Frequently asked questions

Yes, you have to participate 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.

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

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.

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 people and get to know people from all over North America and the world!

Morning
Morning concert
Choir for all
1st class
2nd class
3rd class

Afternoon
Siesta
Free time to practice, make music with friends, enjoy the site

Evening
Choir or orchestra
Concert, dance, participant cabaret

Saturday evening:  Participant concert

Please note:  some weeks, such as Week 2, have a somewhat different schedule

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 the week that will guide the life of the musicians, children, teens and adults, whether they’re 4 or 84!

Arriving on Sunday afternoon gives participants time to get settled in:  shared room or not; tents and other gear for the campers; checking 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 and registration. 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, one class after the other 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 canoeing 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 frees up their parents and lets them sing or play in the orchestra.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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”).

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).

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.