Readers respond to the Arts Camp story

Reader response from the arts camp story on Sunday has been filling my mailbox. Here are a few letters:

"I was delighted to read your article this morning about Interlochen. My experience at Interlochen had a profound influence on my life and I am always 'sounding the call of Interlochen' so that others can have their own life-changing experience.

"I attended what was then called National Music Camp in the summers of 1974 and 1975 and graduated from the Interlochen Arts Academy in 1976. When I arrived at the airport for my first summer as a voice and radio broadcasting major, I carried on board my tennis racquet, and immediately noticed that all of the other campers had multiple instruments. Oh no, I thought, these kids are really serious!

"After a few weeks of feeling absolutely overwhelmed by the talents of my fellow campers, I had the opportunity to perform with the 500 member Festival Chorus and World Youth Symphony Orchestra in Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. Standing on the risers singing as part of that magnificent experience, I realized that being part of something amazing is just as important and meaningful as being a star.

"That realization, gained at Interlochen, helped me as a lawyer, business owner and now as a parent. In fact, I felt that my experience there was so meaningful that when my parents died, I chose Interlochen as the place to establish a memorial scholarship (the Harice and Robert Monyek Memorial Scholarship).

"Your article may open the eyes of a family in Cincinnati to the opportunity that can be uniquely found under the pines at Interlochen. Thank you." -- Marcy Monyek Goldsmith

"Now, to get all these applications completed & submitted-it feels like college!" -- Mary Johannigman, Wyoming (Mom of Katie)

"As the mother of a dancer, I found your article on Art Camp interesting. However, no article would be complete without Kentucky's Governor's School for the Arts. At last count it involved 11 art disciplines including dance, drama, musical theatre, visual arts, voice, architecture, creative writing, etc. This program involves hundreds of KY students as well as international students.

"And, unlike the programs in your article, this program is FREE. It also makes students eligible for hundreds of college scholarships. Our daughter attended GSA and received a Presidential Scholarship to UK (amoung other scholarships). She is a varsity member of UK Dance Team - though she does not have to dance to maintain her scholarship. You can find out more about this program through Google Kentucky Governor's School for the Arts. Thank You." -- Beth Schwarb

Note: We did, in fact, include that program, and the contacts for it are listed under www.cincinnati.com, keyword: camps

Although the story was really about sleep-away camps, we included a few local camps too. There are many, many other summertime arts offerings locally, including strings at NKU Prep and this one from the Art Academy:

"I really enjoyed your article in Sunday's paper on highschool students and
summer opportunities," writes Michelle Markert of the Art Academy of Cincinnati.

"The past few summers we have offered week-long classes for teens interested in art and taught by adjunct faculty members. We also offer a three week portfolio preparation class to assist high school students in preparing their portfolios for college admission.

"For younger artists we offer six weeks of visual arts day camps. This year
each week's theme will involve the concept of Green - sustainable design. We
have a long standing tradition of artistic excellence at the Art Academy of
Cincinnati." For info, check out www.artacademy.edu/commed.htm

Thanks for writing!