About the Camp
A Music Camp for Everyone
Side by Side is one of the world's largest international music camps and welcomes around 2,000 children and young people each year. The camp is organized by Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra and the eleventh edition will be held June 15–19, 2024 in central Gothenburg. The participants are circa 6–23 years old and both choral singers and orchestral instrumentalists participate. Side by Side offers several different choral and orchestral tracks, all tailored in length, content and difficulty to specific ages and experiences.
Music is a universal language that everyone understands
and everyone is welcome at Side by Side.
Evolve with Side by Side
In our track pyramid, you get an overview of our tracks and see how they relate to each other. The idea of the track pyramid is that it should function as a staircase where you step up as you grow in age and experience. The basis of our pedagogy is learning by example—we believe that everyone can learn from everyone else, therefore the tracks cooperate with each other during, among other things, the camp's various concerts.
Learn from the Best
Side by Side works with some of the best conductors and educators in the world. The camp's main conductors are all award-winning and well-known with special experience in leading young musicians on their continued musical development. Together with a large team of excellent pedagogues, the participants receive the best possible musical and educational help during the intensive camp days. Musicians from Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra are coaches for our most advanced orchestra participants and Side by Side's participants are also given a unique opportunity to perform side by side with Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra and Gothenburg Symphony Vocal Ensemble.
Sing and play side by side with Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra and make a memory for life!
Intense Music Focus
The camp has a high level of ambition and the days are filled to the brim with music. On the schedule, you'll find part rehearsals, section rehearsals and tutti rehearsals as well as the concert(s) your track is playing at. It could be, for example, the magnificent Festival Concert in Scandinavium with all the participants of the camp or the magical Closing Concert in Stora Salen. In addition to this, we sprinkle in various workshops and other activities.
It's All About the Repertoire
Everything starts and ends with the music at Side by Side. Over the years, we have had premieres of completely new pieces as well as specially written arrangements just for the camp. The camp presents classical repertoire side by side with pop, folk music and other genres. Side by Side's repertoire is adapted to every orchestra and choir level. When you look at the track pages and think about which track to apply for, look extra carefully at the repertoire and feel free to ask a teacher to help you find the level that suits you best.
Safety at Side by Side
Side by Side is a large music camp that is spread over several buildings in central Gothenburg. In addition to our professional musical directors, we have a large number of staff and trained hosts on site. Track hosts and children's counselors who follow each track, location hosts in each room, accommodation hosts at the accommodation, office hosts at the Concert Hall, as well as a large number of volunteers with various tasks. Nevertheless, it is very important that all children under the age of 13 are accompanied by an adult. Together we help create a nice and safe Side by Side!
THE CAMP
Side by Side by El Sistema is an international orchestra and choir camp. Children and youth from Sweden and several other countries rehearse together in central Gothenburg with the Concert Hall as a focal point, under the direction of several exciting conductors, musicians and teachers. For those traveling in, accommodation can be made available in close connection to the rehearsal venues. In 2020 and 2021 there was a digital version of the camp on a platform called the Digi Site.
TRACKS
To give as many as possible the opportunity to participate and develop at their own pace at the camp, the orchestras and choirs at Side by Side are sectioned into level appropriate tracks. To make the camp as fun and educational as possible, it's important that every participant chooses the appropriate track, and that everyone comes well prepared for their level. It is above all the repertoire that should decide which track you choose. Ask your instrumental/choir teacher for help, if your are unsure of which track to choose.
We encourage all participants to stay in the same track for more than one year. Each track has its own repertoire and its own start and end date during the camp. Activities, rehearsals and the length of the day are all modified to suit. The tracks meet at joint rehearsals and concerts.
In order for everyone to feel welcome and safe at Side by Side, we need to have many adults on site during the camp. In addition to professional musical leaders, we have a large number of employees and trained hosts on site. Track hosts and camp counselors for each track, location hosts in each room, accommodation hosts at the accommodation, office hosts in the office at the Concert Hall and a large number of volunteers with different tasks. Nevertheless, it is very important that all children under the age of 13 have accompanying adults with them. Together, we can help create a nice and safe Side by Side camp for everyone.
CONTENT
The camp days are filled with rehearsals and concerts as well as communal meals and other activities. Sometimes, the participants rehearse in small groups, section by section with an instructor for each group. Sometimes a whole section meets and sometimes all participants in a track rehearse together, the whole orchestra or choir at the same time. Some rehearsals are held in English.
