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The concept of The Salsa Experience is one
of active involvement in the learning process. This music was
made to make you move and we spend as little time sitting around
talking about it as possible! The program and curriculum is
tailored on each occasion to the skill levels and instrumentation
of the group (never larger than 20); the day ends with rehearsal
of a Salsa arrangement specially designed to challenge and excite
the ensemble. For this reason we ask that all participants have
at least two full years of experience playing as well as some
sight reading skills. Our instructors are prepared to teach
at the very highest level - each participant will have the opportunity
to challenge themselves and enjoy bathing in the live learning
experience.
The classes begin with an overview of the techniques and patterns
of the Latin rhythm section (clave, conga, timbales, maraca,
guiro, etc) and all participants are encouraged to get in the
middle of these instruments and feel how they fit together.
The basic dance step is taught to open the body to understanding
the swing of this music in a new way. Significant historical
advancements and personalities of the music are discussed as
we practice.
The focus then moves through the evolution of the bass tumbao,
on to piano montunos and how they came from the Cuban Tres (Tres
player will be present), and then quickly comes to working on
incorporating the instruments present into the style: Horn mambos
are reviewed and invented, Violin Guajeos sewn in, gig demands
for Brass is reviewed and enlivened. The idea is to get as close
to the pulse of Salsa music as possible while tearing into the
written arrangement without fear. Typical horn voicings and
other arrangement secrets are discussed. Attacks, timbres, volume
and other often forgotten stlye-specific elements are FELT while
we play.
Present on piano and leading arrangements will be Rebecca Cline
of Obinni Tumbao, Boston's Best New Music recipient 2006. Miss
Cline is a member of the faculty at Berklee College of Music,
where she teaches Ensembles, Piano, Jazz Studies, and a new
course on Afro-Cuban Piano Montunos. |
