown" by. There are few weeks that pass by that I do not remember my times at NYSMC and the powerful impact they had on my own life. You can imagine my amazement when I opened the alumni link to see my "young" self sitting at the piano with the counselors!!! (By the way, I spent yesterday afternoon on the bench accompanying my colleague, Kendra (Lehman) Virkler who is directing an All County Chorus of grades 7-9. She also attended NYSMC and served as a councelor there as well!) As for me, I am in my 23rd year of teaching here in Northern NY. I work with my wife Kathy who also teaches music with me. We have four wonderful children ages 12, 10, 6, and 3 1/2. We also have four horses, a cat and several chickens (we like the country, can you tell?). Every year something comes up that keeps me at the piano, although it's hard to practice now that my children are at the piano non-stop! We fight for practice time. It's like it was in music school. I could go on, but I'll write more later.
I have not forgotten you as a camper. In fact, I was recently at my aunt's home and she still has on her piano, a photo of me at the Steinway in Anderson that you took. It occurred to me that I never returned the favor of you taking those photos that summer. So I still owe you one.
I don't know if you heard, but Calvin Gage passed away in July of 2004. He and I were scheduled to work together at a choral reading session at the Crane School when he suffered another heart attack and failed to recover. It was a tough blow for me. He and Gail are like second parents to me. We've traveled throughout Europe on choir tours since 1989. I was able to perform at his memorial at the Crane School accompanying Stephanie Blythe. It was a moving, but joyful celebration of his life! Deryck Clarke came to my home and the two of us went to it together. He and I still maintain contact, although sporadic.
Well, I could write a book... Take care Keisuke and God bless. The website is super - keep up the good work. I'm impressed with your accomplishments. You've been busy.

Everything is going well here. I had a voice message yesterday from CJ Jackson. We're playing phone tag. (He's more "unplugged" than I am.) Wouldn't it be great to organize some kind of NYSMC Rendezvous, perhaps in the Big Apple someday?"

- November 2006

"How about more information about Jonathan and Conrad Strasser. I believe they made a huge mark on the camp during their time as campers, staff and conductors. Please share some with us."

- Sept 2008

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"Hi Keisuke, I found your NYSMC website today. What a blast from the past!

"I was a 6 week camper in 1981 and a counselor in 1983. I'm the one in the front row on the far right side of the photo of the 1983 Counselor Show. I remember those summers very fondly. My brother, Andrew, attended NYSMC those summers, as well, as a camper. I took a few-year-long hiatus from violin during graduate school (in engineering), but picked it up again right after I finished.

"I played in the Finger Lakes Symphony Orchestra and Penfield Symphony Orchestras in the Rochester NY area for several years before moving down to New Jersey last year. I'm now a member of the Livingston (NJ) Symphony Orchestra. Professionally, I'm a materials scientist working in the medical device industry. I'm married to a cellist and we have one daughter (age 7)."

- December 2007

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