Frequently asked questions

Where is the Music Centre located? How do I get there?

We are about 112 km (90 minutes) northwest of Montreal and 155km (2 hours) northeast of Ottawa. We are on Highway 327, 30 minutes north of Lachute.  Look for Harrington or Lost River on your road map. Check out our map.

If I come to the Music Centre, do I have to take classes?

We strongly encourage you to take at least one musical class or activity. Choral singing, introductory classes for various instruments, active listening…. there are lots of possibilities. Among the classes available are yoga, drawing, dance. If you accompany a child/teen and if you do not wish to take a class, the ‘helper/caregiver’ (or chaperon) will apply.

What other activities are there?

We have a great tennis court. You can also swim, canoe or go for a hike!

Is the site accessible to people with disabilities?

Our main building is fully accessible to people with disabilities. We have four adapted residential rooms and an elevator. We require advanced notice, however, so that we can reserve a suitable room and make any necessary preparations. We have several visually impaired participants each summer.

If I come to the Music Centre by myself, will I make friends?

Of course! We can say that many lifelong friendships have started at CAMMAC, some of which have ended in marriage!! You’ll quickly get to know our routines, especially if it is your first visit, and you will find CAMMACers are a very friendly bunch. Use the meal breaks as an opportunity to sit with different participants and get to know people from all over North America and the world!

What does a typical week at CAMMAC look like?

What happens during a week at CAMMAC?  What is it like? Here’s a glimpse of the atmosphere you’ll find and the schedule for a typical week that will serve as a guide for all musicians – children, teens or adults, whether you are 4 or 84!

Arriving on Sunday afternoon gives participants time to get settled in whether in a single or shared room or in a tent or other gear for the camping, as well as time to check out the grounds.  There is joy in the air, you feel the excitement, you hear laughter, there are hugs as old friends meet up again … a warm welcome!

At 5 p.m., the children meet their teachers/activity leaders and receive their schedules.  The bell at six o’clock announces dinner in the cafeteria – meanwhile, campers are preparing their own meals at their camp sites. Then 7:30, time for the adults to head to the main hall where the teachers will help in making choices for classes taking registrations. If you have questions, worries, anxieties about the classes that you want to take during the week – this is the chance to get answers to all your concerns.

And then, the magic moment! All the participants get their scores for the first reading of the major choral piece that will be worked on throughout the week. The harmony of many voices singing together, the joy, the solidarity: this is often when you fall in love with CAMMAC for the first time. Before heading off to bed, there’s the chance to chat with other participants over fruit, cake and cookies – the evening snack. You need to be in good shape for the week!

From Monday to Saturday, you attend classes according to the schedule that you’ve made for yourself. Starting after breakfast, each class is 50 minutes long. Lunch at 1 p.m. is followed by a mandatory siesta or quiet hour – a precious break! The afternoon is devoted to some classes and activities. Take advantage of the time to relax, practice your instrument, go swimming or canoe on the lake.

The schedule for the children runs parallel to the adult’s program:  classes in the morning and unstructured fun time in the afternoon.

Evenings are devoted to performances and productions:  you can sing, play in the orchestra, dance (on Monday evenings – no experience needed!), attend concerts given by the teachers – all of whom are excellent musicians. Or you, yourself, can perform in the cabaret!

Saturday is the time when all the week’s work comes to fruition: concerts; piano, singing and small ensemble recitals. Not to mention the much anticipated children’s concert! The concerts continue in the evening, some of the pieces that have been worked on during the week are performed by adults and teens in a celebratory atmosphere. You can feel the pride and joy of being on stage with fellow musicians.

On Sunday morning, it’s with a heavy heart that you pack up your suitcases. A concert featuring one or more renowned guest artist closes off the week, which you try to stretch even a bit more by staying for brunch. But the time for departure has finally arrived – participants leave promising to meet up again the following year!

I’d like to learn more about the children’s program at the Music Centre

Play, have fun and make music!

The program, designed for children 4½ to 11 years, offers music, arts & crafts, dance and sports. All children must be accompanied by an adult who will be responsible for their supervision outside program hours (8:30 AM to 1:00 PM). Activities are also planned for kids in the evening.

