International Bamboo Pipe Course 2026

25th July – 1st August
Viviers / France

You can download the brochure in PDF format here: Viviers 2026 Brochure EN

Welcome

The Guilds of France, Italy and Switzerland are pleased to invite you to the 2026 International Bamboo Flute Course in Viviers, France.

The small medieval town of Viviers, with its 500-year-old diocese and monastery, lies on the banks of the River Rhône in the Ardèche, where we will be spending our musical week.

Nearby there is also a campsite for campers and a house for young people, who will spend some of their time with each other and much of it with us.

The theme of the course

is Ali Baba and the 100 pipes. In 2026, the bamboo pipe movement will celebrate its 100th anniversary. Composer, oboist and bamboo pipe teacher from Switzerland, Barbara Jost is composing and arranging a work for the occasion that takes in our history from the beginning to the present day. But she also gives the past an exotic note by giving a special place to the Arab nay flute, also a shepherd's flute like ours. Tunisian flutist and nay player Samir Ferjani will help us discover and experiment with Arabic music.

Programme

To make the most of the cooler mornings, we'll start early with the A classes, followed by the orchestra, a coffee break and the B classes. After lunch there are optional workshops, time for short excursions in the surrounding area or a siesta.

After the afternoon break, there is class C and before dinner, the choir. Afterwards, there is folk dancing, a short evening programme and to round off the day, the bar opens its doors.

Participants

The bamboo pipe course is open to all interested parties. Its aim is to bring together musicians of long standing and newcomers. Playing together, making a new pipe and communicating in different languages are the highlights of the course. Young people are particularly welcome and we have a team of dedicated instructors who will offer them a great course. Family members can also take part individually.

The language spoken during the course will be English and French. We will limit oral translation to a minimum. As much information as possible will also be on screens.

We offer you a large choice of activities:

Music classes (special subjects, playing techniques).
Construction classes, handicrafts classes.
Coaching opportunities (ensemble or individual).
Orchestras.
Choir, Dance.
Games and sports activities during class times (14 – 25 years old).
Special playing groups for younger players (14 – 25 years old).
If you are afraid that it will be too much, you can opt for free time!

Enrol and enjoy yourself!

General information

Course address

Maison Diocésaine Charles de Foucauld
2 Faubourg Saint-Jacques
F-07220 Viviers

Accommodation

The “Maison Diocésaine” is an old monastery, equipped with a lift; and there are different accommodation options available:

Single room with shower and toilet
Double room with shower and toilet

Young participants will stay at “Clos Saint Roch”, a lodging located 10 minutes’ walk from the “Maison Diocésaine” in basic multi-person room (2 or 4 beds) with toilets and showers on the floor; towels and bed linen are provided.

Travelling to Viviers

Start and finish

Arrival on Saturday 26 July will be from 16.00 p.m. A welcome drink will be provided.

Departure on Saturday August 1st is after breakfast.

Further information

After 1 September 2025 you will receive a letter about your personal programme and the balance you have to pay, which also includes further details about the course.

Exams

If your own country doesn’t have a Guild, there will be the possibility to take the international exams. If you are interested, please make a note on the application form.

Questions

If you have any questions, send an e-mail to: oc.viviers@flutedebambou.ch

We are looking forward to welcoming you!

Courses for young people - aged 14 to 25

Christelle Hiltbrunner and Florian Crausaz have been organizing youth camps in French-speaking Switzerland for the past 5 years. What makes these camps special is that they bring together bamboo flute players of all ages and all levels. They have left their mark by enabling young people to make enormous progress in just one week for several years in a row. They did this by being very ambitious, but also by relying on the kids helping each other.

This is the principle on which the youngsters will spend the first hours every day at Le Clos Saint Roch, learning part of the composition Alibaba and the 100 flutes by Barbara Jost, as well as other pieces arranged and/or composed especially for them, depending on the entries we receive. The aim is also to encourage the more advanced students to coach the beginners, so the mornings will be divided into orchestral music, music in small groups and some semi-autonomous work.

