Apply Now ! Application Closes April 5th

What is the Windy City Trombone Retreat?

Founded in 2023, The Windy City Trombone Retreat (WCTR), takes place for four days each August in Chicago. WCTR serves pre-professional students in a camp setting, concluding with an ensemble concert for the public in Welles Park. The Windy City Trombone Retreat takes mentorship a step further by offering professional development workshops in areas such as freelance career building, strength training, and audition preparation with area brass professionals of similar backgrounds. Sackbut day with Liza Malamut allows participants to playtest and rehearse on period instruments. Concert experiences such as trips to the Grant Park Orchestra and jazz night give participants a chance to experience Chicago’s world-class music scene and network in less structured settings.

This workshop is tuition-free for accepted students, with limited out of town housing available for those coming from beyond the Chicago area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply to WCTR?

Women and gender non-conforming trombonists who are currently enrolled in degree programs are encouraged to apply. The minimum age to participate is eighteen.

What kinds of playing experience will I gain?

All students will perform in trombone choir, as well as being placed in smaller trios and quartets based on interest and experience. Opportunities to perform mock auditions or as a jazz soloist are optional.

I can only commit to a few days of the workshop, should I still apply?

For local musicians, we welcome auditors to visit our classes on a case-by-case basis. We do ask that anyone applying for housing be available for the entirety of the workshop.

What do I pay? What is paid for?

There is no application fee or tuition cost for this workshop. Accepted students will be asked to confirm their place by a refundable $50 deposit.

Out of town participants can apply for our housing fellowship and be placed in a local AirBnB near campus activities. We aim to have seven-eight of these slots available each year.

Participants are responsible for their meals during the day as well as transportation to and from the workshop (for those arriving from out of town, transfers to/from the airport are usually possible).

Who runs WCTR?

I co-run the WCTR with Eastman faculty member Priscilla Yuen. Teaching Assistant Destiny Miskel directs the choir, and Marlia Nash helps with graphic design and social media content. Liza Malamut serves as Artistic Liason, helping out with historical performance and grant writing.

2024 Schedule (2025 Coming Soon)

Tuesday

10 - Opening Remarks, Who’s Who

1030-Warmup led by Catie Hickey

11-Choir music read through

12-1 lunch and hang - Jimmy’s Pizza Cafe

1- improvisation Masterclass

3-5 - Meet your quartet! Rehearse

Doors at 7, show at 8 Jazz Night! At Nomadic Ant Jewelry (4604 N Western Ave)

Wednesday Aug 9

10- Warmup

11- Robyn Smith Orchestra Excerpt Masterclass

12:30 - lunch

1:30-2:30 choir rehearsal

3:00-4:30 - quartet time…

Break/transition downtown stuff

6 - Grant Park picnic! Weather permitting downtown

Thursday

12 -3 Meet Liza Malamut, sackbut

4-5:30 - quartet time

3-6 Choir plays for Liza, Sackbut Masterclass and petting zoo sponsored by Newberry Consort

Evening off

Friday August 11 Foxhole

10-Warmup with Destiny Miskel

1030- Freelancer/Educator Career Panel with Monica Benson, Rachel Trumbore, Minerva Diaz

12:30-Lunch

1:30 - final choir touch ups, quartet touch ups

3:30 pm - trombone choir in Welles park (rain location: North Park U.)