One of Side by Side's main goals is to provide an opportunity for role modeling. It is educating and instructive to play and sing side by side with other participants of different ages and levels. That's why we let the tracks meet and make music together during the camp. The Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra and Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra Vocal Ensemble are strong advocates of this learning method.CONCERTS
During Side by Side, the participants play and sing at several different concerts, where they get to showcase their newfound abilities together. Follow our newsletter and digital channels to keep up to date about the concerts.
PARTICIPATION FEE
The participation fee is 450 SEK (inc. VAT 25%) for all tracks except BEGINNERS’ ORCHESTRA, BEGINNERS’ CHOIR and OPEN CHOIR which cost 200 SEK (inc. VAT 25%). The participation fee will be refunded if you cancel by May 5. If the cancellation is Covid-19 related, the last day to cancel is June 16. Participation fees must be paid by everyone at camp, including accompanying teachers, parents and other adults. The camp accommodation is 100 SEK (inc. VAT 12%) per person and night. If we at Side by Side need to cancel or modify the camp due to restrictions, you will receive a full refund.
Videos
Maroon 5 Memories Cover / Canon in D Mashup
Side by Side 2021 Music Video
Bringing the World Together Through Music
8 Years of Side by Side
Lion King Circle of Life Cover
Side by Side 2020 Music Video
Music Is the Universal Language
Side by Side 2019 Mini Documentary
Clean Bandit - Symphony feat. Zara Larsson cover
Side by Side 2018 Music Video
A Summer of Concerts
Side by Side 2018 Music Video
Ode to Joy
Side by Side 2018 Music Video
Side by Side & Gustavo Dudamel
Side by Side 2017 Mini Documentary
- Come celebrate our 10th anniversary!Side by Side is one of the world's largest music camps and from June 17–21, 2023, we gather about 2,000 participants in Gothenburg. There will be lots of rehearsals, concerts and other fun for the tenth year in a row!
Apply for a place at this summer's Side by Side!
All music-interested young people 6–23 years old are welcome to the camp.
Application period 1: 9 Nov–13 Dec
Application period 2: 14 Dec–8 Feb
Read more about each track on the respective track page.
DO YOU WANT TO JOIN US?
This year's camp has seven orchestral tracks, five choral tracks, two functional tracks (OPEN) and two special tracks (EARLY & FOLK). Learn more about the track layout and how to choose a track in our application info. Here you will also find info about prices, accommodation, how it works with camp counselor groups and other useful things.
10 YEARS OF SIDE BY SIDE
Side by Side by El Sistema is one of Gothenburg's jubilee projects, and fittingly enough, we celebrate our 10th camp at the same time as the city has its big 400th anniversary. This year's color is a rainbow of all past camp colors. Join us on a nostalgia trip of videos and memories through the 10 years of Side by Side!
On this page, you can read more about Side by Side by El Sistema. During the pandemic, the camp may function in a slightly different way. Always stay up to date about this year’s camp by subscribing to our newsletter and following us on social media.
THE CAMP
Side by Side by El Sistema is an international orchestra and choir camp. Children and youth from Sweden and several other countries rehearse together in central Gothenburg with the Concert Hall as a focal point, under the direction of several exciting conductors, musicians and teachers. For those traveling in, accommodation can be made available in close connection to the rehearsal venues. In 2020, a digital version of the camp, Side by Side: Digital, was created.
TRACKS
To give as many as possible the opportunity to participate and develop at their own pace at the camp, the orchestras and choirs at Side by Side are sectioned into level appropriate tracks. To make the camp as fun and educational as possible, it's important that every participant chooses the appropriate track, and that everyone comes well prepared for their level. It is above all the repertoire that should decide which track you choose. Ask your instrumental/choir teacher for help, if your are unsure of which track to choose.
We encourage all participants to stay in the same track for more than one year. Each track has its own repertoire and its own start and end date during the camp. Activities, rehearsals and the length of the day are all modified to suit. The tracks meet at joint rehearsals and concerts.
CONTENT
The camp days are filled with rehearsals and concerts as well as communal meals and other activities. Sometimes, the participants rehearse in small groups, section by section with an instructor for each group. Sometimes a whole section meets and sometimes all participants in a track rehearse together, the whole orchestra or choir at the same time. Some rehearsals are held in English.
One of Side by Side's main goals is to provide an opportunity for role modeling. It is educating and instructive to play and sing side by side with other participants of different ages and levels. That's why we let the tracks meet and make music together during the camp. The Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra and Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra Vocal Ensemble are strong advocates of this learning method.CONCERTS
During Side by Side the participants play and sing at several different concerts. At the camp's Festival Concert all participants gather in Scandinavium for a huge musical feast side by side with the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra and the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra Vocal Ensemble. During the pandemic, Festival Concert will not be held at Scandinavium.
