Andrei Chmuz (age 14) - Kiev, Ukraine

Music makes me think and motivates me to change. When I play music I forget all problems of the life. I receive rest and freedom. When I speak to people, I am shy. But not in the music. I came to music due to the Children’s dreams ensemble, conductor Oksana Sydorchuk. We recorded disc Among the friends with 14 songs on it. Oksana brought me to the Music camp.

I felt an unusual atmosphere in this camp, I liked it very much. I began to sing much better, as well as musical literacy and reading the music. I learned two new instruments, and sang in English. I found new friends.

I liked it so much!

Anna Rylskaya (age 14) - Kiev, Ukraine

Music Camp Registration: Lobby. Many people. My parents are filling the form, I am glad but frightened. I think: Will they permit me to participate or not? Mother kisses me and says that everything will be OK. Then we had rehearsals, the real rehearsals, and new friends. I was happy. In one week I learned to play guitar and bells. If somebody would tell me that before, I would not believe that. I am happy. I am glad to sing such serious music works. I am happy to meet Connie Fortunato and Helen Donskaya. I am happy and proud because of the attitude toward us, children like we are adult. I have so much strength like I have wings.

When I was small I received a letter on the St. Nicolas day that said when I grew up I would be great person and my family and whole Ukraine would be proud of me. May be it was truth? My great-grandmother, she is 82 years old prayed for me all the time.

Then it was big stage of the Opera house; it was a real symphony orchestra, It was a fairy tale. Concert hall. Silence. And greatness, and happiness. My parents and my music teachers in the hall. The concert began. My mother and my grandmother cried because of happiness. When everybody started singing tears came to my eyes too, it was a holy minute, it was wonderful. Flowers and greetings after the concert, we say good-bye to teachers and friends. I went home with the flowers and it seemed to me that all people know where I am coming from. Now due to the Music camp I decided to be a singer. After I graduate from the 9th grade, I will enter the college of arts.

Thanks a lot to Connie Fortunato, Helen Donskaya and to all organizers of this wonderful project for their work and care for children. Thanks, that now I believe in my strength and my gifts. Thanks for kindness and all wonderful things. It seems impossible, but now I know, if you want something so much, all dreams become true. Thank you, that my dreams became true!

Arsen Tzymbalyuk (age 14) - Kiev, Ukraine

Music Camp impressed me so much. This week became a fairy tale for me. I was in the new dimension. I studied new instruments: Orff instruments, hand chimes. The choir amazed me, first time I was in such big group. It was great love of the teachers, in spite that fact they are foreigners. I met a lot of friends there.

I have the brightest memories about the Christmas concert and all this fairy tale. I want that my dream to go to USA become true.

Damaris Dumitrana (age 13) - Cluj, Romania

During the time spent at music Camp I have discovered many abilities. One of the discovered abilities was the voice that God gave me. I enjoyed very much the instruments we have learned.