"I love it cause I know I have something to do every day, and it's like very fun for me," she said. "And I know that someone's supporting me, like, they're helping every kid in this camp."
This is the 10th summer for the camp, which is for 10- to 14-year-olds, at one of the nation's most respected music conservatories.
Based on the average price of summer day camps in Manhattan, this program is worth nearly $2,000 per student. But it is absolutely free, and created for New York City public school students who might not otherwise be exposed to this level of music training.
"They get one hour a week private lessons, theory, ear training, all kinds of music classes, and then they get a large ensemble," said Joanne Polk, the program's executive director.
"They hang on every word their instructors give," co-director James Noble said. "They're out to be the very best they can be, and it really shows."
Students can also learn the skills of working backstage.
"Not only do you get to build the stage for the production, you learn a lot about show business, how the ticketing works, what everyone's job is, the price of normal tickets, all that stuff," said student Sam Goldberg.
The turnover is low. Once students are accepted, they tend to come back each summer until they're 14. After that, some return as counselors.
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