CLASSES & CURRICULUM
A lively mix of daily activities exposes participants to multiple dimensions of Argentine tango music. A typical day includes sessions in instrumental techniques, chamber music, arranging, and large ensemble.
PRACTICE TIME & TANGO TECHNIQUE
8:45AM-10:10AM
Learn techniques and idioms unique to Argentine tango performance on your instrument with our instructors.
SMALL ENSEMBLES
10:30AM – 12:00PM
Participants are placed in a group of five to eight musicians and learn two pieces for performance at the end of the week. Each of the groups will be accompanied by one of our resident instructors full time.
LUNCH BREAK
12:00PM – 1:00PM
Get to know your ensemble colleagues and other festival participants over lunch.
ORQUESTA TÍPICA
1:00PM – 2:15PM
In our first activity of the afternoon, we will explore the repertoire of major orchestras of the 1940s as well as modern composers under the direction of Julián Peralta.
ARRANGING / THEORY / INTERPRETATION ELECTIVES
2:45PM – 4:00PM
Our students self-select which of the theory or arranging electives they wish to attend:
(1) Intuitive Tango: Playing, Arranging, and Composing - HS
As musicians, we often make the mistake of going to the instrument or computer to create music instead of developing internal tools that let ideas come from us first. In this class, we will use simple exercises covering the basics of composition and arranging to create a routine of work so you can be more didactic when you compose.
(2) Christine's Tango Magic for Strings (TM4S) - CB
What gives TANGO that "je ne sais quoi" that hooks you in and doesn't let you go? We will delve into that mysterious world of what makes YOU want to play tango. Yeites (pronounced SHAY-ee-tess, meaning the tricks of the trade), Swing, Fraseo (phrasing), & Parrilla (the grill! You will sizzle onstage) playing. A slightly more intimate relationship with the music that will give you the tools you need to have more fun playing. Let's put the MUSE back in music!
(3) Intermediate Tango Arranging - JP
Develop your tango arranging skills and knowledge. Some music theory and/or arranging experience recommended.
DINNER BREAK
4:00PM – 7:00PM
Another opportunity to meet colleagues, practice or rest before we get to our night activities.
SPECIAL EVENING EVENTS
8:00PM
Each night features a new activity: opening night dinner, faculty and guest concert, tango jam session, master class and dress rehearsal, gala concert. On the final night, the large ensembles will perform their repertoire for tango dancers from the region in our closing milonga.