Kalnas Ensemble Workshop Offerings
Each workshop would be available to an “adult” audience – students in high school, college, and life long learners of all ages. Each workshop will be 90 minutes in length, including a short stretch break midway through. There are two types of workshops being offered:
“General” means no instruments are necessary for participation.
“With Instrument” means active participation with an instrument or vocally will be part of the workshop.
Participants who would like a hands-on experience with their instrument (NOT limited to strings, however fiddlers are certainly included!) Should register for the “With Instrument” sessions.
Kalnas members work comfortably with mixed level groups, and find ways to connect and stimulate players of all levels. Kalnas’ hands on learning approach emphasizes process over performance, and allows all participants to enjoy a supportive learning environment.
Often, Kalnas members co-present as a pair, or sometimes as a single instrumentalist. Likewise, some workshop themes require the entire quartet to participate. This allows for flexible scheduling – two or three workshops can be given simultaneously depending upon the themes. The same workshop can be offered more than once allowing for scheduling flexibility for participants.
Workshop Themes
Creative Practicing: How to Improve Your Playing Using Improvisation (General)
Explore techniques for improving your personal creativity when you practice – incorporating jazzy, classical and folk styles, plus tips on developing a positive practice attitude!
Jazz and Folk Improvisations: Finding Common Ground (General)
Both a historic and listening journey examining how folk culture, rhythms, movement, and melodies influence what we call American Jazz. Some movement included!
Dance and Live Music: Your Response System (General)
How live music changes your experience – be prepared to adjust to the living rhythms of live musicians and discuss how you might feel
simultaneously surprised and stimulated. Movement suggested, or observation only.
But I Don’t Like Contemporary Music! (General)
A short excursion through the styles of contemporary classical music and a reframing of specific techniques often associated with being
“turned off ”…. Culturally and historically informed!
Small Group Instruction: Jazz for Everyone (With Instrument)
Beginner through experienced enthusiast, you’ll have the opportunity to play through two, pre chosen Jazz standards with our experts. Rep will be based on the participant’s levels, definite fun included!
Ensemble Improv: How to Improv(e) with Partners (With Instrument)
Come with a partner and an instrument, or observe the process of others, as you learn ways to improve the inner workings of a small group using listening games and musical exercises.
Workshop Themes Cont.
Folk Art and Music: Have You Ever Listened to a Drawing? (General)
Using visual art to start, you’ll find a pathway to the emotions evoked by art and translate those feelings into words and musical dialogue. No rights or wrongs, but full of personal reflection and insight. (art works are supplied)
Listening as a Musician : A Deep Dive (With Instrument)
Beginning with a cultural and historic perspective on musical tuning, the power of dissonance, musical forms, the language of rhythm, and methods to empower your listening and playing.
Dissonance: A Scientific, Cultural, and Musical Discussion (General)
Explore the science of vibration and the meanings, commonalities, and complexities of dissonance with musical examples, some role playing, and group discussion.
Ancient Lithuanian Music and Folklore: What Can It Teach Us About Our Modern Selves? (General)
Learn about the cultural themes embedded in a sampling of Lithuanian folk songs and trace the impact of these themes embedded in our modern American cultural reality.
Music and Life: Collaboration and Teamwork (General)
Utilizing the tools of teamwork and collaboration through the arena of chamber music, explore group dynamics in your life and successful
strategies to navigate the challenges of working together.
Beyond the Genre (General)
Music today gets put into many style categories called genres. Do we really need the genres, or are they a marketing ploy and another way to keep us separate from each other? With lots of listening and discussion, we will explore how, at its roots, all music has many aspects in common and can be appreciated beyond the traditional fan base.