I’d like to learn more about the program for teenagers at the Music Centre

Cool, frenzied rhythm – Fun guaranteed

Teens (12 to 17 years old) follow the regular adult program supplemented by a few special courses (arts & crafts, choir, sports). Teens must be accompanied by an adult (parent or designated guardian) participating in the music program.

Is financial assistance available?

Yes. Bursaries are available. The CAMMAC spirit also means caring and accessibility! These are the values that lead CAMMAC to offer several bursaries each year to allow less fortunate musicians (no age limit) to participate in the summer programs. We invite persons who need financial assistance to complete the application form and send it to us by April 1, 2020. An independent committee will evaluate the bursary requests anonymously and you will receive an answer by May 1, 2020. https://cammac.ca/en/cammac-bursary-application-2020/

Is it possible to spend one or two nights at the Music Centre during CAMMAC activities?

Yes, visitors are welcome if there is enough space. Accommodation rates per room, per night, for lodging only, are:

• Single room: $50 – $75 *
• Double room: $83 – $125 *

 * plus applicable sales taxes.

Can I buy meal tickets for the cafeteria?

Yes, you can purchase meal tickets at the tuck shop. Prices are:

• Adult/Student: $14,00 for breakfast*, $20,00 for lunch, $ 20,00 for supper
• Children:  $7,00 for breakfast*, $14,00 for lunch, $ 14,00 for supper

* buffet style

(All prices include taxes)

What does the meal plan include?

Meal plan includes meals and snacks starting with Sunday supper through breakfast on the following Sunday.

What does the camping package include?

Fees include a camping site, and snacks. The camping area has the following equipment: showers, tables, refrigerators, and a washer and dryer. Campers and their guests can purchase meal tickets for the cafeteria.

Are there any special promotions throughout the year?

CAMMAC has special promotions available throughout the year, covering the wide array of activities and concerts. Promotions and rebates cannot be combined.

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION

Reserve and pay in full for your week prior to March 17, 2020, for a chance to win * your week at CAMMAC!**
* CAMMAC teachers, employees and board members and their dependants are not eligible.
** Maximum value $4,000

DISCOUNT FOR MORE THAN ONE WEEK If you register for more than one week, you’ll benefit from a $100 discount per adult per week, and a 50 $ discount per child or teen per week ! This discount is not available to participants who are coming as helper or caregiver.

BRING A FRIEND REBATE Get a 50 $ rebate when a person or family that you referred registers at CAMMAC for the 2020 Summer. It must be their first time at CAMMAC. The person registering must send us an email at communications@cammac.ca with the details of how they learned about CAMMAC and who referred them to us! This information can also be entered in the comment section of the online booking system. Does not apply to members of your family.

‘5 AND MORE’ REBATE Come as a group at CAMMAC and obtain a rebate! We offer a 100 $ rebate per room for 5 rooms booked by participants from the same organisation (choir, association, school, business etc.). Registrations can be done for different weeks. You must send us an email at communications@cammac.ca with the list of registrations (name participant who completed the registration, registration week(s), name of organisation). We will send you the reimbursement at the end of the Summer season. It’s worth spreading the word! Contact us to get promotional material at communications@cammac.ca

Terminology
A registration can consist of several participants (eg a family counts as one registration, as does a couple registering together) . Some of the above mentioned rebates are applied ‘per registration’ and others, ‘per person’.

Do I have to pay in full to confirm my registration?

You may reserve a spot in advance by paying 50%, balance due, at the lastest, upon your arrival.

What is your refund policy?

Registration Cancellations for Summer Programs:

Before May 1st:

Any cancellation will incur an administration fee of 25% of the total amount of the reservation after taxes.
Any partial cancellation of the reservation will incur an administration fee of 25% of the difference after taxes.

After May 1st:

Any cancellation will incur an administration fee of 50% of the total amount of the reservation after taxes.
Any partial cancellation of the reservation will incur an administration fee of 50% of the difference after taxes.

Membership fees are not reimbursable.

Do I have to know how to speak French?

No. The Centre is completely bilingual, and everything is said in both languages. Most of the teachers are bilingual. If you speak some French, here’s your opportunity to try it out. If you are learning French, it’s a great way to improve.

What kind of accommodation is available?