At the end of the morning, we will walk to the “Maison Diocésaine” to enjoy the classes and activities with the adults.

Daily program

On Tuesday there will be options offered for excursions in the wider surroundings of Viviers (Ardèche).
The excursion will start at 10.00 (the morning programme will therefore be shortened) and will run until 18.00 at the latest
On Tuesday evening a concert by Samir Ferjani and Barbara Jost is scheduled.

Choir

Everybody is invited to take part in the daily choir, conducted by Florian Crausaz (CH). He will sing music with us from the last 100 years.

Folk dancing

After the choir there will be half an hour of folk dancing who will bring us to all parts of Europe.

Fringe Concerts

Ensembles and soloists, singers or players of bamboo pipes or other instruments are invited to give short public “fringe” concerts in the chapel or other locations in the monastery.

If you indicate on your application form that you want to perform something, we will contact you later.

Courses for adults

Daily Program

On Tuesday there will be several options offered for excursions in the wider surroundings of Viviers (Ardèche).
The excursion program will start at 10.00 (the orchestra will replace class period A) and will run until 18.00 at the latest.
On Tuesday evening a concert by Samir Ferjani and Barbara Jost is scheduled.

Choir

Everybody is invited to take part in the daily choir, conducted by Florian Crausaz (CH). He will sing music with us from the last 100 years.

Folk dancing

After the choir there will be half an hour of folk dancing who will bring us to all parts of Europe.

Fringe Concerts

Ensembles and soloists, singers or players of bamboo pipes or other instruments are invited to give short public “fringe” concerts in the chapel or other locations in the monastery.

If you indicate on your application form that you want to perform something, we will contact you later.

Orchestras

10.00-11.15 Orchestra

For the orchestra session we have scheduled 4 different Playing levels (see next page).

A special composition for this course is composed by Barbara Jost: Ali Baba and the 100 pipes.

Orchestra 4 will play the whole composition.
Orchestra 3 will play the biggest part of it.
Orchestra 2 will play a small part.
Orchestra 1 will contribute to the final result.

The orchestras will also study together from time to time: at the end of the week the Ali Baba and the 100 pipes can be performed together with all participants.

According to the level of the orchestra, our conductors will choose other compositions.

The different orchestras will consist of 10-50 participants.

* Advanced players (who provide support) are very welcome in orchestra 1.

Playing levels

From the participants we expect following playing skills:

1. Start level

Playing and having no pipes at all.

2. Basic level

Playing 1 or 2 pipes.
Being able to read music for these pipes.
Having pipes tuned in D (soprano, tenor) or in G (alto), tuned at A 440’.

3. Intermediate level

Playing at least 3 different pipes.
Knowing several chromatic fingerings on these pipes.
Being able to read music for these pipes.
Having pipes tuned in D (soprano, tenor) and in G (alto, bass), all tuned at A 440’.
Please, don’t forget to bring your bass.

4. Advanced level

Playing at least 4 different pipes, including an extended pipe.
Knowing all chromatic fingerings on these pipes.
Being able to read music for these pipes (alto: both high and low notation) (tenor: both treble clef and bass clef).
Good sight-reading.
Having pipes tuned in D (soprano, tenor) and in G (alto, bass), all tuned at A 440’.

Look at our website for examples: https://bamboopipe.wixsite.com/viviers2026-en/example-of-level

Play this music in (sight reading) tempo.

If you can do that without too much effort, then this is your level (mind the accidentals).

Classes

Classes will take place every day, always at the same time (except on Tuesday).
So: you sign up for a course of 5 lessons.
There is a choice of various activities: construction, playing, crafts, sports.
For the class periods you can select your own options.
Qualified teachers from various Guilds will give all classes.
Construction classes will need two class periods each day (periods A and B) so those who choose construction will only be able to select one other class, i.e.: in class period C.
In the beginners’ construction class there will also be a short playing session in very small groups, 15 or 20 minutes every day, so that you will not only construct your first pipe, but also learn to play on it.
A class will only go ahead if enough participants subscribe for it.
If we have enough participants all classes can be offered otherwise, some classes in the program may have to be withdrawn.

