<p>Hi!</p>
<p>So this year, after some difficulty with financial aid with BUTI and EMF, I finally figured out my summer and am spending 6 weeks at BIMF this summer! I'm really excited, especially to work with Carol Rodland (Eastman) and Ralph Fielding (Lynn Conservatory) but a little nervous. I have no idea what to expect- I saw the video about Bowdoin online, and it seems a little terrifying. The students they interviewed were crazy-amazing players from some of the top schools in the US and I am a mere incoming HS Senior. Anyway, I was wondering if any of you could tell me about you or your child's experiences there and if is anything I should be aware of. Also, I'd love to hear about other festivals and such, as I've only attended GCCMF and the Idyllwild HS Chamberfest. Any tips? Any information on the teachers I'll be studying with? There will be some other amazing faculty there, Joan Kwuon, The Ying Quartet, Paul Neubauer, etc. etc, so I'd like to take some lessons with other teachers. Hopefully that will work out. </p>
<p>Oh- and one more question. How much luggage did you/your kids need to bring? I'm not sure if one bag, plus a backpack and viola will be enough. Thanks!</p>
<p>Sydney</p>
<p>My son attended about 10 years ago. He had just graduated from high school. He loved the camp. He was able to study with the teacher he was going to be with at conservatory. He had lots of performing opportunities with chamber groups. He found that he had much more personal responsibility at Bowdoin than at other camps he had attended in high school. Schedules were not always clear and he had to take the initiative to clarify things. No one will look for you if you miss a rehearsal. You need to make sure you take advantage of the opportunities that are provided. Have a great experience!</p>
<p>Two of my kids went (vln and vla) when they were in high school-- 9th and 11th grade. They had a good experience. Musically, it’s a high caliber program. The dorms were very well-appointed, and the food was terrific. As for luggage, we drove, so it was possible to bring all the shoes and duplicate pairs of jeans that teenage girls seem to think are necessary. I think you could surely make do with a large bag, backpack, and instrument. Have a great summer!</p>
<p>Hey thanks for the info!</p>
<p>Did you find that your children made significant progress? Also- what were the accommodations like for them? Thank you!</p>