It’s an honour for our PULSE project to contribute to youth and leadership development initiatives. Recently, our team in Norway was invited to the prestigious Hell Conference in Trondheim, held on January 18-19, 2025. As one of Norway’s largest annual conferences, Hell Conference empowers band leaders and members nationwide, and we’re thrilled to have been a part of it.
The primary purpose of the Hell Conference is to showcase and promote the Ungdomsløfte initiative. This platform enables Ungdomsløfte to share innovative activities, plans, and strategies for boosting band membership and retaining existing members. Additionally, it fosters collaboration and mutual support among participating bands.”
The Hell Conference is a pivotal gathering where conductors, board members and enthusiasts converge to discuss innovative strategies for empowering youth and fostering their growth. Primarily a regional conference serving the Trøndelag region, it also warmly welcomes participants from across Norway.
Meet Konrad Berge Neerland From Ekeberg Skolekorps
“Hello! I’m Konrad Berge Neerland, a 15-year-old saxophonist from Oslo. I play the tenor and baritone saxophone. When my school band organized a free trip to the Hell Conference, I jumped at the chance to attend with my friends.
The conference was an incredible experience. I gained valuable insights from the ADHD presentation, which will undoubtedly benefit my band. We learned how to create an inclusive environment and effectively support members with ADHD.
One of the highlights was learning a new piece of music that combined dancing and rhythms. Singing and dancing while playing was exhilarating!
I thoroughly enjoyed the Hell Conference and hope to participate in similar projects. The diverse teaching methods, eclectic music selection, and joyful dancing made for an unforgettable experience.”
At the Hell Conference, we had 88 enthusiastic members sign up to participate. To ensure a balanced performance, we divided them into two groups. Our concept was to create a competitive atmosphere where the two bands would face off, playing different songs to entertain the audience.
Here’s an overview of our process:
1. *Introduction and Music Sheets*: We introduced the members to the music using sheet music, emphasizing that the next day, they would play the same songs from memory.
2. *Unconventional Teaching Method*: By having them learn the music through this method, we aimed to teach them in a way they weren’t accustomed to.
3. *Song Selection*: We chose two exciting songs: “Mama Thembu’s Wedding” and “Nice to See You.”
The Good Band Experience
The youth had an engaging session with Selma, who introduced them to the Spillkveld project. Håvard facilitated activities for the youth to incorporate into their daily rehearsals and break times.
Key Takeaways:
1. *Empowerment*: Selma emphasized the importance of youth suggesting songs and sharing their thoughts and ideas.
2. *Communication*: The group discussed effective communication strategies for rehearsals, creating a safe environment, and inclusive language.
3. *Inclusivity*: They explored ways to accommodate different musical and instrumental skill levels, helping others without making them feel inadequate.
4. *Teamwork*: The youth brainstormed ideas to prevent exclusion and division within the band.
Interactive Activities:
– Card games facilitated idea-sharing and learning among members.
– Group discussions and presentations encouraged youth to step out of their comfort zones.
Selma’s Reflection:
“The discussions were relevant and engaging. Mixing the groups helped the youth connect with new people. They were eager to share and present their ideas, showcasing their enthusiasm and creativity.”
The music leadership team at the Hell Conference consisted of:
PULSE Participants:
1. Andrew Modisane
2. Gift Monageng
3. Mxolisi Hlatshwayo
4. Phenyo Block
5. Fredrik Haga, a talented alumnus of our PULSE program
6. Sondre Borgund , who is currently studying Bachelors in classical music performance and also a music teacher in 3 schools in Bergen
These dedicated professionals brought their expertise and passion to the conference, elevating the musical experience for all participants.
Written by Phenyo Block
Pictures by PULSE
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