Impro Big Band
Thursday 27th & Friday 28th June*
10:00am - 4:00pm (with 1hr lunch break at 1:00pm)
This ADVANCED workshop is open to experienced improvisers performing musical improv at the professional or semi-professional level
NOTE: For balance, we’re now only reserving places in this workshop and showcase for non-male improvisers!
*Ends in a showcase performance on Friday 28th June.
Email us to apply to participate as a musician
Soundpainting is a sign language that is used to compose in real time performances executed by several art disciplines. Created by Walter Thompson and spread around the world, the “Impro Big Band” is derived from the original. In this 2-day workshop you will learn the sign language implemented by the conductor/director, work together as a multi-disciplinary ensemble, and produce rich, poetic, scenes supported by music, theatre, movement, and more. Improv Big Band has been performed in Mexico, Reunion Island, Puerto Rico, and Spain to great acclaim (like at The Big Sing 2023). It is a new way to play, in dialogue with other art forms.
Class Size: 12 improvisers + musicians
Omar Argentino Galván. Globetroter improviser. He is a prominent figure in the Spanish improv scene. He is dedicated to his roles as an improviser, teacher, writer and creator of improv formats. Galván is the author of the Impro Handbook titled 'From the Jump to the Fly' ('Del Salto al Vuelo') and the text 'YES, BUT: Improv at its Crossroads.' His work in classes and on stage is characterized by a personal poetic style, blending elements of magical realism and theatrical narrative—resources seldom utilized in improv theater. Through his relentless Improtour, he has performed on five continents, spanning over forty countries. Galván serves as a bridge builder among improvisers worldwide. He united the world of improv with Soundpainting (by Walter Thompson) playing with singers, dancers, musicians, improvisers, and artists from different disciplines.