2026 CMC Non-Playing Guest Registration Form (for adults)

IMPORTANT NOTE:  This form is for adult (18 years and older) non-playing attendees of the Chamber Music Conference, including guests of Conference participants and faculty. This form must be completed by each guest/attendee, not a representative. If you are applying to attend the Conference as a playing participant (coached or auditing), please follow the instructions provided on the Application Information section of our website.

Form Completion and Payment Deadline:  May 15, 2026

If you are registering after this date, please first check that this is possible by contacting Executive Director Susie Ikeda (susieikeda@cmceast.org, 617-447-1808).

A Note Regarding Health Precautions:  The interdependencies of the coaching schedule make our program extremely vulnerable to any one person (or more) having to withdraw or leave due to illness. We have established a set of health precautions based on current advice from expert medical consultants for the purpose of protecting our community and reducing the risk of disruption to our coaching program. It is essential that all attendees follow our precautions, to protect the health of our community and to minimize disruptions to our coachings, concerts, and other programs. A later section of this form enumerates the specific required precautions, and the precautions can be seen at https://cmceast.org/health-precautions-2026.php.

Questions:  Contact Executive Director Susie Ikeda (susieikeda@cmceast.org, 617-447-1808) if you have questions.

Accommodations:  The housing options are different from last year, and include dorms and apartments. Please review the section on Accommodations in the Beyond Music page on our website so that you can most accurately answer the questions below, and if you would like to bring one or more family members with you, please also read this information in the Frequently Asked Questions page. Unless attendees request to share a room, suite, or apartment, housing is assigned as single-occupancy per unit. If you plan to stay off-campus, please reach out to Executive Director Susie Ikeda (susieikeda@cmceast.org, 617-447-1808) before submitting this form. 

Please note:  Because the apartments are about ⅔ of a mile (a 10-20 minute, very steep walk) from the academic quad where all of our activities take place, we strongly recommend that you have access to a vehicle if you select “Apartment” or “Either” as your housing preference.

Meals:  We take meals in Frank Dining Hall, the main dining hall at the University. The dining service readily accommodates special diets; attendees will have the opportunity to communicate any dietary restrictions in advance of the Conference. Attendees not on the meal plan will be able to purchase single meals on entry to the dining hall.

Accessibility:  Attendance at the Conference requires the ability to independently negotiate Colgate’s walking paths, including some steep slopes. Some conveniences, such as elevator-equipped housing and playing spaces, are available, but you still must be able to move between buildings several times per day, on a hilly campus. Some conveniences, such as elevator-equipped housing and playing spaces, are available, but you still must be able to move between buildings several times per day, on a hilly campus. Some attendees have made their own arrangements to rent mobility scooters, such as from this vendor (but please inform us of this in the “Accessibility concerns” question below). The Accommodations section of our Beyond Music page gives some examples of distances and walking times on campus. If you have accessibility issues or concerns, please indicate them below.

Weekly Fees for Non-Playing Guests/Attendees:  $625/week, including room and board, and admission to all concerts, events, and parties. Deduct $200/week if you chose not to get the meal plan.

Daily Fees for Non-Playing Guests/Attendees:  $115/day, including room and board, and admission to all concerts, events, and parties. This rate applies whether meals are taken or not.

The attendance fees are due with your registration form and are nonrefundable.

Method of Payment – The attendance fee payment can be made below. Any fee payments can also be submitted by using the online CMC Payment Form.

Note:  If your registration does not involve fees (for example, you are a staff person or a participant has already paid your attendance fee), of course do not make a payment and provide the explanation in the field below.

PAYMENT

Please use this section to pay your attendance fees.

Additional contributions towards CMC beyond the required fees will be gratefully accepted. These donations enable us to offer financial assistance where needed and defray other costs.

The interdependencies of the coaching schedule make our program extremely vulnerable to any one person (or more) having to withdraw or leave due to illness. We have established these precautions based on the most current advice of our highly expert medical consultants for the purpose of protecting our community and reducing the risk of disruption to our coaching program.

CDC guidelines call for five days of masking and distancing after a respiratory illness has been improving and fever-free for 24 hours, to prevent the spread of infection. Because every attendee at the Conference is scheduled for coachings, rehearsals, and/or performances with many other attendees, any cases at the Conference will have extremely disruptive effects on the Conference as a whole. Therefore, we have focused on minimizing the chances that COVID-19 is brought to the Conference (via pre-arrival precautions, testing, and symptom reporting) and on detecting cases at the Conference (via symptom reporting and testing on site).

At the 2024 Conference COVID-19 cases arose during week 1 that we believe occurred, at least in part, due to COVID-19 being brought to the program by an attendee, but the illness was not developed enough to test positive on rapid antigen tests before arrival. We believe pre-arrival testing is essential to reducing the risk of COVID-19 being brought to the Conference, but we also plan one test during each week to detect cases that might have been undetectable before arrival.

