<p>My High school S will go to Heifetz during summer for the first time.
I guess it will be pretty chilly in the night.
How they spend during weekend?
Is camp rule very strict?
It would be appreciate if you can give some advice for preparation, activity, lodge.</p>
<p>My daughter went to Heifetz in Summer of 2009. It’s an excellent program for a high school student, IMO. She has also spent summers at Kinhaven, Apple Hill, Encore, Bowdoin, Quartet Program and Aspen. Not knowing anything about the area in advance, we were surprised by how breathtakingly beautiful the setting is (not that that’s why you go there, but it was a wonderful bonus.) The weather is chilly at night, so he should bring sweaters, warm pajamas, and a light rainjacket. </p>
<p>Your son will be very busy-- there are lessons, chamber, classes, and other music activities to keep him going all day (of course he will also be practicing alone and with his ensemble.) There are some organized recreational activities, such as a speed boat outing that Mr. H arranges with the help of a board member who owns the boats. The lake is very large and beautiful and your son will probably find a few chances to walk to the nearby public beach with friends-- but he will be busy quite a lot of the time. The little town is a vacation resort, so it’s a good place for visiting parents. :)</p>
<p>The rules are very strict for the pre-college kids. Genders are segregated for housing and kids are not allowed in each other’s bedrooms (even same-gender, which seems a bit silly, and was not strictly enforced.) The rooms, at least in the building where my daughter stayed, were refreshingly spacious, so there was no need to pack lightly (hence my daughter brought about 20 pairs of shoes.) </p>
<p>The level of playing is quite high. My daughter was 16 at the time and had substantial chamber music experience. She was put in a quartet in which the other members were all college students from NEC and CIM. It was the best quartet she had played in at the time, and she had been in some excellent precollege quartets from home. She was delighted. </p>
<p>Unlike some programs, there are many opportunities to perform. The college kids and a few high school kids play with faculty in ensembles on the main series. The high school and college kids also have many opportunities to play on the “stars of tomorrow” series-- as soloists or in their chamber groups. These concerts are broadcast over the internet-- a terrific bonus for parents who are able to watch from home.</p>
<p>That year there was also a concerto competition-- the soloist plays with a touring youth orchestra – and a From The Top show, which kids are invited to apply to be on.</p>
<p>It sounds wonderful!. Also very exciting to hear many performance opportunities.
I am a little bit concern if it is ok to receive lessons from many teachers, most of them teach 1 or 2 weeks, 2 lessons per one week. Of course, it is wonderful opportunity to meet top notch teachers. How about internet? Does it fast enough? Also, would you recommend popular lodge for parents? I am surprised most of them are very expensive.</p>
<p>I attended Heifetz this last summer and had the BEST time there! I wouldn’t say rules are STRICT but they are very organized and everything is very well planned out. we receive a schedule in the beginning of each week, which tells us our chamber rehearsals, chamber coachings, and private lessons time. the concerts, no matter student or faculty, are all so enjoyable and amazing. </p>
<p>i don’t think studying with those few teachers will be a problem. every teacher has a different teaching style and your son will be able to get an idea of where he wants to go to college and who to study with.</p>
<p>during the weekend, we had the chance to sign up for the events they planned for us. we went to a fall (where we get to climb rocks and see the beautiful view), movie day, ball dancing class, SPEEDBOATING, and had a great time.</p>
<p>being with 66 other high level musicians made me want to improve and learn more. after just 6 weeks, i improved a LOT and even my teacher could see a big difference! it was a life-changing experience for me, not only did i learn SO much (i’m not exaggerating! but it also depends on what kind of a learning attitude you carry), i also met a few people from other states who i’m great friends with now!</p>
<p>My son attended for 2 summers several years ago as an undergrad. He loved his time there. We visited him one summer and enjoyed our visit. It is a cute little town but kind of out of the way. Because it is a tourist area, it is expensive to stay in the area. We ended up camping.</p>