Therefore, you are asked to register for 3 classes of your choice in each class period.

You will find a detailed description of the subjects offered in the different classes on the following pages.

8.30 - 9.45 / Class period A

11.45 - 13.00 / Class period B

11.45 - 13.00 / Class period B

Workshops

15.15– 16.15 / Workshops

Workshops are activities that take only one session of 1 hour.
A pipe repair workshop will also be open every day during this time.
During workshop time you can also choose to go for a walk, visit the course shop, or just rest and relax.
The final choices for workshops will be made during the course.

Please let us know on your application form what sort of activities you are interested in.
The final offer of workshops will depend on your individual wishes!

The program can be modified according to availability and weather.

Other activities will be proposed as independent activities.

Contents of classes,

introduction of teachers

8.30 - 9.45 / Class period A

A1 | Construction of simple pipes, in combination with B1 | Pierre von Niederhäusern (CH) | level 1 - 2

A longer session of two classes each day, with a coffee break (in which you could work on your own). The teacher will help you with the construction of all sorts of pipes: sopranino, soprano, alto, tenor or bass.

A2 | Construction of extended pipes, in combination with B2 | Hans Linders (NL) | level 3 - 4

Soprano, alto, tenor

A longer session of two classes each day, with a coffee break (in which you could work on your own). The teacher will help you with the more complicated construction of extended pipes, with an adjustment.

A3 | Melodies of the Italian folk tradition / Piero Guerrini (I) | level 1 - 2

Italian popular music is rich in melodies from different Italian regions and from various periods of our history, also very varied in content (work, love, childhood, politics, social injustice) and form.

The pieces, arranged for 2-, 3- and 4-voices, but also unison, will be chosen and performed according to the participants' actual musical skills.

Language of instruction: Italian and French

A4 | Discovering music from Switzerland | Denise Schär-Plüss (CH) | level 2-3

Discover music from the Swiss alps and valleys and explore new tunes along the way.

Voices: soprano, alto, tenor and bass

Spoken languages: German and English

A5 | From Monteverdi to Metallica | Jeroen Zijlstra (NL) | level 2 - 4

Exploring various musical styles and genres on the Bamboo pipe. The bamboo pipe has its limitations: the range is limited to about 1.5 octaves. Furthermore, it's not possible to play extreme dynamic differences. But that doesn't mean you have to stick to folk music, children's songs and renaissance music. Many more musical styles can be played on the bamboo pipes. In this course we will explore some musical genres that do not pop into mind so often when thinking about the bamboo pipe, such as: early baroque opera, impressionism, jazz, even metal and many more

Music in 4 voices - so bring basses too!

A6 | Soundtracks and Popular Music | Vago Anagnostopoulos (GR) | level 3 - 4

Well known soundtracks and modern music adaptations, rearranged for bamboo pipes. We will play a variety of music, like the intro of the famous series “Game of Thrones”, the theme of “Friends”, an adaptation of the Grammy Awarded “Baba Yetu”, an arrangement of “Jerusalema” that inspired dancing to so many people around the globe, a “hidden gem” piece presented in Eurovision (!) that sounds perfect for pipes plus more original and interesting music. If you play other instruments apart from bamboo pipes you are more than welcome to bring them along. Be prepared for an exciting music experience!

Music in 4 voices - so bring basses too!

A7 | An introductory workshop on the Nay | Samir Ferjani (TUN) | level 3

How to get the sound from this instrument.
Learning the natural scale of the Nay.
Learn some pieces from the oriental and North African music repertoire specially for the Nay.
A large part of the workshop will be devoted to the initiation of improvisation in oriental music and on the Nay with other instruments present during the stay.

A8 | Modern Playing Techniques | Rose Atkinson (GB) | level 4

In this class we will learn about playing techniques used by contemporary composers, such as vocalizing and playing simultaneously, sometimes even two different melodies at the same time! Other techniques include playing the pipe differently or using it in new ways to produce interesting sounds. We will then study music using some of these techniques. Bring pipes of all sizes as they will make different sounds and different effects. Come with a curious and open mind, don’t be afraid to make some strange noises - and we will have fun!