THE CAMP
Side by Side by El Sistema is an international orchestra and choir camp. Children and youth from Sweden and several other countries rehearse together in central Gothenburg with the Concert Hall as a focal point, under the direction of several exciting conductors, musicians and teachers. For those traveling in, accommodation can be made available in close connection to the rehearsal venues.
TRACKS
To give as many as possible the opportunity to participate and develop at their own pace at the camp, the orchestras and choirs at Side by Side are sectioned into level appropriate tracks. To make the camp as fun and educational as possible, it's important that every participant chooses the appropriate track, and that everyone comes well prepared for their level. It is above all the repertoire that should decide which track you choose. Ask your instrumental/choir teacher for help, if your are unsure of which track to choose.
We encourage all participants to stay in the same track for more than one year. Each track has its own repertoire and its own start and end date during the camp. Activities, rehearsals and the length of the day are all modified to suit. The tracks meet at joint rehearsals and concerts.
In order for everyone to feel welcome and safe at Side by Side, we need to have many adults on site during the camp. In addition to professional musical leaders, we have a large number of employees and trained hosts on site. Track hosts and camp counselors for each track, location hosts in each room, accommodation hosts at the accommodation, office hosts in the office at the Concert Hall and a large number of volunteers with different tasks. Nevertheless, it is very important that all children under the age of 13 have accompanying adults with them. Together, we can help create a nice and safe Side by Side camp for everyone.
CONTENT
The camp days are filled with rehearsals and concerts as well as communal meals and other activities. Sometimes, the participants rehearse in small groups, section by section with an instructor for each group. Sometimes a whole section meets and sometimes all participants in a track rehearse together, the whole orchestra or choir at the same time. Some rehearsals are held in English.
One of Side by Side's main goals is to provide an opportunity for role modeling. It is educating and instructive to play and sing side by side with other participants of different ages and levels. That's why we let the tracks meet and make music together during the camp. The Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra and Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra Vocal Ensemble are strong advocates of this learning method.
CONCERTS
During Side by Side, the participants play and sing at several different concerts, where they get to showcase their newfound abilities together. Follow our newsletter and digital channels to keep up to date about the concerts.
THE CAMP
Side by Side by El Sistema is an international orchestra and choir camp. Children and youth from Sweden and several other countries rehearse together in central Gothenburg with the Concert Hall as a focal point, under the direction of several exciting conductors, musicians and teachers. For those traveling in, accommodation can be made available in close connection to the rehearsal venues. In 2019, 2110 musicians and choir singers of different ages and levels participated.
The sign-up fee is 450 SEK per person.
The BEGINNERS' and OPEN CHOIR tracks are only 200 SEK per person.
For those in need of accommodation during the camp there is an additional chargeof 95 SEK per person and night (all meals included).
TRACKS
To give as many as possible the opportunity to participate and develop at their own pace at the camp, the orchestras and choirs at Side by Side are sectioned into level appropriate tracks. There are eight orchestra tracks, seven choir tracks, one folk music track and one early music track to choose from. To make the camp as fun and educational as possible, it's important that every participant chooses the appropriate track, and that everyone comes well prepared for their level. It is above all the repertoire that should decide which track you choose. Ask your instrumental/choir teacher for help, if your are unsure of which track to choose.
To some tracks you apply for a slot and to others you simply sign-up. We encourage all participants to stay in the same track for more than one year. Each track has its own repertoire and its own start and end date during the camp. Activities, rehearsals and the length of the day are all modified to suit. The tracks meet at joint rehearsals and concerts.
CONTENT
The camp days are filled with rehearsals and concerts as well as communal meals and other activities. Sometimes, the participants rehearse in small groups, section by section with an instructor for each group. Sometimes a whole section meets and sometimes all participants in a track rehearse together, the whole orchestra or choir at the same time. Some rehearsals are held in English.
One of Side by Side's main goals is to provide an opportunity for role modeling. It is educating and instructive to play and sing side by side with other participants of different ages and levels. That's why we let the tracks meet and make music together during the camp. The Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra and Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra Vocal Ensemble are strong advocates of this learning method.CONCERTS
During Side by Side the participants play and sing at several different concerts. At the camp's Festival Concert all participants gather in Scandinavium for a huge musical feast side by side with the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra and the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra Vocal Ensemble.
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Svenskt org. nr 556313-1027Europeiskt momsnummer – VAT no SE556313102701
Lägerfotograf Francis Löfvenholm
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