Carlos Barriento is a freelance double bassist, chamber musician and educator in the New York Metropolitan area. Currently, he is a member of the Metamorphosis Chamber Orchestra, Distinguished Concerts International, Symphony of Westchester and the Music Ministry at the historic Parish of Calvary-St. George’s.

Musical Theater College Prep Testimonials

My son made it into his dream school - The University of Michigan - and Stephen Agosto played a pivotal role in making it happen.  He applied to no less than 15 schools - it was nerve wracking and we thought Michigan was a long shot!  But Stephen knew a lot about what each university was looking for and also knew my son's strengths and challenges.  He made sure we applied to safety schools and schools that offer financial help to students.  Using his expertise from years of college audition coaching, Stephen helped my son select songs and monologues that showcased his abilities.  He guided him through the entire process and made sure we didn’t miss a beat.  With Stephen’s help, he not only got accepted to UMich, he also made it into several other top notch musical theatre programs across the country! 

-- Omnika T.,  Parent of University of Michigan student

I could not have been more pleased with Stephen’s skills as a performing arts college prep counselor!  His specialized knowledge of the performing arts college application process is unparalleled.  He skillfully guided her every step of the way so that my daughter was well-prepared and more at ease during this nerve-wracking time.  Also, he worked  closely with her to help her select and perfect her audition pieces, provided insightful and amazing feedback and shaped her into a confident applicant.  He was very gifted in how to make my daughter’s best attributes shine and encouraged her throughout the process and was consistently warm and caring as well.  And, his excellent guidance led her to being accepted early-decision to college at her first choice of performing arts programs.  We never would have made it through this process without him, and we absolutely adore him as a cherished and gifted mentor and lifelong friend!!

-- Gina M., Parent of NYU-Tisch student

My daughter got into her dream MT program working with Stephen! Not only was Stephen the right combination of kind support and fierce honesty, he was instrumental to my daughter believing in her chances of success. From song and monologue choices to understanding the sensitivities of the schools she was applying to, Stephen was a committed and informed champion for this process. We will forever be grateful to him for helping her make her dreams comes true. We could not have done it without him even though both parents were former theatre pros!

-- Laura F., Parent of Ithaca College student

I love and appreciate that you "get" my kid!   I love that you see the bright light in my daughter that I see.  I love that you identified this light in my daughter and continually remind her of this which GIVES HER THE CONFIDENCE to keep dreaming and keep working toward those dreams.  

Stephen's guidance and support through my daughter's college process has been INVALUABLE.  Stephen took the time to really understand and listen to not only my daughter , but me -  MOM!  Every meeting and conversation was positive, supportive and professional and even more importantly HONEST.  Stephen has an awesome way about him that makes students - and parents - feel that he understands and can relate to support your family in this journey.  Stephen's sense of humor put my daughter at ease during many crucial moments!  He was successful in helping E to clarify her goals and intentions for a MT college program.  He seamlessly navigated us through the process of making those tough choices.  His knowledge of the variety of programs is extensive which was critical during this process!

Stephen invested his time and energy to develop a clear understanding and appreciation of E as an artist and student.  He was able to steer her towards the best programs that fit her style.  He also helped her choose and audition material that was appropriate and unique to E!

Stephen is extremely responsive to questions or concerns and always made us feel comfortable, making it clear that he genuinely loves what he does!  He truly wants his students to make the best choice for their success and happiness.  I'm so grateful to have gone through this process with Stephen and know that he will always be in my daughters corner long after her college experience is over!

