Get away from it all and join us for a weekend of singing in the Swiss mountain countryside this April.
Simple living, amazing views, and great music in the company of an international group of like-minded people.
Founded by Helen Storrow, Our Chalet opened in 1932. Our Chalet offers year-round activities, special events, and conferences for Girl Guides, Girl Scouts, and leaders from around the world. In the time since it opened, the centre has been expanded and now includes several buildings. It has only been closed to the public twice, once during World War II when it was used as a military training and refugee centre. It stands 1,350 metres (4,430 ft) above sea level.
Singing
This April 2023 Roger Jackson is running a weekend of singing in a mountain chalet in Adelboden in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland.
Limited to just 25 people, there'll be learning sessions morning and afternoon with the evening free for trying out what you’ve learned or just socialising
as you enjoy the alpine ambience.
It's a fun event and of interest to
anyone who fancies singing.
Whether you're in a band, a choir regular or more of a shower soloist, this for for you.
Because it's folk, everything is taught by ear,
so there's no need to read music.
We'll be learning how to make those distinctive American folk harmonies by singing the songs.
More experienced singers will find new songs and arrangements to stretch them, while if you're new to harmony singing, you'll learn how to approach
finding and holding a part.
Make it part of your holiday!
You can book to stay on before or after the event
to explore the area.
The venue
"Our Chalet" (pictured above) is a beautiful and cosy
traditional 1930's wooden ski lodge.
The food is fresh and locally sourced: Continental breakfast, a cold buffet lunch, and a hearty three course dinner.
Coffee and tea will be available all day.
Please let us know of any special dietary requirements you may have, and we'll do our best to accommodate you.
The chalet isn't licensed to sell alcohol, but you can
bring your own.
The accommodation is simple - mostly shared rooms, as you would expect from a ski lodge, but we are able to offer a few single and twin rooms and there is a supplement for these.
For the other shared rooms you would be sharing with
no more than two others.
The weekend is fully catered
with breakfast, light lunch, and dinner
Cost from £210
Includes full board accommodation and tuition.
Your tutor
Roger is a film and TV composer with a rock music background. He plays with BlueJay and produces recordings in his own studio near Oxford. Roger is also a choir leader and writes and arranges in various styles.
He leads singing and harmony workshops throughout Europe, usually based on American folk music.
If you fancy staying at the chalet before or after the course, please contact Rosie Greaves:
info@ourchalet.wagggs.org
Programme*
Friday
Arrive anytime after 15.00.
18.00 Welcome drinks, Beisammensein and short sing together
18.30 Dinner
19.30 Evening free for informal singing and jamming together.
Saturday
Breakfast 8.00 -9.00
9.30 - 11.00 Morning chorus - fill your lungs with mountain air and learn a couple of songs
11.30 - 13.00 How to phrase and blend together - learn another song.
13.15 - 14.00 Lunch
14.30 - 16.00 Sing in smaller group, make your part count.
16.00 Free time to walk, sleep, practice
18.00 Cocktails and singing.
19.30 Dinner
20.30 Evening free for informal singing and jamming together.
Sunday
Breakfast
9.30 - 11.00 Morning chorus - Learn a couple of songs
11.30 - 13.00 More singing!
13.30 - 14.00 Lunch
14.30 - 15.30 Recap Saturday's songs.
15.30 Fond farewells and departure.
*For guidance only. Actual programme details may differ.
Who's it for?
It's for everyone who likes to sing.
Roger works from a basis of American folk music, but may include examples from other cultures from time to time.
He will create an encouraging and supportive space where people can grow their singing confidence.
Although there is plenty to study and learn, Roger insists on making it a fun experience.
If you play an accompanying instrument, then please bring it, especially for the evening sing-around, but please bear in mind that the main objective of the course is singing.
We look forward to seeing you there - Bring your water bottle and a sense of humour!
Buying Tickets
The accommodation is largely shared rooms as would expect from a ski lodge, but we are able to offer
a few single and twin rooms and
there is a supplement for these .
There are three options on the ticketing page.
Each option is per person for the whole weekend,
and includes tuition, breakfast, lunch and dinner.
If you're coming with a buddy, pick this option and
it'll just be the two of you.
If you're OK with sharing with no more than two others,
there's no supplement.
Singles and twins are offered on a
"first paid first choice" basis.
Click on any of the options and the ticketing page will open in a new tab.
Payment is by BACS to keep costs down.
Once you place your order, you'll get an email with the bank details. Once the money has arrived, you'll receive another mail with your tickets. This can take 24 hrs.