Balkan Brass Workshop for Holiday Break 2026 (late december)

note: the first-published tentative date for this was Dec 28th, but this conflicts with the excellent monthly Klezmer Jam Session hosted by the lovely and talented Casco Bay tummlers. New date (but still tentative) will be the 29th.
the Huddled Masses Orchestra is Maine's only Serbian Brass Band. we are a 12-piece band, and we love the sound of Balkan music - minor keys, odd meters, and a history dating back to the Ottoman Empire.
We want to grow the expertise among brass players of Maine who want to learn this repertoire and approach to small brass ensemble playing. the best way is to gather interested parties and go at it.
We don't have a final date or location, but sometime over Christmas holiday break we will do a one-day workshop in the Portland area. we will focus on elements of "bel Canto" styling found in the music; how to feel the beat in 9/8 and 7/8 rhythm; and the mysteries of the Makam.
While we are getting organized, please do add your name to the "interested" category so as to be reachable when we get more of the plan together.