The 2017-18 season will begin with an all-day retreat on September 9.
Music for the first concert has been emailed to members by our Conductor, John Varineau so you can begin practicing. Passwords will be emailed to members in the last two weeks of August by our WebMaster. You can also listen to music using our Naxos subscription.
Looking for a carpool? A membership list has been posted at members.grys.org (only available after logging in with password).
Along with good food and games we will actually have some intensive rehearsals. This will allow you to learn the music better before those all-important chair auditions. Our retreat location is easy to get to and close to Grand Rapids, so there is minimal driving. It is at the Salvation Army Conference Grounds on Pine Island Drive. Please plan to arrive at about 8:30 – 8:45 am so that we can start at 9:00 am. We will be done at 5:15 pm. There is no additional cost – it is part of your enrollment fee. You’ll be fed one meal – lunch.
Please bring:
- a folding music stand with your name taped on it!
- your instrument
- your music
- appropriate clothing for the weather – we’ll be inside and outside
- bottle of water
All musicians are expected to attend the retreat. If you have a conflict because of a school-related activity, you should still come to as much of the retreat as possible. If you have questions/conflicts about the retreat please email our manager at: manager@grys.org or John Varineau at: conductor@grys.org
Need directions? Follow this link.
Once you arrive: There is a large parking lot on the right side of the road when you get to the Conference Grounds. Park there and walk down the hill to the main building. The main building faces beautiful Pine Island Lake. Weather permitting, registration will be set up between the main building and the lake.
End of the day: The traditional end of the retreat is an informal mini-performance by both ensembles starting at 4:30 pm. Each ensemble will perform a portion of the music rehearsed at the retreat. Parents are welcome to enjoy the music, upstairs in the main building.
