Welcome to the beating heart of the EU-CODE (European Co-Creation in Diversity) project. For one week, Rome transformed into a living laboratory of rhythm and innovation, hosting our very first artistic residency: Body Percussion Integration.
This was not just a masterclass, but a true journey of co-creation that united 30 artists from Italy, Hungary, and Spain. The goal? To explore how body percussion can merge with the wind orchestra repertoire, transforming the musician into a total instrument.
🎶 The Experience: Between Academic Rigor and Experimentation
The residency operated on a dual track: applied research and intensive practice. We deconstructed and reconstructed the concept of orchestral performance through sessions led by industry experts:
- The Fundamentals: We started with Antonio Pelizza (Santa Cecilia Conservatory), who laid the methodological foundations for the week.
- BAPNE Method: With clarinetist and trainer Salvatore di Russo, we worked on the connections between rhythm, cognitive stimulation, and psychomotricity.
- Analysis and Co-Creation: Maestro Antonio Fraioli guided us through score analysis (including his piece “La Colombina”), using the body to internalize phrasing and dynamics.
- Orchestration: Thanks to Prof. Gianfilippo Pocorobba, we discovered how body percussion can deconstruct and illuminate the timbral density of the orchestra.
- Composition: Composer Roberto Granata showed us how to integrate these techniques directly into musical writing, with examples drawn from his arrangements of Verdi and Respighi.
🤝 Beyond the Score: The Rhythm of Community
Alongside the academic sessions, the residency thrived on vibrant and informal “peer-to-peer” moments, essential for cementing the group:
- Rhythm Machine & Mirror Dialogues: Exercises in group cohesion and non-verbal communication.
- Intercultural Meetings: We used our personal sounds and musical histories to break down linguistic barriers.
- Composition Lab: A final creative challenge where participants composed and performed their own short rhythmic pieces.
🚀 The Results
What do we take home from these intense days?
- A new repertoire integrating orchestral writing and body percussion techniques.
- Advanced educational protocols to renew wind orchestra teaching practices.
- A European network of professionals that is more solid and close-knit than ever.
This residency concretely demonstrated that cultural diversity is a generative force for musical innovation.
EU-CODE 