GUO 2016 SUMMER SCHOOL – AUGUST 1ST TO 4TH

The prinicipal aim of the course is to give young musicians first-hand experience of a wide range of musical styles from around the world, under the guidance of musicians born and brought up in these traditions. They will be encouraged to form their own groups and create and perform their own pieces in response to this experience, and above all develop their improvisation skills. Whatever their main instrument, they will also sing, play percussion and be able to try out other (especially non-European) instruments.

Sessions are led by Grand Union musicians from many different musical cultures who have international reputations. This year we are delighted to welcome two musicians for the first time: Xavier Osmir, specialist in the music of Bahia and Northeast Brazil, including rhythms like maracatú and samba-reggae, and Yoruba chants brought over with the Slave Trade; and from West Africa itself, Landing Mané, a charismatic teacher and performer of the drumming traditions of Mali and Senegal, who will run sessions with massed djembes and introduce the chants and rhythms from which New World styles derive.

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