Workshops on Traditional Greek Music in Tarpon Springs

The city of Tarpon Springs is presenting workshops for locals to learn to play Greek percussion instruments, Greek-style violin and music, on Wednesday, Jan. 4, and Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 7-8, at Heritage Museum, 100 Beekman Lane, Craig Park in Tarpon Springs.

Greek percussion workshops are scheduled from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 4; 1 to 2:30 p.m., Jan. 7-8.

Greek-style violin will be offered from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 4 and from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 7-8.

Classes will only cost $5 each.

Greek percussion:

Musician and ethnomusicologist Panayotis League will explore playing techniques and styles for the touberleki (dumbek), daouli (two-headed drum), defi (tambourine), frame drums, snare drum, and other instruments used in traditional Greek music. Students will learn dance rhythms from various regions, the role of percussion instruments in Greek ensembles, and improvisation within traditional rhythmic structures.

Panayotis League specializes in the intricate traditional music of Kalymnos and Crete. He plays at events in the U.S. and Europe, and lectures in Greek and music at Hellenic College in Brookline, Massachusetts.

All percussionists and percussion instruments are welcome. Students should bring their own instrument. For more information, call 727-937-1130 or 942-5605.

Greek-style violin:

Michalis Kappas will travel from Greece to provide workshops focused on the traditional violin music of the island of Kalymnos. An archaeologist by profession, Kappas was taught by the best traditional Kalymnian players of the older generation and began performing at events (glendia, panigyria, weddings) when he was 17. He has appeared on a recording of traditional Kalymnian music and has performed extensively at festivals in Europe and the U.S.

Students should bring a violin. For further information, please call 727-937-1130 or 942-5605.

The workshops are supported in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.

(source:TBNWeekly.com)