Balfolk Ensemble
The “bal folk” ensemble offers the opportunity to learn airs from the folk dance repertoire: scottisch, rondeau, mazurka, bourrée, waltz, polska, and many more. In addition, we will look at swing, at the specific “groove” of some traditions and dance steps, at the ornamentation and at the accompaniment typical of each region. Some repertoires will be learnt by ear. We will enjoy playing together as a group, daring to make mistakes, searching, getting back on our feet, and designing arrangements. A space will also be left for improvising. All will be guided by the expectations and wishes of the group, who knows where they will lead us…
Who is the course meant for?
The course is open to all instruments, except percussion and drums. You should have several years of experience playing your instrument and be able to feel at ease keeping a melody and rhythm over time. Melodies will be learnt by ear, recordings will be made available to help. For backing instruments, a basic knowledge of chords is required, as well as being able to keep a rhythm quite comfortably. Contact us for any clarifications, we will put you in touch with the tutors. The course will be given in French and/or English and/or Dutch.
The musical career of Simon Laffineur developed in two different directions. He started learning the classical guitar and attended all the required music school courses, but soon, other musical styles came to him, such as influences from picking, folk-blues or flamenco. He played in the band “A consommer de preference” and records with them two albums with the homerecords.be label. At the same time, Simon discovered the small world of balfolk and danced like crazy during workshops and festivals. He founded the balfolk band “Waar is Boris?” and also joined “Orbal”, with Lise Smolders, Fanny Vandenberghe, Rebecca Van Bogaert and Simon Leleux.
During a dark winter, Simon comes across a violin, and it’s love at first sight. But this instrument did not bring him to follow academic lessons, but to (re)learn everything by ear, and to dive only in the folk, Irish, Swedish, English, Scottish,… repertoire. He takes part in the adventures of the Ethnos and follows a course on artistic leadership with Ethnofonik in Paris.
Today, Simon plays with the Belgo-British trio “Emily and the Simons”, which offers a balfolk around the compositions of Emily Bowden (emilyandthesimons.com). He also leads a trio that plays children songs “Simon & les Chansons d’enfance” (chansonsdenfance.be) and plays together with Michel Jacqmain for a balfolk with an eclectic repertoire.
Information
Schedule
Inscriptions open on August 8 2022!
Come and discover this course during the free session on Tuesday 20 September 2022, from 8:00 pm to 9:30 pm.
Ensemble (10 courses/cycle)
Tuesday: 8:00 – 9:30
Registration is required from the second course of the cycle.
Place
Price
To register for a course, membership of Muziekpublique is mandatory.
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If necessary the teacher can vary the calendar in consultation with the course members.
Subscribe
€135,00 – €315,00