History
The Bernt Balchen Lodge of the Sons of Norway contributed a start-up capital of NOK 12.500 in 1988, and many volunteers worked hard the first years to ensure that the initiative would become a lasting success. Many of these people are still active, and they form the basis of the Sound of Happiness organization.
 Riders & Roaders
The very first band, Roaders, was founded in 1988. The next year, Riders was born, and since then these bands have performed locally, nationally and internationally, to the great appreciation and joy of both musicians and audience. Read more HERE.
The Competence Centre
The foundation “Sound of Happiness Competence Centre” was established on August 28 1998, as an activity centre with primary focus on music education and concert activities for mentally disabled. The Competence Centre has gradually developed as the funding has improved. It has proven more difficult than expected to ensure public sector funding to meet the significant economical needs that were stipulated at the time of establishing the project. But in the autumn of 2003 the situation improved as the City of Kristiansand raised the level of its support, and the Cultiva foundation provided economical support for several pre-projects. In addition to this, steps have been taken to ensure support from sponsors, organizations and the public sector. The cooperation with Civitan Club Camilla is very valuable and solid, and the women of Camilla contribute invaluable practical assistance in connection with bigger arrangements.
Education
At present, regular educational activities take place in the cellar of Posebyen Activity Centre in Kvartal 6 in Tordenskjolds gate, Kristiansand. The capacity is stretched beyond its limits regarding the number of students, and the difficult economical situation has made it impossible to meet the demand. But the educational activities are developing well, and the students, their families, the instructors, the administration and the board of the Competence Centre are very satisfied with how the centre is run, and with the musical, pedagogical and social development. We only wish that we were able to offer our services to all those waiting in line for these inspiring and meaningful activities.
Miscellaneous:
Sound of Happiness have established themselves as an important and welcome activity provider for mentally disabled locally and regionally, and have become the leading force nationally within the Dissimilis movement, which is a nationwide organization for the mentally disabled. Sound of Happiness are frequently employed as ambassadors, both nationally and abroad. Some of the highlights have been the WHO World Congress in Sweden, the Lillehammer Olympics, the opening of Bjørn Lyngs vast apartment complex on Gran Canaria when he became the main sponsor for the Dissimilis movement, and the World Conference for the Mentally Disabled in Oslo. In 2004, a Friendship City project commenced in Kristiansand, and in November of 2004 Sound of Happiness visited Kristiansand’s Friendship Town, Münster. The trip was very successful, with good concerts, satisfied arrangers and enthusiastic audiences, and further close cooperation is planned with Münster and other Friendship Cities.
Regionally and locally, the concert at the Quart Festival in 2005 was among the musical highlights, along with the many performances at the Kristiansand Water Festival and the numerous performances for organizations, companies, lodges, congregations etc. Each year, Sound of Happiness record concert CDs and videos and are exposed in newspapers, radio and TV on a regular basis, always with a focus on positive energy and the joy of music. The tour to Münster in November 2004 provided substantial exposure in both German and Norwegian media. The project is being extended to new Friendship City concerts and tours in the years to come.
We are looking to establish contact with partners who wish to profile themselves with positivity and social awareness, and who see the value of spreading joy and competence in an original, colourful, energetic and exciting way. Primarily locally and regionally, but also nationally and abroad.
|
