From Piano Camper to Camp Counselor

Since its creation in 1998, the Gilmore’s annual Piano Camp has welcomed hundreds of young pianists to the idyllic setting of Sherman Lake for fun and study. One of these students is Caleb Michael Downey, who attended Overnight Piano Camp each summer between 2016 and 2019. Downey, who is now a student at Western Michigan University in the Jazz Studies program, was so inspired by his time at camp that he decided to return in 2025 — this time, as a counselor.

Downey says that some of his favorite memories from Piano Camp included working with Adam Schumaker, The Gilmore’s Director of Education, and Louis Morand MT-BC, one of the camp counselors. “They were both really influential for me,” Downey says. “In Louis’s class, we would have group jams and he encouraged participation by everyone. That was my first time playing in groups, and it really influenced me now that I’m focused on jazz studies.”

Students at Piano Camp are fully immersed in music; days are filled with piano lessons, a practice period, and up to two electives — such as Composition, Recording Arts, and Jazz & Improvisation — every day.

“We were allowed to pick electives and I always chose music technology and recording,” explains Downey. “That was my first introduction to both of those subjects, and I was inspired to explore them further.”

The music doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. In addition to campfires and other traditional summer camp activities, students at Piano Camp play for each other in recitals and participate in the Thursday Night Throw-down, where they perform pieces from their electives.

After running into Schumaker on campus at WMU and talking about his camp experience, Downey was motivated to return as a counselor, getting the chance to be the one running the groups and providing unforgettable musical experiences to the campers. As a counselor, Downey led a daily class on the fundamentals of jazz improvisation, in addition to facilitating the day-to-day experience of each camper.

“We start our days at camp with the Morning Prelude, where the kids get a briefing on what’s going to happen that day and a staff person would play something to inspire the kids,” Downey recalls. “It was a surreal experience to be the one playing music, on stage as a staff member instead of as a camper.”

How did it feel for Downey to be back at Sherman Lake in this new role? “Some of the logistics [of the camp] have changed, but in many ways it’s the same,” he remarks. “When I went back to camp, I was happy that the vibes were still there, with groups of friends walking down to the waterfront and kids getting excited for the Thursday Night Throw-down. Kids are still being inspired by music at Piano Camp.”

Besides the opportunity to hone their piano skills in a fun environment, Piano Camp encourages bonding and helps forge lifelong friendships through a common love of playing. “Over the years I was a camper, there was a group of us that had gone to camp together, and we’re still in touch,” Downey says.

It was only natural that Downey would want to pay it forward and help provide the same opportunities for younger pianists. “It’s a great experience for kids.”