ChoralFest
Saturday, July 25 - Saturday, August 1, 2026
Description
Schedule
Songs We've Sung
Conference Leadership
Pricing
Description
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ChoralFest is A Summer Choral Experience for Treble voice singers!
Who should attend
All Treble voice (Alto and Soprano) singers are welcome at ChoralFest, regardless of experience or proficiency. Choir directors, experienced choral singers, and "shower singers" all sit side-by-side to make music in an easygoing and encouraging environment. Whatever your choral background, you will leave relaxed, rejuvenated, and inspired. If you love to sing and love the company of supportive music friends, come join us by the ocean! Overview of ChoralFest We sing every day at ChoralFest! We rehearse each morning and afternoon, exploring the harmonies that only treble voices can make singing together. Our repertoire includes a variety of choral works ranging from simple chants and rounds to complex multi-part selections that stretch us technically and vocally. This year, our culminating event will be a concert on Thursday evening in Saco that is open to the community. Our Friday will be spent preparing pieces to perform for each other at our Talent – No Talent Show (TNT) for our final evening together. This isn’t just a retreat—it’s a vibrant, soul-awakening musical adventure you’ll never forget. ChoralFest Benefits
As singers, we all know that singing lightens our moods, calls on our creativity, and sharpens our thinking. In our usual lives, we have the opportunity to tap into all of these feelings for just a few hours a week. At ChoralFest we are immersed in song for a full week. The rest of the hours are yours to walk the beach, swim, gaze at the ocean, or relax on one of the many porches. You will share experiences and stories with new friends who share your love of music. If you are like most of us who have attended ChoralFest for many years, you’ll count being at ChoralFest as one of your most memorable vacations. When the sun streams through the windows of our seaside music room…when the majesty of the pines moves the spirit within us during chapel…when we see a glint of sunlight dancing on the incoming waves—how can we keep from singing?! 
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Ferry Beach is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year (2026). Join us for an incredible year of celebration!
Photos from previous ChoralFests!
ChoralFest Newsletters
Choralfest 2023
Previous Choralfest
What past ChoralFest participants have said:
"What a super experience Choral Fest is: sun, surf, sand, singing, good friends and good food. What could be better?! As a choir director, I learned so much about vocal technique and production as well as directing techniques. I will bring it all home to my church and take my already good choir to the next level!" ~ Heidi, ME "If you love to sing together with other women, I highly recommend joining ChoralFest at Ferry Beach in Maine. Singing is my biggest hobby and I love spending my vacation week at Ferry Beach singing, laughing, taking time for quiet reflection, relaxing at the beach and eating great food. I love it that every year music for the week is chosen in a thoughtful manner around a theme. " ~ Tirza, CT “When you come together to sing and create music with people in a unique environment of acceptance and love, there is deeper meaning to the music. As a music educator, I learn more about singing in a choir through the eyes of people with varying backgrounds, degrees of musical skills and vocal colors, than when I’m the person in charge. I can listen, learn, participate in something I love and be a part of something greater than myself." ~ Naomi, VA “Singing with others is unlike anything else we can do. It is spiritual practice and ministry at the same time. Spiritual practice strengthens our own spirit giving us the resilience to face all the ups and downs of life with a bit more equanimity. Ministry is a gift of spirit we give to others, our fellow singers and the audiences we sing for. I got and I had the opportunity to give, both equally important to me.” ~ Rev. Jackie, IL |
Schedule
Highlights of the ChoralFest schedule:
Check-In
Begin your ChoralFest adventure at our check-in table on the front porch of Quillen. There we will greet you, provide your conference packet, and answer any questions. We will help you find your lodging and the Dolphin Room, just through the lobby of the Quillen building. Dolphin is our rehearsal room overlooking the ocean, and it is our primary meeting place and musical home during our week together.
Saturday Evening Introduction
Saturday evening is our chance to meet together as a group for the first time! We will introduce ourselves, outline what will happen during the week, answer questions, and get to know each other. And of course, we will sing together!
Conference rehearsal sessions
The morning rehearsal sessions are 10:00-12:00 and afternoon sessions are 3:00-5:00. These are the most important sessions to attend, so that we have enough time to learn our repertoire and build community together as an ensemble. Other than these rehearsals and our performances, all other activities are optional. Our director will provide you with the sheet music at the first rehearsal, and the music is yours to take back home after the conference. ChoralFest singers are asked to cover the cost of this music, which will be added to your registration fee (approximately $35).
