Birch Creek Performance Center

Saturday, July 22, 2023 7:00 PM  9:00 PM Birch Creek Music Performance Center (map) For four weeks in July and August, the nationally and internationally acclaimed musicians of the Birch Creek Jazz Faculty Orchestra bring their chemistry, charisma and exceptional musicianship to Birch Creek audiences. Jazz I and Jazz II student combos play pre-concert music and student ensembles perform at the start of each concert.

Thursday, August 3, 2023 7:00 PM  9:00 PM Birch Creek Music Performance Center (map) For four weeks in July and August, the nationally and internationally acclaimed musicians of the Birch Creek Jazz Faculty Orchestra bring their chemistry, charisma and exceptional musicianship to Birch Creek audiences. Jazz I and Jazz II student combos play pre-concert music and student ensembles perform at the start of each concert.

Friday, August 4, 2023 7:00 PM  9:00 PM Birch Creek Music Performance Center (map) For four weeks in July and August, the nationally and internationally acclaimed musicians of the Birch Creek Jazz Faculty Orchestra bring their chemistry, charisma and exceptional musicianship to Birch Creek audiences. Jazz I and Jazz II student combos play pre-concert music and student ensembles perform at the start of each concert.

Saturday, August 5, 2023 7:00 PM  9:00 PM Birch Creek Music Performance Center (map) For four weeks in July and August, the nationally and internationally acclaimed musicians of the Birch Creek Jazz Faculty Orchestra bring their chemistry, charisma and exceptional musicianship to Birch Creek audiences. Jazz I and Jazz II student combos play pre-concert music and student ensembles perform at the start of each concert.

Wednesday, August 9, 2023 7:00 PM  9:00 PM Birch Creek Music Performance Center (map) For four weeks in July and August, the nationally and internationally acclaimed musicians of the Birch Creek Jazz Faculty Orchestra bring their chemistry, charisma and exceptional musicianship to Birch Creek audiences. Jazz I and Jazz II student combos play pre-concert music and student ensembles perform at the start of each concert.

Thursday, August 10, 2023 7:00 PM  9:00 PM Birch Creek Music Performance Center (map) For four weeks in July and August, the nationally and internationally acclaimed musicians of the Birch Creek Jazz Faculty Orchestra bring their chemistry, charisma and exceptional musicianship to Birch Creek audiences. Jazz I and Jazz II student combos play pre-concert music and student ensembles perform at the start of each concert.

Friday, August 11, 2023 7:00 PM  9:00 PM Birch Creek Music Performance Center (map) For four weeks in July and August, the nationally and internationally acclaimed musicians of the Birch Creek Jazz Faculty Orchestra bring their chemistry, charisma and exceptional musicianship to Birch Creek audiences. Jazz I and Jazz II student combos play pre-concert music and student ensembles perform at the start of each concert.

Saturday, August 12, 2023 7:00 PM  9:00 PM Birch Creek Music Performance Center (map) For four weeks in July and August, the nationally and internationally acclaimed musicians of the Birch Creek Jazz Faculty Orchestra bring their chemistry, charisma and exceptional musicianship to Birch Creek audiences. Jazz I and Jazz II student combos play pre-concert music and student ensembles perform at the start of each concert.

Saturday, September 9, 2023 7:00 PM  9:00 PM Birch Creek Music Performance Center (map) Featuring Kevin Van Ess and his Dixieland Jazz Band Back by popular demand, this nationally recognized Bourbon Street Dixieland Jazz group returns to fill the air with infectious energy and upbeat rhythms. Juniper Hall

Saturday, September 16, 2023 7:00 PM  9:00 PM Birch Creek Music Performance Center (map) Featuring Wesley Morgan and Rodrigo Villanueva This ensemble’s exceptional chemistry enables them to push the boundaries, coaxing creative improvisations from well-known melodies in jazz and popular music genres. Juniper Hall

Saturday, September 23, 2023 7:00 PM  9:00 PM Birch Creek Music Performance Center (map) Featuring Katie Ernst, vocals; Michael Stryker, piano; and Scott Burns, Saxophone Birch Creek’s world-class jazz talent reunite for a musical experience that will captivate your senses with silky smooth jazz virtuosity. Juniper Hall

A Birch Creek Associates Fundraiser Jazz Mallets & Latin Vibes Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month Experience the captivating sounds of jazz mallets and the infectious grooves of Latin percussion instruments with this one-of-a-kind concert. Enjoy camaraderie, delicious food by Alexander’s, and a captivating performance celebrating the vibrant world of percussion music. Faculty performers from our Percussion, Steel Pan & World Music session will be joined by a former student turned professional musician at our annual fall fundraiser sponsored by our Associates…

Saturday, December 2, 2023 2:30 PM  3:45 PM Birch Creek Music Performance Center (map) featuring Birch Creek Symphony Brass and Guest Performers Ring in the holiday season at Birch Creek with this cherished holiday tradition featuring the sounds of joy and celebration. Juniper Hall

