Join us for the inaugural Rocky Mountain Choral Leadership Gathering!

24-26 OCTOBER 2025
​BANFF CENTRE FOR ARTS AND CREATIVITY
Introducing the Rocky Mountain Choral Leadership Gathering — a new kind of professional development experience designed for connection, growth, and renewed inspiration.

The event brings together choral practitioners in three streams: conductors and teachers, composers, and offstage leaders (the administrators, organizers, and visionaries who support choirs from behind the scenes). 

Led by core faculty Dr. Mark Ramsey (Coordinator of Choral Activities at Western University), Sherryl Sewepagaham (composer, music educator, and music therapist), and Diana Clark (Artistic Director of Coastal Sound Music Academy), along with presenters Laura Hawley and Dr. Brendan Lord, the gathering offers a rich mix of session formats including breakouts, roundtables, and sharing spaces, all designed to spark conversation, build community, and share real-world strategies and ideas. 

All of this takes place at one of the most breathtaking and inspiring places on the planet — the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, this stunning location offers the perfect backdrop for reflection, connection, and creative renewal. 

Join us in Banff for this unique gathering of choral leaders to learn, connect, and be inspired!

Schedule overview

View the complete list of sessions here
FRIDAY
6:00 p.m.
Arrival and check in
7:30 p.m.
Welcome and smudge
8:00 p.m.
Introductions
8:30 p.m.
Long & McQuade Welcome Reception
SATURDAY
8:15 a.m.
Tai Chi (optional)
9:00 a.m.
Plenary session — "Opening to Creativity" with Diana Clark
9:45 a.m.
Coffee break
10:15 a.m.
Breakout sessions
11:30 a.m.
Roundtables
12:15 p.m.
Lunch
1:15 p.m.
Plenary session — "Embracing Change" with Dr. Mark Ramsay
2:15 p.m.
Sharing Spaces
3:15 p.m.
Nature break
4:15 p.m.
Fireside Chat
5:15 p.m.
End-of-day Sing
5:45 p.m.
Wrap up
SUNDAY
8:15 a.m.
Tai Chi (optional)
9:00 a.m.
Plenary session — "Indigenous Music and Choirs" with Sherryl Sewepagaham
9:45 a.m.
Coffee break
10:15 a.m.
Roundtables
11:30 a.m.
Morning Sing with Diana Clark
12:15 p.m.
Lunch
1:15 p.m.
Breakout sessions
2:30 p.m.
Wrap-up

Registration fees

Registration fees include access to all sessions and activities and 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches in Vistas Dining Room.
Type
Deadline
Amount
Regular registration
Oct 6
$395
Last-minute registration
Oct 22
$495
Attendees will stay at Banff Centre's Professional Development Centre with access to special rates starting at $197.
ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION