Student Guide

Welcome! Our staff and faculty members will make every effort so that you will be comfortable, your work will be productive, and you will have fun. You can play a part in this effort by carefully reading and understanding the following information and guidelines.

Upon arrival at the Academy, you must register at the front office and obtain your room key. Before we can issue your key to you, a deposit of 25 Euros or its equivalent in US dollars will be required. It is advisable to have the exact amount for the deposit when you check in. On the day of departure, when you return the key and any borrowed library music, you will be refunded the deposit money, so be careful to keep your key and music safe.

Orientation: On the evening of August 1, there will be a general assembly at dinner for all at the Academy. Here you will meet the faculty and staff members and your fellow classmates. This will give those of you who arrive early in the day some time to relax and orient yourself. Snacks and Dinner will be served on this day. Please see the schedule for "Mealtimes" in this guidebook.

Rules
There are a few important rules which must be followed. Violating them may result in early dismissal from the Festival.

* There will be no smoking or use of alcoholic beverages at the Academy campus or in the dormitory. Persons found to be under the influence of alcohol will be dismissed from the Festival.
* There is a curfew of 12:30 AM for all participants. No exceptions. This rule is out of courtesy to your fellow classmates who may be trying to sleep.
* Participants under the age of 16 cannot leave the Academy campus without permission of their designated counselor.
* The outside doors of the dormitory building are always locked. You will have a key to the dormitory's entry door.
* The reception office of the Academy is usually open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
* You are responsible for keeping your room tidy (there is no daily house cleaning service) and for any damage you cause to your room or furnishings. You must report any instance of damage to the secretary in the reception office upon discovery. There is a scheduled clean-up date: August 9.

Viana do Castelo is a small, charming town. We are located in the medieval city center, within walking distance of every shop, restaurant and facility. The Festival Office will have information about the post office, bank, grocery stores, restaurants, and shops that you may wish to visit in your free time.

Some of your performances may be digitally recorded. CD with your performance may be purchased through the music office for $15.00 each.
Pocket money: You do not necessarily need any extra money to spend, becausee all your meals are paid in advance. However, if you wish to bring money to purchase souvenirs, coffee, soft drinks, pizza, film, etc., in the town, we advise you to never leave it, or any other valuables, in your room unattended. The Festival absolutely cannot be responsible for your personal articles. Our office will be happy to safeguard cash and travellers checks which you may deposit and retrieve during business hours. You can exchange US dollars or other currency into Euros at the local bank in Viana. As of this writing, the current rate is about $1.2/ - 1.3 Euro. You may click here for an updated rate.

Many performances will be presented during the course of your stay at the Festival. All concerts are open to the public and the townspeople attend almost every one. You are required to attend every performance, whether playing or not. As an audience member, you should be dressed nicely. (No t-shirts or jeans.)

Those of you who have participated in a previous festival in Marktoberdorf or Saluzzo already know that the expectations are very high and we strongly recommend that you listen to, and study, a recording in order to prepare your chamber assignment to a professional level.

If you are unable to purchase a particular work from your local music store, in most cases it is available on-line from:
* Shar Music
* Byron Hoyt
You may also try your local public college or university library where it is frequently possible to photocopy parts shelved in the stacks. Your teacher may also have a copy to lend you that has good fingerings and/or bowings, although the latter may change at rehearsals.

Student housing and practice room assignments
There is ample practice rooms at the academy. You can reserve a room for two hour.
Keep in mind that the string players will practice in their rooms and the pianists will practice in designated practice rooms.

Your solo and group participation in concerts will depend on the level of your preparedness. If you want to perform a solo work(s), you must provide us with a repertoire list well in advance. All prospective performers will audition for a panel of faculty members. These auditions will be held every day after lunch. You may sign up in the office the day before.

If you would like to participate in Master Classes, you must audition for the teacher who will be conducting the particular Master Class in which you are interested. We encourage you to not be shy and to take an advantage of all performing opportunities!

