We are back! 

Well done to everyone on the trip!

If you have any photographs, please email them to Mr Csenki

csenkia@gordonstoun.org.uk

We hope to have the next Music Tour in 2018 - who knows where we might go next!

Ski Sunday

We have just arrived back from Nordic Skiing which was at the Tryvan Winterpark. We started out on the flat surface of a frozen lake, and gradually progressed to more challenging terrain. After lunch, some of the group went to learn about the snowplough (useful for stopping), and the other half of the group went to explore the forest tracks.

Suited and booted and ready to go!

We started on one ski...

...and were then allowed another!

'It's harder work than we thought!' Waiting for hot mountain berry juice in the Sami Tent.

John attempts some off-piste

Charlie's turn!

Barratt Due joint concert, snow and final concert!

Today we performed together with the Junior Orchestra of Barratt Due Music Institute. They provided a huge string section and as well as our own pieces, we played Hopak and Caledonia as one big band. We then came back to enjoy the snow, before heading to St Edmund's Church for our final concert.

What a sound! Torfinn, the Head of Strings, conducting Hopak

Race time!

Teachers' race- Mr Csenki vs Mr McVean

It's a wipeout for Mr McVean! Mr Csenki was last spotted zooming in the direction of Sweden shouting for help. The authorities have been informed.

The long-distance winner, Fergus. 

The final concert and it is a bit of a squeeze!

Fame!

The Concert at Grefsen has made it into the Norwegian news websites. Full story (in Norwegian)

We are also mentioned on the Grefsen School Website

OIS and the Ski Jump

Today we visited Oslo International School to give a performance to Years 1 - 6; over 250 pupils in total! We got a chance to learn a little about the school, had some traditional Norwegian pizza, and then all of the groups performed. The pipe drums even managed their Fanfare on their own. There were around 6 Scottish teachers at the school and they said that the music brought a tear to their eyes, especially Loch Lomond and Caledonia. Mrs Csenki raised the roof with everyone singing 3 Craws.

Waiting for pizza is the hardest wait of all

Bagpipe-to-child sound level minimum safety distance by Norwegian Law

We're up! But how can we get down?!

We then got changed and went to the Ski Jump in Oslo: Holmenkollen. The museum included skis old and new, a stuffed bear and a ballpit (firm favourite for all). As part of the visit, we went up to the very top of the jump tower, then came down (using the lift) and had a ride on the Ski Jump Simulator to see what it would be like to fly down.

The view from the bottom...

...and from the top!

Would you dare?

'Do we get to do it for real, now?' Confidence boost after the simulator

To finish the day, we went out for a Norwegian dinner - smoked salmon, moose burger and chocolate brownie to finish. Yum!

Everyone is now in their beds and looking forward to tomorrow's joint concert with the Oslo Children's Orchestra.

Grefsen Skole

A very warm welcome!

This morning we were at Grefsen School, where we had a fantastic morning. We gave two concerts to two different groups of pupils. As part of the concert, some of the Norwegians got to try the bagpipes, and Mrs Csenki taught the pupils '3 Craws'! All of the groups performed, ending with a rendition of Caledonia. The local pupils were very impressed and told us afterwards in very good English that they enjoyed the performance.

Chamber Choir singing their hearts out!

Has he got enough puff?

Concert Band wowing the crowds

The whole group! Are, the Headmaster, on the left

We then got shown around the school and had a chance to join in with some lessons. The school was built only last year and had great facilities. Even more importantly, the local pupils were fantastic hosts and answered all our questions about school in Norway.  After a filling lunch and being waved off on the bus, we headed off!

Everybody dance! An average Norwegian lesson, apparently.

Finlay explaining the finer points of the subjunctive case in English

Sun and snow - perfect!

 In the afternoon, we went to the Kon-Tiki Museum, which had the real boats sailed by Thor Heyerdahl on his expeditions. We then went down to the water to stretch our legs.

"Does balsa wood grow in Scotland?" Ideas to build an ocean-going vessel just for Aberlour House

At least the statue is warm with his hat on.

1, 2, 3, Ush-lo! (We now know how to pronounce the name of this city correctly!)

After this, we went back to the hostel for Quiz night. Well done to Team WASP for an outstanding win. It was also a special day for Mr McVean so we enjoyed some birthday cake. Everyone is happy and looking forward to a busy day tomorrow, where we visit the International School.

First Day in Oslo

We have all arrived safe and sound and even the instruments made it!

Our first stop after lunch at the hostel was the Oslo Opera House. We got a guided tour by an ex-member of the Chorus, and we saw the stage, the rehearsal rooms and even part of a ballet practice!

After, we went on a walking tour of the city centre, seeing the parliament, the royal residence (he was in there!) and the old town.

After a hearty supper, everyone is in bed and looking forward to performing tomorrow.

Bye bye Scotland!

Oslo Opera - designed by a Norwegian.

It's chilly, but where's the snow?

In the Old Town

Learning about Grieg! (His great-grandfather was Scottish.)

A great view to finish a busy day.