We offer three types of accommodation. The Main Lodge, modern with all amenities, has forty bedrooms. The Lakehouse, a rustic building, has twenty bedrooms with bunk beds. The third option is camping.

The campground is right beside the main buildings and has its own showers and washrooms and is equipped with refrigerators, a washer and a dryer. Tent camping is recommended, but we can accommodate small camping vehicles if permission is requested in advance and there is room. We do not have electrical hookups. See the application form for fees.

Do I have to share a room?

We have some single rooms available on a first come, first serve basis.  Double rooms may also be used for single accommodation, but no discount is given for a larger room used for single occupancy.

Should you wish to find a roommate to share a larger room, we have created events for each week on the CAMMAC Facebook page. You may post your offer/request there.

What’s the food like?

The food is healthy and plentiful. It is prepared on site by our chef and his team. Vegetarian meals are available, for participants who have requested them in advance. We try our best to accommodate participants with food allergies. Please note any allergies on your registration form.

Meals are served cafeteria style, and you can always go back for more. In addition to the meals, a mid-morning coffee break and snack is provided, as well as a snack after the evening concert.

Does the Centre have a liquor licence?

Yes, the Centre has a liquor licence, and any alcohol consumed in the public spaces (concert hall, dining room, reception area, verandas) must be purchased on site. The camp site is exempt from this restriction.

I don’t have a car. What can I do?

TRANSPORTATION – SHUTTLE TO AND FROM CAMMAC

• A shuttle will leave Montreal for CAMMAC on Sunday mornings; the same shuttle will be driving back to Montreal in the afternoon. More details to follow.

I’m a beginner. Will I fit in?

Absolutely. There are several courses each week available to beginners. Besides courses open to everyone (dance, percussion, Orff, yoga, drawing) and choir which involves all participants, recorder classes are offered every week for people who have never played. Check the list of courses available each week and choose the courses specifically marked for beginners.

Are there many concerts during the week?

Yes. A lot of participants say that a week at the Music Centre is worthwhile, just for the chance to hear some great concerts! Every day starts with a mini five-minute concert. Each evening, from Tuesday to Friday, you can attend a concert given by faculty members. Saturday evening, the participants’ concert wraps up the weeks, and includes, of course, the major choral work rehearsed during the week.

On Sunday morning, there is a concert with guest artists, part of the “Festival CAMMAC” series. A brunch follows the concert. It’s a great way to end your stay at Lake MacDonald! Your guests can purchase tickets (click on the tab “Festival CAMMAC”).

Will I have the opportunity to play lots of chamber music?

If you register in the Chamber Music program (and if you meet the level requirements), you are guaranteed at least one coached session per day. Sometimes, depending on registrations, you may get a second coached group. Many participants also form ad hoc groups for afternoon fun. Also available for more advanced players are various ensembles and the orchestra (check the program).

What happens if I’m not comfortable with the group I’ve been placed in?

Talk to the music director or assistant immediately. Don’t hesitate. You are here to enjoy yourself. If something is too hard (or too easy), we’ll try our best to make adjustments after the first day.

I want to bring my children or grandchildren, but they don’t play any instrument. Will they have anything to do?

Yes. Absolutely. Children who don’t play an instrument are introduced to music through choral singing, movement and other exciting activities. The children’s program also includes physical activities, some sports, swimming and arts and crafts. One of the highlights of the week is the children’s concert on Saturday afternoon!

Is there a program planned for teenagers?

Teenagers always form a dynamic group unto themselves! They follow the same program as the adults, with a choral class specifically for the teens.

Do I have to bring my own instrument?

Participants need to bring their own instruments. Unfortunately, CAMMAC does not provide nor rent any instrument, with the exception of the following:

• If you are a beginner, you can purchase plastic Yamaha soprano and alto recorders from our Tuck Shop.
• Viola da gambas (for week of July 2nd) can be rented. If you wish to rent one, please check the appropriate box on the registration form. Our violas are graciously supplied to us by McGill University.
• It is also possible to rent a Celtic harp (for week of July 15th) from Sharlene Wallace. For prices and instructions, please contact her at harp@sharlenewallace.com
• Finally, CAMMAC can provide some ukuleles. Please let us know if you would like to use one of our ukuleles.