THE BIG WEEK 26
TAKE YOUR TICKETS : https://pierrot.io/matters-collective/la-grosse-semaine-2026/en
The Big Week 2026
July 4-11 – An intensive week of summer workshops
We are delighted to offer you the third edition of La Grosse Semaine (The Big Week).
On the program: six days and seven nights to make music together in a warm and festive group atmosphere, with, for the first time this year, a public performance at the end of the week on July 10th!
We offer four different workshops:
1. Percussion – Rhythm with Signs (4 different levels)
2. Multi-Instrument – Rhythm with Signs (Prerequisite required)
3. Singing and Rhythm with Signs (Prerequisite required)
4. World Rhythms on the Cajón: Afro-Peruvian, Flamenco, and Maloya
Where ?
Morsehan 1, 6830 Bouillon
When ?
Arrival: Saturday, July 4 at 4:30 pm
Workshop: Sunday, July 5 to Friday, July 10
Departure: Saturday, July 11 before noon
What ?
1. Percussion – Rhythm with Signs
In percussion, we offer 4 different levels: Tempo – Upbeat – Groove and Repique.
PERCUSSION – TEMPO LEVEL
For students with little or no experience in Signed Rhythm. This workshop aims to discover the magic of the universal gestural language of Signed Rhythm, while practicing percussion in a group setting. Participants will benefit from an intuitive approach to rhythm, integrated with the body and movement. Signed Rhythm is practiced in a complementary way, using percussion instruments. In group communication, the director will use only signs that do not require advanced theoretical explanations. They can address individual needs for more complex functions in private.
PERCUSSION – UPBEAT LEVEL
Between Tempo and Groove, participants continue the rhythmic work begun in Tempo, but without reviewing everything from the beginning. The idea is to integrate the material and feel truly comfortable and confident with it. In group communication, the director uses only hand signals that don’t require advanced theoretical explanations. They can address individual needs for more complex functions in private. This level allows participants to reinforce the necessary skills to progress to Groove.
PERCUSSION – GROOVE LEVEL
For students who already have a good understanding of Signed Rhythm (minimum 2 years of regular practice with high motivation). This workshop aims to address the most complex signs of Signed Rhythm, to refine speed and playing technique, and to develop listening skills, autonomy, and collaboration within sections.
PERCUSSION – INTERMEDIATE LEVEL
This workshop aims to develop mastery of Signed Rhythm in its details and to explore advanced musical concepts, requiring a theoretical approach, a basic knowledge of musical notation, and a good level of percussion skill. We will also work on unequal, asymmetrical, and triple rhythms, as well as rhythmic layering.
2. Multi-Instrument – Rhythm with Signs
PREQUIREMENTS: Proficiency on your instrument, a basic understanding of harmony, knowledge of basic chord and interval theory, and the ability to listen attentively to the moment and the music.
For this workshop, we will create an ensemble where participants are invited to bring their own instruments: drums, bass, guitar, vocals, clarinet, etc.
This workshop aims to create a multi-instrument ensemble that explores signed rhythm, not on percussion, but on your own instrument. We will work on rhythm, instant composition, improvisation, and all the harmonic concepts based on the gestural language of signed rhythm.
To create a group of similar skill levels, there are limited tickets per instrument.
3. Singing and Rhythm with Signs (Prerequisite required)
We are fortunate to welcome Aixa Figini (ARG) for this Signed Rhythm and Singing workshop.
The workshop will be conducted in English. Aixa also speaks Spanish and Portuguese. Specific elements may be translated into French.
Aixa Figini is an Argentinian singer, musicologist, producer, and teacher. She has taught singing and vocal technique in Argentina and has participated in numerous projects as a singer of tango, Argentinian folk music, Latin American music, and vocal improvisation in Buenos Aires and London, where she lived for several years.
Passionate about the creative possibilities of musical improvisation, she has studied the Signed Rhythm (Ritmo con Señas) system of directed improvisation created by the Argentinian percussionist Santiago Vázquez and is a member of several rhythm and improvisation ensembles using this language. She is also a certified trainer (2018) by the international organization Musicians Without Borders, which specializes in the use of music as a tool for community creation and social cohesion.
She has lived in Lisbon since 2018, where she develops several musical projects as an artist, artistic director, and producer. Among these, she directs the all-female vocal improvisation ensemble CIRCULAR, performs with her Latin American music group, and regularly leads vocal improvisation and singing workshops.
Learn more: www.circularvoices.com
The workshop is based on the Signed Rhythm method. This gestural language allows for real-time improvisation direction, with the aim of creating original musical compositions and soundscapes in a playful and creative way.
During the workshop, participants will engage in rhythmic games and exercises, using voice or body percussion, and will learn traditional songs and rhythms from around the world to expand their musical repertoire during improvisations.
Prerequisites: For those who are used to singing or have already participated in a singing workshop.
4. World Rhythms on the Cajón: Afro-Peruvian, Flamenco, and Maloya
This workshop offers a progressive exploration of traditional rhythms from three musical cultures: Afro-Peruvian, flamenco, and maloya, with the cajón as the common thread. The work will focus on rhythmic foundations, placement, listening skills, and ensemble playing.
The cajón, the central instrument of this workshop, is explored through three different traditions: Afro-Peruvian, flamenco, and maloya.
Each tradition allows participants to explore specific grooves, characteristic rhythmic cycles, and their unique energy, while developing their playing skills, listening abilities, and musicality.
To enrich the experience and recreate the atmosphere of a traditional percussion ensemble, the workshop will also incorporate the fundamentals of various instruments: congas, quijada, campana, cajita, bongos, palmas, kayamb, sati, and piker. These percussion instruments are essential for interacting with the cajón, supporting it, and adding color to the music.
The work focuses on rhythmic awareness, the interplay of percussive voices, and the joy of playing together. This workshop is for curious percussionists, beginners or intermediate players, eager to expand their rhythmic vocabulary and explore different traditions, while deepening their relationship with the cajón.
WORKSHOP FEES
The course fee is €360 for 6 days.
ACCOMMODATION/MEALS
The cost of accommodation in the dormitory is €105 for 7 nights. A €30 deposit is required at the start of the workshop. This deposit guarantees the good condition of your room and will be refunded at the end of the workshop.
The cost of camping with internet access is €35 for 7 nights. This is a designated area near the dormitory. We provide an electrical hookup there. Sanitary facilities are located in the dormitory.
Places in the dormitory and at the campsite are limited.
The cost of meals at the restaurant is €245 for 20 meals (3 per day + first evening + last morning).
A link to book your accommodation and meals will be sent to you in the confirmation email you received upon registration for one of the workshops. Didn’t receive this email? No worries! Just send us an email at ateliers@sysmo.be
Schedule
Workshop: 9 am – 12 pm / 2 pm – 5 pm
Meals: Noon: 12 pm / Dinner: 7 pm
Parties: 9 pm – 2 am
Instructors
Aixa Figini
Guillaume Codutti
Geoffrey Desmet
Dennis Vercauteren
Jérôme Castin
Issam Labbene
Romain Duyckaerts
Partners
Bouillon Academy of Music
TAKE YOUR TICKETS : https://pierrot.io/matters-collective/la-grosse-semaine-2026/en