Bagpipes for (half) advanced - Benoit Verbeiren - Stichting Draailier & Doedelzak

About Mazurka’s

Benoit Verbeiren is a young bagpiper from Belgium who managed to impress us with his playing in Gestrikt Folkband. Benoit teaches at the folk academy and it seemed like a good time for 11 October especially for bagpipe players to delve into the mazurka together. He writes:

“Soft, sultry, intimate, the mazurka may not be the first dance you think of when you think of a bagpipe. Yet even in that shuffling beauty there is a world to discover. On this workshop day, we will dive into the poetry of the mazurka together. We will listen, play, accompany and even create?”

Level of playing

Participants have a good command of the playing pressure, they do not have to think about blowing & pushing and can keep a constant tone. They know all the notes on the shawm (minor, major and playing the higher notes) and can play them fluently and reasonably in tune, you dare to play a few melodies in public. A few years of playing experience is needed to be able to keep up with the melodies that will be learned by ear.
In comparison with our Saturday course: this workshop is intended for approximately the same level as the intermediate to advanced course that Wouter Kuyper currently teaches. Consult with your teacher if necessary.

Registration form

About Benoit Verbeiren

Benoit Verbeiren plays Flemish bagpipes (G/C) and clarinet with Gestrikt Folkband. Gestrikt is a Belgian instrumental balfolk ensemble that performs both as a duo and quintet, they perform a unique blend of Belgian and French traditional music with a modern twist. Benoit won the Game of Drones bagpipe competition and is always looking for innovative ways to get the most out of the bagpipes.