what attendees say...
This retreat was easily one of the most influential and life changing experiences of my life on both a musical and personal level.
- Dustin K. (OH)
I have been to 5 camps before and i can attest without a doubt that this one had the strongest sense of brotherhood. For future attendees: do not underestimate the role of Bob Hemenger. His activities are designed to bring you closer to your real essence and beware contempt in yourself and in others. It' only a mechanism that stems from insecurity and prevents one from embracing the unknown. ¨Reculer pour mieux sauter¨(step back to jump further) is a french saying that best exemplifies Bob Reynold's approach. Anything this systematic cannot but give results. Both Bob R. and Bob F. have sounds that cover the extremes(dark/bright) and make baffled pièces obsolete. Follow the examples. Tame silence and let the instructors fill the space thus created. The guests were extraordinary and generous on all levels. On a personal level, this camp has reconciled me with sax and music. I left with a feeling of gratitude that i had not experienced in a long time. Hope to meet you at camp in subsequent years.
Pierre Guillemette
The Inside:Outside retreat completely blew me away. I was expecting a lot, knowing Bob Reynolds' stuff, but the way they integrated nature, the mind, and vulnerability to the mix made everything I learned sink in much deeper. I highly recommend this retreat for any saxophonist at any level who feels like they could use a stronger connection to their instrument and to Music.
-Steve Davit
The Inside: Outside Saxophone Retreat was one of the greatest experiences I have had in my life...it allowed me to grow not only as a musician, but as a human being. Meeting 50+ of the nicest people out there (and saxophonists, to boot!), all in one place, it really doesn't get any better than that. And the top-notch food really sealed the deal!
At one point during the Retreat, as I stood there next to both idols and fellow aspiring musicians, playing our hearts out, I felt happier than I had been in a long time; at that moment it became clear to me that I had chosen the right instrument.
- Mateus "Matt" Da Silva
The Inside/Outside Saxophone Retreat affected me on all levels: body, mind, and spirit. What I learned was beyond technique and theory. The experience has set me on the path toward a more spiritual and heartfelt connection with music.
-Brad Thomsen
I came across the world for this and would do so again. What an excellent concept, matched only by its execution.
Thomas Dancer
I wasn't sure what to expect out of this retreat prior to arriving and was a little nervous about the inclusion of the nature activities. What made the whole week worth it for me was that I came to Wooten Woods with an open mind, an open heart, and a hunger to learn as much as I could. The Inside:Outside Saxophone Retreat turned out to be one of the most influential weeks of my musical career. I have returned home with a fresh perspective on both music and nature and am thankful for my time spent in the woods of Tennessee.
-- Micah Holmen
The Inside:Outside Saxophone Retreat was a truly holistic educational experience that brought me to tears.
I've been trying for days to figure out how to encapsulate my experience at the retreat, but I'm not sure if it's possible to wrap my brain around it yet.
There were so many motivating moments...and since the retreat I've been practicing efficiently and deliberately...and working toward developing a jazz concept that Bob Reynolds describes as exhibiting "intellectual substance with emotional appeal." As Pedro Saxo says, "Redefine the definition that defines you."
Thank you!
Lisa Fiorilli
"The Inside:Outside Saxophone Retreat was truly life-changing for me as person, educator and musician. It was jam packed with great information and sharing from master musicians plus world-class performances. The beautiful location at Wooten Woods was the perfect opportunity to demonstrate the inseparable connection between nature, music and our human experience. It exceeded my expectations in every way."
Gerry Hebert, Calgary, AB, Canada
I learned more than I could ever imagine at the Inside: Outside Retreat. I absolutely loved the concrete musical knowledge that was shared to us by these real-world masters, but also how it went beyond just the music. We learned about nature and life skills that are completely relatable to music and everyday life. I have never been so inspired!
-Freddy Mack
Inside:Outside Retreat was a game changer for me. It was truly a great experience, from the staff to the camp to the other campers. My practice has become exponentially more focused and efficient since the camp ended. Truly an enlightening experience I won't soon forget.
Brandon L.