Join the tonebase Choral Retreat: Elevate Your Singing in an Immersive Musical Experience

Refine your vocal technique, ensemble skills, and musical artistry at the tonebase Choral Retreat, an immersive experience led by renowned tonebase artists and choral experts. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Idyllwild, California, this retreat invites singers of all levels from music directors and church choir singers to community choir members, students, and solo vocalists to explore the art of choral and ensemble singing in an inspiring, collaborative environment.
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Why Attend?

Deepen Your Musical Expression – Engage in daily rehearsals, vocal technique workshops, and masterclasses designed to enhance your artistry.
Sing with a Vibrant Community – Whether attending with your choir, a small vocal ensemble, or as an individual singer, you will connect with like-minded musicians and be assigned to an ensemble if attending solo.
Specialized Training for Conductors – A dedicated conducting track provides expert guidance for music directors looking to refine their leadership and interpretation skills.
Perform in a World-Class Venue – Rehearse and perform in the William M. Lowman Concert Hall, known for its exceptional acoustics and stunning setting.

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A Transformative Musical Escape

More than just a festival, this retreat is an immersive opportunity to reconnect with your artistry, reignite your passion for choral singing, and create lasting musical memories, whether attending solo, with a friend, or with an ensemble.

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Your Experience Includes

Vocal Technique and Sight-Reading Training – Daily workshops designed to strengthen your vocal and musicianship skills.
Tailored Ensemble Coaching – Special sessions for small vocal ensembles, quartets, and full choirs.
Pre-Retreat Learning Resources:
- tonebase Voice Premium Membership with full access to courses, livestreams, and community.
- Access to an exclusive event forum to connect with fellow singers.
- Rehearsal materials, including sheet music and practice tracks.

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Join us for a transformative choral retreat where music, artistry, and community come together in the serene beauty of Idyllwild.

Secure Your Spot

Location

Idyllwild Arts – 52500 Temecula Road, Idyllwild, CA

Date & time

Full Session:

July 24

Session 1:

July 24

July 27, 2025

Session 2:

Meet Your Instructors

Heidi Vass

Heidi Vass is a soprano with a distinguished career in vocal performance and pedagogy. She is the first soprano of the acclaimed vocal quartet Seraphour and the head of voice at tonebase, where she leads vocal education initiatives. She has performed with ensembles like the New York Philharmonic and Philadelphia Orchestra and directed choirs at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Vatican. A respected educator, she has taught vocal pedagogy, studio voice, and opera at USC, Pepperdine, and California Lutheran University. A graduate of Westminster Choir College and USC, she is a member of NATS, ascap and the recording academy.

Seraphour

Seraphour celebrates the beauty of the female voice, preserving and expanding the sacred vocal canon. Hailed as “meltingly beautiful” (Fanfare) and “impassioned” (LA Opus), they are 2022 Beverly Hills National Competition winners and 2024 Global Music Award recipients. Their album anno Domini (2024) highlights the sacred calendar with new commissions and iconic works. Through Seraphour in Sacred Spaces, they pair sublime music with inspiring locations, performing at top festivals. Members include Heidi Vass, Melissa Birch, Emma Grace Roche, and Dana Rouse. Learn more at www.seraphour.com or follow @seraphour.

Donald Brinegar

Donald Brinegar is a conductor, tenor soloist, and master class clinician with a distinguished career in choral music. Professor Emeritus at Pasadena City College, he led Choral Studies for 36 years and continues to conduct the Donald Brinegar Singers and Pasadena Symphony Choruses. He has performed and collaborated worldwide with legends like Robert Shaw, Helmuth Rilling, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. A respected author, he has published five books on choral conducting and intonation. Honored by the Pasadena Symphony and ACDA, he has shaped generations of musicians through his teaching, leadership, and artistry.

Jessica Helms

Jessica Helms is the accompanist and assistant artistic director of the Gold Coast Concert Chorus and organist/accompanist at Mount Cross Lutheran Church in Camarillo. A former longtime staff member at California Lutheran University, she has also led music at College United Methodist Church and Las Voces del Mar. She holds a B.A. in Piano and Oboe from CLU and an M.M. in Choral Conducting from Cal State LA, with additional studies at Westminster Choir College. An accomplished accompanist, she has worked with choirs, ensembles, and soloists across Southern California and performed nationally and in Europe, collaborating with artists like Jo-Michael Scheibe, David Lang, and Libby Larsen.

Main Event Activities

Learn about the activities that will be taking place.

