Music and Colour: Winter Music Retreat
A week during which music comes alive in vibrant colour!
Surrounded by the beauty of winter in the Laurentians, the CAMMAC Music Centre invites you to a music retreat during which sound and colour come together to create a distinctive and immersive experience.
Inspired by composers who infused their music with vivid imagery – bright yellows, ocean blues, deep greens –this year’s winter retreat program will explore the relationship between music and colour through a rich and varied repertoire.
A retreat designed for musicians of all ages and levels!
Perfect for families looking to share special moments, and equally ideal for adults seeking a musical getaway, this retreat offers and enriching musical experience for everyone
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
Music classes and hands-on workshops are at the heart of the program.
Participants can choose from a broad range of offerings suitable for all levels: recorder, ukulele, cello, guitar, piano, world percussion, choir, vocal ensemble, recording techniques, songwriting, and active listening. In addition, small ensembles, combos, choir and vocal ensemble encourage attentive listening, group cohesion, and collaborative music-making.
The musical experience is enriched by a variety of complementary workshops.
- An introduction to capoeira combines rhythm, movement, and coordination.
- Tai chi offers a moment of balance and renewal, where breath and motion unfold smoothly together.
- The Japanese culture workshop introduces participants to the language, writing systems, and brush techniques on traditional Japanese paper.
- Origami provides a quiet, focused activity in which shapes gradually emerge by hand.
- Outdoor activities, games, and sports complete the program.
The repertoire weaves together a wide spectrum of colours and genres, designed to be accessible and engaging for all participants.
Selections include:
- La vie en rose (Édith Piaf)
- Blue Skies (Willie Nelson)
- Over the Rainbow (from the film The Wizard of Oz, music by Harold Arlen, lyrics by Yip Harburg)
- Greensleeves (traditional British folk song)
- 99 Red Balloons (Nena)
- Du bleu du bleu (Ginette Reno)
- Une chanson de toutes les couleurs (Pierre Perret)
Everyone will also collaborate in the creation of an original, colour-inspired piece with Mélodie Rabatel.
A shared creative project will bring teens and adults together to collaborate on an arrangement of Yellow Submarine (The Beatles), combining skill-building with the pleasure of making music as a group.
A complete list of classes, activities, and faculty, as well as fees and registration details, is available below.
In parallel with the Music and Colours program:
TAI CHI SEMINAR WITH HUBERT GAGNON FROM COMME LES NUAGES
Experience a week of full immersion in Tai Chi!
Designed for participants who have already taken an introductory course, this intensive workshop will help you refine your movements, feel the energy and fluidity of each gesture, and make steady progress in mastering this subtle art. It’s a unique opportunity to combine discipline, focus, and well-being in an inspiring setting.
For additional information on the Tai Chi seminar, contact Hubert Gagnon: hubert@commelesnuages.com
Reserve your spot for the Tai Chi seminar today: CLICK HERE
PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES
If you don’t know how to read music, don’t worry! Classes for beginners are offered so that everyone can participate in the program.
PROGRAM FOR ADULTS
(18 years+):
A tailored retreat designed to deepen your musical practice in a warm and inspiring environment.
Deepen your musical practice in a warm and stimulating environment. Enjoy close collaboration between students and teachers through master classes, workshops, and a wide range of courses.
- Active listening
- Cello
- Choir
- Combos
- Guitar
- Introduction to capoeira
- Japanese culture
- Origami
- Piano
- Recorder
- Recording techniques
- Small ensembles (pre-registration required)*
- Songwriting
- Tai chi
- Ukulele
- Vocal ensemble
- World percussion
PROGRAM FOR TEENS
(13 to 17 years):
Music, creativity, and fun – all week long!
Teens can choose from classes in the adult program while also enjoying activities and workshops designed especially for them.
- Active listening
- Cello
- Choir
- Combos
- Guitar
- Introduction to capoeira
- Japanese culture
- Origami
- Outdoor activities (games and sports)
- Piano
- Recorder
- Recording techniques
- Small ensembles (pre-registration required)*
- Songwriting
- Tai chi
- Ukulele
- Vocal ensemble
- World percussion
PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN
(5 to 12 years):
A spring break like no other!
A fun-filled week designed for children to explore music, games, and creativity
- Choir
- Combos
- Introduction to capoeira
- Japanese culture
- Origami
- Outdoor activities (games and sports)
- Recorder
- Ukulele
- World percussion
AND FOR ALL…
Intergenerational games, themed evenings, and a final informal concert bring everyone together to share, celebrate, and enjoy music in a warm, community-focused atmosphere.
- Organized games (including a rally and treasure hunt)
- Karaoke night
- Movie night
- Cabaret evening
- Winter bonfire with storytelling and songs
✅ SMALL ENSEMBLES (adults and teens): pre-registration required.
