This year's Song Academy returns to the stunning performing arts camp Caldera, high in the Cascade Mountains. Caldera was the home of the Academy from 2002 - 2019, and the ASA staff and organizers have decided to return to where it all started. Caldera, set on mystical Blue Lake and equipped with exceptional facilities, will once again be the site with instructor-led workshops, instructor performances, participant open mics, one-on-one mentor sessions, group singing, and on-site RV and tent camping.

Stay tuned for 2024's SFF Artist Instructor lineup!

Camp staff: Brad Tisdel, Founder and Creative Director; Beth Wood, Staff Director

The Americana Song Academy inspires people express themselves creatively, support one another’s artistic aspirations, and helps develop a community that supports that pursuit. Select artists performing at the Sisters Folk Festival arrive early to teach many aspects of music, songwriting, performance, singing, etc. Participants deeply engage to nurture their music, songs, and creative aspirations.

The musical alchemy of the festival artists from Song Camp helps inspire collaborations and exceptional performances at the festival each year.

Song Campers participate in workshops, communal meals and activities. With exceptional food, a beautiful and powerful location, and a unique, intimate experience, the event continues to be highly anticipated and sells out early each year.

Cost: $700, includes all instruction, meals and snacks.

For a nominal fee of $25, participants can camp onsite in a tent or small RV with access to a shower and bathroom facility. A limited number of hotel-type rooms with shared bathrooms are available in Tamarack Hall, (on site at Caldera) for $390 for all 3 nights. Each room has a queen bed and is suitable for double occupancy. There are 4 bathrooms shared between 11 rooms.

Registration refund policy:
Registration fee paid less $50 through April 30, 2024; less $150 May 1-June 30, 2024; less $350 July 1-31, 2024.
No refunds August 1, 2024 or after unless event is cancelled by SFF Presents.

FAQs:

1. Is there a minimum age to participate? Yes, participants must be at least 18 years old, unless they are part of the Sisters High School Americana Project and are personally invited to attend.

2. On site dry camping is available for a nominal fee for tents and small RVs with access to showers and bathrooms for campers. Close, off-site camping is available at several beautiful National Forest campgrounds around Suttle Lake, and at Suttle Lodge. Song campers may also elect to stay in lodging in town, at Camp Sherman, or at Black Butte Ranch.

3. What if I have dietary restrictions? You'll be asked about this during the registration process. Our camp caterer is excellent and can accommodate most dietary needs with the exception of severe food allergies as we cannot guarantee against cross-contamination. If that is applicable to your situation, you are encouraged to bring your own food.

4. Can I reserve a one-on-one session with a specific instructor? We generally provide one mentor session per day for each camper, and sign-ups are held during camp for mentor sessions. Most instructors are available throughout camp as well.

5. Can I arrive earlier than 10:00 on Monday? Campers are welcome to arrive beginning at 9:00 AM on Monday, September 23; sorry, we are unable to accommodate early arrivals. Official activities get underway at 10:30 AM.

6. Where do I stay after Camp, if I'm planning to attend the festival? We need to vacate the Caldera site no later than noon on Thursday, September 26. We encourage you to check out accommodation info on the festival website: https://www.sistersfolkfest.org/info. There are numerous vacation rentals in Sisters through Air BnB, VRBO, Vacasa, etc. We strongly encourage campers to investigate those options well in advance, as accommodations sell out early for the festival.

7. Can I bring my child or spouse/partner to the Song Academy if they are not participating? Sorry, only confirmed registrants are permitted on the campus during Song Academy.

8. Can I bring a pet? Only service animals are permitted at Camp.

9. What should I bring? Suitable Clothing – Caldera is in the mountains typically with chilly nights and warm days during autumn. Plan to bring swimwear and sunscreen, insect repellant, sunglasses, a reusable water bottle and/or thermos and instrument(s) – whatever you choose to play and compose on.

10. Can I buy discounted folk festival tickets? Yes, each registered camper will receive a link to purchase up to 2 discounted tickets to attend the 2024 Sisters Folk Festival.

11. Is there instrument storage at Caldera? Participants may leave instruments inside Caldera facilities at their own risk. We encourage a supportive and trusting environment at camp but can't be held responsible for damage or theft.

For questions contact:
• Creative Director: Brad Tisdel Brad@sistersfolkfestival.org, 541 408-0200
• Staff Director: Beth Wood bethwoodmusic@hotmail.com, 817 296-0595