Weekend Retreat is Full!
We will place applicants for new ensembles on our waitlist. Please do not pay the deposit at this time.
The 13th annual Weekend Retreat will be September 21-24, 2023. 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 ensembles of quartets or quintets, but there are often opportunities to place individual musicians. Tuition includes meals starting Friday morning, snacks during breaks, and coaching fees.
A limited number of piano ensembles will be accepted. All 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.
Coaches
2023 COACHES
The 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.
Program Info
Pricing
Tuition: $625
Includes meals and $200 non-refundable deposit*
Optional Shared Cabin: $275
Check in after 3pm Thursday September 21st; Check out by 11am Sunday September 24th
You can pay online, or send a check to Chamber Music Guild, PO Box 27164, Seattle WA 98165.
*Deposit will be returned if applicant’s ensemble is not accepted into the workshop.
Key Dates
March 1, 2023 – Application period opens
May 1, 2023 – Retreat acceptance notices sent to early applicants
June 15, 2023 – Application period closes, Final payments due (tuition, cabin fees)
August 1, 2023 – Deadline for guests to register and pay for guest meals
Volunteer Positions
Volunteer positions are available and include a tuition or meal discount. Participants 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. Our requirement includes both a primary vaccine series AND a booster dose.
“Relaxed pacing, ample time for breaks and self-practice, beautiful setting.”
“Food was great! Cabins are very nice. Plenty of work sessions with and without coach.”
“The faculty was superb.”
“The concert by the faculty was absolutely amazing!”
“This has now become one of my favorite retreats to attend!”
Past Retreats
Click on an image below to view the photos or videos in that gallery.
Weekend Retreat Photos
