Play with Us!
Cancelled: Annual "Nordegg" Retreat 2022
The Centre for Outdoor Education (COE) has been sold - and can no longer accommodate groups such as ours. Rolf and Cheri have retired. They have been super hosts for many years and we will miss them dearly. At the same time, we wish them well.
In the meantime, ERS is searching for a new location.
for 2023 and beyond.
------------- Past -----------------------------
Annual Nordegg Retreat
Sept 2021 Cancelled.
We were close to being ready, then the 4th wave hit with vengeance and our retreat was cancelled.
We will reserve a date for 2022.
Our committee this year was: David, Judy, Vince & Janet
We are very sad that we will not be heading back to our beautiful retreat in the foothills, with our super hosts at the Centre for Outdoor Education (COE).
Sept 2021 Cancelled.
We were close to being ready, then the 4th wave hit with vengeance and our retreat was cancelled.
We will reserve a date for 2022.
Our committee this year was: David, Judy, Vince & Janet
We are very sad that we will not be heading back to our beautiful retreat in the foothills, with our super hosts at the Centre for Outdoor Education (COE).
General Information: During our annual ERS retreat, recorder players from all parts of Alberta– and sometimes beyond – join us for a musical adventure
in the scenic foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
The retreat offers twenty or more participants
an opportunity to play in large ensembles that often are highlights of the weekend.
Our volunteer leaders may surprise us with an arrangement of modern music;
they often add a choral piece for the singers among us; and, of course,
they conduct recorder standards from the Baroque period.
Small-group sessions, usually comprising six to eight players,
are organized based on participants’ self-identified skill levels
and led by volunteers who choose music accordingly.
Whether the pieces are simple, challenging, or focus on skills or styles,
these 90-minute sessions are enjoyed by friends old and new.
For some, informal jamming is an essential part of the weekend.
Players bring their own music to share, and often can be heard past midnight.
People can join a group at their skill level, sit back and listen, or turn in for the night
Late Saturday afternoon is left open so we can hike
or otherwise take advantage of our lovely setting.
In the evening, we’re awed by a brilliant panorama of stars in the dark sky.
At the Centre for Outdoor Education, the meals are healthy and delicious,
the beds in the bunkrooms are comfy, and our hosts greet us warmly year after year.
in the scenic foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
The retreat offers twenty or more participants
an opportunity to play in large ensembles that often are highlights of the weekend.
Our volunteer leaders may surprise us with an arrangement of modern music;
they often add a choral piece for the singers among us; and, of course,
they conduct recorder standards from the Baroque period.
Small-group sessions, usually comprising six to eight players,
are organized based on participants’ self-identified skill levels
and led by volunteers who choose music accordingly.
Whether the pieces are simple, challenging, or focus on skills or styles,
these 90-minute sessions are enjoyed by friends old and new.
For some, informal jamming is an essential part of the weekend.
Players bring their own music to share, and often can be heard past midnight.
People can join a group at their skill level, sit back and listen, or turn in for the night
Late Saturday afternoon is left open so we can hike
or otherwise take advantage of our lovely setting.
In the evening, we’re awed by a brilliant panorama of stars in the dark sky.
At the Centre for Outdoor Education, the meals are healthy and delicious,
the beds in the bunkrooms are comfy, and our hosts greet us warmly year after year.
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Weekend Schedule Sept 20-22, 2019
Friday 6:00 – 7:00 Dinner 7:15- 8:45 Large group 9:00 - Wine and cheese Free time Saturday 8:00 – 8:45 Breakfast 9:00 – 10:30 Small groups 10:45 -12:15 Small groups 12:30 – 1:15 Lunch 1:30 – 3:00 Small groups 3:00 – 6:00 Free time 6:00 – 7:00 Dinner 7:15 – 8:45 Large groups 9:00 – 9:30 Mini Concert 9:30 - Free time Sunday 8:00 – 8:45 Breakfast 9:00 – 10:30 Small groups 10:45 – 12:15 Large group 12:30 – 1:30 Lunch All sessions, both large and small, are 90 minutes in length |
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2018 Nordegg Retreat
Friday to Sunday, September 21 - 23
(optional arrival time: Thursday, the 20th)
Friday to Sunday, September 21 - 23
(optional arrival time: Thursday, the 20th)
Scroll to the end to read about changes - instigated in 2017 - in our small group sessions - based on extensive interviews with retreat participants.
2017 Nordegg Retreat
Friday to Sunday, September 22 - 24
(optional arrival time: Thursday, the 21nd)
(optional arrival time: Thursday, the 21nd)
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Overview of the Weekend
This is a time to make beautiful music and expand your recorder horizons amidst the rocky mountains, away from hustle and bustle. Players meet new people or renew acquaintances as we play various styles of music in both small and large groups. This is a volunteer led social retreat, and not a professionally directed workshop.
