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NEC Summer School: Institutes and Intensives
Understanding Argentine Tango
Bernardo Monk, Instructor and Saxophonist
Session I: Understanding Argentine Tango
Thursday, June 26-Saturday, June 28
Session II: Tango - It Takes a Group
Thursday, July 17-Sunday, July 20
Magic. Drama. Seduction. Elegance. Daring. Passion. These are words often used to describe Argentine Tango music and dance. Born over 100 years ago, tango was once the music and dance of the lower classes and immigrants, found in the barrios and brothels of the port city of Buenos Aires. Today, tango still has its roots firmly in Buenos Aires, but now more popular than ever, it is known, danced, and played throughout the world. Millions flock to international tango shows and movies, attend concerts, and crowd weekly milongas (social dances); tens of thousands visit Buenos Aires each year to take instruction and dance where tango was born. In Boston, there are more than 10 monthly tango dances for those already under its spell.
Session I: Understanding Argentine Tango
Bernardo Monk, Director, Saxophonist
Thursday - Saturday, June 26-28 (three days)
Thursday, Friday, June 26-27: 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 28: 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.; 2 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
This three-day course offers an overview of Argentina's most famous contribution to world culture: the tango. Participants will learn the fundamentals of tango style, the relationship between the music and the dance, and begin to learn how to evaluate what they hear and see in tango. With special emphasis on the music, students will develop familiarity with specific technical elements such as phrasing, accompaniment, rhythms (tango, milonga, waltz), beat and traditional/non-traditional instrumentation as approached in tango. The different orchestras and vocalists and their styles as well as the different eras in tango will be a major subject of analysis in the course.
Session II: Tango - It Takes a Group
Bernardo Monk, Director, Saxophonist
Thursday-Sunday, July 17-20 (4 days)
Th-Fr: 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Sa: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.; 2:00 -4:00 p.m.
Su: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Final concert; Sunday, July 20, 2:00 p.m.
From its beginnings to Astor Piazzola, tango music has shaped its refined style with a strong influence of classical composers and musicians. This four-day ensemble workshop (led by Bernardo Monk, tango saxophonist, tango scholar and leader of Bernardo Monk's Mass Tango) will focus on a repertoire covering the historic musical line of this unique genre. The classes will have a rehearsal format; the repertoire covered in class will comprise the program of a final concert. Instruments needed: violin, viola, cello, flute, clarinet, oboe, double bass and piano. Prerequisite: For advanced instrumentalists with good sight-reading skills; no experience in the style is required.
Note: Participants may register for Session I, Session II, or for both Sessions I & II.
Registration: download a form from www.newenglandconservatory.edu/summer/forms_registration.html
Housing: Available at a nearby campus. Call the Summer School at 617-585-1126 for information.
Tuition:
Session I: Non-credit: $285
Early-bird discounted tuition (registered/paid by June 5): $245
Session II: 1 SCE credit: $500; Non-credit: $355
Early bird discounted tuition (registered/paid by June 26):
1 SCE credit: $425; Non-credit: $305
Additional 10% discount for Sessions I and II combined
Boston Tango Society members also receive a $30 tuition discount