Work with tonebase Artists: Learn and Perform with the Best

At the tonebase Choral Retreat, singers will have the unique opportunity to work closely with renowned tonebase artists—world-class conductors, vocal coaches, and choral educators dedicated to elevating your artistry. Through expert-led rehearsals, masterclasses, and personalized coaching, participants will refine vocal technique, musical interpretation, and ensemble skills in an inspiring and immersive setting. Whether you're part of a choir, a small ensemble, or attending as a soloist, you'll receive mentorship tailored to your growth as a singer, ensuring a transformative and enriching experience.

Join as a Choir, Ensemble, or Soloist and Connect with a community of singers

Ensemble Coaching and Performance Opportunities at the tonebase Choral Retreat are open to choirs, small vocal ensembles, and soloists looking to refine their artistry in an inspiring setting. Whether you come with your choir, bring your family, or join as an individual singer, you'll collaborate with like-minded artists, receive expert coaching, and share in the joy of performance in the stunning William M. Lowman Concert Hall at Idyllwild Arts. Solo participants will have the opportunity to be assigned to an ensemble, ensuring a fully immersive and enriching musical experience.

Workshops in Vocal Technique, Sight-Reading & Special Topics

More than just a festival choral experience, the tonebase Choral Retreat is an immersive opportunity for singers and choral conductors to refine their craft in a dynamic and supportive environment. Engage in expert-led workshops covering vocal technique, sight-reading, and special topics, designed to enhance both individual and ensemble performance. Develop breath control, resonance, and vocal health, sharpen musicianship with targeted sight-reading training, and explore specialized sessions tailored to your growth. With dedicated tracks for singers and choral conductors, this retreat provides a transformative space for deep learning, collaboration, and artistic discovery.

Immerse Yourself in Nature and Music

Escape to the breathtaking surroundings of Idyllwild Arts, where the beauty of nature and the power of music come together in perfect harmony. Nestled in the mountains, the tonebase Choral Retreat offers a serene and inspiring setting for singers to connect with their artistry while surrounded by towering pines and fresh mountain air. Whether rehearsing in the William M. Lowman Concert Hall or reflecting in the quiet beauty of the landscape, this retreat provides a unique opportunity to deepen your musical expression while rejuvenating your spirit in nature.

Schedule of Events

What does a day at the event look like?

8:00 - 9:00 BREAKFAST

Start your day with a nourishing breakfast in the serene surroundings of Idyllwild, where you can enjoy fresh, delicious options to fuel your body and voice. Whether you prefer a hearty meal or a light bite, this is the perfect time to connect with fellow singers, exchange ideas, and prepare for the day ahead. Sip your coffee, take in the mountain air, and get ready for a day filled with music and inspiration.

9:15-9:45 MORNING WARM UP AND GROUP VOCAL TECHNIQUE

Begin each day with an energizing morning warm-up and vocal technique class, designed to awaken your voice and prepare your body for a full day of singing. Led by expert instructors, this session will focus on breath control, resonance, flexibility, and vocal health, ensuring a strong and sustainable sound. Through guided exercises, mindfulness techniques, and dynamic vocalizations, you’ll build strength, agility, and confidence—setting the tone for a productive and inspiring day of music-making.

10:00-12:00 CHORAL REHEARSAL

Settle into your large-group rehearsal with one of the outstanding tonebase choral masters, where you'll refine your skills in a dynamic and inspiring setting. Dive into specially curated selections designed to enhance your choral technique and musical expression, while gaining insights into interpretation and ensemble artistry. This immersive rehearsal experience will challenge and inspire you, preparing you for a powerful and transformative final performance.

12:00-1:00 LUNCH

Take a well-deserved break and recharge with a delicious lunch, surrounded by the natural beauty of Idyllwild. Enjoy a variety of fresh and satisfying meal options while connecting with fellow singers, conductors, and mentors in a relaxed and inspiring setting. Whether discussing the morning’s rehearsals or simply soaking in the peaceful atmosphere, lunch is the perfect time to refuel both body and spirit before an afternoon of music-making.

1:00-2:00 Sight Reading

Enhance your musicianship with this interactive sight-reading class, designed to strengthen your ability to read and interpret music with accuracy and confidence. Through engaging exercises, rhythm drills, and solfège training, you'll develop essential skills in pitch recognition, rhythmic precision, and score navigation. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced singer looking to refine your skills, this class will provide practical tools to improve fluency and ease in reading choral music.

