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HIMF "The García School" Vocal Workshop
Hawaii International Music Festival
Hawaii Island, January 3-11 (12-13 with Orchestra), 2026
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Program Details & Cost

Full-Time Workshop Participant – $1,450 (not including orchestral sessions)

Arrival: January 3       Departure: January 11

Includes:

Daily voice lessons and coachings

Master classes and a public master class

Daily roundtable discussions on García’s 1841 Treatise and other early bel canto texts

Concert performances

Chef-prepared lunch and dinner with breakfast items provided at each residence January 4th-10th.

Introduction to Hawai‘i through sightseeing and cultural experiences

Instruction in Native Hawaiian chant and hula with a Native Hawaiian chanter

Professional PR photos (included!)

Yoga sessions

NEW: Japanese Shinrin Yoku (forest bathing) with a certified practitioner

*Flights are not included

*Ground transportation is included for participants staying in HIMF housing.

*See below for housing options.

Collaboration with the HIMF Musicians along with the Chamber Orchestra of Kona for two work sessions of operatic arias with recording session. (additional fee- see below)

Scholarships:

* Limited scholarships available to participants. Please apply NO LATER THAN NOVEMBER 1 and email himusicfestival@gmail.com about scholarship needs.

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$1100 Full-Time Hawaii-based Workshop Participant

(includes the same as the above. HIMF remains committed to serving the community of Hawaii and is proud to offer local artists a $350 scholarship, bringing the cost of the workshop down to $1100) 

*includes ground transportation (HIMF housing only) and three meals per day (from dinner on January 3 until breakfast on January 11 or beyond if participating in Kona Chamber Orchestra project)

*housing (see below) and flights not included

For Local Hawaii-based Singers:

À la carte options for local singers to participate in lessons, coachings and master classes. (see in section below)

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HOUSING

$980 Arranged by HIMF 

8 nights : Evening of January 3 through morning of January 11

All singers will be housed in clean, comfortable houses within driving distance to Pahala. (transportation will be provided and is included in this price) While we accept requests for single rooms and private bathrooms, we cannot guarantee them as it will be subject to availability. Singers will be housed in either single or double occupancy rooms with either private or shared bathrooms (no more than two singers per bathroom and/or room). Homes will also include kitchens or kitchenettes with refrigerators and Wifi. 

ALL APPLICANTS: Once accepted, a non-refundable deposit of $800 is due immediately to secure your participation. The remaining workshop balance and housing payment is due by 11:59 pm PST on November 18, 2025. If for any reason I am unable to participate after making any payment, my fee will be converted to a tax deductible donation. Hawaii International Music Festival is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and will issue you a receipt. (This is only if you are unable to attend after making payment).
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FOR HAWAII-ISLAND BASED SINGERS ONLY: (please write N/A if you are not based in Hawaii)

If you are a Hawaii-Island based singer signing up for à la carte options, please list which you'd like, and please make FULL payment upon sign-up. Thank you.

À la carte options: 

$80 One voice lesson with HIMF Voice Faculty (1 hour)

$160 Two voice lessons with HIMF Voice Faculty (1 hour each)

$100 One voice lesson with HIMF Festival Co-Founder Amy-Shoremount Obra (limited-space available) (1 hour)

$60 One coaching with HIMF pianist (45 minutes)

$120 One voice lesson, one coaching (1 hour lesson & 45 minutes coaching)

$70 One Masterclass Participation

$130 Two Masterclasses Participation

HIMF/Chamber Orchestra of Kona COLLABORATION Add-On: (MUST Apply by November 1st to Guarantee a Spot. Spots are limited and subject to availability.)

Departure Day: January 13th from Kona

After a highly successful collaboration with the HIMF Artists and the Chamber Orchestra of Kona in 2025, HIMF is pleased to continue this relationship and will collaborate for two sessions of operatic arias. The first session will be a rehearsal with the orchestra, and the second session will be recorded.  Based on our preselection committee's recommendations, up to three singers may also participate in a separate soundcheck rehearsal and concert with the orchestra on January 11th at no additional fee.

These collaborations will be part of a community collaboration event with the orchestra and an opportunity for García School singers (full time and à la carte operatic participants!) to sing with an orchestra! (This opportunity is especially great if you've never sung with orchestra and would like to learn how and to have the experience of doing so. You will be coached through the session.) The dates are January 5th and 12th in the early evening. If you'd like to participate in this opportunity, here are the details:

Logistics
1. Transportation to Kona will be provided on both January 5th and on January 12th at the same time. Since The García School Workshop ends on the 11th, this will require an extra two night stay (the nights of the 11th and 12th) on the Big Island for all non-Hawaii-Island-based participants. (This housing is included in the cost of the participation with the orchestra) You have to schedule your flight home to leave from Kona - departing on the 13th.

2. You will be given a chance to sing an operatic aria  (subject to HIMF approval since we need to obtain parts) with the orchestra in a working session. The second session on the 12th will be open to the public, but neither session is considered a performance.

3. The second session on the 12th will also offer a professional (optional) recording session. You may choose to sing with or without recording. (There is a price difference- see below)

3. Conductors are Eric Silberger and Yuxin Dai.

4. Options:

$670: includes the January 5th reading/rehearsal and the January 12th reading WITH recording, housing for 1 night in Kona and 1 meal (dinner) on the 12th.