The responsibility for detecting and reporting symptoms and test results lies in the hands of our attendees, and we ask for your diligence in looking out for the welfare of your friends, colleagues, and community members by taking this responsibility very seriously.

Please read these 2026 precautions carefully, so that you have a complete awareness and understanding of what to expect of us and what we expect of you. Compliance is required for everyone at the Conference.

Because the risks are constantly evolving, some aspects of the precautions might be further revised closer to the start of the Conference. The precautions specified below are based on our understanding at this time. If any changes are required, all Conference attendees will be notified prior to the Conference. It is important that everyone who plans to attend the Conference commit to adhere to the precautions in effect when they attend.

2026 Precautions

1. COVID-19 Vaccination: We strongly recommend that all Conference attendees be up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccination status, which means receiving a COVID-19 vaccination on or after August 27, 2025. The vaccine may be from Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or Novavax.
    
   For people aged 65 years and older, being up-to-date includes 2 doses of any post-August 27, 2025 COVID-19 vaccine; the recommended interval between doses is 6 months, and the minimum interval is 2 months, which allows more flexibility to receive a second dose before the Conference.
    
   To be effective for Conference attendance the updated vaccine should be administered no later than June 14, 2026 (three weeks before the Conference).
    
   Our vaccination recommendation stems from the Conference’s deep and serious concern for each of our attendees, including many who are members of particularly vulnerable groups.
   
   
2. Masking: Masking requirements will be determined closer to the time of the Conference and communicated to all attendees. If and when required, masks must be well-fitting N95, KN95, or KF94 masks without valves.
   
   
3. Testing:
   • To minimize the chance that you bring COVID-19 to the Conference: You must acquire and self-administer two rapid antigen tests before you travel to the Conference. You will take these tests two days before you arrive at the Conference and the day that you will arrive at the Conference. For almost everyone, this means self-testing on Friday and Sunday before you come to the Conference. You are responsible for procuring the kits for these tests. Along with the result of each test, you will also be asked to report whether you have any symptoms of respiratory illness. Every attendee will receive an email detailing these requirements. We also ask for extra caution during the days leading up your arrival at the Conference (see item 6 below).
      
   • At the Conference: We will not administer COVID-19 tests on your arrival unless you forget to take your rapid antigen test before leaving home. We will administer rapid antigen tests to all attendees on Tuesday of each week. The Conference will provide the test kits for any tests that we administer on site during the Conference.
     
     
4. Large Gatherings and Social Events: We expect that our faculty concerts will be open to the public, but we will determine closer to the time of the Conference whether precautions or limitations will apply to these and other gatherings such as musicales and meetings.
   
   
5. Symptom and Exposure Monitoring Before the Conference: If you experience any of the following within ten days prior to your planned arrival at the Conference, we require that you notify us as soon as possible:
   • positive COVID-19 test
   • COVID-19 symptoms (CDC’s list can be seen here)
   • close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19
   • being directed to isolate or quarantine
   • cold-like symptoms, even if testing negative for COVID-19
     
     
6. Pre-arrival Precautions: For at least one week before your arrival at the Conference, we ask that you avoid activities that can increase your exposure to COVID-19 and other illnesses, including:
   • indoor eating/drinking at restaurants or bars
   • gatherings with people other than those in your household
   • being unmasked indoors with people other than members of your household, including during travel
     
     
7. Interacting with Non-Conference People: While at the Conference, in order to reduce exposure for those at the Conference with you, we request that you minimize interactions with people not enrolled with the Conference, including off-campus outings. If you do leave campus, we ask that you use an abundance of caution, that you mask while indoors with other people, and that you dine outdoors where possible.
   
   
8. Symptoms and Exposure While At the Conference: You must notify us as soon as possible if, while at the Conference, you experience any of the following:
   • COVID-19 symptoms (CDC’s list can be seen here)
   • close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19
   • cold-like symptoms, even if testing negative for COVID-19
    
   If an attendee has or develops symptoms that could indicate COVID-19, the Conference will administer a rapid molecular COVID-19 test as part of determining whether the illness is COVID-19. Any confirmed instance of COVID-19 at the Conference will require masking, isolation, and possibly departing the Conference. If not confirmed to have COVID-19, an attendee with symptoms may be subject to some or all of the same requirements, depending on the symptoms, the attendee’s medical situation, and the progression of symptoms.
   
   
9. Symptoms and Diagnosis After Departing the Conference: It is important for the safety of the Conference community that you notify us as soon as possible if, within ten days after departing the Conference, you experience any COVID-19 symptoms, or you are diagnosed with COVID-19.
   
   
10. Contact Tracing: To enable identification of close contacts, should you be diagnosed with COVID-19 during or shortly after your stay at the Conference, we may disclose your name and the fact that you have been diagnosed to others who attended the same week of the Conference.

