Workshops by FAMOUDOU KONATÉ
Gaspé, June 13-15, 2008
Wassa Kunba (Great Joy)!
Musique du Bout du Monde is proud to offer you the unique opportunity to share the heritage of one of the grand masters of Malinké music, Famoudou Konaté! This workshop is part of the 2008 North American tour of the master, who will only make this one stop in eastern Canada, in Gaspé.
Seize this unique opportunity to perfect your knowledge of the djembe and dununs, and to live an unforgettable experience in magnificent and majestic surroundings, the Gaspésie.
Who is Famoudou Konaté?
Famoudou Konaté is recognized as being one of the greatest masters of the djembe of Western Africa. He was born near Sangbaralla, a village in the Hamada region of Upper Guinea, the Malinké heartland and the birthplace of the Dununba rhythms. From 1959 to 1985, Famoudou was the lead djembe soloist for Les Ballets Africains de la République de Guinée. During those years, he traveled all over the world and he untiringly continued to do so afterwards, to share his music and the Malinké tradition, especially by way of teaching.
"His music is above all speech: as a griot with his gestures, his words, and even his silences, Famoudou makes us experience a story thanks to the details of his description. Famoudou makes his djembe talk. We cannot speak of djembe music without speaking about Famoudou Konaté. He occupies a place that is rightfully his and this must be said."
(Nasser Saïdani. Excerpt from the CD booklet: Famoudou Konaté Maître-Djembe Ensemble Hamana Dan Ba/Guinée: percussions et chants Malinka, vol. 2.)
Dates
• Friday June 13, 2008 – 5:00 to 8:00
• Saturday, June 14, 2008 – 11:00 to 4:00
• Sunday, June 15, 2008 – 11:00 to 4:00
Three workshops will be given from Friday, June 13 to Sunday, June 15, inclusive.
Participants may register for all three workshops, or only one or two, as they wish.
The workshops will include four hours of teaching, with a one-hour break.
At least one new rhythm will be taught in each workshop.
It is important to mention that these are not only djembé workshops. The learning of dununs is basic to the teaching of Famoudou Konaté. It is expected that 50% of the time will be devoted to the dununs.
The typical content of a workshop could resemble the following: Explanation of the origin and meaning of the rhythm, placement in cultural and historic context, calls, accompaniment parts of the djembes, the parts of the three dununs and their variations, djembé solos, the "échauffement" (warm-ups), and the song. The participants have the opportunity to play all the parts of each instrument, and the solos. The workshops cover all the elements required to play a Malinké rhythm independently.
Each workshop finishes with a review of all the topics learned that day, and the participants have the opportunity to record that. Audio recording is allowed only at this point in time and video recording is forbidden at all times.
Djembés are not furnished. You therefore must bring your instrument.
No auditing or free observation is possible.
Levels of Workshops and Teaching of Famoudou Konaté
Famoudou Konaté is a patient and skilled instructor who knows how to transmit the art of the djembé and dununs to participants at all levels. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, advanced, or professional, you will find your place there. Famoudou Konaté is an acute observer; he quickly adapts his approach according to the capacity of each individual. He will assign appropriate parts so that every participant can get the most out of the workshop.
As well, the workshops evolve in a progressive manner in difficulty, from Friday to Sunday. We therefore suggest to the participants who desire to follow only one or two workshops, to choose their workshops appropriately.
Costs
Adult: $110 per workshop Student: $90 per workshop Application for Registration
The age limit for registration is 13 years and older.
To be eligible for the student rate, please accompany your payment with proof of student status, such as a photocopy of a student card.
Your registration and your place in the workshop will be confirmed by e-mail or mail on the reception of the total amount of your registration fee.
Apply early as the number of places is limited! Priority will be given to participants who register for all three workshops.
Payment Methods
Payment can be made by check or postal order. They should be made out to the name of Musique du Bout du Monde and sent to the following address: Musique du Bout du Monde, 3 Côte Cartier, C.P. 5029, Gaspé (Quebec), Canada, G4X 2L5
The costs quoted above do not include either housing or meals. You are therefore responsible for arranging you own accommodation and meals. There are several possibilities for lodging in Gaspé at a reasonable price. Consult our Tourism section in order to plan your stay or this website : http://www.gogaspe.com/ron/gaspe.htm
Reimbursement Policy
Before May 1, 2008, a reimbursement can be given, except for an amount of $20 for administrative expenses.
After the May 1, 2008, no reimbursement will be given.
For more complete information contact, Musique du Bout du Monde,
3 côte Carter, P.O. Box 5029,
Gaspé, Quebec, Canada G4X 2L5
Telephone: (418) 368-5405
Toll free: 1-866-313-3626 info@musiqueduboutdumonde.com
www. musiqueduboutdumonde.com
