were laying tracks for was not our train, but a train from a higher plain.  Each year thereafter has been an unforgettable adventure for us and the kids who have come.  Lives have literally been changed, beautiful music has been made, and has floated away never to be experience in exactly the same way. 

Deep friendships have been made, and we have grown up right along with the students.  Only now can we see that when it all started, we weren’t much older than the kids who attended the first annual Mountains & Strings Chamber Music Retreat.  

Even though, the name of the camp started out as a joke, we have since found great meaning in the word "Mountains."  First of all, the location of the camp is in the mountains. Secondly, we hope all who attend both student and faculty feel a sense of elevation in their attitudes, behavior, technique, musicianship, and their love and gratitude to their creator for the beauty of life, the earth, and beautiful music.  I wish to thank all of those who have made this wonderful music camp a reality, especially Brian & Natalie Ashton, and my dear sweet wife KaraLyn.