Morning/Chapel Choir
Mornings are a chance to visit the ocean to catch a sunrise, take part in an early morning swim or morning movement offering, or just sit on the porch with your morning coffee. After breakfast there is a short Daily Chapel service for those who choose to attend, held outdoors under tall pines in The Grove, weather permitting. All singers are invited to rehearse at 8:15 each morning to form a pick-up choir for that day’s chapel service. Chapel participation is always optional.
Free time
Lunch is at noon, and free time is scheduled between 1:00-3:00pm. Attendees often use this time to visit the beach, take a meditative walk together, go shopping, chat on the porch, play music, or just take a nap! At 5:00, following our afternoon rehearsal, there is the opportunity for a social hour just before dinner.
Evening Programs
Following dinner every evening, ChoralFest members who choose to can share a 15-minute Friendship Circle on the beach led by the Minister of the Week. After dark, Sunday through Wednesday evenings are unstructured, with optional activities offered but also a chance to just rest and relax. Optional activities include events like Line Dancing, Karaoke Night, or the Ukulele Jam and Sing Along - open to any instrument you want to bring with you, or just sing along! Evening options will be listed on the final schedule that you will receive in your packet when you arrive.
Performances
The ChoralFest Concert will be held on Thursday evening at a venue in the town of Saco and is open to the public. Conferees are encouraged to invite their family and friends if they are within driving distance! Dinner will be held an hour early that night so that there will be time to prepare for the concert. There is the possibility of another public concert on Friday during the day, location TBD.
TNT
Friday evening is a time for ChoralFest members to share songs and skits with one another at the Talent-No Talent show (TNT), which is a highlight of the week and is also our closing event. Solo and small group acts are encouraged, and our collaborative pianist Tim and Musician of the Week Ellie are often available to support those who choose to perform – just ask them early in the week!
Begin your ChoralFest adventure at our check-in table on the front porch of Quillen. There we will greet you, provide your conference packet, and answer any questions. We will help you find your lodging and the Dolphin Room, just through the lobby of the Quillen building. Dolphin is our rehearsal room overlooking the ocean, and it is our primary meeting place and musical home during our week together.
Saturday Evening Introduction
Saturday evening is our chance to meet together as a group for the first time! We will introduce ourselves, outline what will happen during the week, answer questions, and get to know each other. And of course, we will sing together!
Conference rehearsal sessions
The morning rehearsal sessions are 10:00-12:00 and afternoon sessions are 3:00-5:00. These are the most important sessions to attend, so that we have enough time to learn our repertoire and build community together as an ensemble. Other than these rehearsals and our performances, all other activities are optional. Our director will provide you with the sheet music at the first rehearsal, and the music is yours to take back home after the conference. ChoralFest singers are asked to cover the cost of this music, which will be added to your registration fee (approximately $35).
Morning/Chapel Choir
Mornings are a chance to visit the ocean to catch a sunrise, take part in an early morning swim or morning movement offering, or just sit on the porch with your morning coffee. After breakfast there is a short Daily Chapel service for those who choose to attend, held outdoors under tall pines in The Grove, weather permitting. All singers are invited to rehearse at 8:15 each morning to form a pick-up choir for that day’s chapel service. Chapel participation is always optional.
Free time
Lunch is at noon, and free time is scheduled between 1:00-3:00pm. Attendees often use this time to visit the beach, take a meditative walk together, go shopping, chat on the porch, play music, or just take a nap! At 5:00, following our afternoon rehearsal, there is the opportunity for a social hour just before dinner.
Evening Programs
Following dinner every evening, ChoralFest members who choose to can share a 15-minute Friendship Circle on the beach led by the Minister of the Week. After dark, Sunday through Wednesday evenings are unstructured, with optional activities offered but also a chance to just rest and relax. Optional activities include events like Line Dancing, Karaoke Night, or the Ukulele Jam and Sing Along - open to any instrument you want to bring with you, or just sing along! Evening options will be listed on the final schedule that you will receive in your packet when you arrive.
Performances
The ChoralFest Concert will be held on Thursday evening at a venue in the town of Saco and is open to the public. Conferees are encouraged to invite their family and friends if they are within driving distance! Dinner will be held an hour early that night so that there will be time to prepare for the concert. There is the possibility of another public concert on Friday during the day, location TBD.
TNT
Friday evening is a time for ChoralFest members to share songs and skits with one another at the Talent-No Talent show (TNT), which is a highlight of the week and is also our closing event. Solo and small group acts are encouraged, and our collaborative pianist Tim and Musician of the Week Ellie are often available to support those who choose to perform – just ask them early in the week!
