WORKSHOPS WITH GERT KILIAN

7th SUMMER WORKSHOP FOR BALAFON 2010

GERT KILIAN invites you to two balafon-workshops in the south-west of France (55 km south of Toulouse).

Far away from stressing tourism near the picturesque village of Montesquieu, between Atlantic and Mediterranean, lies the house «Mesuret de Pesquès».

Overviewing the Pyrenee mountains, in the heart of nature and silence, this place is ideal for concentrated work and a pleasant way of making music.

PROGRAM A (beginners with basic knowledge *)

* Arrival : 14 of August 2010
* Workshop : 15 to 19 of August
* 5 days / six hours a day, e.g., 10 am - 1 pm / 4 pm - 7 pm
* in between and afterwards, there's time to rehearse, jam, listen to music...eat!

PROGRAM B (advanced **)

Arrival : 21 of August 2010
Workshop : 22 to 26 of August
5 days / six hours a day, e.g., 10 am - 1 pm / 4 pm - 7 pm
in between and afterwards, there's time to rehearse, jam, listen to music...eat!

*) beginners on the balafon, but not in music - play already djembé, doundouns, drums or other instruments

**) practising the balafon

CONTENTS

* Modern and traditional playing techniques
* Two-way-coordination and Bobo, Bambara and Senoufo music
* Learning pieces/songs
* Body percussion (walking-talking-handclap)
* Bring along your instrument if you have one (pentatonic)
* Otherwise, balafons can be hired (5.-euros per day) or bought
* Walkman & music sheet are helpful

PRICES

Lessons & full pension :

Program A : 550.- euros
Program B : 550.-euros
A & B : 1000.-euros

Tips...

...for all who like to go on holiday in France, before or after the workshop:

"Mesuret de Pesquès" is located 270 km from the Mediterranean, and 300 kms from the Atlantic. It is not far from the Central Pyrenees (Mont Vallier 3000 m) offering many opportunities to go hiking, the historical land of the Catharians (including the legendary castles), the caves in Mas d'Azil, Lombrives, Niaux, the subterranean rivière Labouiche. 55 kms from Toulouse.
 

For admission, remit 100.- Euro on:

Crédit Agricole F-09 350 Daumazan - Arize

IBAN FR76 1710 6000 7617 1819 1700 020

BIC AGRIFRPP871

The total amount is due at the beginning of the workshop. A detailed description of location and a subscriber list will be sent after reservation.
 

You can reserve directly by ordering online.

Balafon Workshop in Mali 2009

From the 6th to the 21st of December 2009

Who for ?

This workshop is aimed at balafon players of advanced level who wish to immerse themselves into the music and magic of this instrument in its country of origin.

Where ?

The workshop takes place in an authentic African environment, the village of Konsankuy, in the savannah of south-eastern Mali. The inhabitants of Konsankuy are part of the Bobo people, well-known for their rich musical tradition and a highly developed sense of celebrations. The film shootings for the method-documentary DVD "The Balafon with Aly Keita & Gert Kilian" were made in Konsankuy in December 2007. The climate at this time of the year is very pleasant, the nights are fresh and there is hardly ever any mosquito. The harvest is done, it is the time of celebrations.

village of Konsankuy

In the region :

The legendary town of Djenné is a two-hours ride by car and an excursion on the day off (13th of December) is possible. The picturesque market of Fangasso is 7 km away.

Workshop

Kassoum Keita - griot, balafola and leader of the group "Super Zamaza" - is the master of the balafon workshop, assisted by Youssouf Keita and Gert Kilian. Traditional pieces with their different accompanying patterns and melodies. Improvisation, solo playing and endurance training during feasts. All participants will have a balafon at their disposal (21 keys, pentatonic in A major). It is possible to buy a balafon and to take it along as registered luggage.

Kassoum and Youssouf Keita

Accommodation :

The accommodation facilities are situated in the catholic mission of Sokoura, two km away from Konsankuy in 2 to 4 person bedrooms with a shower and the nice and (necessary) calm atmosphere after intensive days and nights. There is a pleasant walk to the village. Delicious African meals will be prepared by two enthusiast cooks, Fatoumata and Fanta.

How to get there :

The charter airline POINT Afrique is operating direct flights to Mopti. A three-hours bus ride goes on a good road to Konsankuy, located 70 km north of San.

mosque of Fangasso

Program :

6-12 flight from Paris to Mopti, bus transfer to Sokoura

7-12 welcome at Konsankuy, concert with the group “Super Zamaza”

8-12 to 12.12 workshop from 8:30 am to 11:30 am

lunch

workshop from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm

dinner

13.12 day off

14.12 to 18.12 workshop from 8:30 am to 11:30 am

lunch

workshop from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm

dinner

19.12 day off

20.12 bus transfer to Mopti, night at the hotel “Doux Rêves”

21.12 flight from Mopti to Paris

Price :

1500.-euros, including flights, workshop & full pension (accommodation & food in Sokoura and Konsankuy), one night at the hotel in Mopti, bus transfer Mopti-Sokoura-Mopti.The price does not include the fee for the visa and the compulsory yellow fever vaccination, food in Mopti and a possible excursion to Djenné.

The price for a balafon is 400.-euros. The deadline for the inscription is on the 3rd of November 2009. The inscription is valid after a 200.- euros deposit (PayPal payment). The deadline for buying the flight tickets is on the 6th of November (30 days before departure). 600.-euros must be paid before this date. The rest of the total price has to be paid on-the-spot. It is possible to book the flight back later for those who would like to travel in Africa after the workshop (Dogon country, Sikasso, Bobo Dioulasso, Bamako, etc.).

Maximum number of participants : 7

You can reserve directly by ordering online.

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