Director Ang Lee, left, with Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, stars of his Oscar©-nominated film "Brokeback Mountain"

“As a parent of a young cellist, it was very gratifying to hear him praise your program. PAI offered each student great personal attention and intense training in an environment conducive to hard work. Being exposed to true professionals and talented peers, along with the chance to play larger and more challenging works, helped the young musicians progress exponentially. More importantly, with the friendly and approachable counselors and diverse student backgrounds, PAI is a great place to make new friends.”
                                                            Ang Lee, film director

"We were just informed that Zachary passed his horn audition for the Maryland Classic Youth Orchestra.  We are certain that his musical experiences at PAI these past two summers provided him the skills, knowledge and confidence to do well on his audition, and we thank PAI for this."

Nathan Birnbaum, Zachary's father

"PAI is the perfect summer academy (designed) for fine young musicians who want to have an exciting learning experience, working intensively with top-level professionals.  the atmoshphere is very pleasant, and the energy level is high."

Weigang Li, Shanghai Quartet

"At PAI, every student is given personal attention and loads of performance opportunities.  I enjoyed playing under the distinguished conductors each week and being surrounded in rehearsals by the extremely qualified faculty and staff members.  The large amount of outstanding repertoire that the ensembles moved through was unbelievable.  PAI rivals many other institutions of its kind in the country.  Thank you for giving me this memorable and valuable experiance."

Clara Conrad, Interlochen Arts Academy, class of 2006

"Thank you for allowing me to have one of the best dance experiences ever.  Actually, it was one of the best times of my entire life.  Whether I was dancing at the Degnan studio with some amazing dancers (and hilarious, wonderful teachers) or in the lounge, sitting with my mix of PAI and ESL friends, I was enjoying myself."

Kelsey Weiner, dancer

"Being at PAI was the most unforgettable experience I've ever had.  I learned a lot and had so much fun. I'm so lucky that you came to China and selected me- you have helped make my dreams come true.  thank you so much!"

Yuan Danny Xu, Anhui, China

"Having had the opportunity to study under the guidance of many PAI conductors and faculty was of great musical value to me while growing up.  Even now, their influence continues to have an impact on my teaching.  It is only natural that I want my own students to have this same experience.  When they return after a summer at PAI, they are better musicians, with a strong sense of responsibility.  They become leaders in my music program."

Scott Brown, Band Director

"I still remember the first PAI concert I ever attended. The fantastic ability of the musicians was second only to the passion they communicated as they held the audience's rapt attention. As soon as the last note faded, I knew I had to be a part of that group of serious musicians."
Lauren Dougherty, 18-year-old violinist

I consider PAI one of the most worthwhile things I have ever done to work on my talents. I hope that I've added to the musical and caring atmosphere as much as I've taken from it.
Mary Rose Luksha, 18-year-old actress in "Cabaret" and "West Side Story"

"My experience at PAI last summer was extremely positive. I was very impressed by the high performance standards, the caliber and commitment of PAI's faculty and the talented students it attracts. I heard some terrific flute players and chamber groups in my master classes! And I loved performing my recital in Great Hall - what a great setting for a concert!"
Bradley Garner, world-renowned flute soloist, teacher and master clinician

“The Performing Arts Institute is a wonderful opportunity for young people to experience the beauty of Art and the joy of performing. This is, indeed, a very special place.”
Charles Treger, world-acclaimed violinist

“Joel just called to tell us the audition results for Eastman School of Music’s Symphony Orchestra. He is principal of the double bass section! As a freshman, this is quite an honor. The three years he spent at PAI certainly gave him the training for this accomplishment. We are deeply grateful.”
Alfonse Ciaccio, Joel’s father

"Thank you for providing Craig with an amazing summer at PAI. The high quality of musicianship at each concert was outstanding and the response of the audiences said it better that I ever could! As a professional musician, I found so much joy in seeing my child (OK, at 6’2," it is hard to call Craig a child!) develop and nurture the same passion for music that is a part of my life. Watching him experience all the wonder, emotions, creativity and life in music made me very humble.
Cindy Thomas, mother of 17-year-old singer and actor

"In the PAI musical theater program, I was immersed in what I consider to be a professional theatrical production. Microphones were switched with amazing speed, and set changes went off as though machines ran them. Going on stage and looking out at almost a thousand people caught my breath each time. Most importantly, when I saw the high caliber performances of my cast mates I asked myself, ‘Are these high school students?’ Working with such an amazing, experienced staff was one of the best theatrical experiences of my life."
Craig Thomas, 17, student actor in Les Miserables, Shavertown, Pa.

“I want to tell you that Caitlin had an incredible time at PAI this year. It was probably one of the best things that she has done for herself. It gave her such wonderful musical experience and consequently has given her a real boost in morale and confidence.”
Renée Gould, mother of a 16-year-old violist, Richmond, VA

"Between the faculty, counselors and students there was a sense of professionalism, pride and musicianship that is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. The concerts were great and the classes were extremely valuable to my own music education. I’ll definitely be back next year."
Corey Neville, 15-year-old pianist and percussionist, Moscow, PA

“Having spent a full day checking out all the different things the camp has to offer, I really think they’re doing a wonderful job. The students and staff were very enthusiastic and that’s important to those of us who are out here keeping the jazz happening.”
Wycliffe Gordon, internationally acclaimed jazz trombonist

“This was the third season I attended PAI and it was by far the best yet. Working with Bill Sanders was a chance of a lifetime. In just six short weeks, I learned more about acting than I had learned in many years of prior training. Not only did he teach me technique; he really taught me that I can act. Because of him, I know that I want to pursue this as a career.”
Casey Segal, 16 years old, Spotsylvania, VA

