Earlier this year applied to several summer camps including Walden and BUTI. I was not sure if I was going to be accepted and if I was if I would be able to afford either of these programs. Now that I unexpectedly was accepted to both and can afford to go thanks to financial aid and a recent change in circumstances, I would like some personal feedback from people who know about these programs so I can be more informed about which camp would be better for me. I’ve looked through the sites and I see both of them as being really amazing programs with quality instructors and guest artist so I want to know what the overall experience is like.
A little about me. I am 17, a Junior, and my main instrument is percussion. I also play trombone and took piano lessons for a few years. I’m going to major in composition, I plan on get a masters and most likely a phd. As far as summer programs go, I would like something intense, I have marched 2 years of DCI and find I do best in rigorous environments; and would also like a chance to work with other students\cross fields. For example, compose (and maybe play?) something for other students to play\dance to would be awesome. I usually compose “modern instrumental music”, highly influenced by Stravinsky, Schoenberg, George Crumb, Lachenman, and a whole bunch of other composers; but I also enjoy and see benefit in doing electronic music. Thanks you for your time and input.
Well, first of all congratulations on two wonderful choices!
From what you have written I think Walden would be a great fit for you. It works well for those who are multi-faceted and want to both compose and play. Everyone also sings in a chorus. It is certainly geared to “modern instrumental” aka “contemporary classical” aka “new music” (and also has some jazz if desired). There are classes in electronic music that used to be taught by Sam Pluta, who teaches at Columbia. The day is pretty full with classes and lessons and also work time for the piece that each of 50 students writes for the final festival week. Guest musicians share meals and time and give advice on extended techniques or anything else you might need from them. The atmosphere is very supportive, emphasizing community and off-duty fun (hikes every Sat.), but overall the program is intense and rigorous. Students leave with a 10-15 minute piece played by world class musicians (such as members of ICE) for their portfolio. We felt it was pretty extraordinary. Who is the guest composer this summer? (We still go to the festival week concerts- three nights.)
My kid is not a very groupy person but the community at Walden really worked for her. The whole group of participants, faculty and staff sing every night, for instance. It’'s hard to describe but it is a little magical.
We have no direct experience with BUTI but know many who went one or more summers. At BUTI you would be, formally, in a composition program: I don’t know if that means you can also play, but the website mentions it. Admission at BUTI, presumably, is very competitive and focused on composition experience and talent.
In contrast, at least in the past, Walden may have some students who are extraordinary or creative in some way or are incredible pianists or flutists but not experienced in composition- and yet they produce high quality pieces.
If you are interested in orchestral works, of course BUTI would be better
I am not sure about the aesthetic at BUTI. Meaning whether it is more conservative. I doubt it. At Walden there is certainly a lot of artistic freedom and I imagine BUTI also offers that.
Someone else can come on and say more about BUTI. Both programs are recognized by conservatories. Walden was life-changing for my daughter but who is to say BUTI wouldn’t have been. She liked the kind of holistic, oddly chill but intensely rigorous program at Walden a lot and did well with admissions with her piece from the festival.
What a great choice to have! My son went to BUTI about six years ago, and it was really excellent (except for the food). I don’t know if much has changed there. He thought the composition teaching was top-notch, and they had their pieces performed by excellent musicians. We went to the closing concert of the pieces written by the composers, and they varied a lot–they included quite a variety of styles, including atonal works. I don’t what opportunity to composers had to play–I don’t think that was a major element. Another thing that was a big plus at BUTI was the opportunity to see a lot of fine concerts at Tanglewood.
@compmajor Just wondering which one did you go last year and what was your experience? My son will go to BUTI this summer, would like to more about these camps.
