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| Visit these links for comments on public bulletin boards and websites... |
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If anyone knows of more posts about the camp - please email us.
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| NOTE: Testimonials are divided up by year. You will see some names multiple times due to their returning to the workshop more than once. The years they have attended will be next to their name but the testimonial will be for the year it is listed under. |
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2009
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| "CTEW was probably the greatest experience of my life. I had gone into it thinking that this would just be some place where I'd play some music and hang out. Wow, was I proven wrong. From the accommodations, to the staff members, and even to the other participants as well, everything just blew me away. There was just so much to do that things never got boring, and I never wanted it to end. This workshop even revived my Tuba-playing spirit that had been waning the month or so before, and I even found practicing (which always seemed boring) to be fun by the time the short nine days were up. CTEW was most likely a turning point in my life because I now want to pursue the Tuba with a passion that I had never felt before, and it's all thanks to Mike, his staff, and even the other members that helped me out during this amazing part of my summer." |
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Jonathan Gworek
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High School Participant 2009
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Connecticut
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| "I said it last year and I'll say it again...Mike Milnarik and his colleagues have put together a stunning array of activities to help tubists and euphoniumists be better, have fun, and revel in all things musical. We who attended had both our playing and musical horizons broadened, and had a great time doing it. This workshop is easily worth much, much more than the tuition charged; it's a bargain!" |
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Allen Walker
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Adult Participant 2007, 2008 & 2009
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Massachusetts
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| "As an adult amateur - but very serious - player, I have been to any number of events through the International Tuba Euphonium Association (ITEA) over the years. Of all of these events, I have found the Cosmopolitan Tuba/Euphonium Workshop the most satisfying. First and foremost, the faculty was outstanding. The day was well balanced with lots of hands on teaching/playing and with faculty engaged in all levels of activity from master classes, to small ensemble coaching to recitals and clinics. The concerts were marvelous both for the breadth of music presented and for the sheer quality and enthusiasm of the performers. As an adult learning, I had some trepidation going into the workshop but was immediately put at easy by the staff and faculty, just wonderful! Lastly, I was surprised to observe that as a euphonium player I learned as much if not more from hearing tuba faculty and students perform than I did from listening to my euphonium colleagues. All in all, a wonderful experience; I look forward to returning." |
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Richard Kessner
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Adult Participant 2009
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Massachusetts
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| "CTEW is an amazing experience for any tuba or euphonium player. No matter what your playing level you will feel welcome. Hearing world class players perform and getting feedback about your own playing from them is only part of what you will receive here. You will participate in a variety of different activities to expand both your playing ability and your musical knowledge. Come, and you'll be pleasantly surprised at how much you improve in such a short amount of time!" |
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Nicole Dwyer
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College Participant 2008 & 2009
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Massachusetts
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| "CTEW has something to offer for everyone and is a great experience for tuba and euphonium players of all ages and experience levels. The entire CTEW staff consists of incredibly talented musicians and teachers that have all served as a great inspiration for me as a musician. The week was filled with a wide range of activities, including masterclasses, clinics, recitals, chamber music and concerts, that were engaging and motivating. CTEW was a great experience that has a lot to offer any tuba or euphonium player, and I most definitely plan on attending CTEW 2010." |
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Stephanie Yehlik
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College Participant 2009
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Ohio
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| "Simply put, CTEW was a fantastic experience! I literally enjoyed every second of it, and left wishing for more. I gained months of experience in one carefully organized week. Being immersed in such a positive, tuba filled environment left me pursuing my craft with a vigor I had not previously possessed! Each year has been better than the last, and I can't wait for next year.
