America at 250: 

We the People, All of Us.

4th Annual Summer Workshop August 7-9th 2026

Register Here: Mandoleers Workshop

2026 Summer Workshop Registration Now Open! 

August 7-9, 2026 in Arlington, VA 

Calling all mandolin, mandola, mandocello, classical guitar and bass players!!! The 2026 workshop theme is "America at 250: We the People, All of Us."  We look forward to sharing a fun weekend of music-making under the baton of our distinguished conductor, Ernesto Parets. The workshop will include full orchestra and small ensemble rehearsals, sectionals, social activities, food, camaraderie, and a culminating public performance.  Please Register Here: Workshop Registration

America at 250: We the People, All of Us.

Two hundred and fifty years ago, men wrote words they themselves never lived up to: that all people are created equal, with unalienable rights — life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness. In every generation since there have been Americans who have tried to make those words true.

America is not one voice.  It is many, different voices.  At this workshop, the Mandoleers offer all of them — through a mandolin orchestra, our diverse selection of music,  and the many communities who have spent 250 years making those words mean something.

We begin divided, but come together. We invite you to join us

Because that’s what America asks: not to watch, but to participate.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

We Look Forward To Playing With You! 

Workshop Information & Schedule:

All activities will take place at Clarendon United Methodist Church (606 N Irving St, Arlington, VA 22201).

Friday, August 7: 

Full Orchestra Rehearsal (7:00PM-10:00PM)

Saturday, August 8: 

Potluck Breakfast (9:00 AM-9:45 AM) 

Full Orchestra/Sectional Rehearsals (10:00 AM-12:00 PM) 

Lunch & Social Break (12:00 PM-1:00 PM) 

Chamber Ensemble Rehearsals (1:00 PM-1:45 PM) 

Full Orchestra/Sectional Rehearsals (2:00 PM-5:00 PM)

Optional Chamber Ensemble Rehearsals (5:00PM-6:00PM)

Sunday, August 9: 

Chamber Ensemble Rehearsals (1:00 PM-1:45 PM) 

Dress Rehearsal (2:00 PM-3:15 PM) 

Free Concert Open to the Public at Clarendon United Methodist Church (4:00 PM) 

Group Dinner after concert (location TBD)

The cost is the workshop is $60. Please fill out this form to register. You will receive a registration confirmation email with payment information and more details about the workshop. Do not hesitate to reach out to our Summer Workshop Committee Chair, Cindy Joy, at summerworkshop@mandoleers.org with any questions.

Sponsorships are available and donations to the Mandoleers (a 501c nonprofit) are appreciated at the time of registration.