PROGRAM Folk Seminar 2008

Lyuben Dossev, Program Director, 2008 Folk Music & Dance Seminar

Instrument, Vocal, Dance, and Bulgarian Language Classes

One of our general goals is to present instructors who have not previously taught outside Bulgaria and to have multiple instructors and English language assistants for each class. Thus our instrumental and vocal music classes will be co-presented by guest "old masters" who have their own regional/local repertoire (but are generally not accustomed to teaching), and faculty of the Music Academy and Ensemble Trakiya (who are accustomed to teaching). We expect that each "old master" will only be present at the Seminar for part of the time, but long enough to impart some of his or her unique skill, knowledge and experience. The same concept will also be true for the folk dance classes, where staff and assistants associated with the Music Academy will work with village dancers from different parts of the country to present authentic dance material.

Complete list of teachers

Instrument Classes

(Instrument Type and Student Levels)

(Click on an instrument to hear sound bites)*

Please note that at present, we are only offering both Beginning & Experienced instruction in the traditional Bulgarian instruments because such classes are not commonly available outside of Bulgaria.

We are also offering accordion, clarinet and violin classes to students that already have some experience playing these instruments. These classes will focus on Bulgarian, styling, technique and ornamentation for these instruments.

Students are encouraged to bring their own instruments with them to Bulgaria. Students not having instruments may rent them from the Music Academy for a small daily charge.

Singing Classes

These classes will offer an opportunity to work on singing styles from different folklore regions in Bulgaria, including Strandzha, Thrace, Pirin, Thrace (Dalboki village) and Dobrudzha (Smolnitsa village). No prior singing experience is needed.

Dance Classes

Village instructors will present dances from five of the major folklore regions of Bulgaria: Shopluk (Golemo Buchino village), Northwest Bulgaria (Gradets village), Pirin (Ablanitsa village), Thrace (Dalboki village) and Dobrudzha (Smolnitsa village). In addition, a Survey of Bulgarian Dance class will feature characteristic dances from all folklore regions of Bulgaria. No prior Bulgarian dance experience is needed.

Language Classes

Bulgarian language classes will be offered after lunch each day.

*Sound bites courtesy of:

• Gaida — Wedding Tune and Rûchenitsa - Gaida Player from Folk Music Ensemble Radio Bulgaria - 1965
• Gûdulka — Georgi Gardzharov, Gûdulka and Ignat Kukov, Tambura — Bulgarian Masters Series Vol 1.
• Kaval — Terzeliiska Rûchenitsa - Stoyan Chobanov — Bulgarian Masters Series Vol 2.
• Tambura — Radomirska Rûchenitsa - Roumen Sirakov.
• Kaba/Rhodope Gaida — Rûchenitsa - Dafo Trendafilov.
• Violin — Izruchana - Ivan Paskalev.
• Accordion — Sofiisko Shopsko Horo - Boris Karlov
• Clarinet — Ovcharski Melodii - Nikola Iliev