Have a question you don’t see answered below? Please contact NEMC (207) 465-3025 or by email at info@nemc.org.
General
What is the age range at NEMC?
Campers range in age from 9-18. Campers ages 9-10 are only eligible to attend session one. Campers ages 11-18 may attend all sessions.
Which session should I choose?
While the majority of our campers choose to attend camp for four or six weeks, NEMC offers three two-week sessions. In our experience, campers benefit most from attending two or more sessions per summer.
Each of these sessions offer a complete musical and social experience with two bands, two choirs, two orchestras, and two jazz groups. All sessions are open to students ages 11 to 18. Students ages 9 and 10 may attend Session 1; Sessions 2 and 3 offer concentrations for older campers.
Please inquire for more information.
How many campers attend NEMC?
NEMC Core Camp enrolls approximately 140 campers. Balance in voice/instrumentation is a priority; therefore, this number may vary by a small amount.
Where do campers live?
Campers are housed by age and gender expression. Campers have the ability to choose where on camp they will be most comfortable living, including the choice to live in our Gender Expansive Cabin.
Who are your counselors?
Our counseling staff is led by Head Counselors and Assistant Head Counselors. We carefully select our counseling staff of 20 college students for their interest in and ability to lead young people. The counselors live in the cabins with campers, coach recreational activities, and organize all social events.
What is the ratio of campers to staff?
The ratio of campers to staff is approximately 2:1 .
What kind of recreation do you offer?
Highly qualified lifeguards and water safety instructors coordinate lessons and recreational swimming. We also offer instruction in sailing and kayaking for beginning through advanced levels. NEMC’s recreational complex boasts tennis and pickleball courts, a soccer field, a softball diamond, volleyball courts, an archery range, and a basketball court. Yoga, Zumba, and physical fitness are other recreational options.
What are the “traditional summer camp social activities”?
Our favorite evenings include campfires at the edge of the lake where we sing songs together, tell stories, and watch gorgeous sunsets as darkness falls. Other evening social activities include carnivals, talent shows, dances, games, ice cream parties, and more. Campers enjoy frequent cookouts, barbecues, and picnics.
Where is NEMC located?
Sidney, Maine is located in the Belgrade Lakes, approximately one hour north of Portland.
How do students get to NEMC?
Most campers come to NEMC by car. NEMC also charters a bus to bring campers from the following locations: Boston Logan Airport, Boston South Station (Amtrak and Busses) and Portland Jetport. Counselors greet campers at each location and accompany them back to camp. See travel form for arrival and departure time details.
Can students call home?
Public phones are available at the main office and may be used by campers during their free time after the first few days of camp. Parents should be aware that the morning schedule is quite full and often campers are busy having fun with their friends during the afternoon. Our camp culture emphasizes independence and in our experience, “no news, is good news.”
Can my child bring a cellphone or other electronic devices to camp?
Our program at NEMC is designed to promote strong social connections and an appreciation of the camp’s beautiful natural setting. Over the years, our campers have become the strongest supporters of our strict limitations on electronic devices and find that this is the time to “unplug” and focus on growing musically and building strong friendships. Campers should not bring laptop computers or tablets, video-games, or video/DVD players to camp. Cellphones for travel must be checked in upon arrival.
Health & Safety
What if my child has food allergies or dietary restrictions?
Our dining staff prepare a variety of healthy meals, which always include a vegetarian and vegan option. We are able to accommodate peanut and other such allergies including gluten-free, dairy-free, etc. Please contact us to discuss your specific needs.
What if my child becomes ill?
Our 10-bed health center is staffed by two doctors and a nurse. Two hospitals are located within 9 miles of NEMC.
What if my child gets homesick?
It is very common for kids of all ages to feel “homesick” during their first day or two at camp. Our counseling staff is trained to identify when campers are missing home and work to facilitate a smooth transition that meets the needs of each individual camper. Many of our professional camp staff are parents themselves and will admit that it is not uncommon for a parent to have more difficulty with the initial separation than their child, who is typically preoccupied with a busy camp schedule.
