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Singing with Ancestors & Mbira
Sat 27 Jul 2013 @ 18:00 - Sat 3 Aug 2013 @ 10:00
£450The Summer School runs for five weeks, with 20-30 courses week-long courses taking place every day during each week – from individual instrumental and vocal classes to chamber music, large ensemble courses and composition. You can take part in up to four courses per week, and stay for one or all five weeks!
This course will explore Zimbabwean singing traditions. Open to all ages and abilities, this relaxed, family-friendly workshop will allow participants to find confidence in singing, learn about African traditions and get to grips with polyrhythms through hand clapping, singing and dance.
The mbira is an ancient and sacred instrument of Zimbabwe consisting of metal keys mounted on a wooden soundboard. Often called a thumb piano the mbira are played to create a hypnotic melody which is often used in all-night rituals and ceremonies. Chartwell, founder of the Mbira Academy, will deliver this hands-on course to explore this tradition in sessions that are open to all ages and experience levels. The week will culminate in an informal performance by the singers and mbira players. “If you can talk, you can sing. If you can walk, you can dance – or just sit and reflect.” Zimbabwean proverb.
Director Chartwell Dutiro