ChoralFest
Saturday, July 12 - Friday, July 18, 2025
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 treblevoices 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. We always prepare some fun pieces to sing Thursday night at the Talent Show with GAYLA, the gay men's conference who share Ferry Beach with us during our week of ChoralFest. Our week culminates with an inspirational chapel service when we blend choral performance and worship in a unique and memorable way, all in the majestic setting of Ferry Beach’s outdoor chapel in the pines. 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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Commuters: Want to be a commuter but don't know how to register? Click here to learn. 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 DeWolfe Dining Hall. 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 two 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 so please be prepared to pay for that when you arrive (approximately $30, cash or check).
Morning/Chapel Choir
Mornings are a chance to visit the ocean to catch a sunrise, take part in an early morning Polar Bear Swim, dance in a Sunrise Circle, 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, including the GAYLA brothers who share the campus with us, are invited to rehearse at 8:15 each morning to form a pick-up choir for that day’s chapel service. Chapel participation is optional except for our ChoralFest performance, which will take place during Daily Chapel at the end of the week.
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 with the GAYLA brothers just before dinner.
Evening Programs
Sunday through Wednesday evenings are fairly unstructured, with optional activities offered but also a chance to just rest and relax. After dinner, GAYLA and ChoralFest members who choose to can share a 15 minute Friendship Circle on the beach led by the Minister of the Week. After that, there is a short optional check-in circle for ChoralFest members, where we offer support to one another as the week unfolds. ChoralFest hosts an evening ukulele jam and sing-along – open to any instrument you want to bring with you, or just sing along! And GAYLA often invites ChoralFest to take part in some of their fun evening activities as well. Evening options will be listed on the final schedule that you will receive in your packet when you arrive.
Performances
ChoralFest will have two performances during the week. Thursday evening is our time for ChoralFest to present a couple songs at the Talent-No Talent show (TNT), which we share with the GAYLA brothers and is always a highlight of the week. Solo and small acts are encouraged, and our accompanist is usually available to support those who choose to perform. As singers know, there is a special energy to be standing in the lights on stage and putting all your energy into inspiring words and music, especially when shared with such a friendly and appreciative audience!
Friday morning is our main performance, held under the trees of our beautiful chapel in The Grove. This service is a weaving of songs and readings to inspire us as we prepare to leave the wonders of the beach.
Begin your ChoralFest adventure at our check-in table on the front porch of DeWolfe Dining Hall. 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 two 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 so please be prepared to pay for that when you arrive (approximately $30, cash or check).
Morning/Chapel Choir
Mornings are a chance to visit the ocean to catch a sunrise, take part in an early morning Polar Bear Swim, dance in a Sunrise Circle, 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, including the GAYLA brothers who share the campus with us, are invited to rehearse at 8:15 each morning to form a pick-up choir for that day’s chapel service. Chapel participation is optional except for our ChoralFest performance, which will take place during Daily Chapel at the end of the week.
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 with the GAYLA brothers just before dinner.
Evening Programs
Sunday through Wednesday evenings are fairly unstructured, with optional activities offered but also a chance to just rest and relax. After dinner, GAYLA and ChoralFest members who choose to can share a 15 minute Friendship Circle on the beach led by the Minister of the Week. After that, there is a short optional check-in circle for ChoralFest members, where we offer support to one another as the week unfolds. ChoralFest hosts an evening ukulele jam and sing-along – open to any instrument you want to bring with you, or just sing along! And GAYLA often invites ChoralFest to take part in some of their fun evening activities as well. Evening options will be listed on the final schedule that you will receive in your packet when you arrive.
Performances
ChoralFest will have two performances during the week. Thursday evening is our time for ChoralFest to present a couple songs at the Talent-No Talent show (TNT), which we share with the GAYLA brothers and is always a highlight of the week. Solo and small acts are encouraged, and our accompanist is usually available to support those who choose to perform. As singers know, there is a special energy to be standing in the lights on stage and putting all your energy into inspiring words and music, especially when shared with such a friendly and appreciative audience!
Friday morning is our main performance, held under the trees of our beautiful chapel in The Grove. This service is a weaving of songs and readings to inspire us as we prepare to leave the wonders of the beach.
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 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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Accompanist
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 director and knowledgeable assistance to us singers are part of what makes ChoralFest such a wonderful week. We also rely on him to step in wherever needed for both ChoralFest and GAYLA, which he always does with a smile. 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 Rolnick Ellie is honored to be Musician of the Week again this year. She will lead the combined ChoralFest/GAYLA Pick-up Choir for the optional daily Chapel services. Ellie has served as choir director at the UU Church of Saco and Biddeford, Maine since 2008. She was called to music ministry and choral leading while attending the very first ChoralFest at Ferry Beach in 2007. In 2008 she helped create “The Harbor Singers,” a bedside choir for end of life. No longer at its helm, the group continues to fulfill its mission. Ellie received her Music Leadership Credentials through the Unitarian Universalist Association in 2014 to help her be a stronger music leader. She has been a chiropractor for over 45 years and is retiring in place seeing patients only two days a week. Part of her time away from practice will be spent honing her music-writing skills and bringing more of her original songs to life. In the past, Ellie has led workshops on “Singing Meditation” and “Singing at End of Life.” Ellie and her husband Ben Caron live in Biddeford with their yellow lab Poco, while their two grown sons and toddler grandsons live nearby. Ellie’s personal mission statement is to “bring love, light and healing to the world through chiropractic and music.” |
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Minister of the Week
Reverend Dr. Scott Dillard The Reverend Dr. Scott Dillard is recently retired from a career in higher education. He served throughout his career as a professor of communication and theatre. He most recently was Professor of Communication and chair of the Department of Communication at Georgia College and State University. The Rev. Dillard is an ordained interfaith minister and since his ordination he has filled Unitarian Universalist pulpits throughout the southeast. In recent years he has mainly preached on a rotating basis at Mountain Light UU Church in Ellijay, Ga. Scott has been with his husband Chris for thirty years. They reside in Milledgeville, GA and have a second home in Blue Ridge, GA. They have a daughter, Katrina who is married to Johnny Kim and three grandchildren. They also have a mini schnauzer named Sasha. In his retirement, he plans to follow his heart and his whims. One thing that he does have lined up is some work with the local Milledgeville arts alliance for whom he will host events and perform and direct reader's theatre productions. |
Pictured: Bobbi on the (left), Barb (right).
Pictured: Barb on the (left), Bobbi (right).
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Conference Coordinators:
Bobbi Giardina and Barb Weber Barb Weber Barb has been attending ChoralFest since 2010. She discovered ChoralFest at a time in her life when she was in need of renewal and found exactly what she was looking for at Ferry Beach. Barb is from Dayton Ohio, where she sings with her church as well as the World House Choir, a social justice group. She took community college choral classes for 19 years and formerly sang with the Bach Society of Dayton. Barb is a retired mental health therapist. She and her husband have two grown daughters. Barb's interests besides music include reading, knitting, hiking, and gardening. 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. As an educator Bobbi believes in the power of singing to build community. She is currently working toward a Master of Music degree and a Kodaly Music Teaching Certificate. In addition to singing, teaching, studying, and spending time with her family and two dogs, Bobbi enjoys playing piano and ukulele. |
Can't wait to see you all this July!
Pricing
Conference Package (Price per Person) |
Conference Package for Lodgers: Adult: $546 (Includes Daily Meals + Conference Fees) Conference Package for Commuters: Adult (Commuter): $462 (Includes Conference Fees + Lunch & Dinner) 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 |
Lodging Prices Vary Base on Selection. See our Lodging Page for pricing information. |
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.
