Valhalla Summer School of Music
Monday August 13 - Saturday August 18, 2012
The long-standing Valhalla Summer School of Music (VSSM) is proud to offer instrumental programs in exciting updated formats . The VSSM program, under the artistic leadership of John Kadz and Bill Van der Sloot, is as always a quality, family-oriented experience for children and adults at all levels. The week focuses on master class instruction in violin, viola, cello, piano, flute and classical guitar. The new format instituted in 2010 features morning sessions tailored to help instrumentalists improve performing and technical skills. Due to a limited number of available instruments, the piano class will be at an advanced level open to pianists with a minimum of Grade 9 Royal Conservatory.All VSSM registrants will have the opportunity to participate in various optional afternoon sessions such as instrumental chamber music, collaborative artistic sessions with an accompanist or private lessons.The program begins with an Orientation Session and Opening Concert late on the day of Monday August 13th. Regular classes begin the following morning (Tuesday) and continue throughout the next five days to conclude late on Saturday.
| New for 2012: Adult String Orchestra
Retreat (August 13 - 18) Five days of music making! Come join like-minded music lovers and immerse yourself in a rare opportunity to play in a string ensemble tailored for the adult learner. The Adult Orchestra Retreat is a new stream of the Valhalla Summer School of Music. Each morning, Adult String Orchestra participants will enjoy a technique/sectional class followed by an orchestra rehearsal. Repertoire will be drawn from a variety of musical eras and styles. Participants should have a minimum of one year of lessons on their instrument. Everyone should be willing – even if not yet completely confident – to play pieces with up to 3 sharps or flats and should be playing in two to three positions on their instrument. Sectionals will be guided by a teacher, and will be spent examining your orchestra repertoire challenges such as fingerings, bowings and technical issues. You will strengthen your ability to perform and function as a section and will explore how to glean the most personally satisfying ensemble experience in groups that will inevitably involve a wide variety of skills and abilities. Orchestra rehearsals will focus on enjoying the experience of playing together and learning how a fine ensemble sound is produced. The afternoons will be free for you to practise and to enjoy the beauty of the Slocan Lake area. There will also be the option to register for private lessons with our artists-in-residence and to participate in chamber music groups with coaching – both of these at an additional fee. |
Registration:
We encourage you to use our new on-line
registration system to ensure timely receipt,
acknowledgement and invoicing of your registration.
The Faculty
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 Click to view our 2012 brochure |
The Setting
The quiet villages of Silverton and New Denver are known for their artistic vibrancy, inspiring beauty and welcoming community warmth. They are located on the shores of picturesque Slocan Lake in the West Kootenay Region of British Columbia. Nestled between the Valhalla and Kokanee Mountain Ranges, the Slocan Valley is approximately 1 hour north of Nelson and Castlegar, 2 hours south of Revelstoke, and mid-way between Vancouver and Calgary (about 8 hours from each). Weather in early August is usually sunny and warm, with an average daytime temperature of about 25 °C (77 °F).The Silverton/New Denver area is an outdoor-lover's paradise. Opportunities for hiking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, swimming, beachcombing, biking, and much more abound! Our communities are also steeped in history. Visit the Outdoor Mining Museum in Silverton, and in New Denver don't miss the Nikkei Memorial Internment Centre and the Kohan Garden. Check out the historic ghost town of Sandon, drive up to Idaho Peak for a breathtaking 360 degree view, or soak in one of the three hot springs in the area.
Accommodations in the area are limited, so we encourage you to book early. There are a variety of campgrounds, cabins, motels, B&Bs - visit our housing page for a listing.
All sessions and concerts are held in Silverton's newly renovated Memorial Hall. This historic hall is acoustically superb, and boasts comfortable seating, choral risers and staging, as well as a beautiful Yamaha C7 grand piano.