Every time I have returned home after a summer at PAI, my dance teachers at Laguardia High School for the Performing Arts all notice how much my dancing has improved. I should hope so! We have dance instruction at least six hours a day with an amazing faculty. We work hard and the results speak for themselves.”
Jacqueline Landowne, 17-year-old dancer, Staten Island, New York

“Having had the opportunity to study under the guidance of many PAI conductors was of great musical value to me while growing up. Even now, their influence has helped me to develop a flourishing music program in my school district. It was only natural that I would want my own students to have the same experience. After this past summer at PAI, they returned to school stronger musicians and with a new sense of responsibility. They have become leaders in my program.”
Scott Brown, Director of Bands, Norristown Area High School (PA)

"I have to tell you that I loved being at PAI once again - I think it is truly a special place and I enjoyed myself on so many levels.  Certainly the focus on students and the human approach that we all take means so much to me.  I greatly look forward to returning."

Paul Hostetter,  Director of Orchestral Activities at Montclaire State University and PAI conductor

“I still can’t believe that I actually had the opportunity to perform in an orchestra with the assistant principle harpist of the New York Philharmonic playing next to me!”
Tereza Parilova, 16-year-old harpist, The Czech Republic

"I had originally planned to attend PAI in early July and then a bigger mid-western music camp in late July. I wanted both experiences. However, when I got to the other program, I realized that the higher quality of performances and the personal attention I got at PAI was by far the most beneficial for me. I got right back on a plane and returned to PAI, where I finished the second session. At PAI, it is possible to be challenged, work with intensity and have fun, all at the same time!"
Vanessa Allard, 15-year-old violinist, Boulder CO

"What a wonderful gala celebration you provided for students at their final concert! The music was magnificent and, afterwards, the outdoor reception under the stars was so festive. We enjoyed meeting your warm and talented faculty there and watching everyone swing dance late into the night!"
Vickie and Glenn Sturm, parents of Jonathan, 14-year-old saxophone player Kissimmee, FL

"If it weren't for my two summers at PAI, I would never have realized how important music really is to me and how much I enjoy it. The strong friendships I've made, the knowledge I've acquired and the experiences I've had are irreplaceable."
Jessica Peterson, 17-year-old violinist, Mahopac, New York

"My first experience at The Performing Arts Institute of Wyoming Seminary has made a lasting and profound impact on my life as a musician and as a person."
Joel Ciaccio, Canton, PA 18-year-old string bass player

"Dr. O'Neill was terrific with all those teenagers and I am glad Alison got to be in a play directed by such a talented man. Please thank the choreographer for me as well--she was wonderful. Adding dance to the program for theater majors was necessary if these kids plan to do any real theater in the future. See you the summer of 2000!"
Kate and Garry Taroli, parents of Alison Taroli, 14-year-old Dallas, PA

"The relationships we all formed at PAI will last over the lands and oceans that separate us because we are so closely connected by the music we experienced this summer."
Taisha Puskar, 17-year-old piano player New York, NY

"I loved the dance program at PAI so much that I am coming back every year until I'm too old!"
Jaime Verazin, 16-year-old dancer Shavertown, PA

"Bravo! Performances this summer were breathtaking! The artistic level and high energy of the concerts were unbelievable. Keep up the good work."
John Alaimo, television producer/director

"At PAI, I found the friendliness and eagerness to learn very reassuring and inspiring. I chose the Sibelius Second Symphony with some trepidation, but I needn't have worried: the enthusiasm of the staff and the commitment of the students were inspiring and carried the day! Several of my students from England attended PAI and I know they felt it was very exciting and extremely worthwhile." Ralph Allwood, Precentor and Director of Music at Eton College Conductor at PAI

"Whether it was vocal or instrumental, classical or jazz, each of the week's concerts were consistently of high musical quality and worth the two hour drive. Both my daughter and my students look forward to seeing all their friends next summer at PAI"
Walter C. Schneider Past President New Jersey State Music Association New Jersey Music Educators Association All-State Bands Director of Bands, Tenafly, NJ

"I was amazed at the quantity and quality of the performances over just six weeks this summer. I loved having the opportunity to live and breathe both music and theater as well as meeting so many talented people. I will never forget what this past summer has meant to me."
Angela Sperazza, Senior Student Idlewood School of the Arts (CA)

"This past Saturday I had the distinct pleasure of attending a performance presented by the Performing Arts Institute of Wyoming Seminary. And I was not alone: St. Stephen's Church was so full of music lovers, it was difficult to find a seat. It is evidently no longer a secret that PAI is a phenomenal summer program for high school musicians that draws talented students and gifted teachers from across the country. Saturday's performance was remarkable for both the passion and precision that the conductors were able to inspire in their young performers. If you were one of the few who missed the concert, PAI's summer season is only half over - you still have many more opportunities to experience the artistry of these young musicians."
Dr. Steven Thomas, Director of Choral Activities, Wilkes University

"It was very exciting for me to return to PAI and especially see how much the program, faculty, and quality of students has grown! I can't even begin to tell you how satisfying it is to be given the opportunity to be a part of such a positive community."
Michael Parker, Tuba player with Monumental Brass

"The predominant influence on Naomi was the confidence she was given. The spirit of self acceptance permeates the entire program and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for this gift."
Dvorah and Joseph Telushkin, parents of 16-year-old actress in
West Side Story

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