Ensembles

Laurel Music Camp has four performance ensembles: Orchestra, Choir, Concert Band, and Jazz Band.  

Students audition for placement within their assigned ensemble on the first afternoon of camp. Audition information will be distributed in each camper’s acceptance packet and posted online.

Testimonials

Here are some candid memories from former campers about their experience in LMC ensembles:

Concert Band
When I first heard of Laurel Music Camp, I was ecstatic. My brother family had been apart of Workcoeman for a long time, and I knew I was going to go to Laurel since 6th grade. My first year caught me off guard. The people at this camp are so accepting, and I never knew that one could have so much fun with music. I was shocked by the talent of my fellow campers and the staff, and amazed by the community created here. Laurel is a great place for people who are truly in love with music, and being in large group with one common goal is awesome. I was challenged in the band more so than anything I had ever encountered before. The only reason I am at the place where I am with the flute is because of camp, and even though I wasn't able to play the music in full my 1st year, I surely can now. The rehearsals were pack-full of fun, and camp makes band interesting. The feeling achieved on Friday night is unteachable, and the music is beautiful. Laurel Music Camp is a place to let you be you, without judgement, and a place to call "home" for the summer.

Jackie McDougall 
East Granby High school 

Choir
I have attended Laurel for 6 years and have spent every one of them in choir. I've gotten the chance to work with different directors which is important for a vocalist because we can't just be shown how to use our instrument, its something you have to feel to be able to learn. All of the directors in the choir have been able to put feelings into words and have helped mold me into a better singer, especially in a group. The music that the directors bring always keeps you on your toes and challenges you as a musician. We sing in different languages and genres span across the board. The best part of choir is always the goosebumps I get the first time we lock in with each other on that perfect chord. There's nothing like it. In 6 years I have learned so much that I have been able to apply to my music career and use to help other people. This is not your ordinary high school choir.

Sarah Skrip
Nonnewaug High School

Orchestra
Camp gave me the confidence to accept myself as a growing player but also allowed me to realize how much progress I've made within the one week span of camp and also in my general musical abilities. The staff were extremely supportive and whether they were there playing next to you or checking you in at night, they're there to root you on and to make sure you love camp just as much as they do. Being apart of camp builds relationships with people you never wold have known and allows you to make connections with staff members who are ready to give advice on every new adventure you go on during the other 51 weeks of the year. Laurel is my family, it's home. Anyone who's been knows that just 1 week at a camp like Laurel can most definitely change your life for the better. I credit Laurel Music Camp and all the people I have met there for making me the musician, but most importantly the person I am today. Camp is a place for everyone and camp has a place for you.

Robin Rockwell
Newtown High School
WCSU

Jazz Band
All of the ensembles at Laurel are amazing.  The awesome thing about Jazz Band is that because of its size, you get to know EVERYONE in the group instead of just your section.  The music we play makes us dance and its ok when you’re standing up in the back of the “jazz shack” to break it down a bit.  Every person gets to speak their mind and share insight on pieces of the charts because there aren’t 75 other players there to share space with.  Jazz music is special to everyone in a different way, and being able to play with such talented people who can improv and tell you stories of their first solos is priceless.  You learn 10 new things every day and have guaranteed friends from the first day of camp all the way until your 400th day at camp.  Ok, so its like that at Laurel in general, we jazzers just like to think we’re special.

Bridget Edkin

Love Camp? Tell us about it!

We would love to hear your stories about camp! Please email the webmaster to share your favorite stories or memories from camp. This can be in picture, video, or text format! Get creative and tell the world how much YOU love Laurel Music Camp!