Fundraiser Party in the Barn
October 4, 2025
Live Streaming Workshop for Students
June 15, 2026
Overview
Throughout the 5-day program, students will experience the many ways musicians learn, create, communicate, and perform together. Beginning with some (not much, these kids are talented and experienced!) musical fundamentals and expanding into ensemble playing, improvisation, rehearsal, creative exploration, and performance preparation, students will discover how strong musicianship and leadership becomes the foundation for artistic expression. They will learn not only how to prepare music, but how to listen deeply, collaborate with others, adapt in the moment, and bring ideas to life – culminating in a final student-led concert featuring AnnaMaria Mottola as “guest artist”.
This Creative Music Immersive Experience is designed to highlight the importance of versatility – not only as a musician, but as a creative individual. Students will be guided by a small group of professionals who bring experience from music, technology, leadership, and other fields. It’s all related! The goal is to help students understand that keeping music alive often means embracing many different paths, skills, and opportunities along the way and learning how to integrate them. This immersive experience celebrates the many roles that exist in today’s creative world – from performer to collaborator, from artist to organizer, from the person on stage to the people who make the stage possible.
Program Name: Creative Music Immersive Experience
Program Director: AnnaMaria Mottola
Date: Sunday, August 9 – Friday, August 14, 2026
Location: Possum’s Store – Criglersville, VA
Student Check-in: Sunday, August 9 – 4:00 PM at Possum’s Store
Student Check-out: Friday, August 14 – 9:00 AM
Food and Lodging: Lodging at nearby Airbnb; meals to be brought in
Faculty
AnnaMaria Mottola — Program Director and Guest Artist
Former White House pianist (20 years) through The “President’s Own” United States Marine Band. AnnaMaria will guide students through a week of creative discovery, collaboration, and musical exploration. Drawing from her professional experiences as a premier military musician, performer, educator, and mentor, she will help students understand both the artistry and adaptability required to build a meaningful life in music. She will share her experience as a musician in the military: what comes not only with auditioning or obtaining a musical “job”, but maintaining one inside and outside of the Corps. Versatility is her specialty within musical genres so any style is on the table.
Sydnee Waggoner — Program & Personal Assistant
Sydnee brings a unique perspective to the program, as a classically trained soprano whose love of music has led to a diverse career in performance, arts administration, and executive leadership support. In addition to her work as an opera star throughout Europe and the United States, she has contributed to the success of numerous artistic organizations through production, event management, and organizational leadership. She now serves as an executive assistant, bringing the same dedication and creativity to the technology sector while remaining deeply connected to the performing arts. As program assistant Students will have the opportunity to learn about the importance of transferable skills that can lead to other careers including the dedication, preparation, and creativity required in that field. FUN FACT: Sydnee is transitioning into the jazz and pop genres…..so she may join us for a tune!
Renee Balfour – Guest Artist and Student Counselor
Renee Balfour is an award-winning painter and woodworker from central Virginia who has been exhibiting nationally and internationally in group and solo exhibitions for more than 30 years. She is co-author of The Virginia Visual Arts Resource Directory and is a past president of McGuffey Art Center. Renee is also owner of Possum’s Store in Criglersville, VA, where she has a studio and hosts exhibitions and musical performances. Renee helps create the welcoming environment that allows students to feel supported throughout the week and notice beauty, inspiration, and artistic expression not only in music, but in the world around them. She will conduct a half-day art workshop – introducing students to new avenues for creative expression.
Trevor Hogan — Technology Specialist and Sound Engineer
As a live sound engineer for the program, Trevor will make sure the experience sounds its best, and students can interact and ask questions throughout the week if they are into that! Trevor has learned this skill as an adult (though big kid at heart) with a passion for music and a love for helping out! With an extensive background in internet technology and Security, Trevor’s skills have taken him to projects and “gigs” around the world. A fun part of Trevor’s own journey is that he continues to grow as a sound engineer and live audio technician — bringing students the perspective of someone who is constantly learning, adapting, and expanding his creative toolkit. Throughout the week, Trevor will support rehearsals and performances while sharing how technology, social media skills, sound, and problem-solving play an essential role in all facets of music. And let’s face it, we all need someone around to help get our music on the web, and reset our passcodes! We will learn a lot from him!
