Student Handbook
It’s exciting to plan your studies away from home, but we know this excitement comes with many questions. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of inquiries to aid you on your journey to attend PRISMA. Click on the tabs below to learn more about PRISMA’s application process, Concerto Competition, fees, travel, accommodation, meals, advance preparation, and what to expect once you arrive.
If there’s something else you want to know that still isn’t covered here, please email admissions@prismafestival.com and we’ll be happy to assist you!
Apply for PRISMA 2024
Application for PRISMA 2024 will open soon. Stay in touch!
Audition Requirement
Click here to view our suggested audition repertoire for each instrument. Please note that you may also use another audition video that you have already prepared, as long as it includes orchestra excerpts.
PRISMA Daily Schedule
Here is the approximate daily schedule for the PRISMA Festival (the schedule may vary). You will receive the detailed schedule one or two week(s) prior to the festival
09:00 – 12:15 Orchestra Rehearsal
12:30 – 13:30 Lunch
13:30 – 17:45 Limelight concert/masterclass/sectional rehearsal/private class
17:45 – 18:30 Dinner
18:30 – 21:30 Concert/Concerto Competition/Workshop
Students will have a free day on the first week of Sunday
Individual practice rooms will open from 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. You may practice if you have no schedule arranged during that time – each practice time is limited to one hour. Sign-up in advance is required each day.
Arrival Information
Students are required to arrive one day before the festival starts and leave one day after the festival ends.
PRISMA Festival 2024 information will be out soon.
Transportation to PRISMA
PRISMA takes place in Powell River on the wild west coast of British Columbia, Canada. This gorgeous location, combined with strong community support, is what makes our festival truly one-of-a-kind in the world. Powell River is located in western Canada, on the Pacific Ocean. It is located on British Columbia’s scenic Sunshine Coast, 130 kilometers (80 miles) northwest of Vancouver. To learn more about this special community, click here
In your free time, you will have an opportunity to explore this area. Students can hike, kayak, swim or visit one of our many beaches. Click here for ideas.
PRISMA wishes to acknowledge the Tla’amin Nation, on whose ancestral territories we gather each summer for two weeks of inspiring music-making.
Getting Here
Powell River is located on mainland British Columbia, 124 km (77 miles) northwest of Vancouver on the Upper Sunshine Coast. The city (population 14,000) lies east of Vancouver Island, just across the Strait of Georgia from the cities of Courtenay and Comox. Transportation options include car, bus and airplane. If you travel by bus or car you will need to take a ferry from the Vancouver area (Horseshoe Bay) or Vancouver Island (Little River). Planes leave from Vancouver International Airport’s (YVR) South Terminal. For travel information, click here.
Students will be responsible for arranging their own travel to and from Powell River. Because the flights and ferries are on a limited schedule, make sure you take travel time into consideration before booking any international or regional flights. Feel free to email us if you have any questions.
Festival Venue
One of the best parts about living in a smaller urban centre is that everything is nearby! PRISMA’s venue arrangements have been carefully planned to allow you to focus on your musical development and networking opportunities, while not missing a single second of scenery.
All of PRISMA’s festival sites are located in the heart of Powell River’s downtown district, boasting modern amenities amidst scenic beauty. The Evergreen Theatre at Powell River Recreation Complex is our main rehearsal and performance venue, located just a short walk from your hotel. From there, beaches, hiking trails and even shopping are just minutes away.
PRISMA has several venues for rehearsals, concerts, and lessons. All major concerts will take place at the Evergreen Theatre at the Powell River Recreation Complex. All venues are within walking distance of the hotel and each other.
The Evergreen Theatre has been serving the city of Powell River since 1975 as its largest and most versatile performing arts facility. It is located within the Powell River Recreation Complex, which also includes two ice rinks, a pool, fitness centre, banquet facilities, and more. The 720-seat Evergreen Theatre plays host to all PRISMA rehearsals, masterclasses and evening concerts and is within convenient walking distance from the Town Centre Hotel. Other areas of the Complex are used for sectionals, rehearsals, meetings, and meals.
The Rotary Bandshell at Willingdon Beach Park is the site of our annual PRISMA on the Beach concert, which entertains thousands of music-lovers from Powell River and beyond. Located in the heart of the city, the park offers a campsite, wharf, fishing pier, playground, museum and other amenities overlooking gorgeous ocean views of the Strait of Georgia. A popup village of vendors and artists at the event will ensure that there are plenty of dining options to suit your tastes, and the opportunity to pick up a local souvenir or two!