A9 | Music and media | Corry de Klepper (NL) | all levels

During Covid I learned to keep my students active by means of online lessons. Of course that was difficult to figure out, but I gradually improved my possibilities.

The result is that since 2020 I have been holding a monthly online play-along session every winter season, called Winterreise, in which sometimes 60 people participated during Covid. Nowadays there are an average of 25 to 30, including many people who no longer easily go out in the evening. In addition to making nice music, it is also a monthly festive reunion of bamboo pipe players from different countries.

I also taught my young students individually or in small groups via the computer. And I taught a student in Poland!

PowerPoint presentations that I use for this developed over time. After Covid I also started using the experiences gained to give online music theory lessons and exam training for the teachers’ exam, so you can involve people in all corners of the country. In this course I will show you what is involved in putting together these kinds of programs.

I think that together we can also come up with new ideas for improvement or simplification!

It is useful if you bring a laptop and a small headset (earphones are sufficient).

A10 | International folk dances | Annekäthi Werthemann Stump (CH) | all levels

We mainly dance circle dances from different, mostly European countries. The course is primarily intended to convey the joy of movement and the variety of traditional folk music.

A11 | Embroidery | Nathalie Ruegger (F) | all levels

A professional embroiderer and textile designer will be your teacher (working for Broderies Vermont in Paris, a famous workshop that creates since 1956 embroideries for the most exclusive House of Haute Couture, Ready to Wear and Accessories). She shall introduce you to various needlework artistic embroidery techniques and follow up on work and step-by-step progress. These courses are open to all, from beginner to advanced embroiderers.

A12 | Free time

11.45 – 13.00 / Class period B

B1 | Construction of simple pipes, in combination with A1 | Pierre von Niederhäusern (CH) | level 1 - 2

B2 | Construction of extended Pipes, in combination with A2 | Hans Linders (NL) | level 3 - 4

Soprano, alto, tenor

B3 | Construction of first pipe (Orchestra 1 + B3) | Anna Idone (CH) | level 1 (for all ages)

A longer session of two classes each day, with a coffee break.

Your teacher will help you with the construction of your first pipe (soprano, or if you have big fingers a tenor pipe is possible).

You will have a daily break of about 15 minutes to practise playing your new instrument. Experienced teachers will help you!

B4 | Music from American Folk Stories and Fairy Tales | Christa Stiner (USA) | level 2 - 3

Music will be arranged by me, provided to the students for no fee. The music will provide excellent material for developing skills in rapid tonguing, extended breath-control, and the playing of high notes. Original composers include Stephen Foster, John Phillip Sousa and Alan Lomax. Songs may include Simple Gifts, Aura Lea, Fairest of the Fair, Clementine, Daisey Bell, and Johnny Appleseed.

Music in 4 voices - so bring basses too!

B5 | Traditional Provençal music | Elisabeth Rethoré (F) | level 2 - 3

Popular songs and dance tunes harmonized for our flutes, mostly in three voices.

B6 | French Baroque music | Nicole Bougeant (F) | level 3 - 4

Numerous treatises have defined precise rules for interpreting French Baroque music. We will try to put them into practice by playing trios and quartets by Le Bègue, Lully and Rameau.

B7 | Greek Traditional Music | Spyros Marinis (GR) | level 4

The content of my class is teaching Greek music to intermediate and advanced level pipe players.

That includes a number of ensemble tunes (mostly SATB), with complex time signatures that I have already composed and published in two books.

The time signatures are 4/4 (grouped 3+3+2), 5/8, 7/8 etc.

The tunes are a variety of well-known traditional Greek songs that cover all the regions and islands of Greece.

As Greek music is usually monophonic, I have adapted each tune for a larger ensemble, giving each pipe an important role to play and highlight each tune without changing its identity.

Music in 4 voices - so bring basses too!

