SCHEDULE Folk Seminar 2012

Instrument Classes:

There will be a division in the instrument classes between beginning and experienced students. The morning group classes are 1¼ hours long and will begin at 9:15 am. For example, a student can choose to take the experienced gaida class followed by the beginner tambura class. In the afternoon there will be individual and/or small group instrument classes lasting 30 minutes each. Please bring your own instrument(s), if possible. If you don’t have one, or it is too difficult transport, the Academy will make arrangements for instrument rental for 5 leva per day.

A Bitov (traditional instrument) Ensemble class has been tentatively scheduled for experienced students late each afternoon starting Tuesday, July 26, 2012.

Singing Classes:

There will be two consecutive 1¼ hour group singing classes every morning, and each class will focus on a different regional style. As with the instrumental classes, afternoon singing sessions will last for 30 minutes each, and be for either individuals or small groups.

Dance Classes:

There will be four (non-concurrent) dance sessions each day. Teachers from each village will teach four dance sessions with the last session being a review. Most teachers will present their dances over a two-day period.

Language Classes:

An hour-long Bulgarian language class will be held daily, beginning at 2:35. The goal is to help students acquire basic communication skills in Bulgarian that they can use during their Seminar classes and in everyday life. The class will be oriented towards students who have never spoken Bulgarian before. A second class level may be added if there are enough students with some Bulgarian language experience.

Daily Student Gathering:

A brief student gathering will be held daily from 12:00-12:15 pm in the Dance Hall to discuss special events, guest performances, evening activities, administrative matters, etc.

Before Lunch Special Programs:

After the student gathering, time has been set aside for special 45-minute folk presentations in the Academy's concert hall. In past years these programs have included presentations by old master musicians, revered singers, instrument makers and others.

Evening Activities:

Some evening activities will be planned for those who wish, such as restaurant outings, dance events at the Music Academy, and attending a local village sabor. During the week of the Seminar, an International Folk Music and Dance Festival will also be taking place at the nearby Roman Theater.