Testimonials
"If jazz were food, Tritone would be a sumptuous feast."
- John Barrett, trombonist, pianist, attorney
"These camps get better every year. The faculty is accessible and generous with their time. They artfully combine theoretical knowledge with creative insight. I always learn a number of things which are immediately useable."
- Richie Spees, clarinetist, psychiatrist
"This week has become my prerequisite for a fulfilling year. Thank you--keep it going!"
- Lisa Roti, singer
"As a first-year jazz camper, I was so nervous coming here with only a classical piano background. I soon found an open, supportive, affirming faculty and a group of campers that soon put me at ease and launched me into an exciting week of a new style of music. I definitely will make this a yearly musical experience."
- Dian Korb, pianist
"What a rich experience! Thoughtful and articulate faculty, practical instruction, and--most important--joyful! I can't wait to go home and use some of the many terrific ideas I got out of this week."
- Dawson Taylor, vocalist, guitarist, attorney
"I thoroughly enjoyed my week at Tritone. To say it was educational and musically inspiring is truly an understatement. It was downright therapeutic!"
- Dino D'Onofrio, drummer and optometrist
"Warm, supportive atmosphere...world-class instruction. Learn and play at a level you never thought possible. An unforgetable experience."
- Laurence Skopitz, clarinetist and rabbi
"A joyful learning experience!"
- Clem Biddle, singer/trumpeter
"The first year was an experience. Every subsequent year is a reunion!"
- John Goodman, drummer, owner of the Center for Internal Change--www.internalchange.com
"A totally immersed-in-jazz experience with internationally famous faculty and low student-to-faculty ratios. I recommend it."
- Linda Reeder, pianist
"This has been a wonderfully supportive environment. Working with Janet Planet continues to help me to grow and love singing. Janet is an inspiration."
- Barbara Levy Daniels, professional singer and psychotherapist
"In three days I learned more than I had in two years with another instructor. Fabulous!"
- Maggie Mullen, vocalist
"I've been here for five straight sessions and have enjoyed the experience each session."
- E. Bud Nelson, drummer
"Exceeded expectations...superior faculty. Combo experience was challenging in just the right way to take you to the next level...."
- John Pachter, trombonist, attorney
"The faculty is knowledgeable, supportive and understanding. You will find a lifetime of inspiration--an absolutely terrific time!"
- Michael Mazza, pianist, English teacher
"They call it a 'fantasy' camp. It's not just a fancy name. Your jazz fantasy does come true."
- Drew Fase, singer, pianist, customs broker
"The instruction provided by Gene Bertoncini was invaluable. He is completely open about sharing his vast knowledge of the guitar and his ideas for studying the instrument are limitless."
- Doug Switzer, architect, guitarist
"It's my favorite week of the year."
- Tom Lange, bassist and gizmologist
"I feel if I paid three times as much, it would still be a bargain! (But please don't take that too seriously!) This has been a life-changing experience for me. Thank you -- see you next year."
- Gail Heerdt, reed player
"A terrific experience! I learned an enormous amount in a week."
- Marcia Elwitt, pianist
"Man, was I low after leaving Bjorklunden! It took me three days to get back to normal. Thanks for the high--you guys really know how to kick it up!! I'm all inspired now to get to the things I really want to accomplish in music. Janet (Planet) is a marvelous music educator...she doesn't just "teach"; she inspires her students with a wonderful philosophy! I think that's what you are all about!"
- John Scaduto, vocalist
"I loved Gene (Bertoncini) and the accessibility of the teachers..There was such a benevolent, caring atmosphere -- (Tritone) has created a verdant field for musicians to bud in, and you three men are fine people. It was my privilege to meet you."
- Patti Loach, pianist
"I feel prepared for graduate school. I did some great networking. Rich (Thompson) is superb!"
- Jason Kruk, drummer
"I definitely lived my fantasy -- and I loved every minute of it. Thanks."
- Abby Chodoff, vocalist
"You guys are the heroes -- GIANTS in my eyes as far as talent and knowledge and experience -- but also capable of reaching me at my beginning level. I'm very grateful for your generous presentation (and I will be back!)"
- Liz Sivertson, saxophonist
"I found everything about the Tritone camp to be first rate. I had a wonderful time and feel I have really improved my playing. I have also been given tools that will help me keep improving for some time to come.... The atmosphere was encouraging and supportive. This was such a well-thought-out and well-executed program I felt privileged to be a part of it. In a world where so many corporations pay lip service to quality assurance, this was a rare experience of a team of people creating a week of the highest quality. I can't thank you enough. You all did a fantastic job."
- Ron Churgin, saxophonist, business owner
"Finally, after 20-plus years, I gained some insight into how this music works, thanks to all the staff. The concerts by John Harmon, Janet Planet and Gene Bertoncini were absolutely astonishing in their beauty."
- Christopher Jankowski, trumpeter, Mayo Clinic physician
"I was amazed by the amount of support from everybody and by the high level of teaching abilities."
- Daniella Willett-Rabin, drummer, arts student
"The fact that the instructors were such great people was just as important as their skills. It's one thing to say "It's all right that you're a novice and you make mistakes," but you guys were able to establish a truly supportive environment. The quality of the instructors here made it much more than just a jazz camp. Getting to interact informally with you guys let me actually experience the role of music in your lives."
- Chuck Will, pianist, school administrator
"I'm very glad I attended and appreciate the effort you all put into it."
- Dave Farr, vibist, retired university professor
"It was great! My fantasy was realized! The faculty were excellent -- made us all feel good and were a joy to be with. It was very well organized."
- Ellis Gruber, pianist, ophthalmologist
"I consider the time I spent with Gene Bertoncini (and it was long!) to be one of those major lifetime opportunities."
- Howard Leikin, guitarist, actuary
"You fulfilled all my jazz fantasies. Until next year, thank you!"
- Jack Cooley, pianist, attorney
