Bagpipes advanced to more advanced – Toon van Mierlo (Be)

Toon wrote
“The bagpipes are simply the most beautiful instrument on earth, everyone knows that… but the road to all that beauty requires some technique and perseverance.

In this advanced bagpipe course, we examine the technical side, look for ways to improve yourself, stay creative and make every bagpipe moment a pleasure. So don’t expect to learn a difficult melody (you’re better off doing that at home), but do expect technical exercises, ear training, creative exercises, all kinds of things that can sometimes be a bit frustrating and difficult, but are also very enriching… And expect regular bursts of laughter. If you are interested in a pleasant group dynamic and are open to new people and new ideas, then you are very welcome.

Level of Playing

Participants are from advanced to very advanced level. They have been playing intensively for several years and have previously followed advanced workshops, for example. They should be able to overblow without any problems. They can play all notes on the bagpipes without any problems (both minor and major) and can effortlessly keep the bag under pressure. They have followed several bagpipe courses or internships and have no problem learning a melody. Workshop is given in English.
In comparison with our Saturday course: this level is not taught in Zeist.

Maximum amount of participants: 12

Toon van Mierlo

Toon van Mierlo is a musical jack-of-all-trades, bird lover, child of 8 in his head and music is one big playground for him. He is probably best known for Naragonia. With this duo he played together with Pascale Rubens, his wife, at many festivals, concerts and balls throughout Europe and they gave many workshops or internships. Toon plays besides bagpipes also many other instruments such as accordion, flute, saxophone etc… He played in many formations (Gôze, Fluxus, Embrun, Amorroma….) and is now mainly active in Novar and Hot Griselda. In recent years he also makes a lot of music for theater pieces.

Listen to Toon van Mierlo:
• Naragonia – Hellebore / Too late to sleep
• Naragonia – 20th anniversary concert
• Naragonia – Gozar
• Naragonia quartet – Astor
• Hot Griselda Broken Doll – Sandpipers
• Hot Griselda – Live at Studio Trad
• Hot Griselda – Roll on, Roll off
• Novar – La Bande Des Volcans
• Novar – Bourrée 2 temps
• Novar – Tom & Jerry
• Tal en Thee – Boom
• Tal en Thee – Wars
• Naragonia Quartet – Lapwings & crossbills
• Naragonia Quartet – Lilac/ Dave the Watchman
• Naragonia Quartet – Naya
• Naragonia Quartet – Live at Funambals 2019
• Naragonia – Darius