B8 | Ensemble Coaching | Barbara Jost (CH) | all levels

How do you collaborate in an ensemble? Where do you need to focus on? How to play together, in tune and in style? How to get all aspects of music in the same direction? Bring your own ensemble to this class, with music prepared at home. After one session you can work on the piece(s) and have another session later in the week. Two or three ensembles can be accommodated per session. The teachers will divide their time.

B9 | Group and/or solo singing | Florian Crausaz (CH) | all levels

In this workshop, we will sing for pleasure, looking for a simple and natural expressivity that anyone can show. We’ll reach that goal by working on the musical interpretation of the songs themselves, but also through work on breath support. These techniques allow you to place your spoken voice (one speaks in a more confident way) and your singing voice (one dares to sing because our voice sounds round and less tensed). For wind instrument musicians, these techniques open to a rounder sound and to the ability to play longer notes; and also, better endurance for long practice or rehearsals.

B10 | Bamboo decoration (also trinkets and jewelry) | Hetty van Geene (NL) | all levels

Decorating your bamboo pipe will give it an extra personal touch. It’s the finishing touch of your handicraft. You can decorate bamboo by painting, pyrography (using a burning tool), templates, carving and intarsia, decoupage or ink. After trying several decoration techniques, you can decorate your pipe or other bamboo items. For this course, please bring a pipe or another bamboo object to decorate. You can also buy bamboo items from the teacher.

B11 | International folk dances | Annekäthi Werthemann Stump (CH) | all levels

We mainly dance circle dances from different, mostly European countries. The course is primarily intended to convey the joy of movement and the variety of traditional folk music.

B12 | Introductory course in Arabic | Sana Sfar (TUN) | all levels

Learn the Arabic alphabet (the shapes of the letters and pronunciation and sense of writing)

Introduction to calligraphy: practicing the shapes of the letters according to their position in the word.

Learning the basics of grammar (Writing and pronunciation of certain words and simple sentences). The teacher is Sana Sfar, Samir Ferjani’s wife.

B13 | Free time

16.45 – 18.00 / Class period C

C1 | Greek dance rhythms and melodies | Nikie Tsambras (GR) | all levels

We will explore simple rhythms (2/4, 3/4, 2/8...), compound rhythms (6/8, 8/8), mixed rhythms (5/8, 7/8, 9/8, 11/8) mainly on membranophone percussion Mediterranean instruments (such as Bedir-hand drum, Toubeleki, …). We will learn the basic technique on these percussion instruments.

We will play with our bamboo pipes in trios, quartets and percussion, melodies of Greek dances and songs. We will also explore some melodies in byzantine modes.

Let us don’t forget the unity: “Dance-Song- Instruments” in the Greek traditional music. So please wear suitable clothes and shoes for movement and dance!

C2 | Native American flute music | Shelley Phillips (USA) | level 2

Native American music is very pentatonic and improvisational. The ornaments and scales tend to be quite different from Tunisian music with a very interesting history.

C3 | Music for the youngest | Christelle Hiltbrunner (CH) | level 2

This course is aimed at children and young people with and without pipes, who want to make music together. We will learn pieces arranged in such a way that all levels can play together. Non-pipers can choose from a range of small instruments or bring their own (guitar, violin, etc.).

We'll be discovering pieces from different eras, as well as rubbing shoulders with some of today's biggest stars.

The more variety there is in pipes and other instruments, the more fun we can have!

C4 | Music from Netherland | Mirte Lohmann (NL) | level 3

In the north of the Netherlands lives a member of our guild: Anneke Swaak. Long ago, for performances with her group, she was looking for nice pieces of music which would be accessible for the listeners. She took lessons in harmony and started make her own arrangements 26 years ago. Through the years, I played so much of her beautiful music with my own group that I would like to introduce you to her work. I hope you will enjoy discovering her work through a selection of very different styles, from classic composers to Dutch melodies and other folk-music.
Music in 4 voices - so bring basses too!

C5 | An introductory workshop on the Nay | Samir Ferjani (TUN) | level 3

How to get the sound from this instrument.
Learning the natural scale of the Nay.
Learn some pieces from the oriental and North African music repertoire specially for the Nay.
A large part of the workshop will be devoted to the initiation of improvisation in oriental music and on the Nay with other instruments present during the stay.

