Q: What large group ensembles are available?
A: There are three primary full instrumental groups:
- Not Quite Ready Players (beginner/novice players)
- Concert Band (Novice / Intermediate players)
- Symphonic Band (Intermediate / More Advanced players)
We also have two levels of jazz groups, a novice and a more advanced group.
And, we have several jam groups which explore music such as Dixieland, Klezmer, World Percussion, and Drum Circle.
Q: I see that there are also small group ensembles. How will that work? Will there be coaching?
A: We will have scheduled ensembles such as clarinet choir, flute choir, horn ensemble, low brass ensemble, Klezmer band, etc., which will meet daily under the guidance of our specialists. We also offer a Chamber Music Course track which you can register for and will be assigned to a group and given music prior to arriving at camp. You may also create your own small group, duos, trios, quintets, etc., either bringing your own music or borrowing music from the library. Some people just like to practice with a practice buddy. There will be a Camper’s Casual Concert at the end of the week for anyone wishing to perform solo or in a small ensemble. Spouse/Friends who play string instruments or recorder are encouraged to attend and create a string or recorder ensemble!
Q: Tell me more about the seminars.
A: Each day, we offer several seminars presenting all different kinds of information about music. These topics will be determined by camper interest and staff expertise. Possible seminar topics include, Music Theory, Jazz Improvisation, Science of Sound, or other such interesting topics. Final registration for seminars & ensembles will happen in the summer.
Q: How do I get the seminars & ensemble that I want? Is there a limit on participation?
A: For the most part, there is no limit to how many people can be in an ensemble or seminar because we want everyone to be able learn what interests them. That said, some spaces, may physically limit the number of participants, but so far it hasn’t happened.
In the mid to late summer, registration forms will be sent out so you can sign up for what interests you. This will happen after the music has been sent so that you can look at the level of the music for each band and make an educated determination of where you want to be rather than guessing.
Q: What if I need some help?
A: We have a wonderful, helpful (patient & understanding) faculty and any one of us will be happy to figure out a time to help you with what you need. We do not offer lessons, but we will help you with specific issues.
Q: I want to challenge myself and try the symphonic band, but I’m afraid that I will get there and not be able to keep up.
A: You will receive the music for both bands sometime in the summer, so you will be able look at the music and decide which group is probably best for you. That said, our groups are flexible so if the symphonic band turns out to be too much of a challenge, you can move to the concert band. If the concert band is not challenging enough, you may move to the symphonic band. We will try to help you get it right the first time so you don’t miss a rehearsal, but we will make it work for you. This is your week!
Q: What do you mean by Novice?
A: Our novice players are those who haven’t had a lot of experience on their instruments. Perhaps they’ve only played for a year or so, or perhaps they are coming back to their instruments after years (decades!) of not playing and are still a bit wobbly. If you aren’t sure about your classification, email or call me, (Nina at or 207-415-0880) and we will figure it out together.
Q: What if I’m just not good enough?
A: We have an informal motto in the New Horizons organizations, “Your Best is Good Enough!” That will hold true for our camp week, too! This week is about having fun making music with new friends, not about competing to see who can play fastest or most accurately. If a spot in the music is too hard, leave it out! We will also have teachers available to help you where you are stuck and we can modify the music to make it work for you (it’s amazing what leaving out a few notes can do!) In any case, you should feel comfortable in your group, and if you don’t talk to the Program/Music Director - Nina, or your instrument specialist.
Q: Wait a minute. I’m a pretty good player; will I be challenged?
A: Our goal is to provide a challenge for everyone! The Symphonic Band music will include some challenging pieces and some easier pieces where we can really dig into musicality (how often do you really listen to see how the piccolo part fits with the tuba part??). If you still aren’t sure how you would fit, email or call me (Nina, or 207-415-0880)
Q: How will I know what my schedule is?
A: Everyone will be in one of the two bands (Concert Band and Symphonic Band) and the sectionals for your instrument and group. After that, what you do with your day is totally up to you! You will have music seminars as an option, small ensembles, help session time, recreation time (waterfront, tennis, softball, soccer, etc.), time for the 2nd cup of coffee or to sit and read a book, time to go explore other areas of Central Maine. Your choice! You can come and play every minute of every day, immersing yourself in your instrument or musical knowledge, or you can be more relaxed. Each day can be different, it is all your choice!
