Caz MattersA Newsletter of Cazadero Performing Arts Camp

Spring 2008

If you’re new to Cazadero, welcome! If you’re returning, welcome back! I’m thrilled that you’re a part of this year’s camp, and the staff and I look forward to making this summer a memorable experience for you. We hope your time with us will be exciting and rewarding, both in and out of rehearsals. At Caz, it’s about having fun and learning in an atmosphere of sharing, caring and cooperation. Months before the summer begins, our staff is involved with program development, getting the site ready to open, all to achieve one goal: to have a musical and camping experience that makes for great memories, new relationships, new skills and fun-filled days in a safe and stimulating environment. We value you. Our focus is on developing your potential while creating a warm and nurturing environment where you can play and challenge yourself. We have a great staff again in 2008. They include university graduates and college and senior high school students who have a personal interest in making sure your Caz experience is one that will be cherished and remembered for a lifetime. We’ve selected these talented young individuals based on their leadership skills, music experience, teaching experience and genuine interest in working with children of all backgrounds and abilities. The same is true for our guest conductors, who are among some of

the best music educators in the country. As always, we would love to hear about your experience at camp. Your advice and feedback, both good and bad, help us to improve camp each year and prepare for the next. At Cazadero, we’re committed to the same goals and vision founders Bob and Beth Lutt had 51 years ago – to combine a love of music with the great outdoors. I look forward to meeting you and your parents this summer in one of the most beautiful places on earth!

Jim MazzaferroArtistic Director/Camp Director

Cazadero Performing Arts Camp

Dear 2008 Summer Campers...

Cazadero Music Camp Summer Concert Schedule

Young Musicians Session Saturday June 21

Middle School Session Sunday June 29 and Saturday July 5

Junior High School Session Sunday July 13 and Saturday July 19

High School Session Sunday July 27 and Saturday August 2

From Caz kitchen boy to President of the Board in only 35 years! As my wife, Judy, put it – not exactly a meteoric rise – but, nevertheless, a great place to end up! Seriously, I am truly appreciative of the opportunity to try to return something to a place and an institution that has given me a great deal. It’s wonderful to be part of the Caz tradition. I was first at camp at the ripe old age of 14 in 1960. Kissed a girl, not my sister, for the first time under a redwood there. I went on to become a kitchen boy and camp photographer. Then somehow, 35 years slip by without Caz until someone introduces me to Family Camp, my kid goes to a JumpStart weekend and Caz is back in my life again. A few of us just spent a Saturday at camp. It was my first time up this year. The

energy of Spring is just below the surface – it’s still damp, but not a mud hole – the creek is running full and loud, and, when I arrived about eleven, the sun was blinking down through the redwoods. Back in Berkeley, new teachers and counselors are being interviewed and I’m told that this year’s crop is the best ever. Young musicians are signing up. The office just received an audition CD from a pianist in Italy. At this writing one session of family camp is already full and the other filling fast. I’m registered. How about you? Being here at the beginning of Caz’ second half century is an exciting opportunity for me. I look forward to meeting and working with many of you over the next couple of years to continue to strengthen the Caz tradition we have come to know and love. It would be great to find some new faces to reinforce those pioneers who reopened Caz in 1996. Watch for an announcement of a community building event tentatively planned for this fall. Then maybe you will be one of those new faces we meet, and working together, we can keep Caz alive, well and always getting better. I hope so.

Bob KridlePresident, Cazadero Board of Directors, 2008

Message from the Board President

I grew up in a town where sports were the most important aspect of a child’s life. As a musician, I had a very hard time fitting in because sports just weren’t my thing. In the summer of 2001, I attended Cazadero for the first time as a camper. My experience was unforgettable. I remember telling my parents that there were kids like me; I wasn’t alone. I was so excited to realize that there were other kids out there who loved music just as

much as I did. From that moment on, I promised myself that Cazadero would become and remain a prominent experience in my life.

I continually attended Cazadero as a camper, worked on K-crew, served as a C.I.T., and now, will return as a Counselor. Cazadero pushed me to pursue a future in my music. My family moved 10 minutes away to a new school district just to get me into a performing arts middle school and high school. My passion for music grew immensely. My experiences at Cazadero have been so rare. The caliber of music, the compassionate attention and dedication from staff members, and the determination to succeed from the campers make Cazadero truly a special place. It touches thousands of children’s hearts every year and will remain a huge part of my life forever.

In my Own Wordsby Rachel Nachison, Caz Counselor

Cazadero Performing Arts Camp 2 Caz Matters —Spring 2008

Rachel, with brother Sam, are long-time Caz fans.