$520: includes the January 5th reading/rehearsal and the January 12th reading WITHOUT recording, housing for 1 nIght in Kona and 1 meal (dinner) on the 12th.

$600: for Hawaii-Island based singers only (does not include the housing, but does include the 5th and 12th plus recording session and one meal on the 12th.

$400: for Hawaii-Island based singers only (includes January 5th reading/rehearsal and the 12th reading plus one meal on the 12th WITHOUT recording)

PLEASE NOTE: no cell-phone/personal device recording will be allowed at these sessions. Recording is by HIMF only.


Clear selection
For HIMF/Chamber Orchestra of Kona participants only: Please list up to 4 arias you'd be interested in working with the orchestra. We will notify you asap as to what is possible based on personnel and score availability. 
I also understand that the above fees do not include the following: 

Flight: I must purchase flights on my own 
(Flights should be to either HILO (ITO) or KONA (KOA)- arriving January 3 in the late morning to mid afternoon and departing on January 11 no earlier than 11am (for Hilo) or 1pm (for Kona) or if doing the Chamber Orchestra of Kona Collaboration- departing Kona ONLY on the 13th at any time (transportation will not be provided by HIMF- you must Uber for this departure).

Prior to scheduling my flight, I MUST contact HIMF (himusicfestival@gmail.com) to confirm the flight so as to coordinate my arrival and departure times. Hilo airport is 55 miles over a 4000 foot volcano away from where we will be hosting the workshop. Kona is 79 miles and about a 2 1/2 hour drive around the southern tip of the Big Island from the workshop location and includes extremely windy, remote roads.
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Ground Transportation: I understand that should I choose to stay off premises (ANYWHERE other than at the HIMF housing) I must obtain my own rental car. If I choose to stay outside of HIMF official housing, HIMF is not responsible for picking me up or returning me to the airport or for ANY ground transportation while at the workshop. I will need this car to travel to/from masterclasses and concerts which will be held in Hilo, Pahala, Ocean View and Kona, and for any recreational activities. I also understand that Highway 11 (the main highway on which I will travel multiple times) on the Big Island climbs to 4000 feet to the top of Mount Kilauea and I have no issues with altitude sickness.  *
I understand that under no circumstances will recreational drugs of ANY kind (including recreational marijuana) and cigarettes be allowed during this festival on property at any of our rehearsal or performance or housing properties. If such drug use is discovered, HIMF has the right to dismiss me from the program with no refund. I will need to leave the island immediately on my own expense. *
Food: I understand that the nearest grocery store may not be close to our housing in various situations. This is why HIMF will provide all meals (including special diets like gluten free!) The town of Pahala does have one small convenience/grocery store and a coffee shop and one very small pharmacy for essential items. After landing at the airport, all singers will have a chance to stop at a grocery store for any essential items they may need (snacks, toiletries). *
Please include 1-3 YouTube links of your singing. This is so we may get to know you better. If you don't have any, please write N/A. *
I understand that all lessons and coachings are open and participants are encouraged to watch and learn from one another. This is one of the many special and  beautiful aspects of our workshop- the idea that we can learn by watching and listening to one another!  *
I understand that the Big Island of Hawaii made of up several active volcanoes. VOG (volcanic fog) is sometimes an issue and I should be prepared with any allergy medications, inhalers etc. that may be necessary.  *
I assume ALL personal risk and responsibility in attending this workshop and will not hold HIMF (Hawaii International Music Festival), any of its officers, directors or associates and faculty, Pahala Plantation House and any of its associates, Rusty's Hawaiian Coffee and any of its associates and the associates of any of our performance venues, responsible for any personal injury, theft/loss or accidental death.  *
A reminder- Once accepted (we will send you an official offer letter via email), a non-refundable deposit of $800 is due immediately to secure your participation.

WAYS TO PAY: 

**ZELLE IS PREFERRED**: Payments may be sent via ZELLE to himusicfestival@gmail.com 

Checks:  Please make payment payable to Hawaii International Music Festival via personal check (with "2026 workshop") in the memo and send to: Amy Shoremount-Obra c/o HIMF, 44 West Sterling Street, Wharton, NJ 07885, USA 

PayPal: please send to himusicfestival@gmail.com and include an additional $60 processing fee for EACH payment made. 

We strongly urge you to pay via check or Zelle. Thank you!

Remaining Payments: The remaining workshop balance and housing payment is due by 11:59 pm PST on November 18, 2025. If for any reason I am unable to participate after making payment, my fee will be converted to a tax deductible donation. Hawaii International Music Festival is a 501 c3 non profit organization and will issue you a receipt. (This is only if you are unable to attend after making payment)
 *
After making my deposit and my space is officially confirmed, I will be given more details and specific information regarding the daily schedule, more necessary travel information, emergency contact forms. etc.  *
Illness Protocols: I understand the risk of traveling post SARS Covid pandemic. I promise that I will notify the festival if I am not feeling well, and if after arrival I am not feeling well, together, we will then determine the next course of action. There is no vaccination or testing requirement currently. It is encouraged that all participants notify us of any airborne illness. Our goal is to create a safe, germ-free environment for all singers and faculty.  *
Please list your instagram username below.  *
After completion of the deposit, I will immediately provide HIMF with my latest headshot and 200 word bio at himusicfestival@gmail.com  *
I agree to allow HIMF to use my name, photo and bio on their social media. A photo release form for festival photos is forthcoming.  *
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