Dear Parents,

  This will be year twenty one of our Day Program. Children that have attended this program are now back each summer as young adults staffing each band. I know each one of them and their families personally and have followed their musical accomplishments from college music achievements to professional performance venues. I have taught many of them one-one-one and proudly present them as members of our hand-picked staff. These staff members are responsible for supervising your children everyday from 9 am to 3 pm. There is no point in time where we leave bands or individuals on their own (except in the restroom). I have seen the bonds they create over the weeks and over the years with our campers. We do keep the mandatory state police and child abuse records, updated yearly, on file.

  I do try and accommodate requests for specific teachers; however, it's not always possible. Some children come in for the first time and have a wonderful experience, then try to recreate that joy by requesting the same environment on another week and it's not always possible.

   Each week tends to have its own flow. New tunes, new band members, it all seems to come together magically by the end of the week. Five bands a week, eight weeks, over ten years it's an incredible volume of music. Where did all the time go?

  We have tried many different schedule ideas over time. Our current approach of three days of rehearsal, the studio trip on Thursday, and the Friday afternoon performance has been in place for over ten years. We have improved our rehearsal space and rehearsal equipment each year, providing PA systems, music stands, mikes, area rugs for drums, air-conditioned rooms and availability of extended day services.

   Our studio trip on Thursday is provided by a professional yellow school bus service. The recording studio is truly state of the art and has technologically kept up with the changing times. The kids tend to return on Thursday overwhelmed by their accomplishments of the day. I think this is where the magic starts to take hold, of being involved in the process, seeing the other bands finish their tunes, and accomplishing all they set out to do.
   The confidence level going into Friday is pervasive, they can't wait to play for everyone. Some stage fright is normal, but it truly has never been a major factor here.

   They've already been through the hardest part: the scrutiny of recording. The Friday performance is the reward. We set them up with great amps and sound reinforcement and a professional sound crew. Excuse me if I get up on stage to add some background vocals, it really is a lot of fun. They get their CDs, shirts and say goodbye. They're always welcome to come to the concerts, even if they're not enrolled.

   The national and worldwide success we've had with the Overnite Program is all based on what we started with the Day Program. This is an extraordinary program right in Bryn Mawr, in your own backyard. I recommend that if it's at all possible to plan multi-week enrollments, you should do so.
  Please contact us for day program discounts to add value to your child's musical growth and investment.

Sincerely,

Greg Wright