Plans are in high gear for the Chant Intensive and Sacred Music Colloquium coming up in June at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. Please keep an eye out for updated information and details about your arrival and stay on campus. In the meantime, here is the very latest:

1. Here is a cool campus map and tour of Duquesne. Refer to it often.

2. I visited Duquesne earlier week to make final preparations for the two events. We have tried to schedule all venues in close proximity to the dorms and each other. Our conferences have special needs. We can't just meet in regular classrooms. We need large spaces with friendly acoustics. With that in mind, know that we've walked the walk and know the distances and the time it takes to get from space to space on campus. The distances are not far. The one thing you should be aware of, though, is that the lovely campus, situated in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh, is a little bit hilly. Plan on bringing walking shoes so you will be comfortable all day. There will be ample time every day after lunch to change into something more appropriate for Mass.

3. For those who feel they may need extra assistance, motorized scooters are available through Wheelchair Exchange in Pittsburgh @ $165 per week. Call them around June 1 to reserve. 412-241-5121

4. Those staying in the dorms (Vickroy Hall, see cool map) will have access to a small fitness center on the 5th floor. It includes two treadmills, two bikes, and two steppers. There are also full workout facilities at the Power Center (see cool map again), and will be available to participants for a fee. More information on that forthcoming.

5. Computer access on campus: The student union offers wifi in all locations, as do both of the two Starbucks (yes, folks, Starbucks) located on campus. There is no computer access in individual dorm rooms, but two computers with full internet access will be made available in a multi-purpose lounge on the first floor of Vickroy Hall.

6. Parking will be in the Forbes Street parking garage (see super cool map). The cost for parking is $11 per day, or $67 for the week. If you are interested in purchasing a parking pass for the week, you may do so (payable to Duquesne Univeristy) at check in.

7. Further details on check-in forthcoming.

8. For those staying in the Marriott: It is directly across the street from the Church of the Epiphany. Directly. Some of you have asked if you will need to rent cars. I would say no, not for the purposes of the Colloquium. Everything is within walking distance. If you plan on taking in some of the Pittsburgh city scene, on the other hand, you may wish to rent.

9. The cost of a cab ride from the airport is about $37 one way. If that seems a bit pricey, you might consider sharing the ride with other participants. You can contact each other on this forum to make your own arrangements. The airport is located approximately 18 miles away from downtown Pittsburgh. Those staying at the Marriott should inquire with the hotel themselves about shuttle options.


Please remember that all payments are due on or before May 15, 2010. Adding $10, $20, or $100 to your final payment will help someone come who might otherwise not be able to swing it.