("Uncle Miltie") Milt Friedman

Music director from 1961 to 1969 and 1974-1977



Milt was a formidable figure in the New York City school system, as he was the head of the entire Board of Ed's music program, throughout the sixties and seventies. So Bill and Joe had once again, acquired the very best person for a key position at their camp. At Tyler Hill Camp, "Uncle Miltie" was the pioneer of the music program and he set the standard for which all others have followed. He was a fixture at camp, in the Social Hall, for the sing nights, the plays and for the Friday night services. He was a real cantor, and was the first official THC Rabbi.

Milt was well respected by the staff and the campers as a true professional, as he was very much a part of the culture that we still refer to as the "Golden Years of THC". He and his wife, Helen made many friends during their years at Tyler Hill Camp. Milt was well known for possessing a wealth of knowledge and people felt comfortable in asking him all kinds of questions about literature, music and just about anything else. His two sons, Elliot and Noah were campers for many years at the 'Hill.

He was the conductor of the THC Symphony, which accompanied plays and performed at the carnival. His symphony, which included many campers and counselors (as well as Artie Sunshine on the Drums!), added a great deal of entertainment value to the camp plays. He encouraged the campers who played at home to bring their instruments to camp with them. His partnership with the dramatics counselors over the years proved exceptionally valuable, as his easygoing and fatherly persona enabled him to easily connect with the campers.

In looking back at his impact on Tyler Hill Camp, Milt Friedman provided the kids with the kind of musical enrichment that none of his successors have ever come close to offering, as well as imparting them with a real love of music, as only an educator of music could.

The Tyler Hill Camp family was saddened by Milt's recent passing in 2006, but he will be remembered as a kind man, with a big heart and a generous spirit, who was a special part of Tyler Hill Camp's "Golden Years".

Video Clip: Watch "Uncle Miltie's" symphany in action!