When summer rolls around, it’s time to kick back, listen to our favorite show tunes, and enjoy a fun summer treat! This summer’s Camp Broadway NYC music directors (Christine Riley, Alan Schmuckler, and Stephen Purdy) agree. Let’s check in with them to learn how they acquired a love for music, what their favorite thing about working with our Camp Broadway campers is, and what their go-to treat in the summer is! YUM!
Christine Riley
“How did you become interested in music?”
RILEY: “I started piano lessons when I was five years old because my grandmother gave us her grand piano. I loved it immediately!”
“What is your favorite part about working with kids at Camp Broadway?”
RILEY: “I love when they make a discovery, learn something about themselves and/or have a “brave” moment trying something new.”
“What is your favorite summer treat that cools you down on a sunny day?”
RILEY: “Ice cream, gelato, sorbet – I love it all!”
Alan Schmuckler
“How did you become interested in music?”
SCHMUCKER: “I’ve always been interested in music — as far back as I can remember. I begged my parents for piano lessons when I was five
, and always loved singing and performing.”
“What is your favorite part about working with kids at Camp Broadway?”
SCHMCKLER: “I love the moment when an idea ‘clicks.’ We work with the same techniques that professional performers use, and when a vocal line falls into place and sounds right, it’s very satisfying for me as a teacher.”
“What is your favorite summer treat that cools you down on a sunny day?”
SCHMUCKLER: “Strawberry Frozfruit, no question.”
Stephen Purdy
“How did you become interested in music?”
PURDY: “I was actually obsessed with the musical theatre since I was about 11. I was always taking piano and voice lessons for as far back as I can recall, but musical theatre really sealed my wanting to stay in music for life. In college I started as a voice major but there were so many of us and there were far fewer piano players. So I started playing for everyone’s shows and rec
itals.”
“What is your favorite part about working with kids at Camp Broadway?”
PURDY: “Hands down watching and listening to their enthusiasm and love for the shows. It takes me back to when I was their age. I also love it when a kid who is maybe a little shy or feels a bit uncomfortable socially comes out of his or her shell. These are my favorite moments!”
“What is your favorite summer treat that cools you down on a sunny day?”
PURDY: “The awesome absolutely crazy good lemonade at the lemonade stand at the beach at Asbury Park in New Jersey. It’s to die for!”
So, Camp Broadway, crank up the show tunes and get your summer started right! We look forward to working with Christine, Alan, and Stephen this summer in NYC, and we hope to see YOU there too!
Have any AWESOME summer treats that we should try? Comment them down below!