The frame drum is probably one of the most versatile percussion instruments. Sound, groove and melody form a unity. In this two-day workshop we want to make these different components perceptible and tangible.

The workshop will address the following three key topics:

1. Expansion of the sound spectrum and finger/ hand techniques:
One of the most important pillars of frame drum playing is sound. We will explore various "sound spaces" that you can create and enter when playing the frame drum. This is linked to additional playing techniques that can expand your own playing and make it more interesting.
 

2. Rhythm training
Coordination and a good feeling for rhythm are essential when drumming. Here we want to expand our rhythmic spectrum with "odd meters" (5/8, 7/8, 9/8) and rhythmic compositions, among other things. Coordination exercises result in compositions or choreographies that we will perform together at the end of the ensemble workshop.
 

3. Ideas and suggestions for accompaniment
Here I will give some ideas for accompaniment in a band context. This is mainly about simple but effective percussion accompaniment, but also about phrasing and the structuring of a piece.
 

4. Ensemble playing and accompaniment of melodies
Another focus is on making music together with melodies and songs. This also includes percussion arrangements, polyphonic percussion accompaniment and possibilities for varied accompaniment. Planned are accompanying musicians as Beatriz Picas (cello, vocals)

How is the workshop structured?

Preparation phase:
In preparation, an online session will take place in March in which the teaching material will be presented. This gives you the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the material in advance before the start of the workshop and, if necessary, to clarify certain questions beforehand. This will enable us to use the face-to-face event in Freiburg much more effectively. This meeting will take place via Zoom and will be recorded by me. Live participation in this preparatory meeting is an offer and is not absolutely necessary. The recording of the meeting will be made available to all participants afterwards.
 

Workshop phase:
We will deal with the three parts described above. To do this, we will deal with some general topics and questions in the large group. We will repeatedly divide ourselves into smaller groups with the option of rotating and changing the group or delving deeper into a focus.
 

Presentation phase:
Our course will conclude with a presentation of our joint musical work on April 20th, 6 p.m. in the E-Werk (Freiburg) . Here we present the "workshop results" to each other. All participants are integrated, i.e. spectators can take part just as much as the performing ensembles.