Without New Talents Emerging - Music Has No Future

Jul 3

Who: Eikanger-Bjørsvik Musikklag

What: Eikanger-Bjørsvik Musikklag (EBML) has welcomed children and youth to our summer music school "Feriespel".

Where: Nordhordland

Project period: 2024

About the organization:

Eikanger-Bjørsvik Musikklag (EBML) from Nordhordland is one of the leading brass bands in Europe. Each year, the band performs a repertoire of high quality and great variety, with leading conductors and soloists from Norway and abroad, and participates in high-profile events and festivals. The orchestra has a strong international profile, having toured extensively throughout Europe. EBML takes part in national and international competitions every year, and has a number of Norwegian and European Championship titles. Working with school bands and children is fundamental for EBML's current and future development. Every summer, EBML invites school band youngsters to the summer course "Feriespel", for three days of fun, games and inspiration. EBML also runs the Hordaland Youth Brass Band, bringing together children from all over the county for social and musical get-togethers; collaborates with young, promising cornet players in the Bergen Cornet Ensemble; and organises instrumental days, amongst other things.

About the project:

Recruitment and retainment is key to a healthy and vibrant music culture - without new talents emerging, music has no future. Therefore, with two exceptions due to Covid, Eikanger-Bjørsvik Musikklag (EBML) has welcomed children and youth to our summer music school "Feriespel" every year since 1997 - a three day event packed with music making, social interaction, and inspiration in a safe and supportive environment. The participants are divided into three groups based on age and experience, and get to practice and perform together in full bands, in smaller groups, and in sessions together with experienced instructors - as well as having fun at grill parties and puzzle runs. "Feriespel" ends with a grand concert, where participants present the fruits of their labour to family, friends and other eager listeners. All participants come on stage for the finale, which always is "Circle of Life" - signifying the importance of the children and the school bands in securing the brass band movement a healthy future. The aim is that "Feriespel" should be affordable and accessible for all prospective participants, and every year EBML band members and supporters lay down hundreds of hours in volunteer work to make the "Feriespel" experience as great as possible. The generous support from the Grieg Foundation provides EBML with a foundation for organizing and developing "Feriespel" further in the coming years – to the common benefit of school band musicians, the band community and other stakeholders.