Dorian Choral Retreat

The Dorian Choral Retreat is designed for Luther alumni, music educators, church musicians, friends of Luther, career musicians, and folks who just genuinely love singing. The weekend will feature choral rehearsals on exciting repertoire, break-out sessions for the career musicians, and other sessions for those looking to just get some “Decorah time” during the weekend. In addition, there will be plenty of social activities offered as a chance to connect with new and old friends that share a love for singing. View the schedule learn more and registerArrival and Check-inCheck-in occurs from 2 – 4:30 p.m. on Friday, July 10 in the lobby of the Center for Faith and Life (CFL). There is limited parking at the CFL, with much more available behind Preus Library. During check-in, you will:Pay any unpaid balance of your registration.Receive your music, nametag and meal card.Receive your housing assignment and keys if you are staying on campus.After check-in, you’ll have time to settle into your housing and get dinner in town. Choir seating begins at 5:45 p.m. in the CFL Main Hall, with rehearsal beginning at 6 p.m.What to PackAll participants must bring:Black 3-ring binder (size ½ to 1 inch) for your musicCasual attire appropriate for a summer weekend in Iowa (building temperatures indoors are sometimes quite chilly, so bring an extra layer)Concert attire for the Livssang performance that is either all black OR black bottoms and white tops. No need for a jacket, tie, or formal attire.Any on-campus housing arrangements must be made in advance through Alecia Bucksa (buckal02@luther.edu), coordinator of campus events and outreach. We are not able to accommodate walk-in housing requests at check-in. If you require accessibility or dietary accommodations, please contact us as soon as possible with your specific needs.Conductors, Repertoire, and Special OfferingsWe are pleased to offer a collaborative choral experience in 2026. Singers will have the opportunity to work with four different conductors over the weekend, preparing varied repertoire to be performed on Sunday, July 12, at 2:00 p.m. during the Livssang Performance and Reflections.Conductors for the weekend include Luther College professors Mark Potvin ’01 and Adrianna Tam, long-time Dorian Summer Camps leader Shelly Schaeufele ’92, and Decorah High School choral conductor Jason Rausch ’98. Choral repertoire will be provided for you upon arrival. Specific selections can be found on the Dorian Choral Retreat webpage.Special events at the 2026 Dorian Choral Retreat include: Friday night reception and social time in Marty’s featuring a greeting by Luther College President Brad Chamberlain. Cash bar and opportunities for karaoke!Saturday breakout sessions for focused conversation and learning around topics like vocal health, community singing, church music, and music education.Saturday evening, join in a fun Beer Choir on the main floor of the Union.Please invite your family and friends to join us in the CFL Main Hall for the 2:00 p.m. Livssang Performance and Reflections on Sunday, July 12. No tickets are needed, and the concert is open to all.Questions? If you have questions about the event, please contact Ian Rocker, assistant director of music outreach, via email at rockia01@luther.edu or by phone at 563-387-1389.