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2:30-4:00 Ensemble Master Class

Work with renowned tonebase artists in this hands-on ensemble master class, designed to refine your group’s sound, cohesion and musical interpretation. Whether you're part of a choir, small vocal ensemble, or an assigned group, you’ll receive expert coaching on vocal technique, phrasing, expression, and ensemble communication. Through real-time feedback and interactive instruction, this session will help you elevate your performance and bring greater depth and artistry to your singing.

4:30-5:30 Special Topic Courses

Refine your choral artistry in these interactive special topic courses led by renowned tonebase artists. Explore choral conducting, body mechanics for singers, rehearsal techniques, and choral literature, gaining hands-on guidance in gesture, vocal freedom, ensemble communication, and programming. With expert coaching and real-time feedback, these sessions will equip you with practical tools to elevate your musicianship and bring greater depth to your choral work.

6:00-7:00 Dinner

Unwind and connect with fellow musicians during Dinner & Social Hour, a time to relax, recharge, and build meaningful relationships within the choral community. Enjoy a delicious meal in the beautiful surroundings of Idyllwild, sharing conversation and insights with fellow participants and renowned tonebase artists. Whether reflecting on the day's sessions, exchanging ideas, or simply enjoying the company of like-minded musicians, this evening gathering fosters a sense of camaraderie and inspiration that extends beyond the retreat.

8:00PM Faculty Concert

Experience an unforgettable evening of artistry at the Faculty Recital, where renowned tonebase artists take the stage to inspire and captivate. Set in the stunning surroundings of Idyllwild, this performance showcases the expressive power of choral music through masterful interpretations and dynamic musicianship. From intimate solo works to ensemble performances, the program highlights a diverse selection of repertoire, offering a rare opportunity to witness world-class musicians bring their craft to life. Sit back, listen, and let the music spark creativity and inspiration for your own artistic journey.

Ready to invest in your passion?

First 20 signups get 10% off with our early-bird pricing! Click below to get started:

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes - we offer payment plans! Simply chose one from many options directly at checkout.

Are meals included?

Yes! Meals are included for all participants, as they are an essential part of the retreat experience, fostering a sense of community and connection. Shared meals provide an opportunity to engage with fellow singers, conductors, and faculty in a relaxed setting, deepening relationships and discussions beyond the rehearsal room. We strive to accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences. Please indicate any special dietary needs when registering so that we can make necessary arrangements.

Can I attend with a friend or family member?

Absolutely! Attending with someone you know is a great way to share this unique musical experience, but solo participants will also have the chance to form new connections.

Can I register as an individual, or do I need to be part of a choir?

You can register as a solo singer or as a trio or quartet (if you have a few friends you want to sing with!). If you're a solo singer and would like to participate in an ensemble singing workshop, you will be assigned to a small ensemble for collaborative singing opportunities.

Do I need to prepare music in advance?

Yes! Registered participants will receive pre-retreat materials, including sheet music and practice tracks, to help them prepare before arrival.

Do you offer group discounts?

Yes! We offer special group discounts for choirs and vocal ensembles attending together. Please reach out to events@tonebase.co for details on group pricing and registration.

How can I stay connected after the retreat?

Participants will have access to an exclusive online forum to continue learning, sharing resources, and staying connected with fellow singers and mentors.

How do I get to Idyllwild Arts?

The closest airports are Palm Springs (PSP), Ontario (ONT), and Los Angeles (LAX). Participants can drive or arrange shuttle services to reach the retreat site.

Is there a final concert?

Yes! The retreat culminates in a final performance in the William M. Lowman Concert Hall, open to family, friends, and the public.

What is included in the registration fee?

Tuition includes participation in all rehearsals, workshops, masterclasses, performances, meals and pre-retreat materials such as rehearsal tracks, sheet music, and access to tonebase voice premium content and community.

What is the tonebase Choral Retreat?

A multi-day immersive choral experience led by world-class tonebase artists, featuring rehearsals, masterclasses, and performances in the William M. Lowman Concert Hall at Idyllwild Arts.

What should I bring?

A music folder with your printed scores, a pencil, comfortable rehearsal clothing, water bottle, and any personal items needed for an extended stay in a mountain setting. Concert Blacks for the final performance.

Will there be opportunities for networking and social activities?

Yes! There will be community gatherings, informal performances, and social events throughout the retreat.

Where will participants stay?

On-site housing at Idyllwild Arts is available on a first-come, first-served basis in dormitory-style accommodations. For those who prefer more private or comfortable lodging, there are numerous hotels, inns, and vacation rentals available in the Idyllwild area. A list of recommended local accommodations will be provided upon registration.

tonebase Choral Retreat at Idyllwild