Songs We've Sung
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Conference Leadership
Pictured: Tim on the (left), Camille (right).
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Music Director:
Camille Saucier We are very excited to welcome Camille Saucier back as our ChoralFest music director this summer! She will choose our repertoire for the week and direct our chorus as we learn and perform these new pieces. Camille is the founder and conductor of Southern Maine’s “Voices In Harmony” since 2001, and has led multiple choirs in notable performances. One of these choirs, the VIH Peace Choir, embarks on European tours and performs in Friendship Concerts across destinations such as Ghana, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Norway, France, Italy, Portugal, and in May 2025, Bulgaria. She is also currently serving as the Artistic Director of the Portland Community Chorus, overseeing the preparation of two concerts annually with this 100-voice auditioned choir. Known for their quality repertoire, the chorus also features an Outreach Choir that performs for local homes, charities, and community events. They extend opportunities to local schools, inviting them to perform in concerts and providing a platform for smaller ensembles. Camille's ethos and mission as a choral conductor revolve around constructing bridges within the community through the power of choral singing. She designs themed programs to bring attention to diverse aspects of society, ranging from historical perspectives and mental health to themes of love, peace, and family. With a natural flair Camille has the ability to unite individuals, crafting meaningful programs that impact not only the audiences but also the participants engaged in singing. In addition to her role as a conductor, Camille is a composer, vocalist, pianist, and accompanist, and actively performs in the local area as a singer-pianist. She is a guest choral clinician and conductor to numerous All State Choirs and festivals throughout northern New England and has presented choral workshops at various conferences. She has also served as president of the Maine chapter of the American Choral Directors Association. Camille takes pride in her role as an educator, participating in adjudicating festivals and offering positive feedback to assist singers in advancing their skills. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Berklee College of Music and the University of Maine in Orono. ChoralFest looks forward to singing and learning with Camille this summer at Ferry Beach! |
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Collaborative Pianist:
Tim Horne Tim Horne has been ChoralFest’s accompanist extraordinaire since 2013. Tim’s musicianship makes him a masterful accompanist who accurately plays any music. His sensitive collaboration with our music director and knowledgeable assistance to us singers are part of what makes ChoralFest such a wonderful week. Tim recently retired as the music director at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Oneonta, NY where he has served for 37 years. He is also the accompanist for the Catskill Choral Society, Hartwick College Choir, and Oneonta High School. |
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Musician of the Week
Ellie Daniels We are thrilled that Ellie Daniels, one of our ChoralFest singers, will be serving as our Musician of the Week this year! Ellie has been singing with ChoralFest since 2023. She loves the adventure of "adult summer camp", meeting friends new and old, playing volleyball, getting sometimes ridiculous and sometimes serious at TNT, hanging out on the beach, and most especially, music and more music! Ellie is the Director of Music at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Belfast, Maine, and has been a church musician since she was a young teenager. She attended Kirkland College as a Music Major before being lured away from school to homestead in Maine. She was an early member of the UUCB congregation before taking 13 years away to work as the accompanist at another church. She returned to UUCB as the accompanist in 2014. In 2017, she retired as a community midwife, allowing her to add the commitment of Choir Director. Ellie loves singing, arranging, and the challenge of frequently learning new pieces for her piano repertory. She also thrives on working with people of all musical abilities in the choir. Ellie is excited to add her musical touch to our chapel services in the Grove, and to help in any of many ways to make the week at ChoralFest a rich and memorable one. |
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Minister of the Week
Rev. Dr. Kharma Amos For the first time in our ChoralFest history we will have our own Minister of the Week, and we are so happy to welcome Rev. Dr. Kharma Amos to sing with us and provide spiritual support throughout our conference week. Rev. Dr. Kharma Amos (she/hers) is an ordained minister with over 20 years of professional experience in pastoral ministry and denominational leadership. Rev. Amos holds plural ministerial standing in the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) where she was granted preliminary fellowship in 2020 (and full fellowship in 2024), as well as the Metropolitan Community Churches where she was originally ordained in 2002. She is a preacher, activist, writer, singer, educator, fundraiser, and administrator with a passion for engaging others who are committed to spiritual growth, inclusive community, and social justice. Prior to beginning her work as the settled Minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Brunswick, Kharma served