Medical assistance will be available to all participants. If you are a resident of the European Union, you already have medical coverage. Participants from other countries will have to pay per visit. If you are on medication and under the age of 16, you will need to keep your medication with your designated counselor. There is a hospital 5 minutes from the Academy. In case of an accident, contact your counselor. In case of an emergency, alert the IMF staff. There are fire extinguishers in the corridors.

Clothing: The climate will be warm in August. The evenings may be cool and there may be occasional rain, so bring a sweater or jacket and an umbrella. Bring comfortable clothes and shoes for exploring the area, for excursions, and for your practice times. A few pairs of shorts and pants, plenty of clean socks and undergarments, and several shirts would be ideal. You may want to bring a swimsuit for the pool or exercise clothing if you intend to be physically active. Laundry facilities are available in the dormitories at a cost of 1 Euro to wash and dry a load. Full service dry cleaning is available in town. The dress code for performing is a tuxedo for men and a black or dark-colored long dress for ladies.

Schedules: The bulletin board on the ground floor of the Academy will have up to date information about all Festival activities, including chamber and orchestra concerts, private lessons, and excursions. While participants will be given a printed copy, it is very important that you check the bulletin board daily for any changes to times or event venues. It will be your responsibility to be informed about when and where to go.

Mealtimes: Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served in the Academy Cafeteria. If you are a vegetarian, or otherwise have special dietary requirements, please notify us IN ADVANCE and we will try to accommodate you. Keep in mind that Portuguese food may be different from what you are accustomed to eating at home. This is part of the overall cultural experience and we would like you to arrive at the Festival with an open mind to these and other differences that you will encounter. Out of courtesy to our hosts, we must ask that you keep your opinions to yourself if you dislike something from the kitchen.
* Breakfast: 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM
* Lunch: 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM
* Dinner: 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Instrument repair and music supplies: There is a new violin repair shops in town just around the corner from the Academy. Our staff will be able to assist you in adjusting a bridge, pegs, or soundpost, but for serious repairs you will have to go to the violin maker. There is a music store in town. All string players should pack at least two complete sets of strings and four pencils.

There is a small library on the second floor of the Academy which will lend you sheet music. (Do not count on the library to have your chamber music assignment!) All music must be returned by August 15. Borrowers who loseor damage music will forfeit their security/key deposit. For operating hours of the music library please inquire in the Academy's office.

Student housing and practice room assignments: There will be two or three students to each dormitory room. Each will have a table, chest of drawers, bookshelves, closet, and a sink. Some rooms also have showers and toilets and some dormitory rooms have a shared bath. Roommates will be chosen by gender and age. Returning participants or members of an ensemble accepted as a group may request to share a room with a specific individual(s). Keep in mind that the string players will practice in their rooms and the pianists will practice in designated practice rooms.

Electrical devices: Portugal has an electrical power supply at 220 volts. If you wish to plug in electrical devices such as razors, portable CD players etc., purchased in the USA (or any country with 110 AC voltage), you will need a transformer and an adapter for the European-style electric outlets. These are inexpensive and can be purchased at an appliance store, department store, or travel store.

You may receive mail at:
[Your Name]
Escuola Profissional de Musica de Viana do Castelo
Travessa do Salgeiro No. 14
4900-323
Viana do Castelo, Portugal
You may also receive a telephone call placed to 351 258 806130.

There is an email cafe within a three minute walk from the Academy.
The residential address (this may be required to receive your entry visa) is:
Insituto Politecnico de Viana do Castelo
Largo 9 de Abril
4900-339
Viana do Castelo, Portugal
Telephone: 351 258 809334
Fax: 351 258 824574

Special Message

Each of you will need to be open minded about the wide variety of cultures that you will be encountering during your stay in Portugal. As musicians and artists, we can cultivate respect for the differences in others. Be polite and sensitive to the feelings of others, as their culture and customs may not be familiar to you, nor yours to them. When you respect your new acquaintances, you will find yourself respected in return. Learn about them and we can better support each other as we enjoy making music together.

We would like all of you to view each other as colleagues and friends, not competitors. During performances, support and help each other, leaving any jealousies behind. This will be a valuable asset to you throughout your life and we expect that you will practice it at the Festival. We look forward to seeing you in Viana do Castelo!