I'm really looking forward to next year. Great job and thank you, Mike! :D"
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John Baylies
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High School Participant 2008 & 2009
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Massachusetts
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| "CTEW was a great learning experience, being surrounded by fellow tuba/euphonium lovers was fantastic. I learned a lot and improved my playing in a pressure-free, sociable enviornment. I highly reccomend it to any lover of the tuba/euphonium!" |
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Andrew Melchionna
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High School Participant 2008 & 2009
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Massachusetts
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| "I came to CTEW very nervous about performing my piece, but the staff & participants were so welcoming & comforting that by the time of performance, my nerves were really low. The concerts proved that there was not a genre a tuba (or euphonium) couldn't perform, and hanging at the lodge with people who had the same interests and mind as you was great. Small & large ensembles incorporated jazz tunes & I love jazz, even when it's not too common for euphonium. It's hard not to fall in love with the campus, the beach is a walk away, and the apartment style suites were convenient for everyone, and you didn't hear everything the person in the room next to you was practicing. I got to practice at my usual time after 11pm! And the food was the best, especially the desserts. Mmmm coffee ice cream! I'm definitely reserving my summer next year to go again." |
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Karla Romero
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College Participant 2009
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Texas
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| "I have enjoyed both of the years that I have attended the camp. It has been something that I look forward to all year round. I am able to meet people that care about playing music and playing the same instrument that I do. I can only think that the camp will get better and better as the years go by." |
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Robert Dusza
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High School Participant 2008 & 2009
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Connecticut
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| "CTEW was fantastic! I can't believe how much my playing improved over the course of eight or nine days, and I can't wait for next year." |
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Matthew Chrostowski
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College Participant 2009
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Massachusetts
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| "Just thinking about performing solo in front of people put rocks in my stomach. Then when I saw the format for the Master's Class, I was ready to head back to the airport. It wasn't long before I saw, and experienced, the nurturing and safe environment of the workshop. I wouldn't have had the Master's Class any other way and would not have missed performing my first solo in front of a safe and supportive group of students, hobbyists (like me), and professionals." |
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Helen Gillespie
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Adult Participant 2009
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Alabama
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| "Mike, I just wanted to thank you again for the whole workshop. Before the week I was really down about my playing. The whole environment gave me back my confidence and really helped me think positively about playing the tuba again. I was seriously starting to look at other career paths. So thanks again." |
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Andrew Schwartz
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College Participant 2007, 2008 and 2009
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Connecticut
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| "CTEW was even better this year which I didn't think was possible. Nothing wasn't fun! I learned so much, had a great time, and will definitely be returning." |
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Stephanie Mundel
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High School Participant 2007, 2008 & 2009
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Massachusetts
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| "I had a great time at C-TEW. There is no better place where people of all ages, from all parts of the country, can get together and make great music." |
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Ethan Henshaw
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College Participant 2006, 2007, 2008 & 2009
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Virginia
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| "CTEW is, very simply, a vacation for Tuba and Euphonium players. You spend one week working hard, focusing on playing and improve more than you can imagine!" |
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Liam Sheehy
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College Participant 2006, 2007, 2008 & 2009
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Massachusetts
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| "It was my third year with the Cosmopolitan Tuba and Euphonium Workshop. The schedule went off like clockwork and logistics, facilities and the program were terrific. In many ways, this was the best yet. Mike, Roland, Sanae and the entire team made this a terrific learning experience for me." |
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Douglas Ruby
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Adult Participant 2007, 2008 & 2009
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Massachusetts
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| "All of the guests and coordinators are amazing at their instruments and great at teaching the techniques and methods of learning our instrument. But another great aspect of CTEW that I have overlooked in the past is it's consistency. After attending CTEW (since it's first year), I know that each CTEW will be better than the last and because of this, I end up spending the rest of the year wondering what great, new performer will be invited to teach for the next camp. CTEW is a great example of the growth that the tuba community strives for and has been doing so consistently since the beginning.
Can't wait to attend next year!"
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Jonathan Staub
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College Participant 2006, 2007, 2008 & 2009
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Massachusetts
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| "CTEW was the greatest experience I could have asked for to further my knowledge on my tuba and learn more about everything music has to offer to increase my playing potential." |
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Zach Grass
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High School Participant 2009
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Pennsylvania
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2008
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| "Mike Milnarik and his colleagues have put together a stunning array of activities to help tubists and euphoniumists be better, have fun, and revel in all things musical. We who attended had both our playing and musical horizons broadened, and had a great time doing it. This workshop is easily worth much, much more than the tuition charged; it's a bargain!" |
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Allen Walker
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Adult Participant 2007 & 2008
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Massachusetts
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"NETEW provides a learning environment second to none, combining staff that are brimming with knowledge, attendees who are eager to learn and play, and a wonderful location for getting right back down to music."
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Liam Sheehy
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High School Participant 2006, 2007 & 2008
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Massachusetts
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"I came to this camp feeling unsure and anxious about my playing as a whole. But, as soon as we got started with placement auditions and then had our first daily routine, I stopped worrying and realized that this camp would be a really personal experience for everyone. There was no pressure and no competition; I left feeling good about myself and about my potential as a musician. Working with these wonderful teachers and musicians was the push I needed to get on my way to becoming a great euphonium player."