Powell River Town Centre Hotel is conveniently located in the very heart of the city, near shopping, transportation, and business and recreation areas. It is also within walking distance from the Complex, where most PRISMA events and activities take place. Each room is 100% non-smoking and is equipped with air conditioning, a coffee maker, hair dryer, clock radio, TV, and free movie channels. On site you will also find a restaurant and pub, which is frequented by students and guest artists as one of the social hubs of PRISMA.
Festival Accommodation
All students who select to have their accommodations provided by PRISMA will be staying at the first-class Town Centre Hotel, which is located a short walk from concert and rehearsal spaces and local amenities. You can choose to stay with 3 or 2 in a room or choose your own room, subject to additional costs. Students who receive a full scholarship will stay at a homestay or with 3 in a room.
Please note 3 in a room packages are limited, first come, first serve.
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Scholarships
PRISMA strives to be one of the world’s premier symphony orchestra academies by attracting music students of the highest merit. We recognize that doing so requires competitive tuition fees and ample scholarship opportunities to ensure that socio-economic barriers are not standing in the way of musical goals.
PRISMA has a substantial fund and offers full and partial scholarships, thanks to the commitment of our generous donors. Scholarships* are awarded on the basis of financial need, artistic merit, and the necessity of achieving the proper instrumental balance within the Festival Orchestra. Please click here to submit a request for financial assistance. (Note: the deadline is the same as our application deadline: February 29, 2024) – we won’t consider the scholarship application after that date.
*scholarship is not available for conducting program.
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What to bring to PRISMA?
You are expected to bring your instrument and auxiliary instruments (Piccolo, English Horn, Eb Clarinet.). Except for these instruments below:
- 5 quality bases (please bring your own bow)
- 2 Lyon & Healy concert grand harps (Style 85 and Chicago)
- Contra Bassoon
There are limited opportunities to rent a quality cello if traveling with your own cello is difficult.
PRISMA provides all percussion instruments, but students may bring their own mallets.
Meals during the Festival
PRISMA offers daily lunch and dinner service during weekdays (Monday – Friday) and on the final Saturday. (Students will be expected to make their own meal arrangements during the middle weekend of PRISMA.) Meals are served at the Recreation Complex, where the concert hall is located. All students are encouraged to participate in the meal plan as it corresponds with the rehearsal and lesson schedule. A reputable caterer provides healthy, wholesome meals. For the costs of the meal plan, see: https://academy.prismafestival.com/how-to-apply/#fees
PRISMA can accommodate your special requirements as long as you let us know ahead of time. When you prepare to attend PRISMA, you will receive an email asking if you have any special requirements, and it is important to let us know as early as possible so that we can make suitable arrangements for you.
If you book your own accommodation, you may still participate in the meal plan. Please let us know in advance if you plan to do so.
Breakfast is not included in the meal package. You can choose to order your breakfast from the menu at the Garden Court Restaurant in the hotel lobby. The hotel provides PRISMA students with a discount on their breakfasts. There are other breakfast options adjacent to the hotel, such as Tim Hortons, A&W, Starbucks, Subway, and McDonalds.
Sheet music
You will receive your music ahead of time in digital form and are expected to print the music, bring it with you and arrive at PRISMA fully prepared to begin orchestra rehearsals immediately. As PRISMA has a very intense schedule, it is important to be well prepared before arrival.
Concerto Competition
All students accepted at PRISMA 2024 can choose to take part in the Concerto Competition. The first round is online, via video submission, in April. Between 10-12 participants will be accepted to take part in the semi-final round.
The semi-finals, with piano accompaniment, take place in the 700-seat concert hall on front of audience and the international jury of guest artists. Two participants will be selected to continue to the finals.
The two finalists will be soloists with the PRISMA Festival Orchestra during the Gala Closing Concert, Friday night week 2. The winner will be announced after intermission at the end of the concert. Finalists will perform their concerto movement again during the Saturday matinee concert.
To read the Concerto Competition rules and the past winners, please click here.
Luthier in town
Luthier Laura Wallace will be present daily at PRISMA around lunch time for consultation, and for complimentary adjustments and advice for your instrument setup. In addition, repairs and bow rehairing can be done. Students will receive a 15% discount on strings.
For more information about Laura, please visit her website.
Canada Visa Information
Canada requires visas from certain countries. To find out if you require a visa, click here to search for your country and the necessary requirements. For additional visa information, click here.
If you need a visa to enter Canada, PRISMA will provide a letter for you to submit with your visa application. To request a visa letter, please send us an email.
We encourage you to apply as soon as you can as processing times take long. We want you to have your visa in time!