Lifelong Arts Session Details
July 9, 2026
Sarah Constable & Mary Beth Minnis, Instructors
This special workshop is recommended for intermediate to experienced double reed players, as well as band or orchestra directors wanting to know more about double reeds and reed making. Refine fundamentals, learn advanced techniques, and discover reed-making. Expand your range, improve intonation, and take your technique to the next level! Bring etudes, ensemble music, and reed-making supplies if you have them. Check-In will be scheduled for 8-9am.
String Orchestra
July 15-18, 2026
Nicholas Mosley, Instructor
All ability levels of strings are welcome. Class sessions include rehearsals and technique classes taught by distinguished Blue Lake faculty. Participants will read, rehearse, and perform quality string orchestra literature. Additional time will also be provided for smaller chamber ensemble interests. If the number of participants warrant, faculty will form both intermediate and advanced groups. Check-In will be scheduled for 9-10am.
July Concert Band
July 22-25, 2026
(Music difficulty: Grade 3-4)
Brian Olian and Gail Brechting, Instructors
Although all instrumentalists are welcome, this session is designed for the player who would like to develop musical leadership skills. Repertoire includes medium easy to medium (grade 3-4) music. This ensemble provides the perfect opportunity for the average player to gain experience and confidence while rehearsing and performing high quality band literature. Class sessions include rehearsals and technique classes taught by distinguished Blue Lake faculty. Participants are asked to be in good playing shape. Check-In will be scheduled for 9-10am.
Saxophone Ensemble
July 26-29, 2026
Alex Sellers, Instructor
Recommended for intermediate to experienced saxophonists, class sessions include rehearsals and individual assistance provided by distinguished Blue Lake Faculty. Participants will read, rehearse, and perform quality saxophone ensemble literature, and are encouraged to bring all of their saxophones and any personal literature. If the number of participants warrant, faculty will form multiple ensembles. Check-In will be scheduled for 9-10am.
Choir
July 29-August 1, 2026
Dr. Steven Hankle, Instructor
All voice parts welcome! This 4-day session is designed for the vocalist who would like to develop their musical skills while participating as a member in Blue Lake’s Festival Chorus, performing Thompson’s Testament of Freedom in a live radio broadcast at the conclusion of the session. Participants have the opportunity to learn about vocal health and warm-up practices while refining expressive musical skills. Additional rehearsals for Testament of Freedom take place on campus during the session. Check-In will be scheduled for 9-10am.
Brass Chamber Ensemble
July 29-August 1, 2026 Dr. Jared Staub, Instructor
Recommended for intermediate to experienced players, class sessions include rehearsals and individual assistance provided by distinguished Blue Lake Faculty. Participants will read, rehearse, and perform quality ensemble literature. Established quartets or other small ensembles are welcome to enroll as a group. If the number of participants warrant, faculty will form multiple ensembles. Check-In will be scheduled for 9-10am.
Creative Writing Workshop
August 1, 2026
Instructor TBA
Through a series of brief readings and lively discussions, participants in this one-day creative writing intensive will draft a poem and a flash prose piece (nonfiction or fiction) that transform the material of lived experience into affective writing that has the power to elevate mere memory into art that can move readers, illuminate cultural truths, and bear witness. Craft texts will be excerpted from Kim Addonizio and Dorianne Laux’s The Poet’s Companion, Phillip Lopate’s To Show and to Tell, and Rust Hills’ Writing In General And The Short Story In Particular. Craft texts and example poems, essays, and short stories will be assembled and distributed in a course pack for participants to keep. No previous writing experience is required—participants from all backgrounds are welcome. Check-In will be scheduled for 8-9am.
Symphony Band
August 12-15, 2026
(Music Difficulty: grade 4-5)
Dr. Alfred Watkins, Instructor
Although all instrumentalists are welcome, this session is designed for the more advanced player. The repertoire includes medium to difficult (grade 4-5) music, providing the more advanced player the opportunity to rehearse and perform major works for band. Class sessions include rehearsals and technique classes taught by distinguished Blue Lake faculty. Participants are expected to be in good playing shape. Check-In will be scheduled for 9-10am.
Clarinet Choir
August 15-18, 2026
John Varineau, Instructor
Recommended for average to experienced clarinetists, B♭ Clarinet, Alto Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, E♭ Contra-alto Clarinet, and B♭ Contra-bass Clarinets are welcome. Class sessions include rehearsals and individual assistance provided by distinguished Blue Lake Faculty. Participants will read, rehearse, and perform quality ensemble literature. Check-In will be scheduled from 3-4pm.
Flute Ensemble
August 15-18, 2026
Dr. Robert Cart, Instructor
Recommended for average to experienced flute players. Bring your piccolo, flute, alto, and bass flutes if you have them. Class sessions include rehearsals and individual assistance provided by distinguished Blue Lake Faculty. Participants will read, rehearse, and perform quality ensemble literature, and are encouraged to bring personal repertoire. Check-In will be scheduled from 3-4pm.
Harp
August 17-18, 2026
Instructor TBA
The Harp workshop gives both new and experienced harpists an opportunity to advance their skills on an individual level, while also collaborating and connecting with other harpists. Individualized instruction for beginners will include the basics of harp technique and introductory harp repertoire. More advanced students will be coached in appropriate skill-building and ensemble repertoire. All participants are expected to be able to read the treble and bass clefs. Students may use Blue Lake’s harps, or may bring their own. Check-In will be scheduled from 8-9am.
Big Band Camp
August 17-20, 2026
Tom Allport, Instructor
Although all instruments and players are welcome, this session is designed for the player who would like to develop musical leadership skills. The repertoire for this session includes medium easy to medium (grade 3-4). This ensemble provides the perfect opportunity for the average player to gain experience and confidence while rehearsing and performing high quality big band literature. Learn to swing by playing ballads, standards, and new charts. No jazz experience necessary. Check-In will be scheduled for 9-10am.
Ceramics
August 17-20 and 27, 2026
TBA, Instructor
Join us for an enriching ceramics workshop where beginners and experienced enthusiasts alike can explore the versatile world of clay. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to expand your existing knowledge, this program is a fit for all skill levels. Beginners will learn the fundamentals of working with clay, including hand-building, slab, slump, extruding, coil techniques, while those with prior experience will delve deeper into a variety of surface treatments and technical skills. Wheel work will be included for those with an interest. Following the workshop, a separate day will be dedicated to glaze firing finished projects with a focus on Raku firing. The Raku process is dynamic method of firing ceramics where red-hot pieces are swiftly extracted from an outdoor kiln and transferred into a container filled with combustible materials, igniting a rapid reduction atmosphere. This dramatic transformation produces stunning and unpredictable surface effects, making each piece a unique masterpiece. Check-In will be scheduled for 9-10am.
