2026 Recorder Workshop

Nature’s Abundance: A Musical Cornucopia
First Church Berkeley UCC (First Congregational)
June 21–27, 2026
Annette Bauer, Director

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Annette Bauer • Greta Haug-Hryciw • Miyo Aoki • Héloïse Degrugillier • Hanneke Van Proosdij • Katherine Heater harpsichord

At a Glance

Nature’s Abundance: A Musical Cornucopia

Nature has always inspired art: from Hildegard von Bingen’s concept of viriditas, the green life force at the core of all living things, to Antonio Vivaldi’s celebrated Quattro Stagioni, his musical depiction of the seasons, this holds true for music as well. Sounds found in nature, such as birds, water, or storms, have inspired composers across the ages, music has mimicked natural rhythms and celebrated flora and fauna, and nature itself has even been considered a musical entity of its own. Composers across the ages have expressed their sense of wonder about the beauty and abundance of the natural world in musical form, and in turn brought into existence a musical homage to the living world around us: “The earth has music for those who listen.”

Taught by a stellar faculty line-up, you can expect a wonderfully eclectic week diving into a variety of musical discoveries ranging from medieval, to Renaissance, Baroque, and contemporary styles, with the recorder at its very center.

Click over to the faculty page to meet this year’s faculty.


All this is happening in the sweet fold of a wonderful, welcoming workshop culture in the heart of Berkeley, California. We are looking forward to welcoming back our loyal long-time regulars as well as meeting brand-new participants!

We offer daily sessions focusing on playing skills and ensemble techniques, musical topic classes, optional participation in a master class where you get to shine as a soloist or in a small ensemble, and a daily rehearsal with the all-workshop recorder orchestra, culminating in a performance at the end of our workshop week.

Pitch: A=440

Scroll down to read more info online, or click on the buttons below to open a downloadable PDF of all the details.

HOUSING DETAILS PDF
PAY FOR HOUSING

TUITION / FEES

Through March 31st:
Early Bird Non-Member: $850
Early Bird Member: $800

After March 31st
Regular Non-Member: $900
Regular Member: $850

Facilities Fee: $80 – all full-time tuition will have this fee added at checkout. 

HOUSING 

$1075 for singles

$925 for doubles – contact administrator with the name of your roommate and we’ll send this link.

REGISTER

SILENT AUCTION

We have a long tradition of holding a silent auction during our workshops. One has the opportunity to find sheet music, musicology books, instruments, music-themed knick-knacks, music/instrument stands, locally made wines, jams/jellies, cookies, ciders. . .

After the silent auction closes, there is a live auction for fun items like private lessons, bespoke compositions, house concerts, and more. . . .

Maybe you have an instrument, or book, or music you’d like to donate. All proceeds go directly to the workshops. Bring your items to the workshop check-in desk. Thank you!

  • Fill your days with recorder ensembles, technique classes, Renaissance consorts, recorder orchestra, masterclasses, concerts, lectures and more. Explore Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, contemporary and world music in an intimate setting with world-class faculty.

  • Click here to learn more about our faculty members!

    Our faculty include some of the leading performers and teachers on their respective instruments:

    Annette Bauer, director 
    GretaHaug-Hryciw
    Hanneke Van Proosdij
    Miyo Aoki
    Héloïse Degrugillier
    Katherine Heater, harpsichord

  • Recorder players of all levels and abilities are welcome!

    To the best of our ability, we will tailor your experience to your skill level and ability so that you will feel both comfortable and challenged.

  • Workshop classes and events will be held at the First Congregational Church of Berkeley (FCCB) in the newly rebuilt community building.

    Beverly Cleary Residence Hall (2424 Durant Ave., Berkeley), part of Unit 3 – a city block of 4 dormitory towers plus Beverly Cleary Hall surrounding the Front Desk, gym, and Dining Hall called “Cafe 3”. Beverly Cleary Hall is a half a block from the church. Ground floor rooms are available, however availability is finite.

    Beverly Cleary Hall includes:

    • Utilities: High-speed Wi-Fi, gas, electric, water, garbage, recycling, and compost

    • Furnishings: extra-long twin bed (triple rooms include a bunk bed & a lofted bed), desk, chair, dresser, mirror, and closet

    • Bathrooms: one large all-gender bathroom per floor

    • Microchill refrigerator and microwave combo

    • Laundry center, mail services, and bike storage

    • Fitness center and recreation room

    • Smoke free environment

    A housing reservation includes dining services from Sunday night (6/21) through Saturday morning (6/27) for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There is no reduction in price for late arrivals, early departures, or missed meals.

