Our music teachers are able to provide tuition for many types of instruments. Some of these are: ney (flute), kaval (flute), zurna, oud, clarinet, saxophone, and even didgeridoo! The ensembles are a special feature at the camp and all musicians and drummers are welcome in these.
Egyptian style Accordion (Baladi style): Phil Carroll (2 Sessions) The Baladi style is a semi-improvised form developed in Egypt to accompany dancers. It evolved in urban Cairo (equate to American blues) . It incorporates various sections taksim (solo) awadi (call and answer) magrour (stretching) and with various rhythms.Our first session will involve learning the form and our second session will involve working with dancers.
Ney (Advanced/ Intermediate): Phil Carroll We will focus on blowing techniques, fingering , vibrato and look at some basic makams and pieces. Neys in D minor or B minor would be helpful but bring what you have.Some neys supplied for practise.
MAKAMS: Phil Carroll (Open Level) Bring instruments , and voices to get to know some middle-eastern makams , which are like scales but each has its own character and personality. Learn some Middle-Eastern songs and tunes in various makams.
Zurna: Phil Carroll More information to follow
Arabic Violin, Cello, Viola, Kamenche and Joze: Nawres Alfreh For already experienced strings players who wish to learn the Arabic style of ornamentation and technique.
Arabic Maqam and musicianship: Nawres Alfreh Nawres will be teaching musicianship in Arabic music, covering ornamentation, modulation, phrasing for all instruments. Learn techniques to get the authentic Arabic sound and style.
Oud: Yuval Ashkar Yuval will be teaching technique, Maqams (scales) and songs and catering for all levels of skill – you'll need to bring your own Oud – naturally!
Iranian/Persian Tar: Cieavash Aryan Learn the basics for playing the Tar, including, how to hold the instrument and how to hit the strings with plectrum,introduction of some of the persian scales such as Mahoor,shoor and esfehan. More advanced technique will also be taught depending on the skill level of the students.
Ney and Kaval: Bill Andersen Bill will be showing people how to get started on these instruments and for those who can get a sound (or even a few) he will be teaching technique, Maqams (scales) and a few tunes. There will be a few spare Neys and Kavals for students to have a go on but please bring your own if you have one. Note: these instruments will be taught separately and groups determined by skill level to cater to everyone. There will be some PVC practice Neys available for sale ($8.00).
Didgeridoo in Middle Eastern music: Bob Robinson Combining Middle Eastern rhythms on the Didgeridoo to complement and enhance percussion and other Middle Eastern instruments in order to give a uniquely Australian "flavour" to Middle Eastern and Balkan music.
Persian Ensemble: Cieavash Aryan Learn to play as part of an ensemble including traditional Persian instruments, voice and percussion. The ensemble will be presenting a piece in the Sunday night concert.
Egyptian Orchestra: Mike Taylor and Nawres Alfreh A workshop focusing on working as a group to play songs and create richly textured music utilising all the talents and skills of band members. This is a valuable opportunity to learn how to create arrangements that are interesting and balanced, working with call and response and improvisation. This group will be working towards a performance in the Camp Concert .
Suited for all instruments and skill levels and percussionists are welcome and needed too! Just bring your enthusiasm, patience and desire to work as a team.
Turkish Gypsy Street Band: Matt de Boer
Passionately expressive and infectively rhythmic, Turkish Gypsy music steals the best ideas from the deep musical traditions of Ottoman culture, borrows from the rich folk music of Thrace and is metamorphosed into a vibrant by those masters of musical transformation, the Roma.
This years Gypsy Street band at BAMEDAM will play dance music from the region of Trakya ( Thrace ), drawing on influences from both contemporary and historic Turkish gypsy ensembles. We welcome instrumental players of all abilities and sizes to join! We will perform with the Turkish singing group and the Karsilama dancers at one of the Camp's evening concerts. This music traditionally uses instrumentation such as zurna, davul, clarinet, darbuka, violin, accordion, cumbus and riq. However, we welcome musicians of all instruments to come and join the group – especially brass players! Arrangements of several tunes will be provided for all kinds of instruments, and during the workshop we will work with the instruments present to create beautiful, fun and lively music to dance to.