Weekend Retreat

September 19-22, 2024

Applications Closed

Adult Weekend RetreatApplication period is closed. Contact us if you would like to be notified if a group needs a player.

The 14th annual Weekend Retreat will be September 19-22, 2024. Each chamber ensemble will enjoy a weekend of camaraderie and inspired music making with professional coaches in the Cascade foothills just outside Leavenworth, WA, a 2- to 3-hour drive from Seattle. The Icicle Creek Center for the Arts is a picturesque retreat with a performance hall, practice huts and cabins. For this popular event, each ensemble chooses its own music selection and works together through the weekend coaching sessions, culminating in a final participant performance on Sunday afternoon.

The Retreat starts Thursday evening with a reception and socializing, an initial rehearsal without a coach, then informal ad-hoc playing. Intensive coaching begins Friday morning and continues through Sunday morning. There is plenty of time for ad-hoc ensembles to form and play together. Participants attend a Saturday evening performance given by our coaches. Departure is immediately after the Sunday participant performance.

This retreat is for amateur adult violin, viola, cello, bass, and piano players of intermediate to advanced skill level. We accept pre-formed quartets, quintets, and sextets, but there are often opportunities to place individual musicians. A limited number of piano ensembles will be accepted. Tuition includes meals starting Friday morning, snacks during breaks, and coaching fees.

This year the application process will be different than previous years:

  • We accept pre-formed quartets, quintets, and sextets. If you are looking for an ensemble or are looking for another member to complete your ensemble, we can try to assist you.
  • To be considered for Early Admission, all members of your ensemble must apply and pay the deposit before April 27, 2024, 8:00 pm PDT. All ensembles with completed applications during this time period will be eligible for Early Admission.
  • Early Admission decisions will be made after the April 27th deadline, to give everyone time to form their ensembles and apply.
  • Early Admission decisions will be communicated on May 1, 2024
  • The application period will remain open past May 1, 2024 if there is space available for more ensembles.

All ensemble members must complete their applications and pay the deposit to be considered.

Housing is available on a limited basis in 3- or 4-person modern cabins at the Icicle Creek Center for the Arts, managed by the Sleeping Lady Resort. Many participants find lodging at local B&Bs, home rentals and motels in nearby Leavenworth and the Icicle Creek area.

Housing is available on a limited basis in 3- or 4-person modern cabins at the Icicle Creek Center for the Arts, managed by the Sleeping Lady Resort. Many participants find lodging at local B&Bs, home rentals and motels in nearby Leavenworth and the Icicle Creek area.

Coaches

2024 COACHES

he coaches at the Weekend Retreat are passionate performers and accomplished educators. Their coaching and Saturday evening performance are often cited as the highlights of the weekend.

Cecilia Archuleta, violin

Willie Braun, cello

Charles Enlow, piano

Brandon Vance, violin

Thane Lewis, viola

Miriam Shames, cello

Program Info

Location

Pricing

To apply, fill out the application form completely and submit payment of the non-refundable $200 deposit.*

Tuition: $650
Includes meals and $200 non-refundable deposit*

Optional Shared Cabin: $315
Check in after 3pm Thursday September 19th; Check out by 11am Sunday September 22nd

You can pay online, or send a check to Chamber Music Guild, PO Box 27164, Seattle WA 98165.

Refund Policy

The deposit is non-refundable if the applicant withdraws at any time.The deposit is fully refundable if the applicant or applicant ensemble is not accepted by Chamber Music Guild for the event. Tuition and cabin payments are non-refundable after August 1st.

Key Dates

March 15, 2024 – Application period opens; $200 due with application
May 1, 2024 – Retreat acceptance notices sent to early applicants
June 15, 2024 – Application period closes and tuition balance due
August 1, 2024 –Final payment due (cabin fees, guest meal fees; any balance owed)

Volunteer Positions

Volunteer positions are available and include a tuition or meal discount. Participants and guests interested in these positions should email the office to request the application form and job descriptions.

COVID-19 Safety Protocol

Chamber Music Guild will follow applicable local and state Covid-19 safety protocols currently in place at the time of the Retreat. This event is for Covid-19 vaccinated adults.

“Relaxed pacing, ample time for breaks and self-practice, beautiful setting.”

Jamie

“Food was great! Cabins are very nice. Plenty of work sessions with and without coach.”

Sue

“The faculty was superb.”

George

“The concert by the faculty was absolutely amazing!”

Charlotte

“This has now become one of my favorite retreats to attend!”

Retreat Participant

Past Retreats

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Weekend Retreat Photos

Weekend Retreat Videos