St. Damascus Gild Musician’s Retreat Day
Get tickets HERE!
Your registration provides full access to the retreat program, Ryan Everson’s keynote talks, and the community dinner. All registrants are warmly invited to attend the St. Damascus Gild Sacred Music Concert as guests of honor.
St. Damascus Gild Musician’s Retreat Day
To use your God-given gifts to glorify God is the highest calling of the musician.
St. Damascus Gild invites you to the third and final “Glimpse” event of 2026—a day of spiritual renewal, artistic formation, and professional fellowship. Hosted at the beautiful St. Patrick Catholic Church Parish Hall in Iowa City, this retreat is designed for the artist who seeks to move beyond the ordinary and into the profound stewardship of their talent.
Led by national composer Ryan Everson, we will explore the Renewal of Sacred Music—educating musicians on its rich history, profound roots, and the calling to breathe new life into timeless traditions. Since the days of the early church, these masterfully crafted arts have held a unique power to move and elevate human souls for centuries. Join us in deepening our appreciation for musical excellence, renewing the call of the musician to restore these ‘lost arts’ and use our gifts to glorify God.
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The Vision:
This gathering is a true retreat for the soul, designed to offer spiritual renewal alongside artistic formation. We believe that to create music of transcendent beauty, the artist must first be formed in the sacred purpose of their calling as a musician. Whether you are a vocalist or an instrumentalist, this day provides the sacred space, the study, and the professional fellowship needed to refine your gifts for the glorification of God.
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Who Should Attend:
We welcome all dedicated vocalists and instrumentalists—professional artists and devoted students alike. This retreat is specifically designed for:
- Choir Members & Cantors: Those looking to unite vocal technique with a deeper prayer life.
- Music Directors & Organists: Leaders seeking fresh inspiration and theological formation for their ministries.
- Instrumentalists: Musicians of all disciplines who wish to explore how technical skill serves a higher purpose.
- Students & Aspiring Artists: Young musicians eager to learn from established professionals.
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Featured Keynote & Composer:
Ryan Everson is a seminarian for the Diocese of Phoenix and the executive director of Angelico Sacred Music (ASM). A graduate of the Arizona State University School of Music, Ryan is an accomplished composer whose work has been premiered/performed by the professional choirs of University of Notre Dame, U of Mary, and the Catholic University of America. He is dedicated to renewing sacred choral music, helping musicians bridge the gap between technical excellence and prayerful devotion.
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Event Details
- Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
- Time: 1:30 – 7:30 PM (Includes Retreat Program, Dinner, & Public Concert)
- Location: St. Patrick Catholic Church, Iowa City
- Registration: $35/ticket (Includes the full retreat program and community dinner)
- Group Rate: $25/ticket for groups of 10 or more
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Musician’s Retreat Day Schedule
Arrival & Welcome
- 1:15 PM | Doors Open & Check-In
- 📍 Location: Parish Hall
- 1:30 PM | Welcome & Opening Prayer
General Sessions
- 1:35 PM | Keynote I: Beyond the Notes: The Living Power of Sacred Music
- Presented by: Ryan Everson
- 2:15 PM | Break (A time for quiet prayer and reflection)
- 2:30 PM | Keynote II: Restoring the Craft: Your Call to the Renewal
- Presented by: Ryan Everson
- 3:15 PM | Unveiling St. Damascus Gild: An Interactive Showcase
- Presented by: Emily Blake
Social & Worship
- 4:00 PM | Break/Social
- Light refreshments provided
- 4:30 PM | Vigil Mass (Optional)
- Attendees are warmly encouraged to sit together as a community.
Evening Reception & Finale
- 5:30 PM | Musician’s Retreat Community Dinner
- 📍 Location: Parish Hall
- Note: Dinner is provided for all registered attendees.
- 6:30 PM | Sacred Music Concert
- 📍 Location: Main Sanctuary
- Open to all retreat attendees and the public.
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The Evening Performance
The day concludes with a public performance that brings the themes of our retreat to life through song.
*Special Highlight: Featuring live performances of several original compositions by our keynote speaker, Ryan Everson.
- Concert Admission: The 6:30 PM St. Damascus Gild Sacred Music Concert is open to the public (a free-will offering is gratefully accepted). All retreat participants are warmly invited to join us as our honored guests to experience this performance.
- Note on Participation: The Musician’s Retreat is an open program for all vocalists and instrumentalists to focus on spiritual and professional growth. Please note that the evening concert features a specific, pre-curated ensemble and does not include a rehearsal or performance component for retreat attendees.
- Questions? Please contact us at: [email protected]