    Beds are made prior to arrival with pillow, pillowcase, sheets, blanket, and bedspread. Two towels, a face cloth, and a bar of soap are provided. Bedrooms are not cleaned during your stay. Common areas are cleaned daily. Pillows, blankets, and bedspreads are available to exchange at each unit front desk if needed.

    You'll be issued a card for the dining hall upon check-in along with your building fob and room key.

    Check-in time is 3pm, and check-out time is 11am. We will have your keys at the check-in desk at the church on the first day. 

    HOUSING 

    $1075 for singles

    $925 for doubles – please contact the administrator with the name of your roommate, and we will send you this link. workshops@sfems.org

    Housing costs are due upon workshop registration. 


    Questions?     Email SFEMS Workshops Coordinator Stacey Helley at workshops@sfems.org


  • OVERNIGHT PARKING:

    Overnight Parking Lot Locations: Underhill/Ellsworth structures

    Option #1: Pay at Yellow Kiosk every morning. All guests parking overnight will need to select the maximum number of hours, each day they plan on parking (It is strongly recommended that all guests pay first thing each morning to avoid receiving a citation) Your license plate and the code must be entered together or a citation will be issued. 

    Guests should print their receipt or have a copy texted to themselves for their records

    Option #2: PayByPhone App

    Download the PayByPhone App from the App Store or Google Play

    Enter the location number of where you have parked

    For guests parking overnight, select the maximum number of hours and confirm your selection.

    Add more time to your parking session in-app from wherever you are without having to rush back to the kiosk.

    Please be sure to follow all the instructions to avoid a parking citation from Cal Police. 

    COMMUTER PARKING 

    There are a number of public parking lots and facilities near campus and in downtown Berkeley. The list below includes municipal and privately owned parking lots and garages open to the public. Please consult signs for hours and fees prior to entering the facilities.

    • Telegraph Channing Garage has hourly rates

    • First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley has an underground garage

    • There is a covered pay lot at 2315 Ellsworth between the Berkeley City Club and St. Mark’s Episcopal.

    There is hourly street parking around our block. Street Parking Apps are Spot Hero and ParkMobile.

    First Congregational Church has a lot that you enter from west-bound Channing. Spots there are not guaranteed. $10 per day.

    UBER, LYFT, FRIENDS & FAMILY

    App maps don’t have the address quite right. They will land you on either Durant Ave. or Channing, neither of which have a proper door to enter the spaces we use. All our entrances are on Dana between Durant and Channing.

    COMMUTER MEALS

    We are near a multitude of casual dining options for the commuter.

    You may dine with the group at the Cal dining hall anytime. Just pay the cashier when you enter. We will not have prepaid cards this year.

  • TUITION:
    Full tuition for non-members     for the Recorder Workshop is $900.
    Receive an early bird discount of $50 by applying before March 31.

    SFEMS members in good standing at time of enrollment receive an additional member discount of $50. These discounts can be combined!

    Early Bird Member: $800

    Early Bird Non-Member: $850

    You don’t need to pay the full tuition upfront—secure your spot with a non-refundable deposit of $250.

    All outstanding tuition must be paid by June 7; however, to receive the early bird discount, balances must be paid before March 31.

    Tuition (other than the $250 non-refundable deposit) is refundable before June 7.

    All full-time tuitions will have an $80 facilities fee added at checkout.

    SCHOLARSHIPS:
    Tuition assistance is available through our scholarship and work study programs. Please contact administrator Stacey Helley at workshops@sfems.org for more information.

    Please check with ARS and EMA for summer workshop scholarship opportunities.

    ROOM & BOARD (see above for more information):
    Single-occupancy room and board is $1075 (Sunday night–Saturday morning).
    Double-occupancy room and board is $950 (Sunday night–Saturday morning). Please contact us with your planned roommate to receive this rate.

    Room & board must be paid in full upon registration. Full housing refunds can be issued until June 7. No housing refunds will be issued after this date.

  • If you have questions regarding registration or logistics, please contact SFEMS administrator Stacey Helley at workshops@sfems.org.

    If you have questions about workshop programming, please contact workshop director Annette Bauer at recorderworkshop@sfems.org.

3 recorder players practicing in a circle
Group of three musicians rehearsing, two playing recorders and one playing a piano, with sheet music in front of them.
A group of recorder players practicing