Adult musicians of intermediate or medium skill level or higher are encouraged to apply. Applications are accepted first come, first served. Audition assessments will take place for part rotation assignments. This will include major scales, sight reading, and an optional short prepared selection. This non-competitive program will foster skill-building and performance opportunities for the intermediate/medium level musician. Community band members and band directors are encouraged to apply.

Birch Creek Music Performance Center is located in Egg Harbor, WI, about an hour north of Green Bay, WI, in the tourist destination of Door County. The campus is situated on 40 acres of property, where performances will be held in a century-old performance barn.

Check-in begins at 9:00 AM on Wednesday, August 14 followed by auditions/interviews, lunch, orientation and the first class session on Wednesday afternoon.

Each day begins with 8:00 AM breakfast followed by Warm-Up from 9:00-9:30 AM. Classes continue through the morning and afternoon, with appropriate breaks for meals, rehearsals, etc. The program concludes with a final performance on Saturday, August 17. Participants may depart on the final day following the 2:00 PM concert, or choose to stay one more night, if staying onsite. Upon registration, you will be given a complete Daily Schedule for the four days of Wind Ensemble Retreat.

$425 (which includes instruction, breakfast and lunch for duration of session). All applications must be accompanied by a $75 non-refundable registration fee, which is applied to the basic fee once accepted on a first come, first served basis. If opting for housing on campus, payment for housing is due at the time of registration. On campus housing can be added after registration if rooms are available. If written notice to withdraw arrives by July 15, 2025, all payments made, less the $75 deposit, will be considered for refund. Early registration is encouraged.

Birch Creek is a 501 c(3) with a mission to provide performance-based instruction to promising young musicians. Camp policies are in place to protect the health and well-being of all stakeholders, including adults and the public, and to protect Birch Creek property. Birch Creek is a smoke-free, vape-free, alcohol-free, drug-free environment. Weapons are not allowed.

Receive teacher education credits through VanderCook College of Music. Contact Birch Creek Executive Director Mona Christensen or Chip Staley, Birch Creek Wind Ensemble Retreat Co-Director. PDF of VanderCook “Best Practices from the Podium” course information.

Participants will study, perform and learn in a number of campus rooms and outdoor areas. Birch Creek offers an array of practice rooms, classrooms, lounges and the Dutton Performance Barn as well as spacious outdoor performance areas.

OUR CAMPUS

Limited housing is available on campus in hotel-style rooms located in our faculty dorm building and in student dorms. Rates for faculty housing rooms with private bed/bath are $90 per night. Overflow will be assigned to bunk-style beds with distanced sleeping pods that are available for $50 per night. All rooms are available on a first come, first served basis. Spouses are allowed to stay with participants in faculty housing if room allows. A separate meal plan can be purchased when registering.

Continental breakfasts and lunches are provided in the fee. Participants dine with Birch Creek instructional faculty in the campus dining room and outside eating areas. Dinners are on your own, off-site. Door County is known for its dining options, including carryout and distanced on-premise seating, from very affordable to high-end culinary experiences, many within a short driving distance from the campus.