Additional Faculty
Throughout the week, students will also encounter additional guest faculty and professional musicians who will share their expertise from a variety of musical worlds — from university professors to freelance performers and working artists. These visiting mentors will bring their unique experiences, stories, and skills to the Creative Music Immersive Experience.
Featured faculty may include Emre Kartari and Kevin MacConnell. Additional faculty to be curated based on individual students
Students
Open to six students, ages 16 – 23, with significant musical experience. Students will be invited individually to audition for available slots in the workshop. Once they have completed the application and audition, they will then be invited to participate based on skill and availability.
Educational Goals
Creative Collaboration & Band Formation
Students will be grouped into small, mixed ensembles (bands) combining vocalists and instrumentalists with focus on:
· Musical communication
· Listening skills
· Role awareness within an ensemble
· Leadership and collaboration dynamics
Individual Technical Development
Instrument-specific lessons for instrumentalists and vocal coaching for vocalists and instrumentalists who sing, with emphasis on:
· Healthy technique
· Tone production
· Articulation and phrasing
· Groove and time feel
· Stylistic authenticity
Improvisation & Musical Language
Daily workshops exploring:
· Improvisation across genres
· Call-and-response
· Modal, harmonic, and rhythmic frameworks
· Vocal improvisation and instrumental-vocal interaction
Harmony, Re-Harmonization & Arranging
Group sessions on:
· Functional harmony
· Re-harm techniques
· Arrangement strategies for small ensembles
· Adapting songs for different instrumentations
· Vocal arranging within band contexts
Rhythm & Groove Studies
Rhythm manipulation workshops including:
· Time feel (straight vs. swing, odd meters)
· Groove layering
· Polyrhythms and metric modulation
· Rhythm section–vocal interaction
Artistic Identity & Creative Voice
Students will explore:
· Genre blending
· Personal musical influences
· Original material or creative reinterpretations
· Developing a unique ensemble sound
Music Careers & Professional Skills
Faculty-led discussions on:
· Making a career out of your music
· Ensemble dynamics and leadership/ working as a collaborative musician
· Studio vs. live performance
· Rehearsal strategies
· Communicating with vocalists and instrumentalists
· Gigging, freelancing, and project-based work
· Recording basics and performance documentation
· Branding and self-marketing
· College/conservatory and alternative pathways
Live Performances
The program will culminate in two public performances, featuring:
· Original compositions, arrangements, or creative reinterpretations
· Student-led ensembles
· Collaborative vocal and instrumental work
Each performance will be professionally recorded (audio and video). Students will receive:
· A high-quality recording of their ensemble performance
· Documentation suitable for portfolios, auditions, or promotion
Performance Venue
Possum’s Store – Thursday, August 13, 7:00 PM
A scenic performance showcasing ensemble collaboration.
Student Supervision and Safety:
The Blue Ridge Center for Music and Creative Arts provides a safe, fun, and respectful environment for students where they can learn from outstanding faculty, progress at their own pace, and meet other aspiring artists in their age group. Safe and wholesome meals are provided at all programs and dietary restrictions will be accommodated. Supervision is provided by the faculty and by a designated Student Counselor who resides onsite 24 hours per day, monitors student activities, and is available to address any safety, wellness, or behavioral issues that arise. Prior to the start of the program, parents will receive further information including packing list, check-in information, registration and contact information form, photo permission form, and liability waiver.
Please contact the Executive Director, Earle Martin (earlemartin3101@gmail.com) if you have questions or need additional information.
Fees
All costs for this program, including instruction, food, and lodging are underwritten by the Blue Ridge Center for Music & Creative Arts with full scholarships provided for all accepted students. Donations to the Center by parents of accepted students, as well as the entire community, are encouraged and welcomed.
Registration
To participate in the workshop, each student must submit an application and links to a musical and/or vocals performance. Click the Apply button below to submit your application. Please contact us at mailto:info@blueridgecenterart