Contemporary Balkan Ensemble
This course is an advanced performance ensemble exploring different instrumental and vocal styles of traditional and contemporary Balkan music. Through engaged listening and transcriptions, students become familiar with the important elements of Balkan music: irregular meters, typical modes and scales, specific ornamentation, and improvisation techniques. They learn traditional and contemporary repertoire and explore arranging and composition ideas of their own, using the style they are learning and fusing it with any other style they are already familiar with. An open mind for cultural and stylistic diversity is as important for a successful experience in this ensemble as is facility on their instrument and familiarity with other styles.