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Katie Tewksbury
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College Participant 2008
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Connecticut
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| "Music is more than just playing your instrument and at NETEW, I learned what building music through true friendship is like." |
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Tyler Schwirian
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High School Participant 2008
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Pennsylvania
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The same as the first two years of NETEW...It was the best week of my life!
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Jonathan Staub
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College Participant 2007 & 2008
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High School Participant 2006
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Massachusetts
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"I have never been in another group of this many people (30+) with such a variety of ages and backgrounds but with no personality clashes. The common bond of being so passionate about the instruments brings us together, and it's incredibly refreshing to go to a place where people don't just get along, but befriend and encourage each other. I'm especially amazed at how music (unfortunately) is so competitive outside of the workshop, but at the workshop the music is all that matters, and where people sit or how much they can show off doesn't make a difference. All week we focus on nothing besides making great music and improving with the help of top-notch instructors and dedicated students. This week was one of the highlights of my year (probably the highlight, but that might be a bit dorky to say)."
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Robert Henderson
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High School Participant 2007 & 2008
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Massachusetts
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"This workshop has opened my eyes in the world of tuba I come from a rural town in maine and its given me the drive to self modivate and keep learning and getting better"
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Nick Allen
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High School Participant 2008
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Maine
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"This is my third time at NETEW, and it keeps getting better and better! Great instruction, great people, great atmosphere, I couldn't ask for more."
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Ethan Henshaw
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High School Participant 2006, 2007 & 2008
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Virginia
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"I learned a lot at NETEW this year from hearing other people play and from being able to play in many different setting from solo performance to large ensemble, and it was really fun!"
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Stephanie Mundel
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High School Participant 2007 & 2008
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Massachusetts
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"I had a great time and would recommend this event to any student of either euphonium or tuba, regardless of your current level of performance."
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Doug Ruby
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Adult Participant 2007 & 2008
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Massachusetts
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"When I arrived at the workshop, I was deep in the heart of burnout after what was possibly the most intense year of my life. I honestly did not want to play anymore. I have been in similar situations in the past (I think most of us have), but not nearly to that extreme. I still can't believe how quickly I was able to get out of that funk. By the third day, I had regained much of my former enthusiasm for playing. By the end of the week, it's safe to say that I surpassed it. I have never experienced an environment so supportive or a faculty so encouraging. These people truly care about you! To any aspiring tuba or euphonium players, please do yourself a favor and attend this workshop. I promise you won't be disappointed."
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Jason Kibby
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College Participant 2008
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Vermont/New York
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"The non-competitive and friendly environment at the camp supports the individual while at the same time creates an atmosphere of teamwork. Under such conditions, I was inspired by my peers and my instructors, and my playing improved dramatically as a result! Anyone interested in the tuba and euphonium should take advantage of this wonderful opportunity!"
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Todd Isenstadt
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High School Participant 2007 & 2008
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Massachusetts
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"The Northeast Tuba and Euphonium Workshop is an eye opening experience for aspiring musicians. It can really get you to love what you do."
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Tom Regan
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High School Participant 2008
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Massachusetts
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"NETEW definitely was the highlight of my summer. It was astounding how much my playing improved over such a short period of time. With such friendly participants and amazing staff, it would be a shame to miss!"
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Nicole Dwyer
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High School Participant 2008
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Massachusetts
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"NETEW was a great experience for me that offered many opportunities to improve my playing and make a lot of great friends. Being surrounded by so many people who loved these instruments provided a terrific learning environment where everyone was able to increase their level of playing."
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John DiMino
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High School Participant 2008
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New York
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"The best band camp of its kind availble for kids and seniors, at a superb college by the sea location and an outstanding professional teaching staff. Its a way to give your musically talented children a real accelerated opportuniy for their development as musicains with a complete immersion at a reasonable cost."
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Tom Manzi
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Adult Participant 2006, 2007 & 2008
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Maine
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"NETEW was amazing! Not only did my musicality improve, but I also got better at performing, playing in an ensemble, and practicing! I can't wait for next year!"
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John Baylies
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High School Participant 2008
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Massachusetts
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"NETEW is a well organized learning experience for tuba and euphoniumists of all age and ability levels. The staff and guest artists are professional and always willing to help in any way possible. Above all, it's FUN!"