I promised myself that Cazadero would become and remain a

prominent experience in my life.-Rachel Nachison

Cazadero Performing Arts Camp 3 Caz Matters —Spring 2008

The roof is coming! After much discussion and many design reviews, the Cazadero Performing Arts Camp Board of Directors has committed to completing the roof project at the Lutt Family Amphitheater. Natural Structures of Oregon will provide the materials and we are fundraising the $200,000 needed to complete Phase III of the project. The amphitheater has already undergone a considerable amount of renovation over the past few years. Phase I, completed in the fall of 2005, replaced and enlarged the stage and installed the needed infrastructure. Phase II, completed the following spring, saw the renovation of the back storage rooms, roofs, floors and supports, removal of the dry rot that is often present in the damp Cazadero environment, as well as the prepping for Phase III, the roof overhead. The new roof will be a steel frame covering the entire stage. It will be finished with a wood interior for enhanced acoustics and include the full side walls that have been absent for the last three summers. Construction of the roof is scheduled for late spring 2009, just in time for summer! Contact the Cazadero Development office for more information on how you can help Raise the Roof!

Raising the Roof at Caz!

Engineered sketch by Natural Structures of the roof framework. Full sidewalls with doors, acoustically compatible cieling, and lighting will be added to complete Phase III.

Caz HomecomingJuly 19-20, 2008

meet old friends, get back to Caz!

cafe Caz - 12:00 PMJunior High Session Concert

Guitar and piano - 1:30 PmLarge Ensembles - 3:00 PM

Alumni Reception and Activities to follow

Check the Caz websitefor more information in the coming weeks

www.cazadero.org

Cazadero Performing Arts Camp 4 Caz Matters —Spring 2008

“I liked it so much and the food was phenomenally delicious,” said a middle school student from Berkeley. “I loved sleeping under the stars and the high school mentors ROCK THE WORLD!” His teacher was equally enthusiastic. “I think I’ve gotten to know my class better. You all are awesome!” So goes another Cazadero JumpStart in Music weekend. Young musicians, with their teachers, high school mentors and parent chaperones fill the camp for two memorable nights. The kids hone their technique and ensemble skills and the teachers get more closely connected to their students. At the end of the weekend, parents and friends fill the Lutt Family Amphitheater to hear the results of the children’s hard work.

JumpStart in Music Resounds with EnthusiasmCaz to host six Retreats in 2008

2008 JumpStart in Music Retreats

May 16-18 Portola Middle School, El CerritoMay 30-June 1 Berkeley Unified School District Elementary SchoolsSeptember 26-28 Sonoma County Junior High SchoolsOctober 3-5 San Ramon Valley Unified School DistrictOctober 17-19 Berkeley Unified School District Middle SchoolsOctober 24-26 Oakland Unified School District Middle Schools

“It’s amazing how quickly they progressed in just two days,” said one parent. “And they had so much fun. My daughter is dying to go to the summer camp now!” For some JumpStart participants, this is their first opportunity to study their instrument for an

extended period of time and for many, it is their first experience away from home. It is a chance for everyone to make new friends from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds. Berkeley

schools like it so much that they send two groups a year. In 2008, students from Oakland, West Contra Costa and Sonoma will return as well, along with a new group of kids from the San Ramon Valley schools. We can’t wait to hear you!

“The high school mentors ROCK THE WORLD!”

-JumpStart in Music camper

JumpStart photos courtesy of Richard Hill

Cazadero Performing Arts Camp 5 Caz Matters —Spring 2008

Our deepest thanks go to John Skinner, who has stepped down from his post as President of the Cazadero Performing Arts Camp Board of Directors after three productive years. A member of the Caz board since its inception in 1995, he was immediately elected to the executive committee, assuming the responsibilities of vice president until he was appointed president in 2005. His leadership yielded a long period of administrative and financial stability, this while he balanced a busy career as a professional trumpet player and manager of the John Skinner Bands. John’s relationship to Caz dates back to 1959 when he was a camper. Cazadero Founder Bob Lutt remembers him as “… tall, even then, and quite talented.” The young Skinner was so captivated by making music under the redwoods that he returned every year until 1967, graduating from camper to CIT to counselor and then junior faculty. He attended college at Utah State on a music scholarship and after graduating joined the Air Force, flying C141 cargo planes out of Travis Air Force Base. His route took him to the Philippines to deliver freight; the planes were then fitted into flying hospital ships and sent to Viet Nam to pick up the wounded, who were transported to Japan. In his five years of service, Air Force Captain John Skinner flew into Viet Nam over 1,000 times. He flew 5,000 hours in the C141. In 1973, John was hired by the Flyer Tigers, then the largest air freight company in the world. During his stopovers on international routes, he continued to play professionally with bands all over the world. The Flying Tigers remain an important part of John’s life and that of our camp. In deference to their long relationship with John, they are among the most consistent and generous of our donors. In 1989, the Flying Tigers was bought by FedEx, with whom John continued to fly until his retirement in 2000. Ending his career as a pilot was

all about his passion for music -- he wanted to play full-time. He had launched the John Skinner Band in 1971 and his group had continued to grow in popularity, so returning to full time music was easy. Now, the John Skinner Band is among the most sought-after professional ensembles in Northern California, with an impressive roster of clients: The Temptations, Johnny Mathis, Anne Murray, Four Tops, Frankie Valli and many other name entertainers. John met his wife, Susan, on a layover in Hawaii in 1985 and returned to the same Waikiki beach a year later to marry her. Susan was based in London with the Buckingham