C6 | Wind / string ensemble | Barbara Jost (CH) | level 3

This class is for all pipers who also play wind or string instruments and who enjoy playing on the same “wavelength”.

As soon as we know which instruments will be available, I can take care of the musical arrangements.

I am a conductor of several instrumental groups with various instruments, where we work on music of different centuries and different styles.

My goal is to give pleasure in playing together and also to increase the possibilities of every member of the ensemble. I will do the same in this course: have fun, learn new things, be happy.

C7 | Music in the world of cinema | Romeo Selvatici (I) | level 4

New and exciting music that accompanies the most famous Hollywood and European films, written by the best composers in the world of cinema. The composers we will study together are John Williams, Maurice Jarre, Nino Rota, Ennio Morricone, Carlo Alberto Rossi, Nicola Piovani. Some film titles: Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Lawrence of Arabia, The Road, Once Upon a Time in America, Scandal in the Sun, Life is Beautiful; westerns: Heads Down, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, A Fistful of Dollars, etc.
Music for 4 voices - so bring the basses too!

C8 | Ukulele | Sjors Verstege (NL) | all levels

Anyone can learn to play a song on the ukulele in a week!

In this class we will practice and enjoy playing chords, melodies, and rhythms on the ukulele.

I will make sure every participant is challenged at his or her level. Ukuleles can be borrowed.

C9 | Embroidery | Nathalie Rüegger (F) | all levels

C10 | Painting | Marie-Paule Bouyer (F) | all levels

Watercolour workshop: To embellish our day, we'll be dancing colours on paper.

Materials to bring: paintbrushes, paper (300g/m2), container for water, palette, pencils and erasers.

C11 | Free time

A choice of 4 excursions

For all excursions, please take sunglasses, sun cream, a hat, water, suitable walking shoes and a towel for swimming.

A | Cave Le grand Aven d’Orgnac (55 minutes from Viviers)

Remarkable for the large size of its caverns and variety of concretions, it is classified a “Grand Site de France”. A guided tour of approx. 1 hour 15 minutes, a self-guided tour of the Museum of Prehistory. 70 people maximum. Bring a sweater and comfortable shoes. There are 700 steps to descend, but the ascent will be via elevator. Picnic area outside with snack bar.

B | Saint-Remèze (30 minutes from Viviers)

Discovering the lavender house in St-Remèze and its distillery is a wonderful sensory experience.

Visit of one hour and a half. PRM (People with Reduced Mobility) access.

On the program: the unmissable tour of the Petit Train des Lavandes through the fields to experience the colours and scents.

Then the 360° room with its immersive show "Marius, the child of the Lavenders". A magical moment where you will discover the fabulous history of the estate.

Three different spaces then await you:

The Stills Room and the Scents Room which will reveal all the secrets of lavender.
An agricultural exhibition to discover the old tools and machines.

Continue your visit with a guide explaining the craft distillation of the essential oil on a period still. Finally, to end on a high note, you must visit the botanical garden with many species of lavender.

It is an invitation to unravel the secrets of the magical transformation of a flower with multiple resources. The panoramic terrace offers you an exceptional view of the fields and the surroundings as far as the 3 becs of the Drôme. The ideal spot for your souvenir photos! Take advantage of this time to relax and admire the surroundings over a coffee break.

Immerse yourself in an ancestral know-how and take a leap back 80 years when lavender was worked with oxen and harvested with a sickle!

A thousand-year-old olive tree has taken root at the entrance to the tourist site. A majestic tree pruned into clouds that will undoubtedly be in the spotlight this summer! Visits are carried out in groups of 40 people. If there are more people, visits will be made in several groups.

The area includes drinks areas, refreshments, ice creams, toilets and shop. A shaded picnic area facing the lavender fields is ideal for a picnic break.

For the return trip, it is possible to visit Bourg Saint-Andéol

C | Village de Balazuc and baignade (45 minutes from Viviers)

Welcome to Balazuc, a small medieval village classified as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France" and designated a "Village of Character".