-- Diane, Parent of a student at Baldwin Wallace University student

Students Recently Accepted to the following Programs:

• Baldwin Wallace University
• Boston Conservatory at Berklee
• Boston University
• Carnegie Mellon University
• Coastal Carolina University
• Emerson College
• The Hartt School - University of Hartford
• Indiana University at Bloomington
• Ithaca College
• Manhattan School of Music
• Marymount Manhattan College
• Molloy College - CAP 21
• Montclair State University
• Muhlenberg College
• New York University - Tisch School of the Arts
• Northwestern University 
• Oklahoma City University
• Penn State University
• Point Park University
• Rider University
• Shenandoah Conservatory 
• SUNY Fredonia
• Temple University
• Texas State University
• University of the Arts
• University of Miami
• University of Michigan
• University of North Carolina School of the Arts
• Wagner College 
• Webster University
• Western Connecticut State University
• Wright State University

Admission and Audition Process:

Admission and Audition Process:

1.  Beginning October 1, 2024 complete Online Registration HERE including:
   • Video of one vocal selection (60-90 seconds) that shows off range. Selection must be accompanied and NOT acapella.
   • Video of one-minute monologue, memorized
   • Headshot and Resume
   • Teacher recommendation (optional). 
   • $75 non-refundable application fee.
2. All materials will be sent to faculty for review.
3. Students will be notified on a rolling basis. Please note, the $500 deposit will be due upon admission to the program. 

Application Deadline is Rolling!

 Students who are not offered a position may still apply for the NEMC Core Session.

Chamber Music Intensive - Testimonials

When my mother notified me that NEMC had introduced a new program, the Chamber Music Intensive, I was beyond thrilled at the chance to come back to my second home. CMI was an amazing experience because it had all the unforgettable aspects of NEMC’s core session, but built off of the regular camp, creating a new program which I believed to be an amazing opportunity for myself as a chamber player to grow. It was a nourishing and focused environment. I applaud the entirety of NEMC’s faculty and staff especially for their efforts during the year of 2020. Attending the first CMI was an honor and privilege, and was certainly the highlight of such a difficult year. It brought the greatest joy and memories to my entire year. They made me feel safe and supported, while continuing to live up to the great legacy of this camp! The words thank you aren’t enough. 

~Jing Yi, Cello, Vermont

CMI was my source of light this year. I had no expectation that I was going to be able to play live music this summer, and CMI was an unbelievable respite from the stress and uncertainty of virtual learning. I had amazing groups to play with, along with an attentive and creative staff. I didn't expect to make as strong connections as I did, but I made close friends at CMI like I've made nowhere else. I never wanted to leave while I was there, and I've been counting the days until I go back.

~ Elle, Viola, D.C

NEMC & CMI are an oasis of calm and joy in our uncertain times. We have gratitude for the talented instructors and staff who orchestrate a supporting and fun learning experience for young musicians.

~ Rebecca & Adam, Parents, Massachusetts 

For the past twenty five years, Janelle Anne Robinson has enjoyed an ongoing professional career on the operatic and musical theater stage. Her performances span several countries including France, Canada and Japan as well as most of the continental United States. Recently, Janelle received the 2014 Connecticut Critic’s Choice award for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Bloody Mary in STONC’s South Pacific. Other awards include The Richard Tucker Study Grant and the MacAllister Award.

Composition Intensive Daily Schedule 

7:40am Breakfast

8:15 Group Check-in & Meditations on Creativity

8:45 - 10:15 Seminar

10:30 - 12  Composing in Cabins

12  Lunch

1-1:45 Rest Hour

1:45 - 4:00  Rehearsals/30-min Private lessons / Recreation Periods

4:00 - 6  Seminar

6pm Dinner

6:45-8:30 Free Time, Composing Time

8:45 Evening Activity

Seminars will be a mix of: 

Student Presentations and Discussions

Students will give short oral presentations on a favorite piece from the standard repertoire and point out why they think a certain section of a particular piece is effective. 

As a group we then discuss what we are noticing in the score that makes this work successful or meaningful, then brainstorm how students can apply these strategies to their craft.

Craft & Career Seminars on different topics

What scores should look like

How to work with performers who are performing your music

Delve into the idiomatic strategies and instrument colors unique to each ensemble they will hear at the festival

Real-world skills (networking, access to your work on the internet, social media, building a portfolio)

NEMC Diversity Statement:

Our goal at NEMC has always been and will always be to provide a safe, warm, and welcoming environment for all students so that they may grow both musically and socially. At NEMC, we believe that all individuals deserve to:

• Grow and learn as musicians.
• Cultivate meaningful friendships.
• Be treated with respect and dignity.