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Art Leiby
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Adult Participant 2006, 2007 & 2008
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New Jersey
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"The Northeast Tuba Euphonium Workshop was an excellent musical experience. Having no tubists around my area, it was an enormous benefit to my playing to work with such an outstanding professional staff. With a very well-structured routine, the level of my playing enhanced quickly, and using what I have learned, I continue to better myself on my own. The staff's excellent ability to communicate techniques and ideas to better one's musicality, combined with a warm, social atmosphere, makes the workshop such an unforgettable experience."
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Andrew Melchionna
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High School Participant 2008
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Massachusetts
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"It's great to be part of what you guys are doing. The exposure you are giving tuba and euphonium players to positive practice and playing habits (especially the younger ones) is great. Thanks so much for inviting me to come. I'm really glad I got the exposure of just those 9 days and really wish it were at least 10 months a year."
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Matthew Lindahl
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College Participant 2008
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Maryland
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"NETEW was definitely some of the most fun I had all summer. I am definitely coming back next year!"
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Andrew Schwartz
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College Participant 2007 & 2008
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Connecticut
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"The best way to make NETEW better is making it longer and adding more hours to the day. NETEW was a very fun week and I want to come back!!! As always it was fun gaining the knowldge I did, and the camp really does have an impact on how I will practice and play for the future. Thanks for the great camp!"
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Tobias Friday
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College Participant 2007 & 2008
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Ohio/Massachusetts
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| "During that week, I learned a great deal and enjoyed myself greatly. There are few places that can truly do that for a person." |
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Robert Dusza
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High School Participant 2008
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Connecticut
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2007
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| "In the two years that I have been coming to the workshop, I have not heard one negative remark from any of the participants. My favorite comment was that this was a life changing experience." |
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Art Leiby
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Adult Particpant 2006, 2007 & 2008
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New Jersey
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| "NETEW is an experience second to none in providing: new knowledge, a solid assessment of your playing, ways to improve on your instrument, and opportunities to meet others passionate about their instrument." |
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Liam Sheehy
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High School Participant 2006, 2007 & 2008
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Massachusetts
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| "The faculty at NETEW helped me to improve on all aspects of my playing. I was able to understand more about the music and not just playing notes on the page. Some of the small details that I was overlooking at the beginning of the week made a HUGE difference in my playing at the end of the week!" |
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Patrick Nyren
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College Participant 2006
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Staff 2007 & 2008
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Maine
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| "The faculty of NETEW provide an atmosphere that promotes a great work ethic not only during the workshop, but for the rest of the year as well." |
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Jonathan Staub
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College Participant 2006, 2007 & 2008
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Massachusetts
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| "An exceptional learning experience that exceeded all expectations. People of varying musical backgrounds and abilities came together to share their common interest in, and enjoyment of, tubas and euphoniums. If you are a T & E person, NETEW is definitely the place to be!" |
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Grant Dinmore
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Adult Participant 2007
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Maine
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| "NETEW is incredible beyond words." |
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Robert Henderson
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High School Participant 2007 & 2008
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Massachusetts
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| "I had a great time at NETEW. Mike and Roland are phenomenal teachers, and their instruction led to dramatic improvements in everyone's playing in just a week's time. I can't wait for next year! " |
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Ethan Henshaw
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High School Participant 2006, 2007 & 2008
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Virginia
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| "All of the instructors were really helpful and taught me a lot about playing the instrument and working as a musician. It was cool to be at a camp just for tuba and euphonium players so that we could really focus on our instrument and learn from the other players. It was also fun to play in tuba and euphonium quartets and an all-tuba and euphonium ensemble, which I never would have gotten a chance to do outside of camp. I had a great time and I learned a lot!" |
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Natalie Friedman
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High School Participant 2006 & 2007
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Massachusetts
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| "The 2007 NETEW was a wonderful experience. It was a great opportunity to have an intense learning experience, meet and work with players of all abilities, and significantly improve my playing. The faculty were not only amazingly great players, they were great teachers, with an uncanny ability to identify what a player needs to do to take the next step in his or her playing. All of the activities were infused with a positive spirit from both the faculty and participants. It's a must for me next year!" |
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Allen Walker
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Adult Participant 2007 & 2008
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Massachusetts
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| "By far my playing improved more at NETEW than at any other camp I have been to." |
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Tobias Friday
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College Participant 2007 & 2008
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Massachusetts
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| "I really enjoyed NETEW and I saw a lot of improvement in my playing." |
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Brian Reynolds