full-time as the Team Lead for Resource Development for Metropolitan Community Churches, where she was a member of the Senior Leadership Team and managed the denominational staff responsible for finance, fundraising & development, communications, IT, and the creation of resources for ministers and congregations. She also served as the half-time Minister of the Unitarian Universalists of Central Delaware. Kharma received a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from the University of Oregon (1998), a Master of Divinity degree from Lancaster Theological Seminary (2002), and a Doctor of Ministry degree from the Episcopal Divinity School (2008). She also served on the Board of Trustees of Lancaster Theological Seminary for several years. Kharma is committed to lifelong learning and participates in numerous continuing educational programs each year. Kharma was born in Springfield, Missouri (USA) and has lived and worked professionally in Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Florida, and Delaware (USA). She currently lives in Lisbon, Maine with her wife, the Rev. Diane Fisher, a proud Canadian who retired after a 30 year career in ministry. They make their home with three wise cats and one extraordinarily spoiled dog. |
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Conference Coordinators:
Bobbi Giardina and Naomi Schick Conference Co-Coordinator Bobbi Giardina Bobbi was first introduced to Ferry Beach and ChoralFest in the summer of 2017, and it was love at first sight! All year she looks forward to coming back to experience the healing of the ocean, the caring community of Ferry Beach, and the joy of singing together. Bobbi grew up on Long Island and settled in Storrs, Connecticut, where she sings and works with numerous community choirs and her UCC church choir. She is a music teacher and approved early childhood consultant with a master’s degree in music from Lakeland University in Plymouth Wisconsin, a master’s degree in Elementary Education from Cortland College in New York, and a bachelor’s in psychology with a minor in child studies from Stony Brook University on Long Island. As an educator for all ages Bobbi believes in the power of singing to build community. In addition to her work with children, Bobbi provides musical experiences in senior living settings. Her area of special interest is Intergenerational Community Music-Making, a practice that bridges generations and builds meaningful connections through shared musical engagement. In addition to singing, teaching, and spending time with her family and two dogs, Bobbi enjoys playing piano and ukulele. Conference Co-Coordinator Naomi Schick Naomi is a retired music teacher. She has taught all levels from Pre-K – HS in Tennessee, New York, Rhode Island and Virginia, but her favorite has always been middle school. Currently residing in Cumberland, Maine, her retirement time is spent singing in a community choir, women’s choir and hospice choir, as well as playing ukulele in two groups and enjoying water aerobics or being in the water in any capacity. Ferry Beach holds a special place in her heart for the ambiance, conversations and the relationships she has built through ChoralFest since 2009. |
Can't wait to see you all this July!
Pricing
Conference Package (Price per Person) |
Conference Package for Lodgers: (Includes conference fee/music materials, access to all programming, plus all daily meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner for the entirety of ChoralFest.) Adult: $693 Conference Package for Commuters: (Includes conference fee/access to all programming, plus daily lunch & dinner for the entirety of ChoralFest.) Adult Commuter: $574 Meals are included, there is no way to separate meals from the package price. Note: Lodging is not included in the conference package price, it's added on, the price varies depending on your desired lodging accommodation, see below. |
Lodging |
View our Lodging Page HERE for more information/photos of lodging options. Cottages/Cabins Morris Cottage: $550 per night Kelley Cottage: $515 per night Claflin Cottage: $515 per night Metz Cabins: $250 per night Cross Rooms: $205 per night Dorms: Quillen Family: $170 per night Ocean Queen: $165 per night Ocean Twin: $155 per night Queen Dorms: $145 per night Standard Dorms: $130 per night Camping: $45-55 depending on site *NEW* -LINENS are now INCLUDED in your stay, for ALL lodging spaces in 2026! |
Membership |
Membership must be paid to attend any Ferry Beach program and is due annually. Individual Membership: $40 Family Membership: $65 See our Membership Page to learn more and to purchase or renew a membership. You can also renew your membership on your reservation. |
Register |
To register online click here, by phone, call the office at 207-282-4489 You can also email [email protected]. |
Our mission at Ferry Beach is to awaken hearts to explore, grow and renew the spirit of universal love.
We work by creating programing and events in the areas of Arts & Culture, Education, Spirituality, Sustainability, Personal Growth and Justice & Action.
We work by creating programing and events in the areas of Arts & Culture, Education, Spirituality, Sustainability, Personal Growth and Justice & Action.
Our mission at Ferry Beach is to awaken hearts to explore, grow and renew the spirit of universal love.
We work by creating programing and events in the areas of Arts & Culture, Education, Spirituality, Sustainability, Personal Growth and Justice & Action.
We work by creating programing and events in the areas of Arts & Culture, Education, Spirituality, Sustainability, Personal Growth and Justice & Action.