Limit of 12 participants – piano, strings, and winds only.
How to register? Once your reservation is complete, you will receive a link to fill out the Part 2 registration form. Complete the section for small ensembles, indicating your instrument and level.
DIRECTORS AND FACULTY
Whether you have been playing for years or are just beginning, our outstanding teachers are here to help you progress on your musical quest—no matter your age!
To find out more about our teachers, click their photos to read their bios.
GUYLAINE
LEMAIRE
Artistic Director
FEMKE
BERGSMA
Co-director
Recorder
Small ensembles
CRAIG
GIRARDIN
Co-director
World percussion
Guitar
Combos
JEAN-HUBERT
GAGNON
Tai chi
CAL
MCGOWAN
Small ensembles
Cello
JAMES
MCGOWAN
Small ensembles
Piano
Choir accompaniment
Combos
MARIE-ÈVE
NADEAU
Games and sports
KEVIN
O’NEIL
Ukulele
Songwriting
Recording techniques
ALEXIS
OUELLET-SIMARD
Introduction to capoeira
MÉLODIE
RABATEL
Choir for all
Adult vocal ensemble
Active listening
HIDEKO
SINTO
Origami
Japanese culture
Parents and grand-parents, your family will love Spring Break at CAMMAC!
Spend the week sharing your love of music with your children and/or grandchildren, while indulging in adult musical activities as well.
From singing with you in the choir to storytelling under the stars at the winter bonfire, they will remember these moments forever.
CAMMAC is an intergenerational camp, where each member of the family can enjoy programs designed for their own age group and skill level, allowing everyone to play, learn and relax according to their own needs.
Kids and teens will find their days filled with activities designed to expand their creativity, build their confidence, and grow their love of music. It’s not uncommon for kids meet people at CAMMAC who become friends for life! Meanwhile, adults can relax, focus on their class schedules, and not have to worry about how to keep the kids entertained. Mealtimes and intergenerational activities taking place throughout the week bring everyone together for guaranteed fun.
REGISTER ONLINE:
If you don’t see the room you want when you book online, please contact customer service.
You may also make a reservation by phone, from Monday to Friday (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.):
819-687-3938 / 1-888-622-8755, ext. 1
Email: reservations@cammac.ca
2026 RATES – WINTER MUSIC RETREAT
| MUSIC PROGRAM | ||
|---|---|---|
| PARTICIPANTS LODGING ON-SITE |
OFF-SITE PARTICIPANTS: |
|
| Adults (26 years and up) | $330.00 | $360.00 |
| Students (13 to 25 years) | $205.00 | $235.00 |
| Children (4 1/2 to 12 years) | $145.00 | $135.00 |
| Chaperone | $105.00 | N/A |
| TAI CHI INTENSIVE PROGRAM | |
|---|---|
| Adults | $400.00 |
| LODGING: MAIN PAVILION – includes 5 days and 4 nights | |
|---|---|
| Single Room (single bed) | $296.00 |
| Single Room (single bed) + Private Bathroom | $452.00 |
| Double Room (double bed) | $444.00 |
| Double Room (double bed) + Private Bathroom | $600.00 |
| Double Room (queen bed) | $472.00 |
| Triple Room | $544.00 |
| Quad Room | $680.00 |
| MEAL PLAN | |
|---|---|
| Adults & Students (13 years and up) | $320.00 |
| Children (4 1/2 to 12 years) | $190.00 |
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
- Rates are in Canadian dollars.
- GST (5%) and QST (9.975%) are not included in the rates shown.
- The CAMMAC membership fee will be added to your invoice if your membership is not up to date for the selected stay.
- 50% of your total invoice, before taxes, will be charged to your credit card within 5 business days of your reservation.
-
We reserve the right to adjust the invoice in the event of errors or omissions (for example, missing membership fees, incorrect meal plan selection, or incorrect music program selection). In such cases, a revised invoice will be sent to you.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
-
More than 30 days before the arrival date:
All cancellations (partial or full) will incur an administrative fee of $75. -
30 days or fewer before the arrival date:
Any full cancellation will incur fees equivalent to 50% of the total invoice amount, including taxes.
Any partial cancellation will incur administrative fees equivalent to 50% of the difference, including taxes. - Membership fees are not refundable.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR YOUR STAY:
Arrival: Sunday March 1, 2026 at 4 p.m.
• Rooms will be available beginning at 4 p.m.
• Supper: 6 p.m.
• The program officially begins at 8 p.m.
Departure: Thursday March 5, 2026 at 2 p.m.
• Rooms must be vacated by 9 a.m.
Meal Plans:
• Supper and an evening snack are included on Sunday evening.
• Breakfast, 3 snacks per day, lunch, and supper are included on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
• Breakfast, a morning snack, and lunch are included on Thursday.
IMPORTANT: Please indicate dietary requirements and food allergies when you register.