Come play with us!
The LGBTQuintet acquired The Lodge! in the fall of 2024 from a generous donor on our board. This summer, July 18th to 22nd, join us at The Lodge! for our first annual Parallel Play Retreat in the High Peaks Wilderness of the Adirondack Mountains!
This retreat is open to anyone in the horn-playing community, regardless of experience or skill level, no audition required – this is an opportunity to come together with members of the LGBTQuintet to build community, learn and grow together, and take time to rest and relax. We can’t wait to welcome you to The Lodge!
What is Parallel Play?
To our group, Parallel Play means a shared, communal experience of simultaneous individual work. Parallel Play allows for self-guided and flexible individual growth whilst surrounded by musicians who share the same goals, but different backgrounds and experiences. This unique environment fosters conversations about practice strategies, fundamentals, technique, pedagogy, professional careers, repertoire, musicianship, and endless numbers of nerdy French horn related topics!
Not a horn player? While we are gearing this first retreat towards our horn playing friends, we plan to offer retreats for all of you creative people out there in the summer of 2027. Sign up for our newsletter to get information about our next events!
What activities will be offered?
Aside from your own individual Parallel Play time, you will also have many opportunities to:
- Participate in our guided group warm-ups, offered every morning
- Take individual lessons with members of the LGBTQuintet
- Learn and practice on the Wagner tuba with one-on-one guidance and small ensemble playing with members of the LGBTQuintet
- Cultivate your creativity through guided deep listening and free improvisation exercises
- Experience breathtaking natural beauty in the heart of the Adirondacks on guided hikes to stunning waterfalls and peaks with panoramic views
- Restore and energize your body during yoga classes with certified yoga instructor Lydia Van Dreel
- Calm and focus your mind through guided mediations led by our experienced mindfulness practitioners
- Optimize your breathing and body mechanics with a bodywork session from licensed massage therapist and horn player Raymond Randol
- And, most importantly, take as much time as you need to rest as you retreat from the demands of your day-to-day life
Costs
Base registration fee: $200
- This required fee covers basic costs of operation for the retreat and covers your meals and shuttle to and from The Lodge! The experiences listed above are freely and generously offered by members of the LGBTQuintet for all participants.
Optional Donation Tiers:
If you are able to support us in providing this experience beyond the base operational fee, please consider an additional contribution from one of the following donation tiers.
Tier 1: “Parallel Player” – + $100
- Support more operations for this retreat such as equipment rentals, facility repairs and improvements.
Tier 2: “Do you see? Do you not see?” – + $200
- You do see! Your support helps us expand the accessibility of future retreats as we aim to offer scholarships and travel stipends.
Tier 3: “Fluid by Design” – + $300+
We have big goals for this space! Your generous support will help us create new spaces at the Lodge!, such as a pavilion and studio space for the benefit of all future retreats!
Accommodations & Travel information
- Tent camping: Bring your own small 2-4 person tent, or request to borrow one (supplies limited). Please bring your own sleep system including sleeping bag, pad, and anything else you need to rest comfortably.
- If this is a barrier to you, please reach out and we can discuss other options. There are a few bunks in the lodge that can be used based on need.
- There are three indoor bathrooms with showers inside The Lodge! for general use. Covered areas with seating for meals and community events are provided.
- Meals will be provided – outside food and drink is permitted, but not necessary.
- Use or possession of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited on the premises.
Now that you’ve decided to come join us for the first EVER Parallel Play Retreat, here’s how to get here!
Step 1: Choose an airport or train station
- Fly into ALB, Albany International Airport
- Fly into BTV, Burlington International Airport
- Fly into PBG, Plattsburgh International Airport
- Westport Amtrak Station, 6705 Main Street, Westport, NY 12993
Step 2: Plan to arrive at one of those locations by 6pm on Friday, July 17th. At that time, you will be picked up by a member of our group and shuttled to The Lodge! In New Russia, NY, where you can settle in for the night and get ready for our opening ceremony after breakfast the next morning, Saturday, July 18th.
Getting home: Our closing ceremony will take place at 11am on Wednesday, July 22nd and be followed by a light lunch. At that time, we will offer shuttles back to each of the above locations for you to catch a train or plane and go back from whence you came!
Note: You do not have to have travel plans decided at the time of your registration, but you must email us with your travel details by June 1st.
Registration
Registration will open on February 1st and will close June 1st. Attendance will be capped at 15 participants and spots will be claimed on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants must be at least 18 years old at the time of the retreat in order to attend.*
*Not 18 yet? We plan to offer retreats for our younger friends in following years. Sign up for our newsletter to get all the info about future retreats!
We can’t wait to welcome you to The Lodge!
Please email us at lgbtubenquintet@gmail.com with any questions.
With love,
The Lawrence Graduate Bayreuth Tuben Quintet
