Rhythms of the World
It’s all about the groove! Get ready to feel energized, inspired, and connected through the universal language of music.
Programming in Week 8 draws on cross-cultural musical traditions from around the world.
Rhythm and cultural variety set the tone, giving energy and direction to a program that includes a diverse choice of classes and workshops, from chamber music and choir to jazz improvisation and combos. A songwriting workshop gives participants the opportunity to collaborate with others or develop individual projects, and a sound recording workshop provides hands-on experience in audio production. Guitar, recorder, piano, vocal technique, and percussion classes round out the music program, while a variety of movement and mindfulness practice workshops add a welcome wellness dimension.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
✚ A high energy choral program built around rhythm, led by Mélodie Rabatel
This week, the choral repertoire combines pleasure, energy and cultural diversity, with works ranging from a hymn to freedom sung in several languages to Celtic dance, Acadian folk song and tango. Featured pieces include Paul Halley’s A Freedom Trilogy, the traditional Acadian song Grain de mil (arranged with foot tapping by M. Rabatel), Kirby Shaw’s A Celtic Dance, and a Piazzolla tango arranged for choir. The week concludes with a group performance that brings together all singers, of all ages, on stage.
✚ Songwriting and composition workshop
Work with seasoned songwriters Rachel Beausoleil and Kevin O’Neil in a creative and supportive environment. Participants can collaborate with others or develop individual projects, with coaching available throughout the week. This workshop is open to all forms of songwriting and composition, including digital music creation using GarageBand and other software.
✚ Sound recording workshop
This hands-on workshop covers the basics of non-linear audio recording and post-production, with a focus on creative organization and technical efficiency. Participants will also learn how to create their own soundtracks on the computer. Open to all experience levels, it offers practical tools for building and refining your musical ideas with more confidence and consistency.
✚ Music, Movement, and Mindfulness
For musicians, physical and mental well-being are as important as rehearsal time, and this week offers three distinct opportunities to explore that connection:
- Mindfulness meditation in nature: Guided by Dr. Moire Stevenson, participants cultivate calm and present-moment awareness while experiencing the soothing sights and sounds of CAMMAC’s natural environment.
- Tai chi: Improve balance, coordination, and flexibility while reducing stress and tension in an engaging workshop led by Jean-Hubert Gagnon (Comme des nuages)
- Dalcroze workshop: Explore how rhythm, movement, and improvisation can deepen your musicality and strengthen your connection to music from the inside out, under the guidance of Mélina Dalaire.
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: July 13, 2026
- Chamber Music – Pianists: July 13, 2026
- Combos: July 20, 2026
- Masterclass – Voice: July 20, 2026
- Songwriting & Composition: July 20, 2026
CLASSES FOR ADULTS:
Vocal classes & ensembles:
- A cappella
- Choir
- Voice Masterclass *P*
- Vocal technique and improvisation
Classes and ensembles for instruments:
- Cello
- Chamber music for winds, strings and piano *P*
- Combos *P*
- Guitar
- Jam sessions
- Jazz piano and improvisation
- Klezmer ensemble
- Large ensemble
- Percussion
- Piano (intermediate and advanced)
- Recorder
- Ukulele
Other classes:
- Active listening
- Dalcroze
- Mindfulness in nature
- Musical creation
- Songwriting and composition *P*
- Sound recording workshop
- Tai Chi
- Visual Arts
CLASSES FOR CHILDREN
- Chamber music
- Choir
- Dalcroze
- Jam sessions
- Percussion
- Piano
- Recorder
- Visual arts
REPERTOIRE
CHORAL REPERTOIRE:
Under the direction of Mélodie Rabatel, this week’s choral program draws on a range of musical cultures, highlighting rhythm as a defining and expressive element.
Repertoire for Large Choir:
Celtic Dance (arr. Kirby Shaw)
This arrangement is inspired by the rhythmic drive of traditional Celtic music, with strong accents and percussive vocal writing that evoke the energy of folk dance.
Libertango / Primavera Porteña, Astor Piazzolla (arr. Oscar Escalada)
Music by Astor Piazzolla brings the distinctive rhythms of tango into the choral setting. These pieces combine driving ostinatos with lyrical lines, capturing both intensity and elegance.
Grain de mil, traditional (arr. M. Rabatel)
A lively Acadian folk song from Eastern Canada, traditionally sung with podorythmie (foot tapping) to keep the rhythm for dancers.
Freedom Trilogy (Paul Halley & Theresa Thomason)
This work combines Kyrie de Angelis, Haleluya Pelo Tsa Rona/Siyahamba, and Amazing Grace in a rich tapestry of rhythm and jubilation.
Hymne de CAMMAC (Mélodie Rabatel)
An original choral work by Mélodie Rabatel that combines voices and instrumental accompaniment in a warm, celebratory tribute to the music, friendships, traditions, and intergenerational spirit of the CAMMAC Music Centre
Repertoire for a cappella ensemble:
Ahuna
An energetic traditional South African choral song in the Sotho language that blends African rhythmic vitality with a joyful sacred text.
Bring Me Little Water, Silvy (Moira Smiley)
This American folk song uses overlapping vocal lines and body percussion to build a strong sense of pulse and momentum.
Kumbaya
A simple, soulful traditional spiritual song that expresses a heartfelt plea for compassion, unity, and divine presence.
Tere, raevakuninganna (Urmas Sisask)
A radiant and expressive a cappella choral work that honors the Virgin Mary through soaring harmonies, rhythmic energy, and the distinctive spiritual style of contemporary Estonian sacred music.
Terre-Neuve (Marie-Claire Saindon)
A vivid and evocative choral work that celebrates the rugged beauty, powerful geology, and ancient mysteries of Newfoundland through rich imagery of ocean, rock, ice, wind, and snow.
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
RACHEL
BEAUSOLEIL
Director
Voice
Vocal technique
Songwriting and composition
CRAIG
GIRARDIN
Director Children’s program
Percussion
Jam sessions
SIMON
ALDRICH
(Clarinet)
Chamber music
JULIAN
ARMOUR
(Cello)
Chamber music
ANNETTE
BAUER
Recorder
CORINNE
BERGERON
Chamber music coordination
ROBIN
CHEMTOV
(Piano)
Jazz and improvisation
Combos
MELINA
DALAIRE
Piano
Chamber music for children
Dalcroze
ALEXANDRE
ETHIER
Guitar
Active Listening
JEAN-HUBERT
GAGNON
TaÏ-chÏ
WANDA
LOWENSTEYN
Visual arts for adults and children
CHAD
LINSLEY
Piano
Combos
Chamber music
JAMES
MCGOWAN
(Piano)
Vocal accompaniment
Improvisation
ELVIRA
MISBAKHOVA
(Violin / Viola)
Chamber music
KEVIN
O’NEIL
Songwriting and composition
Ukulele
MELODIE
RABATEL
Choir for adults and children
A cappella
MOIRE
STEVENSON
Mindfulness in nature
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 August 16 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 August 23 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.