Concert Band
I've gone to Laurel for 3 years now, each time in the band 2 times as a clarinetist and once as a saxophonists. No matter where I was, with any section any group of people front row or next to last it was fun.  The music was challenging with any instrument, but not so difficult that it became frustrating. The sound was amazing, of course if you put that many instruments in that small of a space you'd think you were playing in a 400 person band too... but in all seriousness we learn more in that week and have more fun in that cramped oven of a room than we do all year. And as you sit thinking to yourself why do I find this fun, you may regret ever coming in the first place, but when you get back home with AC and flushing toilets.... you look around and go... I miss the band.

TJ Del Conte
Newington 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
I’ve been going to Laurel for 5 years now, and every time I get the joy of playing with the Orchestra.  There’s nothing better than playing and making some of the best music I’ll ever play all year.  Nothing can top the view we get from the boat house.  There we sit, overlooking the lake, with one of the best soundtracks ever.... probably one of the best things at camp.  If you ever get the chance, stop for a second and take it in.


Rich Keator
Terryville High School
Briarwood College

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

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!