Players of all levels are welcome. Non-players may accompany participants depending on overall registration numbers.
We keep going back to the Centre for Outdoor Education, because it has great hosts, great food, a spectacular mountain-front view and lovely hiking trails that include access to a circuit of Goldeye Lake. Accommodation is shared rooms with bunk beds.
The Centre is off Highway 11, about 10 km west of Nordegg, and we help folks connect if they want to car pool.
The schedule begins with the entire group in a large session and it is followed with a wine and cheese reception. Saturday and Sunday are capped off with everyone together, too. Small group sessions are planned during the day and one time slot is reserved for free time, when most people go outside to take advantage of the natural setting. After hours, harmony often fills the air as impromptu jamming sessions evolve.
The basic retreat includes all events from Friday after supper, through Sunday lunch. You are welcome arrive early to rest, hike or play (bring music) until the scheduled events begin after supper on Friday.
Registration generally opens in August, with a deadline close to the end of the month. Forms are posted on this website and are emailed to those on our list. Besides basic information, we ask you to mark your preferences for the small groups. Room and session assignments are posted at the Centre for Outdoor Education when you arrive. Full information is on the forms and a confirmation email provides further details. Membership may be renewed (or applied) at the same time, although membership is not a requirement to attend the retreat.
The fees are detailed in the registration form. How much you pay is basically what the society pays for room and board, because all session leaders and organizers volunteer their time and talents. Note that choosing music and sharing it in a session is a simple way to stretch your own experience!
Here are some sample forms and links:
Centre for Outdoor Education 2015 Schedule
This is a time to make beautiful music and expand your recorder horizons amidst the rocky mountains, away from hustle and bustle. Players meet new people or renew acquaintances as we play various styles of music in both small and large groups. This is a volunteer led social retreat, and not a professionally directed workshop.
Players of all levels are welcome. Non-players may accompany participants depending on overall registration numbers.
We keep going back to the Centre for Outdoor Education, because it has great hosts, great food, a spectacular mountain-front view and lovely hiking trails that include access to a circuit of Goldeye Lake. Accommodation is shared rooms with bunk beds.
The Centre is off Highway 11, about 10 km west of Nordegg, and we help folks connect if they want to car pool.
The schedule begins with the entire group in a large session and it is followed with a wine and cheese reception. Saturday and Sunday are capped off with everyone together, too. Small group sessions are planned during the day and one time slot is reserved for free time, when most people go outside to take advantage of the natural setting. After hours, harmony often fills the air as impromptu jamming sessions evolve.
The basic retreat includes all events from Friday after supper, through Sunday lunch. You are welcome arrive early to rest, hike or play (bring music) until the scheduled events begin after supper on Friday.
Registration generally opens in August, with a deadline close to the end of the month. Forms are posted on this website and are emailed to those on our list. Besides basic information, we ask you to mark your preferences for the small groups. Room and session assignments are posted at the Centre for Outdoor Education when you arrive. Full information is on the forms and a confirmation email provides further details. Membership may be renewed (or applied) at the same time, although membership is not a requirement to attend the retreat.
The fees are detailed in the registration form. How much you pay is basically what the society pays for room and board, because all session leaders and organizers volunteer their time and talents. Note that choosing music and sharing it in a session is a simple way to stretch your own experience!
Here are some sample forms and links:
Centre for Outdoor Education 2015 Schedule
Changes for 2017
- based on extensive participant feedback
Small Group Sessions
Small Group sessions will be organized by playing level this year. Rather than signing up for small group sessions based on a theme or topic, the Nordegg Organizing Committee will combine players into groups based on approximate playing level. A group leader will provide music suitable for the players in the group.
The registration forms will include a Recorder Skills Questionnaire . If you find you’re in a group that is either too difficult or too easy at Nordegg, you may try another group to see if it works better for you.
Skill Building Sessions
These will be small group sessions led by advanced players with the aim of providing guidance and playing tips, and may include a combination of instruction and playing.
So far, we are thinking of the following:
1. Learn to play a new recorder (please indicate which): bass, alto, tenor, soprano.
2. Playing musically: learn about music architecture and structure; shaping phrases, tone and use of vibrato, articulation for rhythmic playing – for intermediate players who play at least 3 recorders.
3. Basic Recorder Techniques: Work with an advanced player to improve your playing, including practice techniques, exercises and dexterity, hitting low and high notes, rhythm and meter, accidentals.
Large Group Sessions
As with previous years, there will be three large group sessions for all players occurring Friday night, Saturday night, and Sunday morning. The different orchestra sections (SATB) will be more clearly marked and will pair experienced and inexperienced players together in a balanced way. The intent is to improve the smoothness and efficiency of the playing experience, and ensure that all parts are well-covered.
The Saturday night large group will again include singers and players by popular demand! To better organize this event and help with music selection, please indicate on the registration form whether you would like to sing and/or play Saturday night.
