LECTURES / MASTER CLASSES
Our Lectures blend insightful information on the subject matter and use illuminating examples of music to underline the content. When possible, the audience is directly engaged by singing, playing percussion, and dancing.
Our Master Classes directly engage students in playing music as well as giving the theory and history behind the pieces presented. Students are taught dances that go with the rhythms to better incorporate them into playing.
Klezmer in America
Discover what Klezmer is, how it came to America, and how it helped shape American popular music.
Klezmer in America
Discover what Klezmer is, how it came to America, and how it helped shape American popular music.
In Klezmer in America, students discover what Klezmer is, how it came to America, and how it helped shape American popular music. The story comes to life via the engaging examples of Klezmer tunes chosen to underline the spoken content.
Students will learn how Big Band leaders like Benny Goodman incorporated Klezmer into America’s unique musical style, Swing.
For those who enjoy direct involvement, folks can drum along on band-supplied percussion and the band will lead folks through a Klezmer dance or two.
The Long Road
Follow the shared path of two historically wandering cultures: the Roma (popularly known as “gypsies”) and the Jews.
The Long Road
Follow the shared path of two historically wandering cultures: the Roma (popularly known as “gypsies”) and the Jews.
Living, interactive culture
Awareness of the world, society, and history all increase when the Hi-Dukes introduce folks to the traditional music and dance of over twenty cultures, such as those of the Balkan lands.
Gorgeous musical scales like Hijaz and Sabach ride on the asymmetrical rhythms of the Balkans while the Hi-Dukes play traditional ethnic instruments, like the Bulgarian end-blown flute, Greek baglama, Middle-eastern drums, and world-famous ocarina alongside the violin, mandolin, and guitar. Vocals are sung with up to three-part harmonies.
Audience members learn dances, sing simple songs in non-English languages, and drum along on the band’s percussion.
Unique instrumentation
This may be the only Klezmer band in the world using a Kaval (end-blown Bulgarian Flute) as a main instrument! The core instrumentation also includes Mandolin, Violin, Guitar, (both Balkan drums) and Percussion along with two vocalists. From there you may choose additional musicians including a saxophonist, a bassist, and other instrument options.
Most of our musicians are multi-instrumentalists, a fact which allows the band to create an ever changing color, but whatever the sound, every number grabs attention, gets feet tapping, urging folks to dance.
Band size can range from a powerful, budget-pleasing duet or trio up to a slamming six-piece band that will energize the largest crowd. Whatever size you choose, you’ll get the right size band to match your interests and budget!
Klezmer and Sephardic music for the world
The Ensemble M’chaiya* gives substance to the meaning of its name by playing it your way! If you don’t see what you are looking for, contact us! Our presentations are very flexible and customizable.
Whether in America, Canada, or Europe, whether on a major festival stage or in a home for an intimate private party (as well as anything in between), the band’s high quality music, distinctive sound, attention to details that are important to you, and reasonable prices will be a ”life giving pleasure” for you.
* In Yiddish, “m’chaiya” means “A life-giving pleasure”
Flexible and affordable
We are happy to customize our programs to fit your interests and to adjust the band’s size to your budget and needs.
