2024 Dates
Arrival & check-in: Sunday, November 10, 2024
Final day & performance: Friday, November, 15, 2024
Check out & departure: Saturday, November 16, 2024
About
Experience a friendly choral atmosphere like no other. Learn choral music and perform a concert with talents from around the country and beyond!
Your Instructor
Andrew Walker was born (1955), raised, and educated in England, sang with Portsmouth Cathedral Choir, and obtained a music degree from the University of London. He emigrated to the United States in 1977, and has been the Director of Music at St. Michael's Episcopal Church, Orlando, since 1980. His music is published by the Royal School of Church Music, and Paraclete Press. He has directed choir camps, Road Scholar Choral Weeks, and workshops throughout the South-Eastern United States. At St. Michael's he directs a very active Music Department of over 90 members, aged from birth thru retired. They have sung at the National Cathedral, and several major Cathedrals in the UK. From 1996 thru 2002 he was the Music Director of the Bach Festival of Central Florida, Lakeland. From 2009 thru 2015, he served as a member of the Board of Directors of the American branch of The Royal School of Church Music, three years as President. During his time as President, in 2014, he founded and established the first RSCM America National Choir, directing them at both national and international locations. In 2016, he was awarded an Honorary Associate of the Royal School of Church Music degree. He is married to Gladys van den Berg, has three daughters, one granddaughter, and four grandsons. In “down-time” he enjoys silence, flight simulation in VR, and anything “sci-fi” - especially on the PC.
Location
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia, the town of Abingdon is known for its artsy vibe, historic charm and its proximity to some of the most spectacular outdoor recreation in the region – including world-renowned trout fishing. Abingdon is a Virginia Historic Landmark and its 20-square block Historic District sets only three miles from the historic and scenic grounds where guests stay at the Southwest Virginia 4-H Educational Center.
Abingdon is known for the Virginia Creeper Trail, a 35-mile multi-purpose rail-to-trail that passes through Jefferson National Forest and along the Appalachian Trail; the Barter Theatre, which is considered the "State Theatre of Virginia" and has one of the longest-running professional regional theatres in the nation. Abingdon is also one of the towns along The Crooked Road: Virginia's Heritage Music Trail; and home to The Martha Washington Inn & Spa - a Four-Star, Historic Hotel of America, which was built in 1832.
For 60 years, the Southwest Virginia 4-H Educational Center has been providing youth and adults with transformative, once-in-a-lifetime experiences that foster growth and belonging. As an independent, nonprofit organization – fees from programs like this help to fulfill their mission to empower youth from this corner of Appalachia through experiential learning.
Lodging
Stay on the scenic grounds of a historic former Virginia Poor Farm at the Southwest Virginia 4-H Educational Center, established in 1958.
Guests enjoy comfortable but basic, clean but dated private rooms at the Dickinson Conference Center. Rooms are equipped with adjustable air-conditioning and heat, as well as private bathrooms. Did we mention clean and comfortable? It has everything you need for a relaxing retreat!
Good to Know
• A full-sized refrigerator is available in the common area.
• Coffee/tea is provided on a daily basis.
• A television is available in the common area.
• Wifi is available.
• Alcohol is permitted on campus.
• Just on the outskirts of town, trips to the store require transportation.