Global Rhythms Workshops presented by Healesville Festival

Next date: Saturday, 10 May 2025 | 10:30 AM to 05:30 PM

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About the Workshops

Experience the art of craftsmanship, music, and dance with a series of hands-on workshops led by expert instructors. Explore global traditions, enjoy live music, and immerse yourself in vibrant rhythms at The Memo, Healesville. 

Learn Moldvai dances accompanied by the soulful sound of Hungary’s shepherd’s flute in the Hungarian Dance with Furulya Flute workshop, led by Ron Reeves. In the Irish Instrumental Workshop with Ernie Gruner, bring your C instruments (intermediate/advanced) and learn a lively Irish polka. Ron Reeves will also guide you through the rhythmic world of Rebana drumming, where you’ll explore the magic of Indonesian percussion with simple handheld frame drums. 

For violinists and vocalists, Ernie Gruner offers a Klezmer & Nigun Workshop, where you can dive into the soulful music of the Askanazi Jewish tradition. In the Flamenco Dance workshop with Senes Flamenco, you’ll learn the passionate basic steps of Flamenco, accompanied by live guitar music. Lastly, for aspiring luthiers or guitar enthusiasts, Brend Bunte’s Guitar-Building Workshop offers a hands-on experience in crafting your own instrument. 

Limited spots available – book now to secure your place in this unforgettable cultural experience! 

Hungarian Dance Workshop with Ron Reeves

The Memo Healesville 
Sat 10 May, 10:30am - 11:30pm 
Tickets $12.50 

Hungarian Dance with live accompaniment (traditional furulya flute)

The furulya (Hungarian shepherd's flute) is found all over Hungary and played in a number of different styles. One of those is called Moldvai, and in this style all the furulya tunes are used to accompany dance.  

The Moldvai dances all have very simple steps. They're deliberately easy to do so that everyone in the village can join in. You don't need to have any special dance training or experience to learn these dances, and they're lots of fun to do. Some are circle dances, some are line dances, and some are couple dances.  

In the Moldvai tradition the music and dance always start slowly so everyone can get used to the steps of the dance, and then after a while it gets a little faster, then a little faster again, and so on till it reaches a good brisk tempo. Lots of fun for all.  

Irish Instrumental Workshop with Ernie Gruner

The Memo Healesville 
Sat 10 May, 10:30-11:30am 
Tickets $12.50 

Irish instrumental workshop, intermediate level for C instruments 

Bring your instrument and learn an Irish polka!  

Open to violins, mandolins, flutes, tin whistle (instruments in C only) at intermediate or advanced level, with no need for sheet music. 

Ernie has taught workshops at major Australian folk festivals such as Port Fairy, Woodford, Maleny, Cygnet, Victor Harbor, Fairbridge, Ceres; also Wellington and Whare Flat NZ. He began his musical career with classical training then immersed himself in Melbourne’s Irish and folk scenes. 

Rebana Workshop with Ron Reeves

The Memo Healesville 
Sat 10 May, 12:00 - 1:00pm  
Tickets $12.50 

Indonesian Percussion workshop - Rebana frame drumming 

Rebana (Indonesian frame drums) are simple handheld drums. Some have jingles like a tambourine.  

They are made and played in various sizes in different parts of Indonesia.  

What they all have in common is that they're held in one hand and played with the other, using only two or three different tones per drum.  

Each player has a simple part to play, but the music (the magic!) happens when the different parts interlock and amazing drum rhythms and melodies emerge.  

It's a way of making music that relies on a group of players all listening to and interacting with each other - lots of fun for all!  

Optionally add some simple stepping patterns for an additional challenge. Rebana is also used as accompaniment for songs. 

Klezmer/Nigun - strings & vocal workshop with Ernie Gruner

The Memo Healesville 
Sat 10 May, 12:00-1:00pm 
Tickets $12.50 

Klezmer/Nigun, intermediate level music for violins and any level vocals 

Vocalists learn Nigunnim, wordless songs and violinists learn Klezmer music. 

Ernie Gruner, who teaches this style of instrumental music, unique to the Askanazi Jewish diaspora in Eastern Europe for centuries, popularized and adapted to big band line ups in New York and eventually incorporated in with jazz and other styles.  

Klezmer/Nigun is for voice and violins only, at intermediate or advanced level. 

Ernie introduces participants to the style of Klezmer music - modes, ornaments, rhythms, arranging and he will discuss some history, geography and background to the tunes and contemporary functions. 

Flamenco Dance Workshop with Senes Flamenco

The Memo Healesville 
Sat 10 May, 2:30 - 3:30pm 
Tickets $12.50 

Flamenco Dance with live accompaniment 

Learn the basic steps of Flamenco in a family-friendly workshop. Suitable for all ages & abilities. No partner needed. Develop your co-ordination. Cultivate rhythm. 

Dance to live music  

The workshop consists of three sections: 

  • Warm Up – Introduction with Guitar 
  • Demonstration – Dance show with Live Music
  • Have a Go! - learn a short dance routine 

Guitar-Building Workshop with Brend Bunte

The Memo Healesville 
Sun 11 May, 12:00 – 1:00pm 
Free, booking required 

Crafting Your Perfect Instrument

Join us for a 60-minute hands-on workshop exploring the rewarding world of guitar building. Whether you're an aspiring luthier or a guitar enthusiast, this session offers insights and inspiration for creating your own instrument.

  

When

  • Saturday, 10 May 2025 | 10:30 AM - 05:30 PM
  • Sunday, 11 May 2025 | 10:30 AM - 05:30 PM

Location

The Memo Healesville and external, 235 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville, 3777, View Map

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Phone: 1300 368 333

 

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