Overlooking the Ardèche river, Balazuc seems to be clinging to its rock. The heart of the village seduces with its Saracen appearance and its rich restored heritage, its maze of tortuous alleys, stairs, stone ramps and arches. To discover on foot!

Picnic and supervised swimming at the sandy beach of Balazuc. Bring swimming shoes, there may be pebbles.

Balazuc beach is a must-see place in the South Ardèche. Located at the foot of the bridge leading to the village, classified as one of the most beautiful in France, it benefits from a significant corner of shade, especially in the early afternoon when the sun is at its highest.

Tables, recently installed, even allow you to take a lunch break with a breathtaking view of the Ardèche river. An ideal place to come and picnic with family or friends after visiting this extraordinary village during the morning.

D | Kayaking

You could take a kayak to discover the Ardèche and its wonders. There are 4 different routes, each of the courses is designed to adapt to the pace of everyone and meet your desires:

The mini 1: 6 kms of navigation between Vogüé and Balazuc, about 2h30.
The mini 2: 8 kms through Balazuc to Pradons, about 2h30.
The classic: 14 kms, 3h30 of navigation between Balazuc and Ruoms.
The super: 18 kms, 5h30 Vogüé in Ruoms.

For you to fully enjoy this adventure, you will have at your disposal all the necessary equipment for the descent of the Ardèche by kayak (paddles, vests, containers) and all returns will be provided by minibus. An instructor will be able to guide and advise you throughout your adventure in the heart of the Ardèche.

E | Free time

Finances

Adult course (resident)

The total cost of the course consists of: Accommodation fees and course fees

Accompanying persons

Youth course (young people)

Booking deadline

Your application and your deposit of € 200.- must be received by 31 May 2025.

After that date you could still register, but several classes will be fully booked (or cancelled already).

Bank account

Condition

You are responsible for paying any bank charges.
Please ask your bank to include your full name and Viviers as the reference on your bank transfer.
If you make a payment for several people, please tell your bank to note all names on the bank transfer; or if this is not possible send us an e-mail advising us of the amount which has been transferred, on what date, and a list of all the people and their fees included. If this information is not received, we will not be able to see who has paid.
In the event of cancellation before 15 March 2026 a deposit of € 50.- will be forfeited, after that date the whole amount of the deposit (€ 200.-) will be non-refundable.
A place on the course can only be reserved if full fees have been received by 15 May 2026.
In the event of cancellation after 15 June 2026, the total amount will not be refunded.
The cost of any class materials is not included in the course fee and this will need to be paid during the course.

Insurance

Course participants are responsible for their own insurances, such as health and travel insurance and any personal liability insurance

Holiday cancellation insurance would be wise!

Bursaries

To try and enable as many people as possible to come, we are offering a lot of financial options! However, if you do need some financial support, please apply to your own Guild Committee for a bursary. Guilds may also nominate individuals for possible funding from the international Margaret James Fund.

Additional costs

Bathroom towel for the “Maison Diocésaine” can be rent (bedding is included):
3.5€ for a shower towel and a standard towel, to be renewed (or not) according to each person's wishes at the same rate. To be paid on site. For young people, towels and bed linen are provided.
Sheet music (booklets, copies) between € 5.- and € 10.-
Bamboo, small: between € 5.- and € 10.-, big: between € 10.- and € 20.-
Costs for embroidery between € 15.- and € 20.-
Decoration and Painting between € 10.- and € 15.-
Drinks in the bar.

Registration

Registrations will be accepted on a first come, first served basis! Room allocations will also be on a first come, first served basis!

Please note that registration is accepted only after we have received your application form and your deposit.

