Circle of Music
Sunday, August 16 - Saturday, August 22, 2026
Description
Workshops
Conference Leadership
Pricing
Description
Circle of Music
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Ferry Beach is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year (2026). Join us for an incredible year of celebration!
MUSICIANS TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON FOR 2026!
Nancy Smith Circle of Music Scholarship
The Nancy Smith Circle of Music Scholarship fund has been established in memory of the late Nancy Smith, long-term Circle of Music Attendee. Nancy nurtured her spirituality and celebrated her love of music through Unitarian Universalist church choirs and the Ferry Beach Retreat and Conference Center Circle of Music Program. Through the scholarship started by her loving son Scott Smith and sister Lucinda Sanders, the memory of Nancy will live on in one of her most cherished places. To apply for the scholarship, please fill out the form below. Each year a scholarship recipient will be selected two months prior to the start of the Circle of Music Conference. |
Workshops
2026 WORKSHOPS & ACTIVITIES COMING SOON....
2025 Workshops & Activities (No Need to Preregister for Workshops):
Workshops by MAGPIE! Terry & Greg's Group singing sessions:
-Morning 90-Minute Workshops
When We Stand Together: Songs of Struggle and Protest"
Greg & Terry will lead us all in singing some of the great songs of struggle and victory from the vast songbook of American history. Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite song on the topic at hand.
Monday - Bound for the Promised Land: Harriet Tubman, the UGRR and John Brown
The abolition movement and its heroines and heroes have given rise to some of the greatest songs in our history, telling some of the greatest stories.
Tuesday - Forward Into Light: Women's Suffrage
The movement to secure for women the sacred right to vote used song effectively for nearly a hundred years.
Wednesday - Bread & Roses: Songs of Working People
From the early 19th century through the present day, workers have used song to tell their stories and to foster solidarity in their fight to organize unions, for better pay and compensation, better working conditions, and justice.
Thursday - Everybody Sings Freedom: Civil Rights Then and Now
The modern Civil Rights Movement gave rise to some of the most powerful music in our history, adapting lyrics of old songs dating back over a hundred years, as well as giving birth to new compositions. Different songs had different functions, purposes and objectives. While most were sung to raise spirits, promote solidarity, and foster determination, others were rallying cries sung in mass meetings and on the front lines of demonstrations. Still others were anthems that inspired through emotional appeal, remembrance of sacrifice, and invocation of courage and group will. The Movement has not ended.
Friday - Give Light: Songs of Peace and Progress
This session will explore the repertoire of songs that have been inspirational across lines of specific movements, songs that might inspire any group engaged in a campaign or cause. These are songs that focus on the universals, the right to live in peace and the march toward human progress.
-Afternoon 60-Minute Workshops
Monday - Water is Life:
Earth songs that focus on that part of the planet that represents three- quarters of its composition, essential to all living beings.
Tuesday - Rachel Carson & Songs for the Earth:
A couple of songs specifically inspired by the "mother of the modern environmental movement" and others that are connected to environmental causes she championed and wrote about.
Wednesday - Sheroes & Heroes:
Songs inspired by, written by, or that are stories of our heroines, heroes and ancestors, the ones who inspired us, and blazed the trail we walk, the ones upon whose shoulders we stand.
Thursday - Sheroes & Heroes Part II: More that we couldn’t squeeze in on Wednesday
Friday - Singing Through the Hard Times:
Songs that hearken to our own strengths, both individually and together and that might inspire us to keep moving forward.
Ukulele:
Description coming soon....
Sing Out:
This workshop will give participants an opportunity to connect and experience the joy and power singing and creating harmonies and rhythms in a safe and welcoming environment.
We will:
- Experiment and “play” with making sounds and vocalizing, using our voices as various
instruments, “tuning”, and vocal improvisation.
- Learn 3 songs with multiple layers
-Experience combining sound and simple movements
- End with Song Circle reflections
Exercises are taken from a variety of sources including Rhiannon, James D’Angelo, Silvia Nakkach, and Simon Faulkner
This workshop is presented by Diana is a licensed Social Worker on Massachusetts’ North Shore and has presented various theatre and storytelling events at libraries in her area.
When World Events Threaten to Overwhelm us, Infinite Love Helps
During the Workshop we will talk about Infinite Love and how we each envision this resource. Then I will guide us in a meditation infused with infinite love. We will practice receiving our own pain, while knowing it is being transformed by love. We will then send out love and compassion to ourselves and others.
This practice is inspired by Tonglen, a Buddhist meditation. - offered by Jane Prairie, a retired social worker and Circle of Music participant, who teaches mindfulness skills and has been learning about Buddhism.
Hammered Dulcimer Experiences!
