Save the dates 14th-23rd August 2021

Whilst the pandemic is not over yet, the progress being made on vaccines and the first two beginning to be used in the UK, is at least encouragement that normality can return. We are of course continually assessing the situation and we are increasingly optimistic that the Summer School will be able to return to Bryanston School next August. It is too early to know whether there will still be restrictions in place at the school or for international travel so we are putting in place plans for various situations with different course structures for each.

Taking everything into consideration, we feel that the pandemic situation will be severe until the Spring and will therefore be uppermost in peoples’ minds with the result that taking decisions for activities in the summer will be very difficult. Consequently, we are delaying taking a decision on which course structure to offer (see below) until early March. We would then open the registration system on Friday, 2^nd April.

To help us assess your confidence in attending a residential course again and your preference for course structure we have created a short survey for you to complete without any commitment. Please use the following link (please also see a message about this further down this page):

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/QC79QZZ

Scenario 1 – Normality returns

Our usual, full capacity one week’s course will run from Sunday, 15^th August to Sunday, 22^nd August

 

Scenario 2 – Social Distancing Restrictions still in place

Reduced capacity at Bryanston School so we would run two courses of 4 days each:

Course 1
Arrival & Welcome process Sat 14^th 1-3 pm
Full Teaching Days Sun 15^th to Tues 17^th
Concerts Weds 18^th am
Depart Weds 18^th 2 pm

Course 2
Arrival & Welcome process Thurs 19^th 1-3 pm
Full Teaching Days Fri 20th to Sun 22nd
Concerts Monday 23rd am
Depart Mon 23^rd 2 pm

It may be possible for families to book both courses – details to be worked out.

 

Scenario 3 – Major Covid-19 Restrictions still in place

Bryanston School closed for summer courses so we would again offer a Virtual International Summer School (VISS) as we did this year (2020). The course structure would be as close as possible to the 4 days’ course in Scenario 2 but would run from Monday, 16^th August to Friday, 20^th August.

 

Please save all these dates in your diary and we will keep you informed as the situation develops and decisions are made.

We are now running a short survey to gauge interest in the scenario course structures set out above.

First and foremost, we do hope that you and your family are keeping safe and well through these difficult times.

Despite the wintry weather and on-going Covid-19 pandemic, planning for this year’s International Summer School at Bryanston School in August continues. With the gathering momentum of the vaccination programme in the UK and other countries worldwide we are reasonably confident that the severe restrictions on schools, events and travel in place at the moment will have been eased sufficiently for a residential course to be held at Bryanston School. Nevertheless, we expect that a range of Covid-19 related protocols will still be required and we will work closely with the School to ensure as safe an environment for everyone as is possible.

To help us assess your confidence in attending a residential course again and your preference for course structure we have created a short survey for you to complete without any commitment. Please use the following link:

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/QC79QZZ

Your cooperation with this survey will be greatly appreciated and we very much look forward to seeing you at Bryanston again in August this year or further in the future.

If you have any questions, please contact Philip Wake by email: philip@lsginternationalsummerschool.co.uk

Bryanston, the London Suzuki Group’s International Summer School is an annual residential music course for string players and pianists aged from 3 to 18 years. It is now in its thirty-first year at the beautiful 160 hectare (395 acre) estate of Bryanston School, Blandford Forum, Dorset, England.  See above for how the course will be run in August 2021.

Director of Music: Jillian Leddra
Co-Director of Music: Karina MacAlpine
Business Manager:  Philip Wake

Sunday 15th – Sunday 22nd August 2021

(To Be Confirmed – See Covid-19 Update on Home Page)

Who Can attend?

Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass and Piano students of the Suzuki method from age 3 to 18 accompanied by a parent.
Teenagers may come unaccompanied and stay in one of the Teenage Houses
Non Suzuki students who have reached Grade 8 and above are very welcome.
Teacher Observers, Sunday to Thursday only.
Suzuki Teacher Trainees of violin and piano who are on the BSI Teacher Training Course take residence Sunday to Friday only. Please see the BSI for details of the The Suzuki Teacher Training Course.

Here is what to expect from the week of the London Suzuki Group International Summer School at Bryanston (based on the normal, full capacity one week course).

Sunday – Arrival and the first evening

Arrive after lunch to settle into the rooms and unpack. There is a tour for families attending for the first time at 3pm followed by a welcome meeting for everybody at 4pm.

There are then playtogethers for each instrumental group and the first rehearsal of the top level orchestras. This is followed by supper in the refectory and then a welcome party in the main building whilst being serenaded by the teachers’ orchestra.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday  – Normal Teaching days

The very youngest participants have three hours worth of lessons, most children have four hours and there are optional extra classes for those wishing to have a five hour day. These lessons are spread throughout the day with plenty of time off to practice or to enjoy the outstanding facilities that Bryanston School has to offer, such as the 39 tennis courts, indoor swimming pool, archery, bouldering wall, the art room or the many walks throughout the grounds.

After lunch there are three solo concerts which take place in the Elder Hall, Edwin Evans and Robson Fisher where performers can learn the art of stage presentation in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. In the evenings there are concerts given by members of the faculty, and then the main building comes alive with impromptu chamber groups and jazz sessions. Football tournaments are held in the sports centre and there is also an adults only bar in the basement open until 11pm.

Wednesday – a condensed teaching timetable and an afternoon of fun

The timetable is condensed and starts a little earlier which means that everybody has the afternoon free to explore Dorset. There are organised coach trips visiting local attractions such as Stonehenge, Lulworth Cove and Swanage. In the evening there will be singing and dancing through the main numbers of Mary Poppins.

Friday – Concerts begin

The evening concert on Friday is given by the orchestras.

Saturday – concert day

This is concert day. Solo piano concerts, Keyboard concert, Suzuki groups concert and chamber groups concerts all take place during the morning. The afternoon has a treasure hunt for the younger children and there is again free time to make use of the Bryanston facilities. In the evening all can be entertained by the  Bryanston Review, a variety show put on by the children with the help of the Stewards.

Sunday – departure

After one last breakfast the airport coaches arrive, the suitcases are piled up in the hall and everyone leaves, amidst a flurry of promises  to return next year.

Every day

Food  – Fabulous meals with many options and catering for dietary requirements are served in the refectory. Also provided are hot and cold drinks with biscuits in the morning break and hot and cold drinks with cake in the afternoon break. There is also a cafe on site selling other coffee and tea varieties, milkshakes and various snacks and an adults only bar selling alcoholic drinks and snacks. Please be aware that Bryanston is NOT a nut free site.

Noteworthy News – Every evening an email update is sent out to everybody with the following days events and any other matters.

Director of Music Jillian Leddra
Co-Director of Music Karina MacAlpine
Business Manager  Philip Wake
Facilities Manager Sarah Mundy

 

The course is run by the London Suzuki Group

All information can be found by viewing the pages on this website, however for any other queries please fill out the form below. Alternatively:

Email:  bryanston@lsginternationalsummerschool.co.uk

Phone: Philip Wake – +44 (0)7801 482346

If you would like to find out more about Bryanston from a French and Italian speaker please contact Bélinda Martinez Welton: musique.plv@orange.fr +33 618052505

If you would like to find out more about Bryanston from a Spanish speaker please contact Silvia García sgargut@outlook.es

Stewards

If you would like to be apply to be a steward please send an email explaining why you would make a good steward and the skills you bring to the role e.g languages, viola player, cellist etc. to Sarah Mundy:

facilities_manager@lsginternationalsummerschool.co.uk

We are especially keen to hear from Double Bass players.