Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ

For Students

What do campers do for fun?
While at camp, students are offered a variety of recreational activities including basketball, volleyball, ping-pong, movies and board games. In addition, campers have the opportunity to go into Estes Park and are encouraged to take full advantage of our location in beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park for relaxing, hiking and horseback-riding. JSS campers have recreational activities planned by counselors every afternoon both on and off campus. These include hiking, horseback riding, go-karts, swimming, arts and crafts, and a town trip. YAS campers have optional hikes scheduled on Mondays, and have Monday and Thursday evenings off for trips to town and other recreational activities. At YAS there are also special events on Saturday evenings. For all sessions, the annual skit nights and dances have become greatly anticipated events. Day trips to Boulder and/or Denver may also be a part of the YAS session.

Where will I be living?
This year, Rocky Ridge celebrates the 100th anniversary of the lodge, the original Hewes-Kirkwood Inn that a century ago provided room and board for those preparing to hike Longs Peak. Nearby, the historic log performance hall provides a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains and Tahosa Valley. Circling these main buildings are log cabins with bunks that house four to seven students. The cabins are equipped with electrical outlets, dressers for clothes, and plenty of room for laughter and friendship! Up-to-date bathhouse facilities are conveniently located in the middle of both the boys and the girls side of the grounds.

What are meals like?
Because Rocky Ridge is at a high altitude (9,200 ft. above sea level), healthy food and lots of water are recommended for performing and playing at your best. With that in mind, the Rocky Ridge kitchen prepares homemade, nutritious meals. A salad bar is available every day for lunch and dinner and fresh fruit and snacks are available all the time. Best of all, the kitchen always takes requests and gives both a vegetarian and non-vegetarian option.

How often will I receive a private lesson?
Students receive two lessons a week on their primary instrument at all sessions; one lesson a week on secondary instruments.

Who are the Rocky Ridge Music Center faculty?
Rocky Ridge is proud to have inspiring faculty from all over the United States and Canada (see faculty bios for details). During the winter, most of the faculty teach and perform at universities and colleges.

How much practicing should I expect to do?
At YAS, students are expected to practice a minimum of three hours on their instrument – most find this to be an exciting opportunity to progress quickly. JSS students generally practice 1.5 to 2 hours. Additional time is spent in chamber and orchestra rehearsals.

Do I have to have been playing my instrument very long?
It depends – check out the program descriptions.

Do I have to be in a chamber ensemble?
Chamber ensembles are an opportunity to play with a small group of musicians, learn about pitch, balance, and other important musical skills. Faculty place all YAS students in a chamber group in which they will work on pieces for the five weeks of the seminar. Chamber groups are optional, but highly encouraged and lots of fun for JSS students.

What do I have to do to apply?
Fill out the application and repertoire list and ask your teacher to send in a recommendation. In addition, all YAS students will need to prepare an audition tape or audition in person.

Will you accept campers after the April 15th deadline?
It is best to get your application in as soon as possible because spaces do fill. If there are spaces still available, qualified students will be welcomed.

What is the camp uniform?
Rocky Ridge does not require a camp uniform. You will be expected to dress appropriately for activities, concerts and the weather, but casual attire is the norm for daily activities.

What is the weather like?
The weather up in the mountain varies quite a bit, but you will enjoy beautiful warm (but rarely hot) days with low humidity and cool clear nights. We will send you a detailed list that will help you know what kind of clothing is needed.

Where do Rocky Ridge students come from?
The quick answer is from EVERYWHERE. In 2006, YAS enjoyed having students from 22 states, and 4 countries (U.S., Canada, Switzerland and Haiti.) JSS Students tend to come more from within the states (including states as far away as Alaska, Maryland and New York in 2006), but in recent years have also come from Japan, Korea, Sweden, the Netherlands, Canada and Mexico.

For Parents:

Where is Rocky Ridge located?
RRMC is located nine miles south of Estes Park on Highway 7 and can be approached from either the St. Vrain Canyon (H. 7 – leading to H. 36 to Boulder) or the Big Thompson (H. 34). The nearest airport is in Denver and Estes Park Shuttle brings students to our front door.

How are health situations handled?
A health aid is onsite at all times to provide students with medications, first aid, and CPR in case of emergency. Counselors and staff are also first aid and CPR certified to assist the health aid. Rocky Ridge is nine miles outside of Estes Park, Colorado, and has regular communications with a medical center and the hospital about Rocky Ridge student care. Any special concerns may be directed to the main office.

Are religious services available?
While there are no religious organizations affiliated with Rocky Ridge and we cannot guarantee that all religious services are available in Estes Park, we do our best to have transportation available for students who wish to attend religious services.

How do I communicate with my child at Rocky Ridge?
A phone booth is provided for all students. During the JSS sessions, we ask that students wait three days to call their families, as this encourages students to engage fully with their environment and helps with possible homesickness. During this period, messages may be relayed through the RRMC office. Good old- fashioned letters are always encouraged!

May I visit my child at Rocky Ridge?
While we appreciate the excitement shared between parents and their children at Rocky Ridge, we also hope to create an environment that supports the students’ musical and personal growth to ensure that each student gets the most out of the experience and is able to connect with other students and faculty at Rocky Ridge. Visits for meals may be arranged through the Rocky Ridge main office. Parents are welcome to attend all concerts at Rocky Ridge.

Are there scholarships available?
Yes, there are scholarships available for YAS and there are early and “apply with a friend” discounts available for YAS and JSS. Most scholarships are based on a combination of need and talent and special circumstances are considered. Applications for scholarships may be downloaded, or you may request one by calling the office (970-586-4031). There are limited scholarships available, so apply early. There are also tuition discounts offered for older students who apply to be counselors or work campers. Once again, download those applications or call the RRMC office. Pre-formed chamber groups may qualify for additional scholarships.

When will I know if my student is accepted to the camp?
We will let you know as soon as possible. For the YAS sessions, acceptance is related to many factors including of course skill on one’s instrument, but also numbers of certain instruments, age, and date of application. JSS participants are generally notified within one to two weeks of acceptance. All students are urged to submit their applications early. Adult seminars have limited spaces and early application is encouraged.