Performances
Can parents attend concerts and recitals?
Yes, all concerts and recitals are open to the public. We live stream recitals and concerts via YouTube Live on the NEMC Facebook page.
What is an Honor Recital?
Students have the
opportunity to audition to perform on an evening Honor Recital. Students who wish to
audition should come to camp with a polished and performance-ready solo piece.
What is the NEMC Concerto Competition?
Returning campers are invited to audition for the opportunity to perform a solo work accompanied by the NEMC Faculty Orchestra. For more information on the NEMC Concerto Competition, click here.
When are performances held?
Recitals are at 7:30pm on selected evenings in Alumni Hall. Large Ensemble Concerts are usually held at 3pm Fridays and Saturdays at the Bowl in the Pines. Check our performance page for specific schedules and upcoming events.
Registration Process & Financial Aid
What are the deadlines for registration and financial aid?
NEMC fills studio space on a “rolling” basis beginning in October – many studios fill quickly so we recommend registering early in order to secure a spot in your studio. We enroll for balance of instrumentation, voice, gender, and age.
Where do I begin my application?
You can visit the Registration Page Here!
Is there an audition?
We request that applicants submit a playing sample. There is an audition for all Concentration programs. Information can be found on each Concentration’s information page.
What are the acceptance criteria?
NEMC provides a challenging yet nurturing experience for intermediate to advanced musicians. Applicants are asked to submit a playing sample that
helps us plan for and ensure that ALL students will be able to thrive while attending NEMC. On occasion, our faculty will recommend that a student wait a year to attend NEMC in order to avoid overwhelming them. The Concentration Programs are designed for the advanced High School musicians and only the top students will be admitted into these programs.
What are the requirements for need-based financial aid?
Assistance is based solely on the parents’ and/or student’s ability to pay.
Do you offer merit scholarships?
Yes, each spring we award a number of scholarships to exceptional musicians, based upon proven musical ability, dedication to the musical craft, and the potential for improving the overall experience for all campers. Read more HERE.
Tuition & Payments
How much is the tuition?
NEMC tuition includes room and board, classes/rehearsals, weekly lessons, bi-weekly laundry (for campers attending more than one session), recreation and social activities. Instrument rental and extra lessons are available for an additional fee. Please see the Tuition and Dates page for current tuition.
What is the payment schedule?
A non-refundable $75 application fee is due upon submission of registration materials. Upon acceptance, a $500 deposit is required in order to reserve a space in the appropriate cabin and the requested instrumental/voice studio. Our 50/50 plan requires 50% of the tuition balance due on February 28 and 50% due on May 1. Students enrolling after March 1 must be paid in full by May 1. For payment plans, please contact Associate Camp Director, Patti DeSorbo at patti.desorbo@nemc.org
What is meant by “Non-Refundable Registration Application Fee/Deposit”?
Registration should be made with the intent to attend NEMC. The application fee is to cover administrative costs during the admission process. If the student is accepted, the $500 deposit confirms a space in the studio and a bed in a cabin. This deposit is non-refundable. If the student is not accepted, the deposit will be refunded.
Are allowances made for students who come late or leave early?
Students may come a day or two late due to conflicts with school schedules or other commitments. Rarely do students leave early. No monetary adjustments are made for personal choices in scheduling arrivals or departures. All other scenarios will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Priority will be given to campers who are able to attend the complete session.
What happens if my child withdraws?
Withdrawal/Refund Policy:
- Prior to March 1st – a refund of tuition payments minus $500 deposit
- After March 1st – a refund of tuition payments minus $600 ($500 deposit plus $100 administrative fee)
- After April 1st – Unless a suitable replacement is found, the parent/sponsor will assume responsibility for full tuition.
- No refunds for late arrival, early withdrawal, or expulsion from camp.
Donations & Sponsorships
Can I make a donation or sponsor a camper?
New England Music Camp (DBA Snow Pond Center for the Arts) is owned and operated by Snow Pond Center for the Arts, a non-profit 501(C)(3) organization. To make a donation, visit the NEMC Giving Page.