Call for Musicians: Music in the Trees

Belwin Conservancy is looking for duets (or solos) with strong improvisational skills to perform from tree hunting stands (16’ high, individual seats attached to trees within Belwin’s seven-acre, red pine grove). Open to vocalists, instrumentalists, body percussionists, and all combinations. Through music in communion with the sounds of the forest, we will create community with the land and with one another.

EVENT

Music in the Trees
A diverse group of instrumentalists and vocalists will perform among Belwin’s red pine restoration at this two-day outdoor event. Both days will feature musicians collaborating and improvising among the red pine grove, one of Belwin’s oldest areas. Music in the Trees will feature a different set of performers, and a fully accessible hour-long performance will be held during the final hour each day. Past performers have included Kalpulli Yaocenoxtli, Titambe West African Drum Group, and more! This is a one-of-a-kind event!

EVENT DATES AND TIMES: Saturday, August 15th, 11 am – 3 pm & Sunday, August 16th, 11 am – 3 pm

EVENT LOCATION: Red Pine Grove on Belwin’s Education Site next to the Hilltop Classroom 1553 Stagecoach Trail S., Afton, MN 55001

SCHEDULE

• Tree Stand Ensembles will play between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm on a rotating basis.
• Each ensemble/solo will play one 50-minute set.
• There will be two sound installations in other parts of the woods, using found materials, for audiences to use as percussion instruments to play along.
• From 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm each day will be a fully accessible performance.

GOALS

1. Provide a setting for musicians to work surrounded by and with nature.
2. Expand audience learning and understanding of music/sound through performances that feature natural sounds.
3. Create an event featuring musicians from diverse communities.
4. Foster a fun, creative, and curious exploration of ecology.
5. Create a sensory-friendly experience where diverse audiences can participate.
6. Create an aesthetically beautiful event to match the complex beauty of the grove.
7. Create a welcoming atmosphere where audiences and performers from diverse cultures feel connected to one another and to nature.

REQUIREMENTS

• Must be “attuned” to nature and willing to improvise with surrounding natural sounds.
• Must meet with the event’s music director, Susan Haugh, in June/July to discuss music and practice playing in the trees – bring your ideas to the meeting! We are happy to collaborate with you on ideas for your performance
• Must hold one rehearsal in the trees, if this is your first time performing at this event. ● Must be able to play instruments in the sun or light rain.
• Must be comfortable with heights. COMPENSATION Each individual will be paid $225 per 50-minute set.

TIMELINE

• Application Process: Go to https://forms.gle/2aufBWMXQCLiQZ2m8 to fill out the form to express your interest
• Application Submission Dates: March 25 – May 17th, 2026
• Final Day of Application: Sunday, May 17th, 11:59 pm CT
• Notification of Selected Artists: Friday, May 22nd, 2026
• Practice in the Tree Stands: May 26th – July 2nd, 2026
• Rehearsals (Optional): August 1st – August 14th, 2026
• Event: Saturday, August 15th, 11 am – 3 pm & Sunday, August 16th, 11 am – 3 pm

Feel free to reach out with any questions to:

Amanda Hanlon: amanda.hanlon@belwin.org

Susan Haugh: susan.haugh@belwin.org (651) 425-1147