We continued working on the Balkan tune, which comprised learning melody as well as the rhythm of the chords in the accompaniment. The accompaniment a 7/8 figure which presented a challenge to the group for two reasons. Firstly, because the 7/8 rhythm is not commonly encountered in classical music and secondly because we had to learn the rhythm by ear and commit it memory. I felt I was able to learn the accompaniment and melody with relative ease because of my previous experience of playing by ear in other ensembles. However, I feel I am struggling at times to communicate my ideas within the group setting. Joe also taught us the traditional fiddle tune 'Kitchen Girls' which is simpler than the Balkan tune as far as notes are concerned, although I feel it will take a while before the more relaxed bowing style can be competently conveyed. At this stage we haven't considered how to fit both pieces of music into a coherent programme for the concert. We learnt a clapping game/dance associated with the tune which helped accustom us to the musical style. This led to Simon Purcell teaching us how to Morris Dance, which was interesting and not something I ever would have done otherwise... but I guess taking us out of our comfort zone's part of the point of coLab.
We continued working with Simon Purcell in the afternoon session which proved beneficial. He helped us to internalise the Balkan 7/8 rhythm so that we felt it with our whole body and it became second nature.
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