We are committed to building a diverse community that welcomes and celebrates Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and LGBTQIA+ individuals as campers, leaders, faculty, and staff.

To do this we strive to:

• Actively recruit campers, faculty, and staff from underrepresented populations.
• Invest in anti-racist education for all staff and board members. 
• Continue to review and adapt our policies. 
• Increase availability of scholarship funds. 
• Provide translation services whenever possible.
• Recognize that this work is ongoing and needs to continue to be reevaluated. 

We acknowledge that the summer camp and music industries have a history of bias and exclusion. At NEMC, we are committed as individuals and as an organization to remain aware of our own biases so that we can commit to our ongoing improvement. 

“Strength to lead and faith to follow”

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The history of the relationship between the Frank Scimonelli, Paul Wiggin, and their respective families spans over 80 years as of this writing. It is a relationship based on a mutual admiration for the work of both men and a deep respect for each other’s musical abilities. It is also a relationship steeped in the history of music and Music Education in New England.

Paul Wiggin first became aware of a young 18-year-old Gilbert High School cornetist by the name of Frank Scimonelli in 1938. Dr. Wiggin had been chosen as the guest conductor of the All-New England Music Festival band. The festival was held in New London, Connecticut between March 16th and 19th of 1938. As the story goes, Dr. Wiggin was so impressed upon hearing the young Scimonelli perform his solo audition that he insisted that Frank be the Cornet soloist for the grand concert. The festival director’s son, however, was also a Cornetist of high caliber. He insisted that his son be the principal soloist. Dr. Wiggin threatened not to conduct unless Frank was the soloist and a compromised was reached where both boys performed their solos.

A few months later, Dr. Wiggin again heard Frank perform, this time at the New England Music Festival finals held in Burlington, Vermont on May 20-21. Dr. Wiggin conducted his Pawtucket Senior High School band and Frank performed as soloist on “The Flocktonian Polka.” It would be the first of many collaborations together. Frank went on to attend the prestigious Earnest Williams School of Music in New York City and in 1940 join the United States Navy Band, eventually becoming the trumpet and English Post Horn soloist.

In 1937, Paul Wiggin became the second Vice-President of the newly formed New England Music Camp in Waterville, Maine. The original Eastern Music Camp had failed in 1934 and a new, vigorous group of investors were determined to bring music and music education to Central Maine. Dr. Wiggin enlisted the aid of many prominent musicians of the day, in an effort to enhance the offerings at NEMC, and Frank Scimonelli would begin a life-long association with the camp.

By the late 40s, Frank had become a nationally known soloist on the trumpet and the English Post Horn, a valve-less, bugle-like instrument that was played with only the lips and breath. Dr. Wiggin and Frank continued to correspond with each other and in 1949, Frank was invited to perform for Governor Fredrick Payne at the Governor’s Day festivities. From 1949 until 1996, Frank came up to camp and performed as a soloist, clinician, and conductor of the Symphonic Band.

In the late 1950s, Dr. Wiggin developed some significant trouble with his hearing. He told Frank of his difficulties and Frank immediately sprang into action. Using his myriad connections with the Navy, Frank was able to get Dr. Wiggin into the then National Navel Medical Center in Bethesda, MD (now known as the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center). An experimental operation was performed, where a nerve was transplanted from his wrist to his inner ear. Dr. Wiggin regained a significant portion of his hearing and was forever grateful to Frank for this act of kindness.

When Frank Scimonelli came to camp each summer to perform, the word spread like wildfire. Audiences filled the grove in front of the Bowl-In-The-Pines Stage and an encore became de rigueur. As Jeanette Wiggin was fond of saying, “they just loved his swagger and bravura!” The Bangor Daily News of 1955 said, “[Scimonelli’s artistry] on the ancient post-horn is amazing.”

Paul and Frank continued their friendship until Paul’s sudden passing in the summer of 1969. Paul’s son Davis Wiggin was appointed Assistant Camp Director in 1969. He became the Director of the camp in 1977 and his wife Jeanette, Assistant Director. With Davis and Jeanette at the helm, Frank continued to perform and hold clinics each summer at NEMC until his untimely passing in 1996. Throughout those years, his children and grandchildren have attended Camp, enjoyed the beauties of Lake Messalonskee, and were tutored by some of the greatest teachers and pedagogues in the United States.

