SCHEDULE & CONTENT
EVENT #7 2 JUNE 2024
IMPROVISATION & SHAKUHACHI
SUNDAY 2 JUNE 2024
| Session 1.1 | 10h00 – 11h30 | Detta Danford – focus on breath and timbre for improvisation & using inspiration from honkyoku Honshirabe |
| Session 1.2 | 11h45 – 12h45 | Detta Danford & Juliet Colyer (cello) – exploration of interaction of sound between two instruments |
| BREAK | ||
| Session 1.3 | 15h00 – 16h00 | Ned Rothenberg – shakuhachi improvistaion (more details tba) |
| Session 1.4 | 16h10 – 17h00 | Ned Rothenberg – shakuhachi improvisation (more details tba) |
| exact lesson content tba |
About
Detta Danford & Juliet Colyer (cello)
This session will provide some short introductions to different improvisatory approaches with the shakuhachi, exploring breath, timbre, instrumental techniques, pitch and modes.
The first session will focus on breath and timbre as a resource for free sonic exploration. We will also draw on Honshirabe as a source for exploring this in relation to honkyoku repertoire.
In the second session we will work with cellist Juliet Colyer to explore the interaction of sound between these two instruments. We will work with a mode and experiment with improvising within simple rhythmic and melodic parameters. Both sessions will include demonstrations and practical activities alongside the chance to reflect with each other on what we are learning and exploring.
Ned Rothenberg – shakuhachi improvisation
Shakuhachi Improvisation in the Honkyoku Realm
This class will focus on improvisational strategies for the shakuhachi in solo and group contexts that flow from the musical materials and implications of its originating tradition, honkyoku.
It aims to use the instruments’ strongest character traits – its incredible flexibility of timbre and pitch – as a jumping off point for musical creativity.
Ned Rothenberg will use examples from his own work to illustrate his approach and then work with participants to find core qualities in their own playing that might be most fruitful as sources of material in improvised settings. Although we are connected only via ZOOM this is a great opportunity to play and experiment in the workshop and you’ll have also the possibility to improvise with Ned providing guidance and feedback and/or as well as playing live in duo with him.
In general, all playing levels are welcome to take part in the workshops. And as usual, even if one cannot play at the required level, the experience of hearing an expert player and teacher can be part of a learning process. So simply sitting in on and listening to a workshop at a higher level can be a valuable experience.