New England Music Camp, the core program for Snow Pond Center for the Arts, has been a renowned performing arts camp for 85 years, bringing outstanding music educators and students from all over the globe together to make music along the shores of Lake Messalonskee. This year however, they had a very special guest, Steve R. Witkin, MD, with Eye Care of Maine.

Witkin joined Eye Care of Maine in 1987 and for over 30 years has been the principal cellist with the Colby Symphony Orchestra, the largest college and community orchestra in Maine. Both of his children, (Andre on violin, and Deborah on oboe), are past attendees of the music camp. “Knowing Dr. Witkin’s love of the arts coupled with our philanthropic program that supports projects in our community-at-large, I reached out to New England Music Camp to see if there might be a match. Low and behold there were three cello students who were in need of scholarship dollars. Dr. Witkin and Eye Care of Maine were happy to support these deserving students who clearly have a passion for the arts,” said Art Geary, CEO of Maine Eye Care, in a news release.

Two cellists, Serenity Laird and Ariel Alejandro, live in New York City, and attend the Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music, which also provided funding. The third cellist, Mathious Gimmy, is from Boston.

On July 22 Witkin joined Laird, Alejandro and Cruz, and other members of the New England Music Camp Cello Ensemble, on the Snow Pond campus for a performance of Franz Schubert’s “Allegro Moderato.” This was followed by a reading of the Beatle’s “Eleanor Rigby.”

Laird shared with Witkin, “Because of this opportunity you have given me I was able to join Concert Orchestra!” Alejandro said, “I’ve been taking classes here that I have never taken before and it has broadened my musicality. I feel like I’ve grown as a person and a musician thanks to you.”

“We are incredibly grateful for the partnership that Eye Care of Maine and Dr. Witkin have provided. With over 45% of our students on scholarship or financial aid, many outstanding students would not have this opportunity to advance their skills without their philanthropic support. They are truly investing in the next generation of musicians, educators and cultural ambassadors,” said Christa Johnson, Snow Pond’s director of development.

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