BELOW IS THE 2025 DAILY SCHEDULE. The 2026 schedule will be similar.
The 2025 daily schedule. This is approximate. Details will be filled in as we get closer to the event. Final times will be posted at the event.
Facilitators:
- Cornell Kinderknecht, flute, retreat director
- Pamela Mortensen, didgeridoo, flute
- Joseph L Young, flute, percussion, music tech
- Timothy JP Gomez, flute
Topics:
- Flute technique
- Playing together
- Improvisation
- Song-writing
- Rhythm
- Creativity
Pacific Northwest Flute Gathering on Vashon Island
Monday, October 6 through Thursday, October 9, 2025
* All activities are in Burton Lodge on the main floor unless noted otherwise.
MONDAY:
| 12:00 – 5:30pm | All participants must be registered and paid in advance. No on-site registrations or walk-ins available. Arrive any time after noon on Monday. Burton Lodge will be our gathering space. Catch up with friends as they arrive. Check out the flute makers’ tables. If you get there before it all begins, have a look around the premises, take a walk on the beach, find a place to play music. Check in, along with your room assignments, will be ready around 2:00pm in Burton Lodge. The first scheduled activity is dinner at 5:30pm. |
| 5:30 pm | Dinner |
| 7:00 pm | Welcome (Burton Lodge main floor) Everyone attend (bring your instruments to make music!) |
| 8:00 pm | Playing session |
| 8:30 pm | After hours jam |
TUESDAY:
| 8:10 am | Greet the sun with Richard (front lawn) |
| 8:30 am | Breakfast |
| 9:30 – 10:40 am | Full group session. Everyone attend. Bring instruments. (Burton Lodge main floor) |
| 11:00 am – 12:10 pm | Morning breakouts. Choose one to attend: 1. Session with Pam (Burton Lodge main floor) Exploring your Toolbox of Expression – All instruments welcome 2. Session with Joe (Burton lodge downstairs) The Art of Practicing – All flute skill levels welcome. Bring G-minor and A-minor flutes. |
| 12:30 pm | Lunch |
| 1:30 – 2:40 pm | Afternoon breakouts. Choose one to attend: 1. Session with Cornell (Burton Lodge main floor) Playing ensemble music with Native Flute, “Flute Choir” Playing group music together with written parts as an ensemble. Bring G-minor and D-minor flutes. More info coming soon… 2. Session with Tim (Burton Lodge downstairs) HeartSong: Harnessing our Emotional Expression with the Native American Flute – Bring your G-minor and A-minor flutes |
| 3:00 – 4:00 pm | Music circle with Richard (Burton Lodge downstairs) Bring a song to play, sit and listen, enjoy the wonderful friendship of music. Bring your instruments. |
| 4:00 pm | Free time, group playing or private lessons OR Community Drumming with Barbara (Burton lodge downstairs) No previous drumming experience required. Floor and hand drums, rattles and shakers, and even a cowbell will be provided for you to use, or you may bring your own. Bring your flute or didgeridoo. |
| 5:30 pm | Dinner |
| 7:00 pm | Leaders Concert |
| 8:30 pm | Open Mic |
WEDNESDAY:
| 8:10 am | Greet the sun with Richard (front lawn) |
| 8:30 am | Breakfast |
| 9:30 – 10:40 am | Full group session. Everyone attend. Bring instruments. (Burton Lodge main floor) |
| 11:00 am – 12:10 pm | Morning breakouts. Choose one to attend: 1. Session with Pam (Burton Lodge main floor) Songcrafting Our Stories – All instruments welcome 2. Session with Tim (Burton lodge downstairs) Breath, Silence & Sound: Exploring Rhythmic Articulation and our Inner Voice with the Native American Flute – All flute skill levels welcome. Bring G-minor and A-minor flutes. |
| 12:30 pm | Lunch |
| 1:30 – 2:40 pm | Afternoon breakouts. Choose one to attend: 1. Session with Joe (Burton Lodge main floor) Playing with Stuff – Playing with backing tracks, technology and other instruments. Bring your G-minor and A-minor flutes. 2. Session with Cornell (Burton Lodge downstairs) Finishing Touches – Explore the art of fine-tuning and adding those subtle details that bring a solo song to life. Cornell will offer coaching to participants who’d like to play for the group, and everyone is welcome to attend, listen, and gather ideas. |
| 3:00 – 4:00 pm | Learn More about our Flutes with Rick (Burton Lodge downstairs) Learn about our instruments from a flute maker’s perspective. Bring your questions. All are welcome. |
| 4:00 pm | Music circle with Marty (Burton Lodge downstairs) Come play a song, practice playing in front of a microphone, or try a song with accompaniment. OR Free time, group playing or private lessons |
| 5:30 pm | Dinner |
| 6:45 pm | Participants Concert |
| 8:15 pm | After hours jam |
Thursday:
| 8:10 am | Greet the sun with Richard (front lawn) |
| 8:30 am | Breakfast |
| 9:10 am | Closing session (Burton Lodge main floor) |
| 9:50 am | Pack, load, depart (all rooms in order and vacant by 11 am) |
Mark your calendar for next year: Monday, October 5 – Thursday, October 8, 2026