Festival Information

Our vision

We believe music education should nurture the whole person, especially their sense of pulse and rhythm.

At Kishwaukee River Music and Movement Festival, students don’t just practice, they connect in a community of creators and interpreters.

Through chamber music coaching, composition workshops, visual arts, and guided mindfulness sessions, students experience music not just as performance, but as a living, flowing practice.

A winter landscape painting of a snow-covered river with leafless trees on both sides, under a cloudy sky.

Kishwaukee River, depicted on canvas in acrylic by founder Katelyn Ackland.

Daily Itinerary

A landscape painting of a sunset over snow-capped mountains, with a lake, pine trees, and flowers in the foreground. A hand holding a black recorder is depicted at the bottom right, and a heron stands by the water near a tree.

  • 9:00 AM

    Arrival and Community Gathering

    Yoga, light stretching, breathwork, and intention setting.

    9:30 AM

    Chamber Music Rehearsals

    Small ensemble coaching with faculty mentors.

    11:00 AM

    Technique and Musicianship Workshops

    Instrument-specific breakout sessions and listening labs.

  • 12:30 PM

    Lunch (outdoor picnic when possible)

    Students bring their own lunches.

    1:15 PM

    Gentle movement to develop mindful awareness of the body, reduce tension, and build focus.

    Intentional movement to music in large group setting.

  • 2:00 PM

    Composition Session

    Exploring improvisation and student-led composition.

    2:45 PM

    Creative Lab, with varying focus in visual arts and poetry

    3:30 PM

    River-Inspired Reflection Session

    Nature walks (when location permits), journaling, or listening exercises inspired by the Kishwaukee River.

    4:30 PM

    Ensemble Sharing and Closing Circle

    5:00 PM

    Dismissal

FAQs

What should my student bring?

Instrument, music, pencil, music stand (if requested), water bottle, comfortable clothing for movement, packed lunch, morning and afternoon snack, and journal or notebook.

What if my student has to miss a day or part of a day?

No worries, life happens. We just request that you let us know as far in advance as possible, or call on the day of absence (phone numbers are provided to families).

What is the cost and how do I register?

Festival cost will be communicated to admitted students. For the inaugural July 2026 festival, registration will be limited in numbers. Evening lessons may be offered for a nominal fee; please contact us for more information.

Orchestra musicians seated in rows, reading sheet music and playing violins during a performance in a concert hall.

Final Concert and Showcase

The festival culminates in a chamber music concert featuring various composers, including your own students. Immediately following the concert we invite families to attend a reception, where they can admire the artistic creations from their students.

The final concert date and location will be announced in June.