Balkan Beats Workshop

Julie and James will lead a joint ensemble workshop, teaching 2 songs, one in an odd meter, and one in a 4/4. Both are common dance rhythms in Greece and the Balkans. 

The workshop will teach these rhythms by ear, in the time-honored traditional method of the region, but sheet music will be available for those who prefer it.

Rhythm, melody, harmony, and chordal accompaniment will be introduced, as they all play a part in creating a vibrant, danceable, and expressive performance. Sherefe will then perform these learned tunes later in the day, in order to allow the participants the opportunity to see the material realized by an experienced ensemble.

If you are a participant of one of the following OTHA Academy Programs: Adult Academy, Chamber Music Academy, or Meadowlark program, please email [email protected] to register free of charge or reserve one of the “$0 Student Tickets” below.

Julie Lancaster and James Hoskins are members of the local Balkan/Middle Eastern band “Sherefe”, and the Balkan band “Barbelfish”. Sherefe has been bringing traditional music from Greece, Turkey, and beyond to Colorado audiences for nearly 25 years. They are the house band for Boulder’s annual Greek festival and (normally) perform frequently throughout the year for dancing and listening. Barbelfish plays dance music from Bulgaria, Macedonia, Romania, and Greece.

James is a multi-instrumentalist adept in a variety of genres. He performs on cello, gudulka (Bulgarian fiddle), bouzouki and vocals. Julie Lancaster, who is also director of Planina – Songs of Eastern Europe, a Colorado-based mixed chorus, plays accordion and sings, and has taught Balkan singing at Denver’s Swallow Hill School of Music, and at folk music and dance workshops in several states. We are excited to be teaching a workshop exploring the rich melodies, compelling rhythms and extraordinary emotional range of this music!