Saturday, December 2, 2023 7:00 PM  8:15 PM Birch Creek Music Performance Center (map) featuring Birch Creek Symphony Brass and Guest Performers Ring in the holiday season at Birch Creek with this cherished holiday tradition featuring the sounds of joy and celebration. Juniper Hall

Christmas at Birch Creek Matinee Saturday, December 7, 2024 2:30 PM  4:00 PM Birch Creek Music Performance Center (map) Birch Creek presents two holiday concerts in beautifully decorated Juniper Hall beginning with a 2:30 PM Matinee Family Concert at which all children ages 11 and under receive free admission. A second performance will follow at 7:00 PM. Both concerts feature favorite Christmas and holiday songs performed by Birch Creek Symphony Brass, Dan Moore, Percussion, Door County Community Handbell Choir and Guest Performers.

Christmas at Birch Creek Evening Concert Saturday, December 7, 2024 7:00 PM  8:30 PM Birch Creek Music Performance Center (map) Birch Creek presents two holiday concerts in beautifully decorated Juniper Hall beginning with a 2:30 PM Matinee Family Concert at which all children ages 11 and under receive free admission. A second performance will follow at 7:00 PM. Both concerts feature favorite Christmas and holiday songs performed by Birch Creek Symphony Brass, Dan Moore, Percussion, Door County Community Handbell Choir and Guest…

About Christopher Norton: Christopher Norton has been PMF’s Principal Percussionist for nearly three decades and is a Professor of Music at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. A highly accomplished performer and conductor, Norton has appeared with the Nashville Symphony, Sympatico Percussion Quintet, and Alias Chamber Ensemble, among others. His expertise spans solo marimba performances, orchestral conducting, and compositions published by Innovative Percussion. musicfestival.com

We celebrate 50 seasons of percussion alumni contributions. Inspiring music brought to Birch Creek by former students, teachers, and directors. Featuring Tom Corbridge, Robert Chappell, and Michelle Colton.

More music from the minds of Birch Creek Percussion’s creative staff past and present, including Birch Creek founder James Dutton.

Steel Pan Superstar Victor Provost returns with captivating compositions. Featuring the premiere of his new piece for Birch Creek’s 50th percussion season, Transitions | Transformations. Discover why Downbeat calls him “a rarity” in the jazz ecosystem and The New York Times hails him as “a serious jazz improviser.”

A free concert showcasing energetic and innovative music from around the world, performed by student percussionists who spent the week immersed in Birch Creek’s percussion programs.

The grand finale features the most popular performances from previous concerts and five decades of Birch Creek Percussion—an evening packed with surprises and highlights.

Featuring selections from Saint‑Saëns’ Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, Weber’s Andante and Hungarian Rondo, and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4.

Independence Day celebration with free pie and ice cream social at 2:00 PM followed by performance conducted by Brian Groner.

Program includes Wagner’s Rienzi Overture, Gounod’s Faust Music for the Ballet, and Mozart’s Viola Concerto featuring guest artist Matthew Lipman on viola.

Including Elgar’s Cockaigne Overture, Arutunian’s Trumpet Concerto with guest artist Mary Elizabeth Bowden, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7.

Featuring Suppé’s Poet and Peasant Overture, Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4 with pianist Jonathan Bass, and Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite.

A free chamber music showcase performed by student symphony members—perfect for families.

Featuring Weber/Berlioz’s Invitation to the Dance, Eccles’s Sonata in G minor with bass guest artist Michael Thurber, plus Ballet Music by Faust, and Thurber’s own Orchestral Dances.

The nationally and internationally acclaimed Birch Creek Jazz Faculty Orchestra brings chemistry, charisma, and top-tier musicianship. Jazz I and II student combos play pre-concert music and student ensembles open each evening.

Celebrate the legends of big band jazz with stirring renditions of classic works and spirited interpretations by the faculty orchestra, alongside student ensembles.

The nationally and internationally acclaimed Birch Creek Jazz Faculty Orchestra brings chemistry, charisma, and top-tier musicianship. Jazz I and II student combos play pre-concert music and student ensembles open each evening.

A tribute to Birch Creek’s 50 seasons of jazz concerts—an evening blending historic repertoire and contemporary flair, performed by faculty and students.

An energetic mix of swinging standards and soulful blues, driven by standout performances from faculty and student ensembles alike.

An energetic mix of swinging standards and soulful blues, driven by standout performances from faculty and student ensembles alike.

A lively, family-friendly jazz showcase blending student ensemble pieces with jazz orchestra highlights.

A tribute to Birch Creek’s 50 seasons of jazz concerts—an evening blending historic repertoire and contemporary flair, performed by faculty and students.

A concert featuring audience-favorite big band pieces, performed by the faculty orchestra and accompanied by student combos.

Explore the breadth of big band jazz—from classic swing to modern stylings—with vibrant performances by faculty and students.

Explore the breadth of big band jazz—from classic swing to modern stylings—with vibrant performances by faculty and students.

A concert featuring audience-favorite big band pieces, performed by the faculty orchestra and accompanied by student combos.