The Scimonelli’s and the Wiggin’s share an undying friendship that lasts to this day.

Frank (tuba/piano) 1959-60
Paul (double bass) 1964-67 camper, 68-69 counselor, 2002 faculty
​Anthony (string bass, voice) 1988-89
​Marc (tuba) 1997
​Natalie (voice) 2005
Glenn (percussion) 1966-68 camper, 1969 counselor
Donna Chisholm Scimonelli (clarinet) 1968 camper, 1969 counselor
         ​David (clarinet, percussion) 1996-99 camper, 2001-01 counselor, 2013-14 faculty
         ​Andrea (French horn) 1996-2000 camper, 2001 Kitchen
Don (tuba, guitar) 1969-70)was camp groundskeeper 1975
Angela (piano/voice) 1973-75 camper (fac brat from 1966)
Sam Myers (percussion) -2005-08 camper
Jake Myers (French horn) - 2003-05 camper, 2008 counselor

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Prelude String Orchestra Camp

2024 Faculty

	Bethany Niedbala Program Coordinator
Carlos Barriento Bass	Dr. Jeffrey Barudin Percussion	Freddy Contreras Violin/Viola
Patricia DeSorbo Band Conductor	Simón Gollo Conductor	Emily Guarino Cello
Ana María Quintero Muñoz Violin		Sarah Schettler Woodwinds

Summer 2023 NEMC Intensive Faculty

 Chamber Music Intensive

Composition Intensive

Jazz Intensive 

Musical Theatre College Prep Intensive

Musical Theatre Intensive

2024 Faculty

	Kaitlin Hopkins Program Coordinator
Spencer Hansen Music Director	Kaitlyn O'Leary Musical Theatre Dance	Jackson Perrin Voice
Marian Murphy Powell Voice	Aimee Radics Music Director	Janelle Robinson Voice
Andrew David Sotomayor Music Director	Jessica Walck Musical Theatre Performance	Deonté Warren Musical Theatre Performance

Composition Intensive

2023 Faculty

Jazz Intensive

2025 Faculty (Remaining Faculty TBA)

Aaron Henry Co-Coordinator Saxophone		Blayne Salerni Co-Coordinator Trumpet

Martin L. Kelley  is an American educator, saxophonist, composer, and bandleader. While primarily known for his work in education and performance he also performs frequently as a pianist and vocalist on occasion. As a highschool student, he performed in professional local blues and R&B bands through Ohio while studying classical piano at The University of Cincinnati. At the College Conservatory of music he developed a love for composition and music performance.

After graduating from Woodward High School in 1991, he earned a bachelors degree Music Education with a focus in Jazz Performance at Central State University. After traveling and performing throughout the Midwest he settled in
New York where he then was awarded the Presidents Award and earned a Masters degree in Jazz Performance at State University of New York, Purchase. In 2000 he again relocated and taught music performance in Burgos, Spain. Upon his return to New York City he was hired to be the Head Of The Music Department at Manhattan Village Academy where he has been since.

Because of his leadership skills and ability to cultivate a culturally diverse music
curriculum he has been recognized and awarded by the City Of New York Department of
Education. He has maintained the music program at MVA for the past 21 years and it is one of
the most robust and long lasting in the city of New York.

Emma Canalese is a graduate of The Western Australian Academy of the Performing Arts and The Neighborhood Playhouse, NY, and an associate member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC). Work includes Einstein and Mileva (World Premiere at Theatre Row, NY), Peter and The Starcatcher (The Naples Players, nominated for Best Director of a Musical, Broadway World Regional Awards), Silent Sky (The Naples Players, Naples Florida Weekly Top Pick) Hollywood, Hollywood (Midtown International Theatre Festival, nominated for Best Direction and Best Choreography), Yellowpants (SOLOCOM at The Pit, NY), America (Downtown Urban Theatre Festival, winner of Best Audience Award), Thick Gnat Hands, The Brazilian Dilemma, Stick, Stiff, Any Given School Day, Twenty (Collective NY), The Tempest: Remixed (Teatro Heckscher, NY), A Sense of Purpose On Sunday’s (IO Myers Theatre at UNSW, Aust), Par amnesia (Seymour Centre with One Extra Dance, Aust), The Magic Flute (Talent Unlimited), Oklahoma and Mame (Stagedoor Manor).

