Scott Turkington, who has taught all 4 levels of the Ward Method at Catholic University, is willing to teach Ward I for teachers at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse, WI for one week this summer if we can get 10 students. If you haven't been to the Shrine (https://www.guadalupeshrine.org/), it is a magnificent place of pilgrimage, and spreading the "gospel" of the Ward Method is in line with the Shrine's mission. Scott is also offering a summer Chant Camp for High Schoolers (Aug 14-18) and a separate Choir Camp for ages 7-18 (June 19-23).
Please comment if you are interested. We have not settled on dates, but it would be a Monday-Friday thing, so no need to miss any weekend Masses!
Bri - We are still working on cost and housing. I will post those details as soon as I have them. Scott did mention that homestays might be a possibility. Dates have been narrowed down to the week of July 17 or August 7th (and my preference is for the August date...my husband plans to attend with me, so we need childcare for our five kids, which our family isn't able to do in July).
Please add me to your contact list. Should this class be offered, I would like my staff to attend. If not offered due to enrollment, I would be willing speak about hosting this event in the Diocese of Madison. I am the director of music at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, Madison, WI. Please contact me directly at Marco.Melendez@StMariaGoretti.org.
Update: The cost for the Ward class is $325 (includes the teacher manual). For more information, contact Scott Turkington directly at STurkington@GuadalupeShrine.org The class description is also available on the Shrine's website here: https://www.guadalupeshrine.org/sacred-music
The payment form for the Ward course is now up on the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe’s website (cost is $325). The class is limited to 15 students and there has been a lot of interest, so Scott says it will fill up fast. If you have additional questions, you contact him directly (see above). Hope to see you there! https://www.guadalupeshrine.org/sacred-music
The Shrine also has many lodging options listed on their website: https://www.guadalupeshrine.org/lodging I have stayed at the Gundersen Hotel in LaCrosse and would recommend it. They have good breakfast, and the discount for Shrine visitors is $12 off per night. I can't vouch for the other lodging options.
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