Workshops | klezmermusicfdn

Klezmer Music & Dance Workshops

The Maxwell Street Klezmer Band presents educational klezmer music and dance workshops, master classes, lectures, presentations and demonstrations for schools, colleges and other forums.

Watch the video below to see the workshops in action:

What Participants Say:

"Members of our band participated in the Maxwell Street Klezmer workshops, at the Blueberry Festival (following the Fart North Fiddle Fest), in Fairbanks, Alaska. We all had such a great time all playing together at the finale session! It was an unexpected bonus to come away with additional Yiddish theater repertoire!

- Juliet Shepherd, Almost A Minyan Klezmer Band

"What terrific fun to play music with these folks! They took a couple dozen amateur instrumentalists, fired us up with enthusiasm, and helped us play with spirit and character. An amazing morning."

- Participant in workshop at Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Congregation

"Alex expertly assessed the abilities of over 20 musicians – from novice to skilled – who had never played together before. By the end of the workshop we were playing as a group; Alex, Don and Gail gave each of us a new challenge or musical gem. What fun! It was a real treat to play with Maxwell Street."

- Participant in workshop at Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Congregation

What Our Instructors Say:

"It was an absolute pleasure to perform for the Fairbanks community and be a part of the Far North Fiddle Fest! We had such a warm and interactive crowd at our Saturday night concert, ready to dive in and sing along on the Yiddish songs, and I particularly enjoyed leading traditional Jewish Eastern European Jewish dances and songs with the workshop participants! Thank you, Far North Fiddle Fest and all who attended!"

- Lisa Fishman, Vocalist

"Everyone—from the organizers to the participants—were very engaged and excited to hear our music. The highlight for me were the presentations for the high school band and chorus groups. The kids were so perceptive. One commented about an instrumental we had just played. She said that the instruments were 'talking to each other in a very human way'—amazing!"
- Gail Mangurten, Pianist

"The Far North Fiddle Fest was organized at the highest level in every way, and served as a great community event. As far as the interest of the audience in our music, my anticipation was exceeded! They listened, participated, and admired the new and different culture (traditional Jewish music and dance) that we brought."

- Alex Koffman, Bandleader & Violinist

Offerings

The workshops can be tailored to the needs of your classroom or audience.

For reference, find photos and recordings from a workshop we held at the Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Congregation at this link: See the Workshop Here.

Lecture: An Illustrated History of Klezmer Music

Maxwell Street Klezmer Band founder Lori Lippitz presents a history of the unique, multi-cultural phenomenon called Klezmer Music in an entertaining and informative lecture punctuated with musical examples from early recordings.

This lecture can also be supplemented with demonstrations by a small ensemble.

Instrumental Master Classes

The musicians and singers give workshops to woodwinds, strings, or general musicians.

Klezmer instrumental technique, ornamentation, improvisation and studying are covered according to the level of the class.

Instructors provide sheet music and recorded examples.

“Shtetl” (Eastern European) and Israeli Dance Workshops

Our dance-leaders teach the steps to simple traditional group dances while a small ensemble plays.

Special Program for Public and Private Schools

The Maxwell Street Klezmer Band demonstrates what klezmer music is, while introducing children to the instruments in the band through rhythm and participation songs. The conclusion of the performance is a lesson in how to dance the hora (circle dance).

The uniqueness of each student’s own ethnic heritage is emphasized in the performance and in educational materials (available in printed form and as a PowerPoint presentation). High school programs are also available.

Klezmer Institute: Week or Weekend

Maxwell Street School Concert Quintet.jpg

Our musicians and dance-leaders conduct hands-on sessions with instrumentalists and vocalists of any age or level. The session(s) culminate with a performance by the students and faculty together with the instructors.

Maxwell Street Klezmer Band was the organizer of The Midwestern Klezmer and Yiddish Music Institute at the Meyer Kaplan JCC in Skokie, IL from 1995-1999.

More options:

Shtetl Dancing: How to Dance to Klezmer Music
Starting your own community klezmer band
Klezmer Violin and String Workshop for all levels and ages
Klezmer Clarinet Workshop for all levels and ages
Singing in Yiddish

For more information, or to schedule your Workshop, call (847) 675-4800.