“This experience has been so rewarding for me. It is so great to be a part of such a special festival that really involves the community. It was such a great experience that brings me closer to reaching my dreams and goals of becoming a professional musician.” -Jonathan Groszew, horn “It was a joy to work with the encouraging and fabulous faculty and wonderful, talented students. The musical education at CCSMF is a great opportunity.”-Katie Jordan, horn “I have had a great deal of amazing experiences here, both musical and otherwise. This festival has pushed me to aim higher and work harder to be the best violinist I can be.” -Caleb Polashek, violin “This program has been incredibly fun and valuable to me, more than any program I have attended in the past.” Jesse Yukimura"The Colorado College Summer Music Festival is one of the best experiences out there [in the west]. Susan Grace has created a unique event that serves community, students and artists alike. Each year ends with the delight of having been a part of it, and the desire to return again!" -Mark Fewer, violin, Faculty Artist “CCMF is the most unique, and outstanding festival. The level of musicians is extraordinary, both faculty and students, but what makes it so unusual, is the intimate environment of learning for the students. There is no other festival quite like it, and it is a joy to be a faculty member.” -Liz Mann, flute, Faculty Artist "I wish I had known about the Colorado College Summer Music Festival when I was still a student! Despite the fact that the students have an intensive three-week schedule of orchestral, chamber and solo work, there is a relaxed, collegial relationship between the faculty and students that I have not seen elsewhere. It makes for an enormously rewarding and memorable experience for all every June." -Bion Tsang, cello, Faculty Artist “I’ve had a fantastic summer. I met many talented musicians my age and was able to work very closely with the faculty, who are some of the best musicians in the world. I have learned a tremendous amount and can’t wait to return to Boston to share my new knowledge with my friends at New England Conservatory.” -Alex Chaleff, violin "After the performance the other night, I've wanted to write and compliment you on that particular piece. I was absolutely "blown away" by what I heard and saw. The technical difficulty was totally mastered by you and John and the energy between the two of you was electric. How fun for such accomplished musicians to be able to sit that close together and produce such perfection. My hat it off to you both and congratulations on bringing down the house!" -2006 Audience Member "As always, you run a fantastic festival. Of all the places I go, the CC festival is outstanding for the depth of experience for the students, the thoughtful and comprehensive musical activities offered to them, and of course, the great faculty. I have such a wonderful time working with the students and collaborating (and hanging out) with terrific colleagues. Thanks for letting me be a part of it again this summer." -Phillip Ying, viola, Faculty Artist "The Colorado College Summer Music Festival is the great highlight of my musical year. Susan Grace runs a phenomenal festival. The faculty are hand-picked, not only for the high-quality of their playing, but for their simpatico. They are a seamless fit, whether making great music together or coaching young artists. And these young artists are provided an inspiring work environment second to none. Time and again, students tell me that their festival experience has been 'transformative.' Superb chamber and orchestral concerts (led by the tireless Scott Yoo), life-changing learning experiences. The indispensable CCSMF is, in short, magic." -John Novacek, piano, Faculty Artist "In the six years I have been fortunate enough to play and teach at the Colorado College Summer Music Festival, my students there have gone on to win solo oboe positions with the Atlanta Symphony, the Baltimore Symphony and the Houston Symphony. I firmly believe this to be one of the most educationally potent summer music programs in the country. This festival developed early on as something of a hidden gem within the profession; over time it has steadily and recognizably become a national treasure." -Robert Walters, oboe, English horn, Faculty Artist The 2005 participants enjoyed
their experience at the Festival so much that they asked for the Festival
to be extended by an additional week: "I can not tell you how much of an impact on my life the Colorado College Summer Music Festival has been. Tell Scott Yoo his utter passion for music inspired me to reach for the stars. I will always remember his weird acronyms and sayings about music. Speaking to him he told me I sounded great and I should keep it up. After learning about Scott, I realized how big of an honor it was to get a compliment from him and play under his baton. Thank you for making it possible for me to do so. I will never forget playing in last year's performance of Brahms 2nd symphony. I was breathless, caught up in the sheer ecstasy of the music at the end of the show. Most of all, Ms. Grace, thank you for the music you have been able to give me. I have come along way since two summers ago. Thank you so much for the music." -Drew Ingersoll, trombone "The Festival was an enormous success, for the level of performance, student camaraderie and Faculty brilliance. This was my FIRST YEAR and by day three I knew I wanted to re-apply for next year. The high demand from Conductor Scott Yoo enabled for a professionally balanced performance of difficult Orchestra repertoire. World class faculty were happy and generous enough to give their extra time for coachings and private lessons above and beyond the set schedule. Some group day trips were planned and it gave us a great opportunity to see the 'other side' of Colorado and build rapport with our fellow musicians. Faculty members are extremely approachable due to the intimate nature of the camp and will always make time to answer pressing questions about a pro's life. It's worth the flight from Canada -trust me!" -Matthew Golem, viola "I never knew how fun music could be until I met Scott Yoo. He is a musical genius and a brilliant conductor. Every student musician should be required to play under him at least once in his or her life." -Tim Riley, horn "Wow! I had a great time at the Colorado College Summer Music Festival. It was the best three weeks of my summer! The Music Festival has it all: world-class faculty, excellent music-making, and good times to spare! I couldn't have asked for more. During the three weeks, young musicians work with world-class performers and teachers who happen to be totally hip and fun-loving. The Colorado College Music Festival is the real deal: small and intense collaboration with world-class faculty and fantastic students. I am so glad to have found it. Where do I sign up for next year?! The CC Summer Music Festival is the best!" -Anthony Gilbert, viola “This festival gave me countless opportunities to enrich my musical knowledge and musicianship in all facets of performed, classical music. Both my fellow students and faculty were talented, motivated, and excited about the art of music.” -Peter Lawson, bass “If you want an extremely intense three weeks in one of the most beautiful states in the world, that entails chamber and orchestral playing as well as private lessons with renowned musicians from around the world, Colorado College Summer Music festival is the place to go. Getting the opportunity to play a movement of a concerto with the orchestra was just one of the highlights of my summer at the festival. The orchestral part of the program is extremely demanding. The intimate size of the festival allows for such an intense musical experience that by the end of the festival I felt as if finally I know what it is like to play in a professional orchestra. The limited size of the festival also makes it possible for you to get undivided attention and feel like an individual which is a rare occurrence in larger festivals.”–Naomi Seidman, flute “My experience this summer was amazing. I was surrounded by virtuosic musicians from the best orchestras in the world and worked one on one with them. The intense level of musicianship combined with the talent and hard work of my peers created such a positive affect on my training. It was quite an emotional event to perform with the orchestra- I felt like I was playing in a CD! I learned so much about my own playing as well as how to work with other musicians at the festival. I have learned so much from the festival that I will take with me for the rest of my life.” -Dana Jessen, bassoon "I played the Dvorak quintet with some of the best student musicians that I know. The Colorado Springs audience is so supportive- Thank you so much for an experience I will never ever forget." -Ai Matsuda, piano |
