FRIDAY October 6, 2023
1:30pm - 3:30pm @ DoubleTree by Hilton, Arneson Room

Rehearsal with the National Arab Orchestra Takht Ensemble

Hi.  This is Karen typing this workshop description.  

I want to explain why I believe that this experience is so important.

1) GoLive is the child of Karavan Studio's "Project Band" curriculum.
  
Project Band is my attempt to simulate my experience of working with incredible musicians in the nightclub scene of the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s  for my dance students.  A HUGE part of what made that period so powerful was my ability to not just listen to, but also WATCH and learn from the musicians.

2)  The National Arab Orchestra, while based out of Detroit, MI, is made up of extremely accomplished musicians from all over the country.  They come together for concerts 2 days in advance of the performance so that they can rehearse together as a unit.

As a board member for the National Arab Orchestra, I have had the opportunity to be present during several of their rehearsals.  I have always been mesmerized by the process:  observing their focus and attention to the smallest detail of a note, learning what elements of the music THEY are focusing on for the maximum impact, noticing the changing relationships of each musician to the others, listening to Michael's vivid word choices to communicate his vision and pull it all together, and more!  I walk away every time with a thousand more ideas for how we - as dancers - can use the experience of live music as a tool for development.  

So let's experience this together!   We will have a lunchtime discussion before the rehearsal for Michael to set the stage (pun intended) and then another half hour afterwards for debriefing with him.  (BTW, I'm game to add on yet another half hour beyond that for just us dancers to discuss further!)

I hope I've made a case for the benefit of this experience.  I KNOW it will be transformative for anyone in attendance.


Register here