Spring Appeal

Support Apple Hill this Spring!

Mike Kelley, Co-Artistic Director and violist of the AHSQ at his first Apple Hill session, with fellow camper Christine Tuden in 1986

Dear Friend of Apple Hill,

I was 11 when I participated in Apple Hill’s Summer Chamber Music Workshop for the first time. It was 1986, and I played violin in a Boccherini cello quintet and one of the Schubert ‘family’ quartets, and I can still remember my coach John Steinmetz asking how he thought I should play the continuous ribbon of eighth notes in the first movement, “Like an endless road? Like an ocean wave? Like something lost?” I had no idea such questions about playing music even existed, and it changed me forever. The ceiling of the Yurt which housed the other four teenage boys leaked, so we stapled a trash bag to the ceiling, which worked until the bag filled up, ripped out, and dumped twenty gallons of water on us in the middle of the night. It was the best week of my young life.

Almost four decades later, I continue to devote myself to Apple Hill’s mission: using the skills of chamber music to create connection and understanding in the broadest and most diverse community possible. Looking towards our 53rd summer, please join me in support of Apple Hill by making a gift today.

This summer, over half of our faculty and 100% of our leadership group of camp directors and counselors will be summer workshop alumni. Students will come from countries like Syria, Cyprus, and Israel, and as close as Temple, NH and Brattleboro, VT. This summer’s concerts will showcase composers like Ali Hoca of Cyprus, Syrian-American Kinan Azmeh, Ekrem Zeki Ün of Turkey, and Dine-American Raven Chacon of the Navajo Nation. From participants beginning their chamber music journey to professionals in major ensembles, there continues to be a place for everyone at Apple Hill. We simply cannot do this without you.

Mike working on Seward Mountain farm after moving to Sullivan NH, 2001

The roofs of the yurts (and of the beautiful new cabins, thank you Richard!) may no longer leak, but the memories made at Apple Hill remain transformative. It would mean so much to me, and indeed the entire Apple Hill community, to have your support today. One third of our budget is given at this time of the year, and your gift will ensure this summer is a success. You can donate today by visiting applehill.org/give.

Come see and hear us all again this summer (our 53rd, and my 37th)!

With enormous gratitude,

Mike Kelley, Violist and Co-Artistic Director, Apple Hill String Quartet