Midsummer Musical Retreat

About the Workshop

The Midsummer Musical Retreat (MMR) for adult amateur musicians features coached chamber music groups and large ensembles for vocalists and instrumentalists of varying skill levels. The MMR faculty including 38 professional musicians from across the U.S, coach chamber groups, provide small group workshops to strengthen campers’ musical skills and lead large ensemble rehearsals. Rehearsals are held at Whitman College, where meals are provided, with accommodations provided in dorms or nearby B and B’s in historic Walla Walla, known for its fine wines and excellent restaurants. Although most of the 250 campers hail from Washington State, MMR draws campers from across the United States, Canada and Mexico, and as far away as Scotland, New Zealand and Australia. The MMR Board demonstrates its deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by providing equal opportunities to all participants and staff. Scholarships are offered to encourage attendance of participants of underserved populations and support musicians of limited means.

At MMR campers are immersed in music for over 8 hours per day in a hospitable “retreat” atmosphere. The week includes twelve hours of small-group chamber music or elective sessions in the afternoons plus four hours of rehearsals in a large ensemble (orchestra, band, or chorus). Each afternoon, campers perform chamber music pieces in an informal social hour. Each evening the faculty performs chamber music for campers; ad hoc groups meet after dinner for sight reading sessions, selecting music from the extensive chamber music library amassed over the 43-year history of MMR. A 2-hour “nightclub” featuring lighthearted performances by chamber groups is always a hit. On the last full day of camp, every chamber group (48 in all!) performs at a four-hour Chamber Music Sampler for other campers followed by large small and large ensemble performances in the afternoon. The evening ends with a celebration dinner, dancing to the jazz band, and a typically-hilarious skit-night when campers make fun of themselves and faculty members riffing on events throughout the week. On the last day of camp, a one-hour Creekside Farewell provides a final opportunity for chamber groups to perform for their peers.

A variety of cross-cultural musical experiences are offered throughout the week in large and small ensembles: modern North and South American pieces, traditional Western European compositions, African vocals and drum circles. The strength of MMR lies at the exciting intersection of its committed, supportive, faculty, challenging repertoire, and enthusiastic campers. The faculty reflects a commitment to diversity: MMR’s faculty includes individuals of Hispanic Asian and Pacific Islander heritage, individuals self-identifying as LGBTQ+. Participants’ families often travel to Walla Walla to attend the Chamber Music Sampler, final concert and celebration dinner.