![]() | Summer Workshop in Ensemble SingingJune 22–26, 2022 Isabella Freedman Retreat Center |
Medieval and Renaissance, Early American, Romantic, Folk, Jazz and contemporary songs
“ Excellent instruction. Specific, gentle, eloquent, fun and encouraging. ” — 2019 workshop participant |
Isabella Freedman rests on 400 acres of forested land and lush meadows in the foothills of the southern Berkshires – just one hour from Hartford, Connecticut; two hours from New York City; and three hours from Boston, Massachusetts. The cottages and gathering spaces are nestled around two lakes at the base of a beautiful wooded ridge that is dotted with hiking trails. In every season, Isabella Freedman’s stunning mountain vistas, serene lakes, and miles of trails are certain to inspire your senses and offer your spirit a place for renewal.
This workshop represents the 40th anniversary of Western Wind workshops which began at Dartmouth College in 1981. What makes a Western Wind workshop unique is the focus on small ensembles. In small groups, everyone plays a role and makes an essential contribution. Here’s a chance to sing a variety of music with other singers at your own level. Each group is personally guided by a Western Wind member.
“ This was a life-changing week for me. Thank you so very much! ” — 2017 workshop participant |
Click the button below to make your $450 deposit to register for the workshop (fully refundable until June 8). You will receive an e-mail confirmation with further information. The remaining balance is due by June 8. If you enroll after June 8, there is a $75 late charge and payment must be made in full.
Note: The workshop will be COVID compliant in accordance with the regulations of the State of Connecticut applicable in June, 2022.
Accommodations are air-conditioned during the summer months. Each room will have a private bath. A limited number of single occupancy rooms are available on a first come, first served basis. (Each room contains two beds and can accommodate a couple.)
by June 8 | after June 8 | ||
Single occupancy: | $1,850 | $1,925 | tuition and room & board |
Double occupancy, per person: | $1,650 | $1,725 | tuition and room & board |
Commuter (non-resident): | $1,350 | $1,425 | tuition and all meals |
Meals include: | Wednesday 6/22 | arrival snack and dinner |
Thursday–Saturday | 3 meals | |
Sunday 6/26 | breakfast and lunch |
A tuition discount of $37.50 is applied for Friends of the Western Wind. Partial scholarships available based on financial need.
Check-in will take place from 3:00–6:00 pm on Wednesday, June 22.
The workshop will end at around 4:00 pm on Sunday, June 26.
Faculty: |
Linda Lee Jones, soprano |
Guest Faculty: |
Robert Eisenstein, viola da gamba |
Wednesday | 3:00–5:30 pm | Participant registration |
6:00 | Dinner | |
8:00 | Western Wind mini concert, large group rehearsal, and reception | |
Thursday | 9:00 am | Late registration |
9:30–10:20 | Vocal warm-ups / Large group rehearsal / Small groups formed | |
10:30–12:15 pm | Small group sessions | |
12:30–1:30 | Lunch | |
1:30–3:00 | Optional: walk / swimming | |
3:15–5:00 | Small groups | |
5:15–6:00 | Musicianship / Jazz Ensembles prep | |
6:00–6:50 | Dinner | |
6:50–7:25 | Small groups | |
7:30–9:00 | Large group rehearsal & chat with The Western Wind | |
Friday | 9:30–10:20 am | Vocal warm-ups / Large group rehearsal |
10:30–12:15 pm | Small groups | |
12:30–1:30 | Lunch | |
1:30–3:00 | Optional: walk / swimming / Continuo with Bob | |
3:15–5:00 | Small groups | |
5:15–6:00 | Musicianship / Jazz Ensembles / Continuo | |
6:00–6:50 | Dinner | |
7:00–7:45 | Small groups | |
8:00–9:30 | Seminar | |
Saturday | 9:30–10:20 am | Vocal warm-ups / Large group rehearsal |
10:30–12:15 pm | Small groups | |
12:30–1:30 | Lunch | |
2:00–2:45 | Continuo Concert | |
3:15–5:00 | Small groups | |
5:15–6:00 | Jazz Concert | |
6:00–6:50 | Dinner | |
7:00–7:45 | Small groups | |
8:00–9:30 | Seminar / Silly Seminar | |
Sunday | 9:30–10:20 am | Vocal warm-ups / Large group rehearsal |
10:30–12:00 pm | Small groups | |
12:15–1:00 | Lunch | |
1:15–1:50 | Small groups | |
2:00–3:00 | Participants final concert |
A limited number of partial scholarships based on ability and financial need will be available. For information regarding scholarships please contact The Western Wind office: via e-mail, or via phone, 212-873-2848.
Please enroll in advance. By making your $450 deposit you set all the wheels in motion. You will receive an e-mail with a letter and a questionnaire. The balance is due by 6/8/2022. If you are having any trouble enrolling online please call us at 800-788-2187 or e-mail us at info@westernwind.org. If this is your first Western Wind workshop, please try to arrive early, if you possibly can, so we can spend a few minutes with you in order place you in an appropriate ensemble.
♫ The cost of the large group piece is included in your weekend’s tuition. However, you are required to purchase music used in your small ensembles.
♪ Octavos must be purchased at their retail value. Photocopies are 15¢ per side, if a published piece is not available or the piece is in the public domain.
♪ If your group uses one piece out of a larger collection, you may request (before using or marking the larger book, please!) that the selection be photocopied for you at the charge of 15¢ per page (each side). Please destroy all photocopies of copyrighted music at the weekend’s conclusion pursuant to copyright law.
♪ Music that you make marks in must be purchased.
♫ A library of outstanding ensemble music is also available for your perusal and purchase. Please feel free to browse. A 10% discount applies to music and concession purchases that total $100 or more! 15% if it’s $200 or more!