Singer’s retreat
Explore traditional Irish song, vocal health, and community singing in a welcome space.
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EARLYBIRD20
Use promo code EARLYBIRD20 before Sept 14 for $20 off!
Is This Retreat Right For Me?
This retreat is designed for singers ages 16 and up who are curious, open, and excited to explore
traditional singing in a supportive, community setting.
It’s a great fit if you are:
• A beginner through advanced-intermediate singer
• A trained/advanced singer who is newer to traditional styles
• Someone who loves to learn through listening, singing, and sharing
• A teachable, open-hearted singer looking for a non-competitive, friendly singing experience
Because the retreat works best when the group is a good fit for one another, registration is subject to approval. If you’re not sure whether it’s right for you, feel free to reach out — I’ll be glad to help you decide.
What to Expect
A day of singing, learning, and connection open to Chicago natives and out-of-towners alike.
Together we’ll explore the beauty of traditional Irish song in English — from vocal health basics
to style elements like ornamentation, tone, and phrasing.
The retreat is designed to be relaxing and encouraging: a chance to set aside the pressures of
everyday life, meet other singers, and enjoy making music in a supportive community. You’llleave with new songs, fresh tools for healthy singing, and (hopefully!) new friends to share them
with.
This retreat is especially for beginner through advanced-intermediate singers, as well as trained
singers new to traditional styles. No matter your background, if you’re open, curious, and
looking for a friendly, non-competitive space to grow, you’ll feel at home here.
What to Bring
◦ Your contribution to our potluck lunch
◦ A pen and some paper or a notebook
◦ Comfortable clothes
◦ A bottle of water, snack, a tea bag (hot water available)
◦ Loose change to put in the donation jar for food, coffee, tea, and happy hour 🙂
◦ A recording device (your smart phone is great!)
Retreat Schedule
Start Time: 11:00 AM
End Time: ~5:15 PM
Total Duration: ~6 hrs 15 mins
11:00 AM – 11:15 AM
Welcome
• Meet & greet (coffee/tea/name tags)
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Session 1: Vocal Technique & Breath
• Stretching and releasing tension
• General Vocal health
• Breath control, resonance
• Gentle vocal exercises, some individual work in group context
12:15 PM – 1:00 PM
Break #1 – Potluck Lunch & Social Time (45 min)
• Share a *potluck* meal
• Community bonding time
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Session 2: Application & Group Singing
• Applying resonance, breathwork, posture, other technical skills in a song
• Learning a group piece together
2:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Break #2 – Refresh & Reflect (30 min)
• Tea/Water/snacks/light snacks provided
• Journaling, free time, walks, casual conversation
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Session 3: Improvisation & Creative Voice Work
• Vocal Ornamentation, phrasing, and tone
• Discussion on Song Circle Ettiquette
• Review of the retreats major lessons.
• Vocal exercises and drills to continue learning at home.
Short Break for bathroom/phonecalls,water
3:45 PM – 5:15 PM
Song Circle (1.5 hrs) Tea Time & “Happy Hour” (Barry’s Tea, Beer, and Wine Provided)
• Everyone gathers in a circle
• Each person can lead a song, recitation, or simply listen
• Emphasis on listening, joining in, encouragement, and community
• Close with a song we’ve learned at the retreat
After the Retreat, there will be an Optional Group Outing for Dinner