This is approximate. Specific 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 5 through Thursday, October 8, 2026
* 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. (Optional Q&A session for first-timers at 4:30) |
| 4:30 – 5:00pm | Optional: Q&A and Introduction for First-Timers (Burton Lodge main floor) An informal welcome for those attending the Gathering for the first time. Come meet a few people, learn a little about what to expect during our time together, and bring any questions you might have. Returning participants are welcome to join us too! |
| 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 (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) Rhythm, Body and Breath In this hands-on session we will explore how breath can become part of rhythm, dynamics and creative process to add expression and interest to your songs and music. We’ll also cover how the body plays a role in making and expressing music. Bring a G and A flutes, curiosity and questions. 2. Session with Joe (Burton lodge downstairs) Listening to Understand This is about music, of course, not about relationships. Or is it? We’re all experienced at appreciating music, but how closely do we listen to everything that creates the whole musical picture? Explore the frequencies and layers of different instruments and voices, the subtle sounds that support the bigger picture, and how the many parts of a song are brought together to communicate feeling and meaning. |
| 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 from printed music (notation or diagrams) with Native Flute, “Flute Choir”. Flute keys and music for practice coming soon… 2. Session with Tim (Burton Lodge downstairs) Beyond the Scale: Finding Your Natural Voice on the Flute. Break out of scale patterns and explore the natural cadence of your own voice and how it can unlock seamless flute phrasing. In this hands-on session, together, we’ll turn everyday speech, whisper, and breath into dynamic rhythmic tools to make your playing feel as natural as talking. Bring your G-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. |
| 4:10 – 5:10 pm | Session with Rick (Burton Lodge downstairs) Wood, Flutes, and Sound. What do you hear? Presented by flute-maker, Rick Svitzer. |
| 5:30 pm | Dinner |
| 7:00 pm | Leaders Concert |
| 8:30 pm | Open Mic |
WEDNESDAY:
| 8:10 am | Greet the sun (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) Making a Song Your Own: Inspiration, Imagination and Connection Build your confidence as we explore using the tools we have to add our own voice to a piece of music. We’ll take a look at style, how we can bring out our inner artist even with a limited skillset, opening to our imagination, how playing other instruments can influence our approach to flute and much more. Open to all instruments but also bring a G-minor flute and questions. 2. Session with Tim (Burton lodge downstairs) Carrying the Emotion: Connecting with the Music You Play Move beyond playing notes and start telling stories. This reflective session explores how to channel raw feeling, shape tone color, and build improvisations into powerful, cohesive musical narratives that resonate deeply with both you and your listener. Bring G-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) Bring your G-minor and A-minor flutes. 2. Session with Cornell (Burton Lodge downstairs) Finishing Touches and Performance Tips – 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 pm | 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 4 – Thursday, October 7, 2027