Once again, Keith Prairie will bring his hammered dulcimers for introduction and for lessons. In an evening presentation – Making Magic with Multiple Strings – Keith will lead an assortment of songs and tunes involving, well, Multiple Strings! And, if the timing is right, he may delight us with the debut of his album titled “Soothing sounds for Troubled Times.”
On two afternoons, Keith will offer hammered dulcimer workshops that will help beginners with how to hold the hammers, play scales, and learn where to find the notes. You’ll be working on playing “Sky Boat Song” – so please be familiar with the tune beforehand. In addition, for more advanced players, Keith will set up one-on-one sessions to guide you through some exercises working on playing “Star of the County Down” or tunes of your choosing to help you hone and advance your playing. Bring your own dulcimer if you have one, but Keith will also have several hammered dulcimers available for your use. If you need help tuning your dulcimer, contact Keith at [email protected]
*Some of this may change slightly before our week, but it would definitely help if you contacted Keith at the email above and let him know IF you’re interested, and what particular interests you may have.
Ukelele
Ukelele I: Uke I is for complete beginners BUT you’ll be playing tunes after the first class! Some ukes owned by Ferry Beach are available, but you may enjoy the class more if you have your own. You can easily buy a perfectly good uke for about $100; make sure it’s a concert or tenor uke. Also helpful: a clip-on tuner since ukes go out of tune A LOT!
Ukelele II: This class is for those of you who have at least some basic uke knowledge and practice. We’ll focus on playing lots of songs together so be sure to bring along a list of whatever you’d like to learn. Ed will coach you in techniques that will fast forward your uke-playing abilities!
If you would like guidance on buying a ukelele, please contact Dorine by email at [email protected] or Ed Priest at [email protected].
Evening Concerts
Join us for two concerts by MAGPIE on Sunday evening (to kick off the week) and Friday evening (to end our week)!
The fabulous, Terry Leonino and Greg Artzner of Magpie will perform a variety of songs for us during these special evening concerts!
Evenings at Circle of Music
Coffee House and Talent/No Talent
We’ll have great fun, as always, at our Tuesday night Coffee House and our Thursday Talent/No Talent show. All at Ferry Beach are welcome to participate – and they do!
Porch Sings
Enjoy porch sings on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings right after dinner and before any evening programs. The Ferry Beach Songbook is available on the website so bring your cell phones and follow along. Bring your own songs and songbooks – and be prepared to lead with help!
Bonfire
Hopefully Wednesday night weather will allow us to have our traditional bonfire. Bring all those camp songs to sing and share! We’ll have s’mores makings!
Note: Additional offerings for afternoons and evenings are still being considered and are in the stages of development. A full schedule grid will be posted as soon as all offerings and time slots are finalized.
-Morning 90-Minute Workshops
When We Stand Together: Songs of Struggle and Protest"
Greg & Terry will lead us all in singing some of the great songs of struggle and victory from the vast songbook of American history. Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite song on the topic at hand.
Monday - Bound for the Promised Land: Harriet Tubman, the UGRR and John Brown
The abolition movement and its heroines and heroes have given rise to some of the greatest songs in our history, telling some of the greatest stories.
Tuesday - Forward Into Light: Women's Suffrage
The movement to secure for women the sacred right to vote used song effectively for nearly a hundred years.
Wednesday - Bread & Roses: Songs of Working People
From the early 19th century through the present day, workers have used song to tell their stories and to foster solidarity in their fight to organize unions, for better pay and compensation, better working conditions, and justice.
Thursday - Everybody Sings Freedom: Civil Rights Then and Now
The modern Civil Rights Movement gave rise to some of the most powerful music in our history, adapting lyrics of old songs dating back over a hundred years, as well as giving birth to new compositions. Different songs had different functions, purposes and objectives. While most were sung to raise spirits, promote solidarity, and foster determination, others were rallying cries sung in mass meetings and on the front lines of demonstrations. Still others were anthems that inspired through emotional appeal, remembrance of sacrifice, and invocation of courage and group will. The Movement has not ended.
Friday - Give Light: Songs of Peace and Progress
This session will explore the repertoire of songs that have been inspirational across lines of specific movements, songs that might inspire any group engaged in a campaign or cause. These are songs that focus on the universals, the right to live in peace and the march toward human progress.
-Afternoon 60-Minute Workshops
Monday - Water is Life:
Earth songs that focus on that part of the planet that represents three- quarters of its composition, essential to all living beings.
Tuesday - Rachel Carson & Songs for the Earth:
A couple of songs specifically inspired by the "mother of the modern environmental movement" and others that are connected to environmental causes she championed and wrote about.
Wednesday - Sheroes & Heroes:
Songs inspired by, written by, or that are stories of our heroines, heroes and ancestors, the ones who inspired us, and blazed the trail we walk, the ones upon whose shoulders we stand.
