Music & Mindfulness
Intensive programs in harp and voice and more!
Experience the full range of CAMMAC’s musical offerings in a week shaped by a mindful focus on well-being.
This week offers a mindful and balanced approach to music-making, where artistic intensity unfolds within a thoughtful, harmonious rhythm.
Chamber music remains at the heart of the program, with the Quatuor Cobalt returning for a second consecutive week. Intensive programs in voice and harp punctuate the schedule, including introductory harp classes accessible to beginners and young musicians. The week also integrates activities designed to support well-being: inspiring choral repertoire, moments of mindfulness, yoga, and hypnosis sessions, all woven naturally into the daily rhythm. Additional classes in piano, recorder, percussion, dance, and visual arts round out the experience, offering a balance between focused artistic work and personal exploration.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
✚ Harp intensive programs for intermediates and beginners
Annabelle Renzo, professional harpist and founder of Sérénité Sonore, will lead the intensive program for intermediate and advanced harpists. Students will develop precision and evenness of tone through advanced fingering and placement, explore dynamics, articulation, and expressive phrasing in the context of selected repertoire, and discover extended techniques such as harmonics and glissandi.
Under the guidance of Ian Hepburn (founding member of the Vankleek Hill Music Festival and Music & Arts Summer Camp), the introduction to harp program for beginners of all ages (adults, teens and children) will teach basic harp technique while exploring accessible melodies from the harp repertoire. No prior experience required.
Class sizes are limited to ensure personalized attention, and flexible scheduling allows participants to join the morning choir or another class alongside the harp workshops. Harp rentals are available.
✚ NEW! Vocal intensive program
This intensive program is designed for singers with a solid vocal foundation who wish to refine their technique and interpretive skills, within a stimulating, non-competitive environment.
Participants will work on solos, duos, and trios from the classical repertoire (French mélodie, Lied, art song, opera, operetta, folk song). Through masterclasses, technical workshops, and 2 to 3 short, individual sessions with vocal teacher and then with the accompanist, each singer receives personalized guidance tailored to their own goals.
The vocal instruction is shared between soprano Geneviève Proulx, recognized for her musicality and expressive phrasing, and soprano Élyse Charlebois, known for her warm voice and the intensity of her interpretations. They are joined by pianist Anthony Lampron, whose deep affinity for vocal repertoire and keen interest in language and diction make him an exceptional collaborator.
Participants are asked to arrive with a solo piece prepared and will receive ensemble music in advance to begin learning before the program starts.
✚ Chamber music with the Quatuor Cobalt
While chamber music is a cornerstone of every CAMMAC week, Week 4 has a special buzz for dedicated ensemble players who thrive on the intensity and pleasure of musical exchange. We are delighted to announce the return of the Quatuor Cobalt: Guillaume Villeneuve (violin), Diane Bayard (violin), Clément Bufferne (viola), and François Leclerc (cello). The quartet is distinguished by an eclectic approach that embraces early music on period instruments and contemporary creation with equal enthusiasm, and their engaging teaching style draws out the best in players of all levels.
The Quatuor Cobalt is currently performing the complete string quartets of Franz Schubert in a four-year cycle from 2024 to 2028, marking the bicentenary of the composer’s death. Participants may choose to explore this repertoire alongside them, or explore other chamber music from the standard repertoire.
Pre-formed groups are welcome.
✚ A focus on well-being
Music and well-being go hand in hand this week, with holistic classes and simple mindful practices woven into each day. Yoga sessions blend movement, breathwork, and relaxation into a practice that complements the physical and mental demands of a full week of music-making. In addition, the hypnosis class guides participants through techniques for deepening focus, quieting mental noise, and unlocking creative flow.
A diverse selection of classes and workshops is offered for adult, teen, and child musicians at all levels including beginners.
- The children’s program is open to ages 4½–12.
- Teens may enroll in classes designed for their age group as well as adult classes. Additional classes for teens may be added depending on registration and teacher availability.
- No music-reading experience required.
- Please note that the list of classes is subject to change.
IMPORTANT ➜ Some classes require pre-registration and advance preparation.
