Texas Tech explores many different cultures in their School of Music. From classes teaching classical composition to Mariachi bands, the School of Music offer a range of opportunities. Also housed within their walls is a Balkan Ensemble, which contains compositions that are based on the Southeastern area of Europe.
Tech’s Balkan Ensemble hosted a recital in the Kent R. Hance Chapel from 8-9 p.m. on Monday, showcasing their different genre of music in their performance.
Emily Kaytaz, a senior studying music from Fort Worth, is a first-year member of the ensemble.
“It’s cool because you’re used to hearing such normal western music sound all the time. So getting yourself out of that and play standard classical music with the Balkan music. It really made me listen more,” Kaytaz said.
The repertoire for the ensemble’s recital consisted of traditional Bulgarian, Arabic, Turkish, Armenian and Austrian music.
The ensemble was founded in 2012, and their first performance was in 2013. This recital marked the 10-year anniversary of the ensemble, which gave them the idea to bring back a traditional Latvian all-girl choir song called Tec Peleite, which was performed in their first appearance.
With Tec Peleite requiring four singers, the accompaniment was also helping bring out the singers’ voices. With no particular instrumentation, the ensemble consisted of classical instruments such as flute, bassoon, tin whistle, accordion, percussion, clarinet, cello, guitar, bass clarinet and trumpet.
Roger Landes, director of the Balkan Ensemble and associate director of the Vernacular Music program at Tech, keeps his doors and expertise open for all.
“Anybody who plays, whether they’re in the school of music or not, is welcome to come and talk to us about joining Balkan band. We’re open to all instruments at all levels,” Landes said.
Using nontraditional instruments such as a cümbüş, most similar to a banjo, and a lyra, known as a traditional Crete guitar, and more, the ensemble shares a unique experience and foreign culture with its audience.
Emma Davis, a freshman studying music education as a violist, thought the ensemble gave her an experience she would never have had if not for her enrollment at Tech.
“It’s really different. I haven’t heard anything like it and especially with the school music it’s a lot of classical music, obviously. I mean, you hear some jazz or mariachi or something, but something like a Balkan ensemble is really unique and interesting,” Davis said.
The ensemble will perform again in April with a new repertoire, composition and more flair to add to the group, Landes said. More information on the Balkan Ensemble and its upcoming performances and auditions can be found on the Tech School of Music website as it becomes available.
Source : The Daily Toreador