- based on extensive participant feedback
Small Group Sessions
Small Group sessions will be organized by playing level this year. Rather than signing up for small group sessions based on a theme or topic, the Nordegg Organizing Committee will combine players into groups based on approximate playing level. A group leader will provide music suitable for the players in the group.
The registration forms will include a Recorder Skills Questionnaire . If you find you’re in a group that is either too difficult or too easy at Nordegg, you may try another group to see if it works better for you.
Skill Building Sessions
These will be small group sessions led by advanced players with the aim of providing guidance and playing tips, and may include a combination of instruction and playing.
So far, we are thinking of the following:
1. Learn to play a new recorder (please indicate which): bass, alto, tenor, soprano.
2. Playing musically: learn about music architecture and structure; shaping phrases, tone and use of vibrato, articulation for rhythmic playing – for intermediate players who play at least 3 recorders.
3. Basic Recorder Techniques: Work with an advanced player to improve your playing, including practice techniques, exercises and dexterity, hitting low and high notes, rhythm and meter, accidentals.
Large Group Sessions
As with previous years, there will be three large group sessions for all players occurring Friday night, Saturday night, and Sunday morning. The different orchestra sections (SATB) will be more clearly marked and will pair experienced and inexperienced players together in a balanced way. The intent is to improve the smoothness and efficiency of the playing experience, and ensure that all parts are well-covered.
The Saturday night large group will again include singers and players by popular demand! To better organize this event and help with music selection, please indicate on the registration form whether you would like to sing and/or play Saturday night.
_______Past_____________________
2021 - The Nordegg Organizing Committee had been hard at work and nearly everything was ready to go when the delta variant of covid-19 whipped up. Thus, sadly, the event was cancelled. Vaccines rolled out according to age (and medical conditions) starting early 2021.
2020 - No action towards organizing a retreat. The pandemic was in full swing. Schools had been on line since March 2020; students were returning to school with masks, no singing, no wind instruments, frequent sanitation.
Fall 2016: Friday - Sunday, September 23-25
Success!.....another great weekend, with perfect weather and 20 players from across Alberta -- all ready to play all sorts of music together!
As usual, our hosts at the Centre for Outdoor Education kept us well fed and comfortable. A treat was that Bryan Taylor, from Gramophone (a store in Edmonton) took an array of recorders for us to try and potentially buy.
Small Group Sessions
Recorder Technique Simple Gifts
Brexit Not so "Early" Music
Sacred Works of Tomas Tallis Canons Galore
Fiesta Latina Fourteenth Century Italian Hunting Songs
Large Group Sessions by Vince and Lori
Success!.....another great weekend, with perfect weather and 20 players from across Alberta -- all ready to play all sorts of music together!
As usual, our hosts at the Centre for Outdoor Education kept us well fed and comfortable. A treat was that Bryan Taylor, from Gramophone (a store in Edmonton) took an array of recorders for us to try and potentially buy.
Small Group Sessions
Recorder Technique Simple Gifts
Brexit Not so "Early" Music
Sacred Works of Tomas Tallis Canons Galore
Fiesta Latina Fourteenth Century Italian Hunting Songs
Large Group Sessions by Vince and Lori
Fall 2015: Friday - Sunday, Sept 25 - 27
Small Group Sessions
Songs & Dances Music of the Twentieth Century
Bring Your Kilts! What Wondrous Love is This
Canzoni & Ricercari De Tous Biens Plaine
Baroque Blitz Early Music from the German Speaking World
2014: How Wonderful it Was!!
Friday to Sunday, September 12-14, 2014 (Optional arrival time: Thursday, 11th)
Our warm thanks to treasurer, Mick Safruik, secretary Janet Couch, and Board member Linda Jacklin for their sterling work on another very successful Nordegg retreat. People came from Calgary, Jasper and Red Deer and contributed to a varied and instructive (and, of course, nutritious – thank you, Sheri) weekend. Some impressions:
Another fun-filled, glorious weekend of music at Nordegg again this year. It really was a special weekend for us all and delightful to see new faces, bringing their multitude of talents as well DMM
Where can a beginner Alto recorder player learn to play alto up in a safe, supportive environment? At Nordegg… of course.
Where can a beginner Alto recorder player double with a skilled recorder player to gain practice in sight reading and rhythm? At Nordegg…of course.
Where can a beginner Alto recorder player learn to appreciate the sounds of a recorder ensemble playing alongside cellos, guitars, harpsichords? At Nordegg…of course.
The diversity of music, camaraderie, conversation, mountafins, fresh air, hiking and delicious meals all combine to make precious memories.
I want to go back and I will (Robert Service Spell of the Yukon). MS
2010: Review
In 2010 we had a large number of newcomers, including two who came all the way from Vancouver, BC. Click here to read about Mary and Karen's first-time impressions of Nordegg.
If you have any questions, please contact us.