May27

Gong Creations : The Creative Potential of the Gong Ensemble (3 days)

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Base Experimental Arts + Space, 6520 5th Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98108

Gong Creations: The Creative Potential of the Gong Ensemble (3 day Workshop)

Join Mike Tamburo for an innovative and experiential three-day workshop (there is an option for 5 days) that explores the creative potential of gongs and other metal instruments within intentional composition and improvisational music as an ensemble. Together, we will tap into the therapeutic potential of working with gongs as an individual and as a musical collective.

Through creative exercises, group improvisations and meditative listening experiences, we will refine and experiment with playing techniques, learn loose composition (structure, phrasing, etc.) and deepen our personal sonic vocabulary. As an ensemble, we will explore blending our playing with other musicians and other instruments in the soundscape.

This is a great course for anyone interested in group composition and group playing, musicians seeking to add meditative and transformational elements to their practice and play. and “non-musicians” to discover their innate connection to the true power and collective power of music.

Days One and Two: Technique and listening. As a foundation, we will consider and practice the basic elements and skills important in solo and group playing, as well developing a meditative mind and energetic sensitivity. Learners will leave with a new awareness to their touch and their tone (mallet to the gong), an increased skill set to physically play the gong, and knowledge on the musical potential of gongs in terms of dynamics, rhythm, structure, tone, harmony and improvisation.

Days Three - Deeply Exploring Soundscapes As An Ensemble. Learners will explore many types of gong playing sessions and structure through practice, group improvisation, loose composition/creating structure with sound, and blending other instruments in the soundscape. We will also practice these skills beyond our classroom walls, as we venture out to explore some of Seattle’s unique surrounding soundscapes.

We will delve into the dynamics of an ensemble (or band) to further develop dynamic listening, group communication, self and group expression, improvisation and expanding our creative palette. A lot of our learning will come from the experience of playing in and being directed as both large and small groups. Learners will develop a sensitivity to listening to and working with others while still owning their individual sound within the collective soundscape. We will write and create music together. Learners will gain skills and techniques to create new ideas for their own sessions, and confidence to respond creatively in the moment.

This course uses a large variety of gongs (Paiste, Meinl, Sean Aceto, Chau, Feng Wind, Thai, Yun and Bao), along with other instruments such as metallophones (free note bars, tuned triangles, gong oblongs, bell plates, Burma bells, singing bowls, bells, etc.) and percussion instruments (drums, wood blocks, shakers, etc.). Your own gong and metal instruments will be highly regarded and welcomed!

This is an opportunity to learn, explore and play with a small yet diverse group of sound lovers in an intimate setting. Our hopes are that you will walk away more thoughtful musicians and artists, more dynamic listeners, creative thinkers and communicators. Mike Tamburo has spent a lifetime exploring this as practice and is grateful to act as a guiding force in your journey into sound.

Sorry, no drop-ins. Phone interview is mandatory before being enrolled. Gong Creations is not a beginner’s course, but beginners are welcome and encouraged to interview. No matter your experience level, Gong Creations requires great flexibility and an open mind. We will listen more than we play.

A world of changing tones emerges from the gong each time it is struck. We are looking forward to exploring the world of sound with you!

Email soundseternalmusic@gmail.com to set up an interview

May 27, 28, 29 - Optional Masterclasses in Gong Composition and Group Improvisation on, 30 and 31 9:00 AM - 7PM Base Experimental Arts Space 6520 5th Ave. South Seattle, WA 98108 Meals are not provided. In-house kitchenette and restaurants nearby. $444 Before April 22 (Early Bird Price) $555 After April 22

Maximum 15 participants plus course assistants.