Residencies

Trobár is passionate about introducing students in institutions of higher learning to the medieval period - through study and performance of its artistic cultures, particularly musical, literary, or visual.

U of L - Vocal workshop

Working on troubadour songs in a workshop with voice students at the University of Louisville, 2019

U of L - Guest lecturers

Presenting a lecture in a music history class at the University of Louisville, 2019

Allen Otte

U of L - Vocal workshop

Working on troubadour songs in a workshop with voice students at the University of Louisville, 2019

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Trobár has been ensemble in residence at the University of Louisville (2019) and at Purdue University Fort Wayne (PFW, 2022).

During these residencies, we guest-lectured in music courses for both music majors and non-majors, led discussion in a medieval literature class, taught some basics of medieval pedagogy to a treble choir, held a vocal masterclass/workshop, and performed free public concerts.

With frequent guest collaborator and new music/improvisatory percussionist Allen Otte, we are currently making plans for more residencies in the 2022-23 season. If you're interested in us working with students at your institution, here are the types of classes we could visit and/or activities we could offer for your students:

Trobár's specialities:

Music history

Music appreciation

Medieval literature

Medieval art history

Choirs

Allen's specialities:

Percussion class

Composition

Music education

Large ensembles

Dalcroze Eurythmics

Workshops offered:

Medieval choral workshop - for choirs of all kinds; introduction to some basics of medieval pedagogy, group singing, reading from early sources, etc.

Monophonic song workshop - for voice studios/students; introduction to the world of early vocal repertoires, especially the troubadour and trouvère traditions, with emphasis on methods of approach, textual study, phrasing, ornamentation, accompaniment, etc.

Chant and liturgy - an exploration of musical practices in medieval liturgies with live examples, manuscript study, and cultural context.

Introduction to Eurythmics - integration of Dalcroze with Tai-chi; an hour of movement for musicians.

Performing social justice - composition and performance skills in the service of current societal issues; Allen's work with the National Innocence Project.

Percussion master classes or coachings - ensemble or individual; history of Blackearth and Percussion Group Cincinnati.

Christine de Pizan and courtly love - an examination of 15th c. perspectives on courtly love through close readings of texts by Christine de Pizan and her contemporaries, including musical settings.

Performances offered:

Allen - mini percussion lecture recital

Trobár - Found in Translation

Members of the ensemble are also on the music faculty at Case Western Reserve University and have taught or guest lectured on medieval music at Cleveland State University, Purdue University (Fort Wayne), Fordham University, Fairmont State University ( West Virginia), the Siegal Lifelong Learning Center, and Interlochen Lifelong Arts Learning's Early Music Workshop.

Please contact us if you're interested in us visiting your institution.

"Their passion for and knowledge of medieval art, especially the poems and stories created by women, was impressive."

- Anonymous PFW student

"Their passion for what they do is very clear. I liked that even though it's obvious they're extremely knowledgeable about the music, works, and authors of the time periods they feature in their performances, they were open to discussion and enjoyed hearing different takes on the pieces they perform."

- Anonymous PFW student

"Their visit was definitely a bright spot which boosted my entire day. It was pretty special to have people so intimately familiar with the poetry of the time period and the pieces assigned to class were certainly much more enjoyable to listen to performed by them than they were just to read."

- Anonymous PFW student

"I also was totally impressed at the mastery that came with not only the vocals, but the instruments as well! It was an incredible experience to enjoy the performance during the concert, but having Trobar come to the classroom and get us (more) excited about the things that they were playing helped to add a new element to what we were learning, and having that modern experience with writings and poems from centuries ago was an experience unlike any other."

- Anonymous PFW student

"My students and I learned so much. Your presentation and performance will be remembered as the highlight of the semester ... Your visit and performance brought the artistry of the Middle Ages alive for me and my class in a way that cannot be achieved through reading alone. Thank you so much!"

- Professor Damian Fleming, PFW

"The ensemble performed the arcane and complex repertoire of the medieval period with suavity, sophistication, and passion. The audience was transfixed by the emotional depths and truths from a distant time and place that were embodied and made timely by Trobar's intimate, but virtuosic performance."

- Dr. Melanie Bookout, Professor Emeritus, PFW

"While I was not able to attend in person, it was amazing to hear you guys through my speakers and learn more about the poetry that we are studying. Your instruments were fascinating to me along with their sounds! I truly appreciate all of you for taking time to come and perform a little bit for us!"

- Anonymous student, PFW