String Valhalla Institute

Dates
August 4-9, 2024 (ACM and Teach the Teacher begin August 2)

Hosted in New Denver, BC on the pristine Slocan Lake, the String Valhalla Institute (SVI) welcomes violin, viola and cello players of all backgrounds and abilities. This family-oriented experience includes group classes, orchestras, chamber groups and master classes for youth ages 5 – 18 as well as Music Explorers and New to Strings programming for kids ages 3 – 8. Enriching community excursions, concerts and social activities round out the institute programs and build an instant musical community.

SVI Main Institute and Advanced Chamber Music Programs

Please note that parental attendance is required for pre-teens, and encouraged for older students at least for their master classes. SVI is about building a community of families who engage together in enjoyable learning and who benefit from the connections that flow out of the week’s experiences. SVI is suited to both Suzuki- and traditionally-trained students.
Master Classes
3 students will be placed with a faculty instructor for a master class session. Each student will have individualized instruction with the teacher each day.
Group Classes
5 – 12 students will have a group class with a faculty instructor. 2 – 4 pieces of repertoire will be sent in advance.
Orchestra and Chamber Ensembles
All students will be assigned an orchestra. Advanced students can enroll for the additional advanced chamber music weekend ahead of the regular SVI schedule, which includes ongoing chamber ensemble coaching throughout the SVI week.
Evening Activities
Some evenings will include social activities or concerts that families are invited to attend. Other evenings are free for practicing and community exploring.
Community Enrichment
On Tuesday and Thursday, families will be divided into two groups for an extended community excursion over lunch to visit local places of interest. Optional bag lunches can be ordered.

Programs for Younger Children

New to Strings
Students aged 4 – 8 who are planning on learning a string instrument can enroll in this two-hour specific morning program to learn about the different instruments and what it’s like to learn to play. Parents are expected to attend.
Music Explorers
Kids aged 3 – 5 can enroll in an exploratory morning program that introduces young children to music, rhythm and movement in a playful environment. Parents are not required to attend.

Adult Training

Teach the Teacher
A weekend retreat with Robert Richardson Jr. for adult teacher development training. Learn teaching methods in this dynamic course, partake in social activities, and watch our professional faculty instruct an advanced chamber music class. This course must have at least 4 registrants to be offered. 

General Schedule

Location

The quiet villages of Silverton and New Denver are known for their artistic vibrancy, inspiring beauty, recreational opportunities and welcoming hospitality. They are located on the shores of clean, glacier-fed 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 midway 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 25C (77 degrees F).

Lucerne School hosts our regular classes, group lessons and ensembles. The school remains comfortably cool even during the summer afternoons and is adjacent to shaded playgrounds. The school is two blocks from the main downtown street and five blocks from the lakefront.

2024 Faculty

  • Cyrena Huang, cello
  • James Malmberg, orchestra, violin
  • Caitlin Laslop, cello
  • Theresa Plotnick, violin, viola
  • Jeff Plotnick, violin
  • Robert Richardson Jr., violin, teacher training
  • other faculty TBA

Registration

April 1st Early Bird Registration:
Fees will increase 15% after April 1st.

Required Enrolment
In order to run a successful and enriching program, sufficient enrolment must take place. If SVI does not have adequate enrolment by April 1st, the program will be canceled for 2024. We thank you for your understanding

Bursary info. A limited bursary fund is available to assist with tuition for needy families.

Do you have questions or need clarification on anything before registering? Contact us!