Q: What is the Spouse/Friend Track?
A: As adults, we often want to bring our spouse, partner or adult friend (no children) with us when we go off on an adventure! Band camp is no different. You may register your spouse/friend when you register yourself, or add him/her later. There are many choices for the person accompanying you; some of people will just want to come and hang out and take part in the evening activities and recreation. That is Spouse/Friend Track B. Others want to take part more and perhaps go to the music seminars or even play in some of the small group ensembles (we hope to have some string players for small string ensembles!). This is Spouse/Friend Track A. The person accompanying you to camp will stay in your room or cabin with you at no further charge and pay only for food and the track fee.
Q: What is available for recreation?
A: NEAMC’s complex has three tennis courts, a soccer field, two softball diamonds, volleyball and badminton courts, archery range, and basketball court and a waterfront with excellent swimming. Canoes & kayaks are available or you may bring your own.
Q: What’s this I hear about a campfire, marshmallows and a sing-a-long??
A: Yup! A true camp experience!
Q: How can I get more information about housing, my dietary needs or physical needs?
Q: How can I get more information about the daily program?
A: Email or call - (207) 415-0880
Q: What should I bring?
A: Download the packing list: HERE! Be sure to double check the list just before you leave in case anything has been changed!
We are adults who are: New Horizons Band members, New England Music Camp alumni, and/or community band members. We range in age from 20-something to nonagenarians. We are novice to advanced musicians looking for a place to spend a week making music and trying new things in a safe, nonjudgmental & noncompetitive environment. We want to meet new friends and immerse ourselves in the joys of making music with others at this beautiful camp on Snow Pond. Some of us bring our spouse or a friend to share the week with us in one of the spouse/friend tracks (either music involvement or just time to hang out and enjoy the camp).
All of our participants play in one of the three bands, Not Quite Ready Players (beginner/novice), Concert Band (novice – intermediate) or Symphonic Band (intermediate – advanced) where each person, regardless of his/her skill level, is invited to either play what is safe, or to go for a challenge and try something a little out of range.
We send out the music ahead of time (four pieces for each band) so that people can have time to practice the parts and feel prepared when they arrive at camp. We spend our rehearsal time really digging into making music out of what we see on the page. We work on listening skills: hearing what is happening in other parts, hearing how one part relates to another across the band, discovering how the tuba part fits with the piccolo part or what that suspended cymbal roll adds to the moment. We work on emoting and playing the music with passion and excitement (with or without all the right notes!). The goal is that each camper goes home with a pretty good understanding of what the composer/arranger might have been thinking and doing in the composition, and perhaps with some new ideas on how to approach his/her own music making.
Your Best is Good Enough: We follow the New Horizons Music philosophy of “Your Best is Good Enough”. New Horizons groups create a safe space for people returning to instruments or just starting to play an instrument. The New Horizons groups are intended to be non-competitive places where your bandmates are encouraging and helpful. So often we bandies can get into one-upsmanship and perfectionism (especially if you’ve been to music school), but the New Horizons programs pride themselves on erasing that stress so that you can just enjoy hearing the music flow around you and be part of something bigger than yourself. You will not find a lot of competition in most New Horizons programs. Here at our camp, we mix up the parts so that everyone gets a chance to play first, second and third, or, for the percussionists, snare drum, bass drum, cymbals, timpani, mallets and traps. It is a place where a more novice player can be sitting next to, and learning from, a supportive advanced player!
If you want an emphasis on creating beautiful music and making new friends in a casual, warm environment, New England Adult Music Camp is the place for you!
Hello NEAMC Campers,
I went to band camp this summer! What a fun thing to say as an adult. Hopefully it brings up wonderful memories and associations with being a kid again and playing your instrument just for the pure joy of it, with no expectations or competition, just making music!
