SERIOUS PLAY: GROUP IMPROVISATION WORKSHOP WITH DAN BLACKSBERG

Acclaimed trombonist and composer Dan Blacksberg is partnering with the People’s Music Supply to present a unique experience for adventurous musicians. This five-part series will provide participants with intensive training in spontaneously organized music, also known as free improvisation. In this approach to collective music-making, all the sounds and ways of relating and organizing them are negotiated by the performers in real-time. Learning by playing, we will study ourselves as much as we study the principles, wisdom, and dazzling variety of systems and approaches of the creative music tradition. We will explore free improvised music from all over the world, with a special focus on how this music emerges from the experimental edges of the Black musical traditions, including ones fostered here in Philadelphia. Each two-hour session will be focused on a unique challenge of collective improvisation and developed through repeated cycles of playing, reflection, and critique. At the end of this series, participants will show off their new skills in a public concert organized by the People’s Music Supply.

About the Instructor
Dan Blacksberg is a leading voice in Philadelphia's music community and a living master of klezmer trombone. Through performance, composition, and improvisation, he creates new territories to explore inside and across genres, forging new pathways between tradition and innovation. As a teacher and community music leader, he builds up all generations of musicians to become empowered and joyous rabble-rousers. Dan has worked with many masters in both experimental music and klezmer music, including Anthony Braxton, George Lewis, Jamaaladeen Tacuma, Joe Morris, Joe Maneri, Miya Masaoka, Elaine Hoffman Watts, Frank London, Theodore Bikel, and many more.

What is it?

A series of five class sessions culminating in a public concert of improvised music.

Who is it for?

Anyone who's interested in learning more about group improvisation, whether beginners or advanced musicians. We ask that electronic musicians bring instruments that can be played in an ensemble setting and are quick to set up.

How much does it cost?

$35 a session ( ¼ of Dan’s normal hourly rate), or $150 for all five sessions and the final concert.

There are two merit-based full-scholarships, application is here, deadline to apply is 05/01.

If you are an artist in need, inquire by email peoplesmusicsupply@gmail.org for a possible price reduction waiver. In the meantime, please submit the merit-based scholarship form.

What time is it?

Classes are Sundays. 1pm to 3pm June 2, 9, 30 and July 14,28.

Performance is Sunday August 4th 7pm to 10pm. (Attendance at 3 of the sessions is required to play at the concert)