Thursday - Sheroes & Heroes Part II: More that we couldn’t squeeze in on Wednesday
Friday - Singing Through the Hard Times:
Songs that hearken to our own strengths, both individually and together and that might inspire us to keep moving forward.
Ukulele:
Description coming soon....
Sing Out:
This workshop will give participants an opportunity to connect and experience the joy and power singing and creating harmonies and rhythms in a safe and welcoming environment.
We will:
- Experiment and “play” with making sounds and vocalizing, using our voices as various
instruments, “tuning”, and vocal improvisation.
- Learn 3 songs with multiple layers
-Experience combining sound and simple movements
- End with Song Circle reflections
Exercises are taken from a variety of sources including Rhiannon, James D’Angelo, Silvia Nakkach, and Simon Faulkner
This workshop is presented by Diana is a licensed Social Worker on Massachusetts’ North Shore and has presented various theatre and storytelling events at libraries in her area.
When World Events Threaten to Overwhelm us, Infinite Love Helps
During the Workshop we will talk about Infinite Love and how we each envision this resource. Then I will guide us in a meditation infused with infinite love. We will practice receiving our own pain, while knowing it is being transformed by love. We will then send out love and compassion to ourselves and others.
This practice is inspired by Tonglen, a Buddhist meditation. - offered by Jane Prairie, a retired social worker and Circle of Music participant, who teaches mindfulness skills and has been learning about Buddhism.
Hammered Dulcimer Experiences!
Once again, Keith Prairie will bring his hammered dulcimers for introduction and for lessons. In an evening presentation – Making Magic with Multiple Strings – Keith will lead an assortment of songs and tunes involving, well, Multiple Strings! And, if the timing is right, he may delight us with the debut of his album titled “Soothing sounds for Troubled Times.”
On two afternoons, Keith will offer hammered dulcimer workshops that will help beginners with how to hold the hammers, play scales, and learn where to find the notes. You’ll be working on playing “Sky Boat Song” – so please be familiar with the tune beforehand. In addition, for more advanced players, Keith will set up one-on-one sessions to guide you through some exercises working on playing “Star of the County Down” or tunes of your choosing to help you hone and advance your playing. Bring your own dulcimer if you have one, but Keith will also have several hammered dulcimers available for your use. If you need help tuning your dulcimer, contact Keith at [email protected]
*Some of this may change slightly before our week, but it would definitely help if you contacted Keith at the email above and let him know IF you’re interested, and what particular interests you may have.
Ukelele
Ukelele I: Uke I is for complete beginners BUT you’ll be playing tunes after the first class! Some ukes owned by Ferry Beach are available, but you may enjoy the class more if you have your own. You can easily buy a perfectly good uke for about $100; make sure it’s a concert or tenor uke. Also helpful: a clip-on tuner since ukes go out of tune A LOT!
Ukelele II: This class is for those of you who have at least some basic uke knowledge and practice. We’ll focus on playing lots of songs together so be sure to bring along a list of whatever you’d like to learn. Ed will coach you in techniques that will fast forward your uke-playing abilities!
If you would like guidance on buying a ukelele, please contact Dorine by email at [email protected] or Ed Priest at [email protected].
Evening Concerts
Join us for two concerts by MAGPIE on Sunday evening (to kick off the week) and Friday evening (to end our week)!
The fabulous, Terry Leonino and Greg Artzner of Magpie will perform a variety of songs for us during these special evening concerts!
Evenings at Circle of Music
Coffee House and Talent/No Talent
We’ll have great fun, as always, at our Tuesday night Coffee House and our Thursday Talent/No Talent show. All at Ferry Beach are welcome to participate – and they do!
Porch Sings
Enjoy porch sings on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings right after dinner and before any evening programs. The Ferry Beach Songbook is available on the website so bring your cell phones and follow along. Bring your own songs and songbooks – and be prepared to lead with help!
Bonfire
Hopefully Wednesday night weather will allow us to have our traditional bonfire. Bring all those camp songs to sing and share! We’ll have s’mores makings!
Note: Additional offerings for afternoons and evenings are still being considered and are in the stages of development. A full schedule grid will be posted as soon as all offerings and time slots are finalized.
Conference Leadership
Please call Ferry Beach at 207-282-4489 x1, or email [email protected] with questions for the conference coordinator.
Pricing
Conference Package (Pricing per Person) |
Conference Package for Lodgers: (Includes conference fee/access to all programming, plus all daily meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner for the entirety of the week). Adult: $564 Conference Package for Commuters: (Includes conference fee/access to all programming, plus daily lunch and dinner for the entirety of the week). Adult: $462 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, or 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.