[NOTE: This list of precautions is also viewable at:  https://cmceast.org/health-precautions-2026.php]

This page offers guiding principles for the personal conduct of members of our community, including participants, auditors, faculty, guests, and staff.

Principles

We seek to create and maintain a strong sense of community, helping one another learn and grow. Our community is founded on values of respect for one another and for the music we study and play.

Members of our community treat all with fairness, civility, and understanding. We prepare for our roles in the Conference and use our best efforts in fulfilling them. We listen with full attention and embrace feedback. We accept that we all have things to learn.

We protect the well-being of the Conference and contribute to a positive and safe environment that values both people and property. We avoid negative behaviors such as violence, substance abuse, discrimination, harassment, ridicule, and bullying. Those in possession of Conference assets, including confidential information and financial resources, protect them faithfully.

No document can anticipate every future scenario. The negative behaviors described above are examples of problematic behavior that could damage the Conference.

Most problems arise from misunderstandings that can readily be solved. In the rare case of a severe breach of our community values, consequences may affect an individual’s status with the Conference.

Behavior outside the Conference is immaterial except to the extent that it may bear on the individual’s effectiveness at the Conference or significantly impact the Conference’s reputation.

Process for Addressing Concerns

To address concerns related to conduct, we take the following steps:

• A concerned person (for example, a participant, auditor, faculty member, or staff member) raises the matter with the Executive Director.

• Based on the concern, the Executive Director assesses the need for involvement of the Executive Committee of the Board.

• For situations judged to be readily addressed, the Executive Director addresses the situation.

• For more serious situations, including any situation that may lead to impact on an individual’s status with the Conference, the Executive Director involves the Executive Committee. Any resolution that impacts an individual’s status with the Conference must be approved by the Executive Committee.

• If the concerned person prefers, if the matter is urgent and the Executive Director is not available, or if the Executive Director cannot play a neutral role, for reasons such as having direct involvement in the matter or a close relationship with someone involved, the issue may be brought instead to a member of the Executive Committee.

  In the course of addressing a concern, the Executive Director and/or the Executive Committee consult other parties as appropriate.

[a PDF of this content can be downloaded here]

In consideration of being allowed to attend The Chamber Music Conference and Composers’ Forum of the East, Inc.’s summer session at Colgate University in 2026 (the “Conference”), and related events and activities, I:

• Agree that if I become aware that any of the facilities used by the Conference for its activities are or may be unsafe, I will immediately advise the Executive Director of the Conference of such conditions.
  
  
• Assume all of the risks and accept personal responsibility for any damages I may incur due to injury, illness, disability, or death (including, without limitation, any damages resulting from exposure to COVID-19), relative to attendance at the Conference and related events and activities.
  
  
• Release, waive, and discharge from responsibility the Conference, any affiliate thereof, and its Officers, Board of Directors, employees, and agents (collectively the “Released Parties”) from any demands, claims, losses, or damages I may have on account of injury, including death or damage to property, caused or alleged to be caused in whole or in part by the Released Parties or otherwise.  I also covenant not to sue the Conference with respect to any such demands, claims, losses, or damages.
  
  
• Acknowledge and agree that any photographs and videos of me taken at the Conference can be used by The Chamber Music Conference and Composers’ Forum of the East, Inc. in connection with its websites and other promotional activities.

[a PDF of this content can be downloaded here]

CMC’s contract with Colgate University includes a robust list of university rules and regulations and refers to several New York State laws. All CMC attendees are required to follow all of these rules, which are available upon request. Some but not all of these obligations are highlighted and summarized here for your awareness and agreement.

1. CMC attendees may use only the buildings and facilities that CMC has indicated as available for our use. Whenever on the Colgate campus, CMC attendees must carry identification and a CMC-issued nametag demonstrating your registration for the Conference.

2. CMC attendees must comply with the laws and regulations of the State of New York, including but not only: Under New York State law it is illegal to provide alcohol to persons under the age of 21 years (“underage”); for an underage person to possess any alcoholic beverage with the intent to consume; and to use, possess, sell, or distribute illegal drugs.

3. The University shall have the right to enter residences for the purpose of inspection and maintenance.

4. The following are some of the items that CMC attendees are not permitted to bring to campus:
   • Air conditioners
   • Candles, fireworks, sparklers, gas or charcoal grills
   • Extension cords (power strips with circuit breaker overload protection on them are acceptable)
   • Weapons

5. Any CMC attendee under the age of 18 years (“minors”) must be under the direct supervision of an adult guardian.

[a PDF of this content can be downloaded here]

Please use the button below to submit this form.

After successful form submission your screen should say, "Thank You! Your submission has been received.“, and you will immediately receive a copy of your responses by email to the address you provided. Please check for and save this email to be sure that your application has been submitted.