Discussion of the tabla – the most important percussion instrument in North Indian classical music: construction of the instruments; historical and cultural placement; basic aspects of the playing technique; repertoire and the structure of traditional solo performance; accompaniment techniques and improvisation. Will include demonstration performance on the drums. Questions and answers are a desirable aspect… Read more »
Paul Horn and Nexus (Epic KE33561) 1975 Nexus Ragtime Concert (Umbrella 002) 1976 Music of Nexus (NE 01) 1978 Under the Umbrella (CP 2/11) 1981 Changes (NE 05) 1982 Nexus & Earle Birney, vol. I-III (WRC1-2258, 2259 & 2260) 1982 The Best of Nexus (Nexus Records 10251) 1976-1986 NEXUS Now (Nexus Records 10262) 1989
Discussion of basic structural principles found in many West African drum ensemble traditions: cyclic repetition; rhythmic ambiguity; conversation. Drum families and varieties of construction methods. Basic hand and stick techniques. Social aspects of music in African cultures. Most of the workshop is devoted to learning several traditional ensemble styles drawn primarily from the ethnic groups… Read more »
Discussion of the ancestry of the hybrid North American xylophone and the history of its development through the Deagan era. Discussion, using recorded historical examples, of the development of playing styles from around the turn of the century through 1940. Particular attention to G.H. Green and his styles of improvisation. 1.5 hour minimum, 2 hours… Read more »
The aim of the course is to provide a conceptual framework for performance of the classic solo xylophone repertoire of the first half of the twentieth century. The main thrust will be toward developing a general feeling for style and a basic acquaintance with the repertoire, as well as defining approaches to improvisation via the… Read more »
Discussion and demonstration of special techniques used in the early, percussion-based works of the composer Steve Reich: building-up of rhythmic patterns; canonic repetition; phasing; identifying and imitating resultant patterns in multiple out-of-phase canons. The actual hands-on activity in this workshop should be limited to four or five advanced performers, as the concepts involved take some… Read more »
