<p>I'm trying to choose (very last minute, my plans just changed) between Luzerne and NYSMF for this summer. I'm 17, entering senior year, and play trumpet. I would attend the senior session of Luzerne and either sessions 2 or 3 or both at NYSMF.
I've already confirmed that there are spots at both, so that isn't a problem.
Does anyone know anything about these places? All I really know is what's on the websites and what I've found searching this board.
For NYSMF, how are players placed? I would love to be in an orchestra, but don't know how realistic this is - I would be fine with just band. I'm not really interested in jazz. Also, how many people are my age?
For Luzerne, what is the brass program like? I haven't found any posts mentioning it, but the website makes it seem pretty exciting. My main concern is the age range - would there be other older teens, especially new ones?
Thanks so much for any help or other info you can give!</p>
<p>Luzerne is a wonderful place, BUT over the past few years I think the emphasis has been a bit more on younger students, so NYSMF might be a more rewarding experience. You might call Luzerne and inquire about the ages of this years senior session musicians. Good luck!</p>
<p>My D (violin) did three summers at Luzerne, which I agree is wonderful. But a friend's trumpet-playing daughter had a FABULOUS experience at NYSMF last year.</p>
<p>For NYSMF, how are players placed? I would love to be in an orchestra, but don't know how realistic this is - I would be fine with just band. I'm not really interested in jazz. Also, how many people are my age?</p>
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<p>My DD is going to NYSMF for her second summer; she LOVES it! She is a vocalist, but had some info for you. (She's 15, entering HS junior)</p>
<p>Placement auditions are on the day you arrive; make sure you reserve your audition time when you register. </p>
<p>Classical and orchestral is the biggest emphasis at NYMSF, and kind of the "default" form of music you'd be auditioning/playing for. There is a Symphonic Band that most auditioners qualify for; there are also several orchestras. If you want jazz, you have to make a point of saying so; plus there is a separate audition for jazz. So if you're not interested, you don't do a jazz audition, and you won't be placed. (But you may want to audition; the faculty is kind of fun, and there's a wide range of playing abilities -- and everyone gets to perform on stage in one ensemble/combo or another)</p>
<p>Your age is right in there. While the website says they go down to 12 years of age, that age group is few and far between. The majority of campers are 15-18.</p>
<p>Thanks orchestramom & VicAria! Both responses are really helpful.
Orchestramom, how old was your daughter when she attended? Were there many kids my age?
I'm leaning more towards NYSMF right now, but I still am not completely sure. VicAria, what was your daughter's social/recreation time like? It seems like it's music all day, which is great, but is there any time for other activities?</p>
<p>... VicAria, what was your daughter's social/recreation time like? It seems like it's music all day, which is great, but is there any time for other activities?</p>
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<p>Since she was 14, and we were unfamiliar with the program, we limited what our daughter was allowed to do on the permission form. My daughter only went for 2 weeks last year, so that in itself limited her social/recreational time. So keep all that in mind. At your age you might detect more possibilities than my daughter saw. (And have freer-thinking parents who give you the liberty to pursue them, LOL)</p>
<p>NYSMF is on a college campus, but campers don't get full access to all the campus amenities -- things like the pool and fitness equipment. But there was a group that ran together, and did other sports. Social life for my D was dorm-based, and floor and suite-based, and she had a good time with that. The town of Oneonta is a short car ride away, it's a cute little college town (but gets shabby fast once you get off the main drags) and there is a movie theater. I think they arrange for a group-movie-trip each 2-week session. My daughter's session, they also arranged a trip to a local state park. Those kinds of things they tend to do on weekends; weeknights ARE mostly dedicated to music -- master classes, faculty concerts, etc.</p>
<p>She also had fun with the Film-Making class and the Musical Theater class.</p>
<p>trumpetgirl ==
my D did the Junior Session at Luzerne from ages 12-14; in high school she did three summers of the NYS Summer School of the Arts/School of Orchestral Studies. For Luzerne's Senior Session, you will be among your age peers. </p>
<p>You should also definitely consider the kind of setting that appeals to you -- Luzerne is beautiful, scenery, lake, etc, but definitely RUSTIC, it's a camp in the woods (cabins and all).</p>
<p>Thanks for both the responses. I've done camps both at college campuses and at rustic campgrounds, so both have very different appeals to me.
I'm probably 70/30 leaning towards NYSMF but the "campiness" of Luzerne is still really appealing to me.</p>