Adult Programming at Birch Creek Music Performance Center

A past Chamber Music Retreat student works with an instructor. Submitted.

Birch Creek Music Performance Center has announced its 2023 adult program offerings, which provide a supportive, encouraging environment where adult musicians can refine their skills.

The Wind Ensemble Retreat, set for Aug. 15-18, allows musicians who are at an intermediate or medium skill level or higher to enhance their music-reading and performance skills. Charles (Chip) Staley and Birch Creek’s Jazz Band directors, Jim Stombres and Steve Sveum, will return as co-directors to continue the program, now in its sixth year. 

The Chamber Music Retreat, to be held Aug. 21-24, and offered for the fourth time, is accepting applications from adult musicians of intermediate or medium playing ability. Ricardo Castañeda, program director for Birch Creek’s Symphony Session, will return this year as director, along with a cadre of Midwestern professional musicians. This retreat is designed for wind, string and piano ensembles. 

New in 2023 is the Piano Retreat, scheduled for Sept. 29 – Oct. 1. This noncompetitive program – led by renowned piano pedagogues Susan Tang, Jodie DeSalvo and Geoffrey Duce – provides master classes, lectures and performance opportunities.
Each program will culminate with a free, public concert performance. The Wind Ensemble Retreat concert will take place Aug. 18, 2 pm; the Chamber Music Retreat musicians will perform Aug. 24, 2 pm; and the Piano Retreat finale performance will be Oct. 1, 1:30 pm.

Tuition includes instruction, continental breakfast and lunch during each session. On-site dorm housing is also available on a first-come, first-served basis. Find more information at BirchCreek.org/Adult-Programs.