She is co-writer and director of the play A 100 Years of the History of Dance. The show had its first Australian tour in 2019, was a Western Australian Critics Choice winner at Fringe World Festival 2020 in Perth, WA, has had runs in Brisbane at The Powerhouse (2019) and La Boite Theatre Company (2021) and is currently on tour throughout Australia. In 2020 she directed Holiday’s From The Heart, a virtual performance and fundraising program produced by Bravehearts For Broadway, streamed on Playbill.com for The Actors Fund. She has taught and directed at The Papermill Playhouse Conservatory and Intensive Summer Programs, StageDoor Manor, Rutgers-RSAC, Pomona College, CA and UNSW Dance and Drama Dept.

When you make your estate plans, naturally your primary concern is providing for your loved ones.  At the same time, it is important that your plans reflect your life and values.  As you put together the documents that will establish your legacy, please consider including a gift to the New England Music Camp so that we can continue to provide extraordinary learning opportunities for young musicians for generations to come.  

A gift to NEMC in your will or trust is easy to arrange.  When you prepare your will, please include simple language to describe the gift you would like to make.  Here are some options:

• General gift for a certain dollar amount, for example, “I give the sum of $25,000.”   If you would like to make this type of gift, please provide the following language to your attorney:  "I give to the New England Music Camp, a Maine nonprofit (Tax ID #), or its successor, the sum of $___________________________, for any purpose the New England Music Camp deems appropriate."

• Specific asset - for example, shares of stock or real estate.  If you would like to make this type of gift, please provide the following language to your attorney:  "I give to the New England Music Camp, a Maine nonprofit (Tax ID #), or its successor, (the real estate located at  _____________________________ or 1,000 shares of XYZ stock), for any purpose as the New England Music Camp deems appropriate.”

• Residual - a gift of the remainder of your estate after all other distributions and expenses have been paid.  If you would like to make this type of gift, please provide the following language to your attorney:  "I give to the New England Music Camp, a Maine nonprofit (Tax ID #), or its successor, ___________% of the rest of my estate, for any purpose as the New England Music Camp deems appropriate.”

• Contingent bequest - this conditions your gift on certain occurrences.  For example, “in the event that my spouse does not survive me, I give....”  Your attorney can advise you on how to phrase your conditional bequest. 

Next Steps:

• If you already have a will or trust, review the documents to determine if any changes in your family or other circumstances warrant revising the document.
• If you wish to add the New England Music Camp to your existing will or trust, contact your attorney and request a simple amendment as described above.
• If you don’t have a will or trust, contact an attorney to have these documents prepared.  

We are here to help!

If you have questions, please contact us by calling Christa Johnson at 207-465-9648 ext. 203 or by email at .

Thank you for your consideration!  

NEMC Land Acknowledement

New England Music Camp is located in Sidney, Maine, which was settled on the traditional land of the Wabanaki Confederacy. The Wabanaki Confederacy is composed of the Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Maliseet, and Mi'kmaq peoples. We respect the values and traditions of these Tribes and affirm their inherent and deeply rooted sovereignty of this land of which they have been caretakers for almost 15,000 years.

We pause in remembering the lives of peoples of the Wabanaki Confederacy that were lost through genocidal colonization. 

As individuals and as an organization, NEMC is committed to taking action in undoing systematic oppression and racism as well as supporting Wabanaki people in their continued stewardship of their land. We encourage you to join us in this work. The resources listed below are a great place to start as you begin to think about your personal relationship with the land on which you reside. 

Native Land Map - this resource allows you to see what Native land you are on.

Wabanaki REACH - a Maine-based organization dedicated to education, truth-telling, and restorative justice. 

About the Wabanaki Nations 

Dawnland Film