Palace Press Corps and has since written three books on Princess Diana. John’s daughter, Kathryn, received her wings in the Air Force Reserves, graduating top of her class. She now flies for American Airlines, piloting their large MD80 aircraft. Both wife and daughter are professional singers and perform regularly with the Skinner Band. Kathryn made her debut at nine years of age nine, singing for 1,000 people. Susan studied many years with Judy Davis, a famous vocal coach, in Oakland. Cazadero Founder Bob Lutt is effusive in praise for John Skinner. “Since he arrived at camp nearly 50 years ago, John has been a loyal supporter of Caz, never wavering in his commitment to keep it going,” Bob says. “He has put his considerable personal and financial resources to use, doing everything from working at the campsite on weekends to leading major fundraising efforts. We are very grateful to John for everything he’s done.” On behalf of the Board of Directors, campers and staff...thank you, John!

by Kate BerensonCaz Development Director

John SkinnerA Standing Ovation for the Leader of the Band!

“We are very grateful to John for everything

he’s done.”-Bob Lutt, Caz Founder

Cazadero Performing Arts Camp 6 Caz Matters —Spring 2008

Another Great Gala for Caz!Annual Event raises $60,000 for Programs and Scholarships

On March 1st, Caz alumni, staff and friends gathered in the ballroom at Hs. Lordships for the 7th Annual Cazadero Performing Arts Camp Gala and Auction. Over the course of the evening, over $60,000 was raised by auctioning off fantastic items and ticket sales. With thanks to a generous match from Dan Santo and with auctioneer Jon Brummel’s encouragement, Raise the Paddle netted a record $16,300 for scholarships alone! Outgoing Cazadero Board President John Skinner was honored/roasted by friend and Caz conductor Terry Summa. There were stellar performances by bassist Ellie Athayde with pianist Parker Grant, and the Family Camp All-Stars, who both rocked the house. It was a wonderful party! Event Chair Sandra Petty shares her thoughts below: The annual Cazadero fundraiser has a rich tradition dating back to December of 2000. Our first event was an Open House with a small silent auction. Subsequent events grew in size and momentum, raising more money each year, and the auction is now the single largest fundraiser of our annual contributions budget. This could never have happened without support from so many people, beginning with our fantastic office

staff - David, Kate, Rick and Emily. The administration of the event was near flawless in 2008, from check-in through check-out, not to mention all the excellent behind-the-scenes planning. Together with a team of dedicated volunteers, notably Sheri Kuehl, Kathy Angus, Amy Bryan and Laura Nachison, and the small, but mighty auction committee of Bob Heywood and Beth Lutt, we accomplished a lot! I want to thank all of

the event sponsors and donors to the live and silent auctions, the Caz board and advisory board members for their many individual contributions too numerous to list here; the Family Campers and most especially the Family Camp All-Stars who played during this year’s silent auction; and last, but not least, the camp alumni who jumped in and helped this year and in all the previous years, who performed during the event, and tirelessly assisted with setup and breakdown, and so much more. The Caz Family continues to produce a wonderful event and we couldn’t do it without everyone’s support! Again, my thanks to everyone! Sandra PettyChair, Cazadero Gala and Auction

Caz Gala and Auction attendees (l-r) Development Director Kate Berenson, Executive Director David Wagner, Gala honoree John Skinner, Caz Advisory Board member Terry Summa with Caz founders Bob and Beth Lutt.

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Cazadero Performing Arts Camp 7 Caz Matters —Spring 2008

