First Workshop – October 15th to 20th 2019
A big thanks goes to the participants of the first workshop in October 2019. It was a lot of fun working with you!
General Information
A course focusing on the practical aspects of aulos reed making and playing. The workshop aims to teach participants the basics of reed manipulation, reed making, basic fingerwork and how to build an embouchure.
The workshop is tutored by Callum Armstrong and Max Brumberg.
Callum is an internationally renowned piper and Max is a wind instrument maker. Both have dedicated a great deal of time researching and developing reed making and playing techniques.
Content of the Workshop
Reed Making
- how to select cane
- how to treat and prepare it
- construction: filing the tube, constriction, shaping the blades
- making the reeds sound: scraping, balancing the blades, toasting, baking
- balancing two reeds to fit the aulos, defining the desired shape and blade thicknesses
Materials (included)
- cane, threads, wax etc.
- tools: scraping knife, files, tip cutter etc. (will be provided, if necessary)
Taking Care of Reeds
- rebalancing techniques: scraping, clamping, toasting, baking
- cleaning and storing
- repairing cracks
Playing Techniques
- embouchure, lips, support
- breathing techniques
- circular breathing
- holding the aulos, getting comfortable
- resources for further studies
Schedule
Tuesday:
Suggested arrival time between 14h and 18:30h, meet and greet, put up your tent or settle in, dinner, discussing the schedule and content of the course.
Wednesday to Saturday:
The workshop program will be flexible and adapted to individual needs and preferences.
We aim to share the knowledge of how to make and maintain reeds, and would like everyone to produce one or two pairs of functioning reeds. Basic tuition on embouchure, fingerings and melodies will also be provided.
There will be instruments by Robin Howell, Max Brumberg and other makers available for comparison and purchase on site. The workshop will end on Saturday with an evening concert given by Callum and Max. Workshop participants are welcome to join the concert and play some tunes.
Sunday:
Breakfast and farewells
Organisational Information
Where: Mas Rouveyrolle, 48110 Gabriac, France
When: 15th – 20th October 2019
Arrival: Tuesday evening
Departure: Sunday morning
Participants: limited to 10 only, minimum number 3
Accommodation: Basic on site accommodation, own tent or a local hotel
On site accommodation comprises of shared washing facilities and dormitories. While it is possible to book a hotel at your own discretion, you should book early in advance and will need to supply your own daily travel to and from the venue.
Food: On site the food is vegetarian and includes daily breakfast, lunch and dinner. Please inform us about food allergies and/or any other dietary requirements that you may have.
There is a small organic store and a bakery in the village (25 minutes walk by foot).
Language: Tuition and workshops will predominantly be held in English. However, there will be possibilities to communicate in French, German and Spanish too.
Important to bring:
- please bring personal tools if possible
- torchlight
- raincoat, warm clothes, sturdy shoes
- slippers