A tribute to Birch Creek’s 50 seasons of jazz concerts—an evening blending historic repertoire and contemporary flair, performed by faculty and students.

A powerful combination of blues-infused grooves and big band flair. The August 8 concert features guest drummer Harold Jones of the Basie and Bennett orchestras.

A powerful combination of blues-infused grooves and big band flair. The August 8 concert features guest drummer Harold Jones of the Basie and Bennett orchestras.

A second family-friendly showcase spotlighting Jazz II student ensembles and faculty performances, ideal for all ages.

A tribute to Birch Creek’s 50 seasons of jazz concerts—an evening blending historic repertoire and contemporary flair, performed by faculty and students.

The Wind Ensemble Retreat, taking place from August 13 – 16, invites adult musicians of intermediate to advanced levels to refine their music reading and performance skills. Participants will engage in daily rehearsals, sectionals, and masterclasses, culminating in a public performance. The retreat is co-directed by educators Jim Stombres, Steve Sveum, and Brayer Teague - all renowned for their contributions to music education and performance. The program is in its eighth year.

The Wind Ensemble Retreat, taking place from August 13 – 16, invites adult musicians of intermediate to advanced levels to refine their music reading and performance skills. Participants will engage in daily rehearsals, sectionals, and masterclasses, culminating in a public performance. The retreat is co-directed by educators Jim Stombres, Steve Sveum, and Brayer Teague - all renowned for their contributions to music education and performance. The program is in its eighth year.

The Wind Ensemble Retreat, taking place from August 13 – 16, invites adult musicians of intermediate to advanced levels to refine their music reading and performance skills. Participants will engage in daily rehearsals, sectionals, and masterclasses, culminating in a public performance. The retreat is co-directed by educators Jim Stombres, Steve Sveum, and Brayer Teague - all renowned for their contributions to music education and performance. The program is in its eighth year.

The Wind Ensemble Retreat, taking place from August 13 – 16, invites adult musicians of intermediate to advanced levels to refine their music reading and performance skills. Participants will engage in daily rehearsals, sectionals, and masterclasses, culminating in a public performance. The retreat is co-directed by educators Jim Stombres, Steve Sveum, and Brayer Teague - all renowned for their contributions to music education and performance. The program is in its eighth year.

The Chamber Music Retreat, now in its sixth year, is designed for strings, woodwinds, and piano players. The program runs August 18 – 21 and offers participants the chance to collaborate in small ensembles under the guidance of professional coaches. Led by Ricardo Castañeda, Principal Oboist with The Chicago Sinfonietta, the program emphasizes chamber repertoire and ensemble techniques, concluding with a public concert showcasing the ensembles' work.

The Chamber Music Retreat, now in its sixth year, is designed for strings, woodwinds, and piano players. The program runs August 18 – 21 and offers participants the chance to collaborate in small ensembles under the guidance of professional coaches. Led by Ricardo Castañeda, Principal Oboist with The Chicago Sinfonietta, the program emphasizes chamber repertoire and ensemble techniques, concluding with a public concert showcasing the ensembles' work.

The Chamber Music Retreat, now in its sixth year, is designed for strings, woodwinds, and piano players. The program runs August 18 – 21 and offers participants the chance to collaborate in small ensembles under the guidance of professional coaches. Led by Ricardo Castañeda, Principal Oboist with The Chicago Sinfonietta, the program emphasizes chamber repertoire and ensemble techniques, concluding with a public concert showcasing the ensembles' work.

The Chamber Music Retreat, now in its sixth year, is designed for strings, woodwinds, and piano players. The program runs August 18 – 21 and offers participants the chance to collaborate in small ensembles under the guidance of professional coaches. Led by Ricardo Castañeda, Principal Oboist with The Chicago Sinfonietta, the program emphasizes chamber repertoire and ensemble techniques, concluding with a public concert showcasing the ensembles' work.

The Piano Retreat, offered August 22 – 25, caters to piano enthusiasts, teachers, and semi-professionals aiming to deepen their artistry. Participants will benefit from masterclasses, lectures, and performance opportunities in a non-competitive setting. The retreat features instruction from renowned pianists Susan Tang, Jodie DeSalvo, and Soo Young Lee, each bringing a wealth of experience and pedagogical insight.

The Piano Retreat, offered August 22 – 25, caters to piano enthusiasts, teachers, and semi-professionals aiming to deepen their artistry. Participants will benefit from masterclasses, lectures, and performance opportunities in a non-competitive setting. The retreat features instruction from renowned pianists Susan Tang, Jodie DeSalvo, and Soo Young Lee, each bringing a wealth of experience and pedagogical insight.

The Piano Retreat, offered August 22 – 25, caters to piano enthusiasts, teachers, and semi-professionals aiming to deepen their artistry. Participants will benefit from masterclasses, lectures, and performance opportunities in a non-competitive setting. The retreat features instruction from renowned pianists Susan Tang, Jodie DeSalvo, and Soo Young Lee, each bringing a wealth of experience and pedagogical insight.