Information in advance of the course

21 June 2024

• 14.00-16.00 Attendance and registration

• 15.00-16.30 Light dinner

• 17.00 Mandatory information meeting

• 17.30 Bus to opening concert

• 18.00 Opening concert 1st course period

• 20.00 Social Activities and BBQ

26 June 2024

• Before 09.00 Check out
• 08.30-11.30 Dress rehearsals and colsing concerts
• Departure at the latest by 12.00. Participants who need to take the bus can book the one departing at 11:49 from Leira E16.

26 June 2024

• 14.00-16.00 Attendance and registration

• 14.30-16.00 Light dinner

• 16.30 Mandatory information meeting

• 17.00 Opening concert 2nd course period 

• 18.00-20.00 Social activities and barbecue

• 20.00 Jubilee Concert - celebration of Valdres sommersymfoni - 30 years of courses

1 July 2024

• Before 09.00 Check out
• 08.30-11.30 Dress rehearsals and closing concerts at Valdres folkehøgskole
• 09.00-13.00 Dress rehearsal and closing concert at Trykkeriet
• Departure for each course: 
  • GNIST ung, GNIST, VIA 08-10, VIA 01-07: Departure at the latest by 12:00. Participants who need to take the bus can book the one departing at 11:49 from Leira E16.
  • VIA Intensivt kammermusikkurs: Participants who need to take the bus can book the one departing at 13:45 from Fagernes skysstasjon.

In the 1st period, all participants, except harpists in the Scandinavian Harp Course, will stay at Valdres folkehøgskole.

In the 2nd course period, all string players will stay at Valdres folkehøgskole. 

The majority of classes, meals, and course concerts will take place at Valdres folkehøgskole. It is possible to choose private accommodation, but we encourage all participants to stay at the  school, as this is important for camaraderie and to have the optimal course experience.

The course fee includes accommodation and all meals. You will be served breakfast, dinner, and supper. Lunch is self-prepared during breakfast. Remember to pack a lunch!

At the school, the rooms are mainly for two people, but we also have a few 3- and 4-person rooms if necessary. Participants will be allocated rooms by our staff to the best of their ability.

Note: All participants born in 2013 or later must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

For participants staying at Scandic Valdres, a bus will be provided between the hotel and Valdres folkehøgskole every morning and afternoon. There is no transportation beyond these buses, so please be punctual.

If you have specific preferences for roommates, it is important to note this in the form when confirming your spot.

Valdres camping is the accommodation closest to Valdres Folkehøgskole.

All teachers and most participants over the age of 18 live at the festival hotel, Scandic Valdres, in the center of Fagernes.

Parents:

If your child is born in 2012 or earlier, the general rule is that it is not possible for parents to stay at Valdres folkehøyskole. Folkehøgskolen has a limited number of beds and we have to prioritize the course participants. Children born in 2012 or earlier will enjoy the social aspect of living with other participants at camp, and there is a lot to learn in taking responsibility for showing up on time. We have staff members who live with the participants and are available 24/7 to look after them.

However, we understand that some children are not ready for this at 11 years of age. If this is the case we recommend contacting the course leader Ingvild to check the possibility of accommodation at folkehøgskolen.

Siblings:

The main rule is that there is only room for the children who are admitted to the course, but we understand that some parents have small children who for practical reasons must join. You register this in the application form. There is a separate price for accompanying siblings listed on our web site.

When you travel to Valdres from abroad, the nearest airport is OSLO Gardermoen airport (Norways main airport). From Gardermoen airport there is an express train that brings you to Oslo city center in just 20 minutes. From the train station you walk through the terminal and over to Oslo bus station (about 5 minutes). From here you will take the bus called Valdresekspressen.

If you are travelling to Valdres Folkehøgskole, the bus stop is called Leira E16 and if you are travelling to the festival hotel in Fagernes, the stop is called Fagernes skysstasjon.

Please see this site for the timetable and to buy tickets: https://www.nor-way.no/

We strongly recommend that you buy your tickets in advance.

If you have any allergies or special needs that you haven't mentioned in the application form, please send an e-mail to: ingvild.loen@sommersymfoni.no at your earliest convenience. 

PLEASE NOTE: Every year there are several participants with strong allergies to nuts. We therefore urge everyone to pay special attention to this by NOT bringing or purchasing food that contain nuts. Such food/products will not be allowed. (Some chips are made with peanut oil, and is therefore not allowed. If you are unsure, read the description on the item).

This year, we are using digital schedules in the "SpeedAdmin" app. All participants will receive a separate email with details about logging in and creating an account. Familiarize yourself with your personal schedule before arriving in Valdres. Note: Schedule change requests will not be accommodated, but notify us if you find any obvious errors or conflicts.

Unfortunately, we do not have the opportunity to grant or take into account all wishes about teachers, as there is a very extensive schedule to be laid. However, the course management will do their best to ensure that everyone gets a good benefit from the course.

Registration for performance at the course concerts takes place at the same time as you confirm and pay for your participation. 

If you are in doubt whether you want to play at a concert or not, tick the box for YES anyway. If you tick NO, you will NOT be able to sign up for or registration later. Those who have ticked the box for YES will be sent a form where you register your repertoire and upload sheet music. The deadline for registration of repertoire and sheet music is April 15th.

Information about repertoar and sheet music will be sent directly to your e-mail and made available at our web site within April 15th.

Make sure you print the sheet music and rehears the repertoar well before the course starts.

All participants receive individual instruction during the course. Prepare well, and bring an extra copy of the repertoire you want to play for your teacher.

Musical: 

• Your instrument with all necessary equipment. Please make sure that your instrument is in good condition
• All string players: please bring extra strings, rosin, mute, an extra bow (if you have one) and a shoulder rest - if you use this
• Music stand (marked with your name and phone number)
• Pencil and eraser
• Solo sheet music. Remember an original copy for the accompanist and one for your teacher.
• Sheet music for all your orchestra and chamber music rehearsals. You have to print the sheet music that we sent you and bring them. (You will not be able to print during the course). 

Other things to bring:

• Clothes; remember that the weather in Norway can vary from warm and sunny to rainy and cold in one day. Check the weather report and pack accordingly
• Special clothes for the concerts – this should be colorful and summery
• Swimwear and an extra bath towel. There will be trips to the lake if the weather allows it
• Toiletries
• Hand sanitizer for personal use
• Valdres has mosquitos, so if you are allergic, bring some repellent. We have first aid kits and equipment for all other minor injuries
• Sunscreen
• Bottle to fill with water throughout the day - the Norwegian tap water is always drinkable.
• If you bring electronic equipment, please remember to bring a charger, and to label this with your name and number.
• Some pocket money.
• Flashlight (if you have one).

Towels and bedsheets are included in the price

We highly recommend everyone to make sure you have a valid travel insurance.