Family Camp is looking forward to a fantastic and eclectic summer in 2008. We are welcoming back many staff for both Session A and B who have been Caz Family Camp’s beating heart for years: Rosemary Richie & Kerry Yates, who create the awesome Kid City preschool environment for our littlest campers; and Sue Walton, who writes an original mystery theater play each year and manages to bring it to life with our aspiring thespians, astonishing us after only five days’ rehearsal. Campers will study taiko with Susan Horn, steel drums with Mark Rosenthal and capoeira with Lindell Dixon. Jennifer Jolly will radiate the 88s with her usual energy. Craig Nelson will save all our lives as he has done for many years, while Andy Fuchs looks after our ears. Lanier Pruitt will uphold our standing in the intergalactic rolls of the ping pong galaxy, and Steve Gibson will bring his special magic to our guitar students. Kim Agnew will dance and play with clay and create art out of junk. In Session A, Libby McLaren will be back and we’ll all learn music theory if she has her way (and put it to use singing in her chorus). The rock ’n roll power house of Jeremy Steinkoler will liven things up, while Edgardo Cambon will passionately and exactingly drive the Latin rhythms of camp; Sarah Voorhies will illuminate the art deck; Jessica Jones and Richard Vaughan will bring the world of classical strings to life. Mark Vitale and Sarah Willner will teach us gamelon. Nate Ginsberg will take our kids on adventures and Jill Fjeldheim & Christina Lewis will bring some changes to the circus and clowning landscape this year -- check out their new descriptions. Some fabulous Session A campers will also teach this year: Lisa Chattler, Dennis Fortin, Les Ogilby, Mike Volk, Laurie Leiber, Jacob Rubin, and Brennan O’Brien will be joined by Flo Hoylman and new teen teachers Julia Thollaug and Nick Murphy. We warmly welcome some extraordinary new staff: Zoe Ellis, whose band Zadell rocked the house last year, will

Star-studded Faculty at Family Camp in 2008coach vocal performances in rock band and also teach gospel; Maya Kronfeld will initiate us into the sounds of jazz piano; Daniel Steinberg of World Harmony Chorus will add his world chorus and dancing skills to camp; the fabulous Dale Boland is the new heart of campfire and a new Kid City specialist. A signature group of old and new teachers in Session B with a slight bend towards the acoustic world will take us on a wild ride. We are fortunate to welcome back Keith Terry and Evie Ladin (and Clay) from Crosspulse, teaching hambone and kecak, old time harmony singing and tap dancing; Lela DaVia, the living embodiment of the benefits of her crafts -- yoga and stretch returns to us along with Hannah Kahn, the soul du cirque, while Joel Ben Izzy brings the creek to life with environmental art and teaches us how to tell our stories. Larry De La Cruz will once again be the king of jazz; and Karen Horner will inspire players of strings. We will welcome the extraordinary John Santos for congas and Latin rhythms; Kelly Orphan Takunde at campfire and with Kid City; Nancy Gittleman, a most talented arts teacher; Arisa White, who will launch Spoken Word, and the gifted Danny Carnahan from Camogie and Wake the Dead who will share his songwriting and slow jam skills. Anthony Fisher will take us back to the world of Native California with tule crafts and arrow making, and prepare to be spellbound by Tim Ereneta at campfire -- he is our official storyteller. This year, our first week filled up before a single brochure was ever mailed and it now has a long waiting list. Our session B is nearly full. If you have friends who haven’t had the opportunity to bring their families to camp, please let them know there is still a little space available and they can download the forms online. We look forward to seeing you all at Caz!

by Joelle YzquierdoDirector, Caz Family Camp

Nonprofit org.US Postage

PAIDBerkeley, CA

Permit no. 538

PO Box 7908Berkeley, CA 94707t: (510) 527-7500f: (510) 527-2790e: info@cazadero.orgwww.cazadero.org

CAZADERO

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS

1957 - 2007

2008 Youth Music Camp Parent Orientation Night May 8, 2008

Young Musician Session June 16 - 21 Concert Saturday, June 21 Middle School Session June 24 - July 5 Concerts Sunday, June 29 Saturday, July 5

Junior High Session July 8 - 19 Concerts Sunday, July 13 Saturday, July 19

Senior High Session July 22 - August 2 Concerts Sunday, July 27 Saturday, August 2

2008 Caz Alumni Day July 19, 2008

2008 JumpStart in Music Retreats West Contra Costa County May 16-18 Berkeley Elementary Schools May 30 - June 1 Sonoma County Schools September 26-18 San Ramon School District October 3-5 Berkeley Middle Schools October 17-19 Oakland Middle Schools October 24-26

2008 Family Camp Session A August 4 - 10 Session B August 11 - 17

2008CazaderoCalendar

CAZADERO BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICERSRobert Kridle, President

Adam Gruen, Vice PresidentJoan Murray, SecretaryArtie Lawyer, Treasurer

BOARD MEMBERS

CAZADERO STAFFDavid H. Wagner, Executive Director

Jim Mazzaferro, Artistic DirectorKate Berenson, Development Director

Rick Austin, Office ManagerEmily Brockman, Registration

Joelle Yzquierdo, Family Camp DirectorGeoff Sauvageau, Facility Manager

Beth and Robert LuttWilliam R. LuttChristy MazzaferroTony MazzaferroDavid L. NelsonEugene PhillipsRebecca Lutt-PournoorJohn SkinnerLinda SoaresSuzan Windnagel

Gary BeanTrav DavisonKathy DwyerDoris M. FukawaRyo FukudaGeorge GaeblerChris JarrettAnthony KayeEllen Monheimer KirkBruce Lowry