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High School Participant 2006 & 2007
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Massachusetts
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| "I didn't think tuba camp could be fun until I went to NETEW which was one of the most fun weeks of summer that I've ever had." |
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Stephanie Mundel
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High School Participant 2008
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8th Grade Participant 2007
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Massachusetts
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| "Mike, I really can't thank you enough for all the hard work that you and all the teachers put into this camp. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming, and it was wonderful to play in a quartet as well as with piano accompaniment, both of which I've never done before. I look forward to coming back next year!!" |
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Todd Isenstadt
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High School Participant 2007 & 2008
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Massachusetts
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| I always wondered what euphonium heaven would be like. Fortunately, I didnt have to be euphanized to find out! I spent a week with Mike, Roland, Sanae and Patrick at the 2007 NETEW instead! The week was well organized from top to bottom. The instruction in all aspects of musicality was terrific. The concerts, master classes and recitals were the high point of the week. The camaraderie amongst performers from age 13 to 72 was great. It seemed like there was something for everyone. Mike organized a wonderful event. I hope to attend again next year. |
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Doug Ruby
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Adult Participant 2007 & 2008
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Massachusetts
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| "Working with Mike and Roland was greatly inspirational. And the performance experience, both solo and with a quartet, really taught me to play my best under stressful circumstances." |
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Andrew Schwartz
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College Participant 2007 & 2008
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Connecticut
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| "I loved it; as a senior student new to the euphonium, the camp was an enjoyable cross between intensive basic training and a meditative retreat." |
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Tom Manzi
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Adult Participant 2006, 2007 & 2008
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Maine
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2006
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| "It's truly amazing how much you can improve every aspect of your playing when you have such a great staff and program laid out." |
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Liam Sheehy
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High School Participant 2006, 2007 & 2008
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Massachusetts
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| "NETEW was a great experience. I made a lot of progress in my playing and had a lot of fun doing it. Mike and Roland were fantastic teachers who know how to bring the best out of everyone." |
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Ethan Henshaw
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High School Participant 2006, 2007 & 2008
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Virginia
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| "I was amazed at how much each participant improved from the beginning ot the end of the week. I saw so much improvement in myself in just a short time, and the final recital showed that everyone had improved enormously from when the week began." |
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Patrick Nyren
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College Participant 2006
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Staff 2007 & 2008
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Maine
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| "I work with a private instructor and still found the workshop extremely helpful. Mike's teachings were the perfect complement to what my own instructor has been teaching me, and in fact, offered additional solutions in particular problem areas. Using the exercises we studied at the workshop, I've increased my range by an octave, clarified the tone on my lower range, and I'm playing more in tune and with better tonal quality. I would highly recommend this workshop to anyone seeking to improve their playing!" |
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Maggie Malick
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Adult Participant 2006
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Virginia
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| "I think the workshop was well-organized and smoothly run. Thanks for a very fun and constructive week." |
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Gordon Baty
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Adult Participant 2006
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Massachusetts
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| "My playing improved enormously from what I learned during the clinics and masterclasses! It was really cool to be in a group setting and learn from other players, but since it was a smaller group you got personal attention at the same time. Mike and Roland were really helpful and patient, and I liked how everyone took it seriously but there was also a really relaxed atmosphere and everyone had a lot of fun. The guest performances were really cool, since I don't have much time during the school year to go out and see tuba performances, and I heard some really interesting styles. The residence halls were also really nice! Overall it was an awesome experience!" |
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Natalie Friedman
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High School Participant 2006 & 2007
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Massachusetts
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| "A GREAT basic training for a return to music senior player (70)." |
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Tom Manzi
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Adult Participant 2006, 2007 & 2008
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Maine
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| "The week was probably the best week of my life!" |
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Jonathan Staub
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High School Participant 2006, 2007 & 2008
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Massachusetts
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| "The Northeast Tuba Euphonium Workshop is a well organized and well run experience with an excellent staff that is perfect for anyone wishing to improve their skills on Tuba or Euphonium." |
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Art Leiby
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Adult Participant 2006, 2007 & 2008
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New Jersey
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| "I enjoyed it a lot and I would definitely do it again!" |
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Brian Reynolds
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High School Participant 2006 & 2007
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Massachusetts
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| "Everything ran smoothly for the week, and I was amazed at how much everyone improved in such a short amount of time. I definitely want to go back to NETEW." |
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Steve Lemieux
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College Participant 2006
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Maine
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