Quotes from previous cast members

"This was the greatest summer of my life!"

"I felt like I was doing something with my summer. I have never felt that before."

"The friendships that I made will last a lifetime."

"Some will call a summer spent with Celebration Iowa 'an experience,' but to me, it was a dream come true."

"The learning taking place wasn't lecture...it was hands on."

"Celebration Iowa gave me both the training and the confidence to pursue this area of study and, hopefully one day, a performing career."

"The professionalism of this program will never cease to amaze me."

"It's so fulfilling to watch kids in the audience sing along to a song or just smile at you."

"It is a great opportunity to perform and meet people who love it just as much as yourself."

"Celebration Iowa has given me the chance to expand myself as a musician, a part of an ensemble, and as a person in general."

"It has been one of my goals for a long time to continue playing my trumpet in college, and I believe being a part of Celebration Iowa will be a great asset to me in achieving this goal."

"I grew so much as a person, because I was forced to move out of my comfort zone as a musician. I ended up learning so much musically as a member of the band...the whole world of jazz was opened up to me!"

"This new 'family' that I have adopted is something I will cherish for the rest of my life."

"I did not realize it was possible to have so much fun and learn at the same time."

"Knowledge like this can't be found in any educational institution."

"I had a great time touring with all of the wonderful cast and staff members, and over the summer I rejuvenated my love for music, my drive for excellence, and have - I feel - prepared myself for college in a most successful way."

"Now that I am here, I am realizing how useful my experience in Celebration Iowa was to get me prepared for college. Many people come here and have a hard time getting things done, being on time, and focusing in rehearsals (hard time for people at a conservatory). I still show up early for everything because there is always a small fear in the back of my mind that I will get fined! Ha! Also, my first few nights here, for some reason, I felt the need to sneak around after 11:15, and then came to my senses, realizing that there was no bed check or lights out."

"Being with you all summer was such a privilege!!! You all made me such a better singer and I owe all my accomplishments to you all and Celebration Iowa!!!"

Quotes from previous cast parents

"It was wonderful to see our child with a smile on his face...not just on stage, but all summer long!"

"It was so gratifying as parents to see our son so happy and excited about doing what he loves, and I want to thank your program for providing that opportunity for him. He looks at touring with Celebration Iowa as his best experience ever."

"The chance to perform with such dedicated kids has made such an impression on my child."

"Celebration Iowa challenges those that may not get challenged in their own high school."

"My son has matured more and is willing to help out at home more. He is not afraid of work."

"Being with musicians and educated at this level has propelled our son to a higher level of performance - and he enjoyed it all!"

"All the participants have certain jobs to do - a real teamwork effort."