We went up North — to Sørreisa and Andenes — where the sun doesn’t set, and neither did our confusion.
Between no sleep, fresh air, wild views, and even wilder dance moves, we made music, memories, and mayhem. This is what happens when you drop a group of South Africans into 24-hour daylight… and give them drums. 😎
The moment we stepped out of the plane, we felt it, the crisp, clean air that hit different. Everything was still, but alive. The midnight sun hung above us like it had no plans of leaving, and honestly? It didn’t. Time felt fake, but the energy from the participants was very real. They brought the warmth, the laughter, and the kind of joy that made the North feel a little less far from home.
It was an absolute delight to host a music-filled weekend in Sørreisa, bringing together bands of all ages from Northern Norway. We enjoyed teaching them the iconic South African song “Home Talk” using innovative, non-notation methods that sparked joy and creativity.
What made this event truly special was the diversity of our participants – from young children to enthusiastic adults – all united by their love of music. It was an incredible opportunity for us to share our passion for music and learn from each other’s perspectives.
And, as an added bonus, it was a chance for us to practice our Norwegian language skills. The laughter, dancing, and camaraderie that filled the room made this event an unforgettable experience.
Teaching the Bands in the North
Working with the bands in the North was an absolute delight! The participants’ eagerness to learn was palpable, and their energy levels were infectious. Everyone was ready for the challenge, knowing exactly what to expect. The energy from the participants made our jobs significantly easier, but more than that, it created memories that we will cherish for a long time. There was so much laughter, curiosity, and a real willingness to dive into the full PULSE experience. They weren’t just open to learning, they were excited to join in the craziness, the fun, and everything in between
The sessions were fast-paced, with only 40 minutes to learn a new song and dance. The remaining 20 minutes were spent playing with the full band, which was an exhilarating experience. What struck us most was the participants’ willingness to try everything and their dedication to making it work.
It was remarkable to see how smoothly everything came together, with each individual bringing their own effort and enthusiasm to the table. The results were truly impressive, and we couldn’t help but feel proud of what we’d accomplished together!
During the Sørreisa weekend, one adult shared something that really resonated with us: for a brief moment, she forgot her roles as a mother and grandparent because we made her feel young, vibrant, and completely energized. Initially, she was somewhat skeptical about participating in our sessions, but by the end, she was glad she had joined. Her honesty and the connection we established reminded us why our work is important. It’s not just about music; it’s also about people and being present.
We were fortunate enough to get help from youth members of Sørreisa Skolekorps, and their support made a huge difference. Since we were working with a larger group than usual, we had the opportunity to onboard the youth assistants ahead of the weekend, and we couldn’t have asked for a better team. Not only were they musical, but they were also eager, open-minded, and ready to dive in. At first, there was some scepticism. Because we were teaching music by ear, ‘the Field Band way,’ they worried it wouldn’t be perfect. But we reminded them that it wasn’t about perfection. It was about having fun, letting loose, and not worrying about who’s watching or what anyone might say. And once they let go of the pressure, the energy shifted. It became playful, powerful, and filled with joy.
One of the unexpected highlights was the drum solo dance. It was simple, or at least, it looked that way until they realised the trick was in the hips. There was a bit of jumping, some serious coordination, and even a moment for Biri Marung! The participants loved it. The room was filled with laughter, effort, and pure joy as everyone gave it their all (even if some hips needed a little convincing at first).
And let’s not forget the challenge of moving while playing Home Talk by Mango Groove! It sounds simple: just two steps right, two steps left, but juggling the movements while playing had everyone hilariously off balance. Some got so caught up in stepping that their playing slipped, while others nailed the notes but forgot to move at all. It was messy, fun, and perfectly PULSE, proving that sometimes the hardest part is just doing two things at once. Being dancers, musicians, and their biggest cheerleaders all at once made it even better
They had so much fun figuring it out, and honestly, did we… especially when the hips went left and the notes went missing.
PULSE og Participants 
Thank you for taking the time to read about our little adventure in the North. Whether you’re basking in the midnight sun or snuggled up in the Southern chill, happy Summer Holidays to those in Norway, and happy Winter Holidays to everyone back home in South Africa! ❄️☀️
Feel free to watch our final ceremony using the link attached below, we’d love to share a piece of the magic with you.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16BfAgNgau
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16YpvQ8tav
Written by Phenyo & Refiloe
Pictures by PULSE Team & Sørreisa Skolekorps
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