That’s what the New England Adult Music Camp is all about. It’s a place to make new friends, learn a few things, relax, and take in the natural world and beauty of Snow Pond. You get to pick the things that best nurture you, whether it’s a music theory class, practicing in one of the practice cabins in the woods, a swim in the lake, taking a nap, or sharing your music experience with fellow musicians.
We are hard at work making plans for the coming camp session. There will be many of the usual activities; social hour each afternoon on the patio outside the lodge overlooking Snow Pond, jam sessions with the Drum circle, Irish or Dixieland band, or Recorders in the evening after supper, final concerts in The Bowl followed by “lobstah” dinner, and of course our evening activities featuring faculty and camper performances.
The full schedule of ensembles and seminars will be available in June, so check back for updates.
If you are a returning camper you know how much fun it is, and if you are someone thinking about trying “camp” for the first time….JUST DO IT!
See you all in August!
Nina, Cheryl and Amy
Adult musicians of all levels are welcomed from across the country for a week of fun music making on the shores of Snow Pond in Sidney, Maine. Special rates are offered to all NEMC alumni and members of New Horizons organizations.
Two levels of bands provide the best opportunity for every level of player, from novice to more advanced, to learn and enjoy making music in a fun yet challenging atmosphere. Participants design their own schedules, choosing from a variety of music seminars and classes, and ensembles including jazz, strings, small wind or percussion groups, and a drum circle.
Music and Friendship in the Beauty of Central Maine
Evening meals are preceded by an adult Social/Happy Hour on The Lodge porch with beautiful views of Lake Messalonskee at sunset. In addition to rehearsals, ensembles, and other musical events, there are many opportunities for recreation and traditional camp activities for both our participants and those in the spouse/friend track. The week culminates with a final concert on the stage of the historic Bowl in the Pines, the second largest outdoor amphitheater in the United States.
Meals
Three buffet style meals plus snacks will be served each day and are available a la carte or as part of participant meal plan options. A choice of three entrees (includes one vegetarian option) salad, and vegetables will be served at lunch and dinner. Nutritious and high quality meals are prepared in our kitchen by Snow Pond Staff.
On-Camp Lodging
We encourage you to stay on camp grounds and take advantage of the fantastic camp atmosphere. A variety of centrally located housing will be made available on a first come first serve basis. While NEAMC public facilities are handicap accessible, housing in The Lodge and on the upper level of The Dorm is accessed via a flight of stairs. NEAMC is a non-smoking facility and rooms and cabins are not air-conditioned. Participants bring linens from home (sheets, blankets, towels, etc.).
Girl’s Dorm: The original Dorm on campus, recently renovated. More “historic”. This dorm is closer to the Lodge and Alumni Hall, making it an easier walk to meals and rehearsals. This dorm will be for women only.
Boy’s Dorm: Newer and more “modern”, yet charmingly rustic. This dorm is on the far end of camp, but is a lovely walk through the woods (we also have shuttles!). This dorm will be co-ed, with women upstairs, and men/couples downstairs.
The Dorms are: Single or double occupancy dormitory-style rooms include single beds, dressers, and a closet. Newly renovated bathrooms with sinks, showers and toilets are located on each floor of the dorm.
The Lodge: Single or double occupancy rooms located on the second floor of the lodge. Include double or single beds, dressers, and a closet. Separate male and female bathrooms with sinks, showers and toilets are located at either end of the hall.
Cabins: A limited number of 1-2 bedroom, 1 bathroom cabins are available with and without water views. These cabins house NEMC’s music faculty during the camp season. 1 bedroom cabins have double beds and sleep up to 2 people; 2 bedroom cabins include a combination of double and single bedding and sleep up to 4 people. All cabins are appointed with beds, dressers, closets, a refrigerator and a coffee maker.
*If you choose to stay off-camp we are pleased to recommend several quality lodging options here.
New England Music Camp
New England Adult Music Camp is located in Sidney, Maine on the eastern shore of Snow Pond. Most buildings are located within 100 to 200 yards from each other with the exception of the Bowl in the Pines, which is approximately a 400 yard walk from the center of the campus. While there are paved paths to most buildings and rehearsal facilities, automobiles are not permitted past the main parking lot once camp is in session.
Music Lessons