What is Choral Rendezvous?

Choral Rendezvous is a five-day choral music gathering designed to enhance the choral music needs of individual singers and church and secular choirs, alike.

Choral Rendezvous is an ecumenical outreach of the Episcopal Diocese of Idaho, and St. Philip’s Episcopal Church of Challis who, with the help of other congregations in Challis, have been serving church choirs and individual singers of all faiths for over 15 years.

At CR everyone sings, everyone learns, and everyone has a great time making music with new friends in beautiful central Idaho.

What will I gain from the experience?

The program fills gaps in many singer’s training. Those who sang in school often have had few opportunities to learn new skills since school ended. Those who didn’t discover their voice until later in life may never have studied voice. The young adult singers are still in school, but rarely have they sung with a great director or as an essential part of a masterful choir.

CR singers are often the core of community music in their home towns. They are the singers in the town musical production, the duets and trios who sing at weddings and funerals, and every Sunday they sing in church choirs all around town. With the very specific training which CR provides, singers grow musically and take home skills which will improve their caliber of music.

To make this possible, the CR experience teaches singers to start with good music and arrangements, learn about the music they are singing, take every opportunity to learn new skills, and share what they learn. This is particularly important for small choirs. The size of a choir does not determine the quality of their sound. Above all, the participants can have fun while they grow as musicians and performers.

For the Choral Rendezvous Registration Form, click here.

What will Choral Rendezvous cost?

$210.00 General Registration

$190.00 Early Bird Registration until February 28, 2010

Registration includes: Choral Rendezvous event, opening reception with light buffet, Sunday brunch, T-shirt, all sheet music, folder, and the Sunday farewell party at the Chewning ranch. All private lessons are paid for separately.

The possibility of financial aid for registration or making a donation is more fully discussed here.

Costs for adult housing and meals are separate and can range from staying in a B&B with meals at restaurants, to camping out and cooking your meals on a portable backpacker’s stove. Adults are free to pick what best fits their pocketbook and time schedule. However, you are expected to be on time to all sessions which start at 8:30 a.m. It's generally thought to be most convenient to stay at Living Waters Ranch (LWR) and eat your meals there; however, other options are possible.

What's the schedule?

Participants should plan to arrive at Living Waters Ranch at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 21, 2010. The first rehearsal begins following a light buffet dinner. From Wednesday evening forward there are rehearsals every day and concerts Friday and Saturday evenings, and Sunday afternoon. In addition, the choir sings during an ecumenical service Sunday morning, followed by a brunch at the church.

Each day also includes clinics, recreation options, and time for meals and rest. Singers can sign-up and schedule private lessons. Each day ends with a voluntary spiritual gathering.

A group photo shoot immediately follows the Sunday concert. After e-mail addresses and hugs are shared, everyone can pack up and head home or they can join Bob and Ginny Chewning at their ranch 22 miles downriver for a farewell party.

Click here for a detailed sample schedule from 2009.

Where does Choral Rendezvous take place?

The Choral Rendezvous experience takes place about four-and-a-half miles west of Challis, high in the mountain foothills above the Salmon River. Choral Rendezvous host, Living Waters Ranch, is situated on 142 acres running 3/4 miles along Garden Creek and is known for its inspirational mountain views. Visit the Living Waters Ranch Website.

Where will I eat and sleep?

Since all the clinics and rehearsals are at Living Waters Ranch (LWR), most singers find it convenient to stay at the ranch; however, adult singers are free to stay and eat where they wish. Young adult singers stay at LWR.
Challis Area Chamber Website
Living Waters Ranch Website

Does Choral Rendezvous accept young adults?

Choral Rendezvous welcomes young adults. The most enthusiastic singers at CR are the young adults. They arrive interested in music, wanting to learn all CR has to offer, and eager to have fun. Young adult participants are those entering the 9th grade in the fall through college age.

Young adults are an essential part of Choral Rendezvous. Though everyone sings in the large choir, young adults also have their own choir, director and rehearsal schedule. The younger singers generally participate in the men's or women's sectional choirs and have been a major part of the Saturday evening concert.

Have questions? Contact Wendy Rodgers, young adult chairperson.
(208) 879-4626
windirio@custertel.net

What else is there to do?

During activity breaks you can enjoy a spontaneous game of hoops or horseshoes. Wherever you stay you can take hikes, or follow where your camera leads you. During rehearsal breaks, participants are free to plug into any of the recreation opportunities Challis has to offer. A Float Trip is available on Friday afternoon and there is time for golf in town. The young adults have other group outings. Rock hunting excursions and fly fishing classes are also offered. Further information on these activities is available during the reception.

You can also just settle back for a quiet rest.