Please make your registration via the application form below

Select one link for your registration:

Residents: English form | Formulaire en français

Accompanying persons: English form | Formulaire en français

Young people: English form | Formulaire en français

Pay attention: It's a Google form

If, for some reason, you don't want to fill in your Google account, contact us at oc.viviers@flutedebambou.ch

International Bamboo Pipe Course 2026

25th July – 1st August Viviers / France

You can download the brochure in PDF format here: Viviers 2026 Brochure EN

Welcome

The theme of the course

Programme

Participants

General information

Course address

Accommodation

Travelling to Viviers

Start and finish

Further information

Exams

Questions

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Courses for young people - aged 14 to 25

Daily program

Choir

Folk dancing

Fringe Concerts

Courses for adults

Daily Program

Choir

Folk dancing

Fringe Concerts

Orchestras

10.00-11.15 Orchestra

Playing levels

Classes

8.30 - 9.45 / Class period A

11.45 - 13.00 / Class period B

11.45 - 13.00 / Class period B

Workshops

15.15– 16.15 / Workshops

Contents of classes,

introduction of teachers

8.30 - 9.45 / Class period A

A1 | Construction of simple pipes, in combination with B1 | Pierre von Niederhäusern (CH) | level 1 - 2

A2 | Construction of extended pipes, in combination with B2 | Hans Linders (NL) | level 3 - 4

A3 | Melodies of the Italian folk tradition / Piero Guerrini (I) | level 1 - 2

A4 | Discovering music from Switzerland | Denise Schär-Plüss (CH) | level 2-3

A5 | From Monteverdi to Metallica | Jeroen Zijlstra (NL) | level 2 - 4

A6 | Soundtracks and Popular Music | Vago Anagnostopoulos (GR) | level 3 - 4

A7 | An introductory workshop on the Nay | Samir Ferjani (TUN) | level 3

A8 | Modern Playing Techniques | Rose Atkinson (GB) | level 4

A9 | Music and media | Corry de Klepper (NL) | all levels

A10 | International folk dances | Annekäthi Werthemann Stump (CH) | all levels

A11 | Embroidery | Nathalie Ruegger (F) | all levels

A12 | Free time

11.45 – 13.00 / Class period B

B1 | Construction of simple pipes, in combination with A1 | Pierre von Niederhäusern (CH) | level 1 - 2

B2 | Construction of extended Pipes, in combination with A2 | Hans Linders (NL) | level 3 - 4

B3 | Construction of first pipe (Orchestra 1 + B3) | Anna Idone (CH) | level 1 (for all ages)

B4 | Music from American Folk Stories and Fairy Tales | Christa Stiner (USA) | level 2 - 3

B5 | Traditional Provençal music | Elisabeth Rethoré (F) | level 2 - 3

B6 | French Baroque music | Nicole Bougeant (F) | level 3 - 4

B7 | Greek Traditional Music | Spyros Marinis (GR) | level 4

B8 | Ensemble Coaching | Barbara Jost (CH) | all levels

B9 | Group and/or solo singing | Florian Crausaz (CH) | all levels

B10 | Bamboo decoration (also trinkets and jewelry) | Hetty van Geene (NL) | all levels

B11 | International folk dances | Annekäthi Werthemann Stump (CH) | all levels

B12 | Introductory course in Arabic | Sana Sfar (TUN) | all levels

B13 | Free time

16.45 – 18.00 / Class period C

C1 | Greek dance rhythms and melodies | Nikie Tsambras (GR) | all levels

C2 | Native American flute music | Shelley Phillips (USA) | level 2

C3 | Music for the youngest | Christelle Hiltbrunner (CH) | level 2

C4 | Music from Netherland | Mirte Lohmann (NL) | level 3

C5 | An introductory workshop on the Nay | Samir Ferjani (TUN) | level 3

C6 | Wind / string ensemble | Barbara Jost (CH) | level 3

C7 | Music in the world of cinema | Romeo Selvatici (I) | level 4

C8 | Ukulele | Sjors Verstege (NL) | all levels

C9 | Embroidery | Nathalie Rüegger (F) | all levels

C10 | Painting | Marie-Paule Bouyer (F) | all levels

C11 | Free time

A choice of 4 excursions

For all excursions, please take sunglasses, sun cream, a hat, water, suitable walking shoes and a towel for swimming.

A | Cave Le grand Aven d’Orgnac (55 minutes from Viviers)

B | Saint-Remèze (30 minutes from Viviers)

25th July – 1st August
Viviers / France

Accompanying persons