These classes are marked with *P* in the list of classes for this week. If you are interested in joining one of these classes, please read the important details before signing up. The deadlines for these classes for this week are as follows:
- Chamber Music – Winds & Strings: June 15, 2026
- Chamber Music – Pianists: June 15, 2026
- Masterclass Intensive – Voice: June 22, 2026
- Piano – Intermediate: June 22, 2026
- Piano – Advanced: June 22, 2026
- Piano 4-hands: June 22, 2026
- Harp Intensive – Beginner: June 22, 2026
- Harp Intensive – Intermediate: June 22, 2026
- Harp Rental: June 22, 2026
CLASSES FOR ADULTS:
Vocal classes & ensembles:
- A cappella
- Choir
- Vocal intensive program *P*
- Vocal technique
- Voice masterclass *P*
Classes and ensembles for instruments:
- Chamber music for winds, strings and piano *P*
- Flute
- Harp intensive program: beginner *P* (rental available)
- Harp intensive program: intermediate *P* (rental available)
- Introduction to ensemble playing for strings
- Introduction to ensemble playing for winds
- Orchestra / Large ensemble
- Piano: intermediate *P*
- Piano: advanced *P*
- Piano for 4-hands *P*
- Recorder
- Wind ensemble
Other classes:
- Active listening
- Dance
- Hypnosis
- Orff or Percussion
- Visual arts
- Yoga
CLASSES FOR CHILDREN
- Chamber music
- Choir
- Dance
- Harp for beginners
- Orff or Percussion
- Piano
- Recorder
- Visual arts
REPERTOIRE
Choral Repertoire:
Under the direction of Marg Stubington, this week’s choral program brings together three works united by themes of passion and renewal.
Across the Vast, Eternal Sky (Ola Gjeilo)
Written in 2013 by Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo with lyrics by Charles Anthony Silvestri, this work for SATB choir, string quartet, and piano draws on the myth of the phoenix to explore themes of spiritual growth and transformation.
O Magnum Mysterium (Morten Lauridsen)
Composed in 1994, this a cappella motet sets the ancient Christmas text with music Lauridsen himself described as “a quiet song of profound inner joy.” It has since become one of the most beloved works in the contemporary choral canon.
Sing Gently (Eric Whitacre)
Composed in 2020 for SATB choir and harp, this piece took on special significance during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Whitacre united over 17,000 singers from 129 countries through a virtual choir performance of the work. It became a symbol of hope and resilience, and a testament to the power of music to build community across distance.
Download the CAMMAC songbook (compiled by Michel Beauchamp):
DIRECTORS AND TEACHERS
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
GENEVIÈVE
PROULX
Assistant director
Voice and vocal technique
MARG
STUBINGTON
Co-directror
Choral conductor
ELYSE
LAMANQUE-GIRARD
Director children’s program
Recorder
DIANE
BAYARD
(Violin)
Orchestra
Chamber music
CORINNE
BERGERON
Chamber music coordinator
MYRIAM
BERNARD
(Piano)
Chamber music
ALICE
BOISSINOT
Choir for children
Choir for teens
Chamber music
CLÉMENT
BUFFERNE
(Viola)
Orchestra
Chamber Music
CATHERINE
CHABOT
Flute
Chamber music
ÉLYSE
CHARLEBOIS
(Soprano)
Intensive vocal program
MATYS
COLPRON
Percussion for children and adults
GENEVIEVE
JALBERT
(Piano)
Accompaniment for voice and choir
Piano for children
ANTHONY
LAMPRON
(Piano)
Accompaniment for voice
Intensive Program
MARK
LATHAM
(Violin)
Orchestra
Chamber Music
FRANÇOIS
LECLERC
(Cello)
Chamber Music
IAN
HEPBURN
Harp for adult beginners, children and teens
WANDA
LOWENSTEYN
Visual arts
MAURICE
PEREZ
Dance
ANNABELLE
RENZO
Harp – Intensive Program
Hypnosis workshop
GUILLAUME
VILLENEUVE
(Violin)
Chamber music
BRENDA-LEE
WILSON
Yoga
RESERVE 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
GENERAL INFORMATION
Arrival: Sunday July 19 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: Sunday July 26 after breakfast
• Rooms must be vacated by 9 a.m.
Meal Plans:
• Supper and an evening snack are included on the day of your arrival.
• Breakfast, 3 snacks, lunch, and supper are included from Monday to Saturday.
• Breakfast is included on the day of your departure.
IMPORTANT: Please indicate dietary requirements and food allergies when you register.
Is this your first time attending a summer music retreat at CAMMAC?
You’re invited to attend an online information session for new participants via Zoom to answer all your questions about the music program.
Five dates are available:
- Friday, March 13, 7:00 p.m.
- Monday, March 30, 8:00 p.m.
- Thursday, April 16, 7:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, May 5, 7:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, June 10, 8:00 p.m
Music is the highlight of each and every day at CAMMAC, from the musical wake-up call to evening activities, Check out videos from past years’ camp activities, testimonials, and more!
What to bring?
Click below for a list of useful items to bring for your stay, as well as some additional information you may find helpful.
Are there still a few things you’d like to know?
Click below to access our “Frequently Asked Questions” page. You will find general information on how the camp works, financial issues such as cancellation policy and payment terms, as well as some information on the musical aspect of the programs and the camp.