Breath of Life
A five day Flute–Making Journey in the Heart of the Peruvian Andes with Master Artisan Omar La Rosa
WHAT:
A five day immersion in the art of flute-making, where you'll craft bamboo flutes by hand, learn the cultural and spiritual significance of these instruments, and connect with a variety of natural materials to bring them to life .
WHEN:
October 1-7
OPENING CEREMONY:
October 2nd, 9am
CLOSING CEREMONY:
tbd
WHERE:
The Sacred Valley, Peru
Hotel TBA
Contact Adrian DiMatteo with any questions:
Email: info@sonicinstitute.com
Whatsapp: +16469618618
“He who works with his hands is a laborer.
He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman.
He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist.”
—Saint Francis of Assissi
Instruments
Receive direct transmission and guidance from Omar la Rosa—Maestro of instrument creation—to create your own flutes, including:
MAMAQUENA
The ‘mother of the quena’ is among the most ancient instrument designs in the world. As an edge-blown flute, it requires a unique mouth position (embouchure) from other varieties of Native American flutes. You will learn to play and construct this expressive instrument.
FLAUTA DE LOS ABUELOS
Omar’s father Tito la Rosa says, “[The flute of the grandfathers] is not for performance — it can be used for that, but that is not its function or nature. The abuelo flute produces harmonics which you construct with a circular breath. I’ve heard it used to make music for entertainment. That’s ok, but that is not its nature. Its nature is to release harmonics, and the harmonics go up to the Creator. It is a flute with history.”
The creation of this flute will be one to connect with the prayer of the ancestors.
Siku (Sikuri)
We will construct three forms of Sikuris using bamboo, feathers and ceramics. Then we will practice with our instruments to learn how to dialogue with them. This musical dialogue is an interrelation—first with yourself, with your inner music, and after with another—as you construct music through the dialogue.
“Bamboo, like us, is a channel body. It allows the flow of vibration and transforms us into sound. It is filed on the inside and cleaned on the outside. Bamboo is our mirror, our master.”
— Omar la Rosa
Ceremonies
Another important aspect of this retreat will be the ceremonies. You will experience several types of ceremonies, and through these ceremonies gain a deeper understanding of the connections between the creation of these instruments, the elements, and indigenous cosmology.
BAPTISM OF THE FLUTES
Sacralization is the process of making something sacred through intention and ritual action. In Andean cosmology, the flutes are living beings, accompanying the musician throughout life and even beyond. We will pilgrimage to a freshwater spring to perform a baptism of the flutes we create.
SWEAT LODGE (optional)
The sweat lodge is a beautiful ceremony practiced in many forms by various indigenous traditions. In general, the ceremony is revered for its powers of purification and healing, which can improve mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. Facilitating this ceremony requires years of training within a tradition. Protocols for the ceremony will be discussed at the time of application.
Your Guide
OMAR LA ROSA
Luthier and Sikuri
Omar is a musician and a master craftsman of musical instruments made from wood and bamboo. He is a practitioner of traditional Andean music. As a sikuri, he has been a guide for different cultural troops (ancestral music troupe from the highlands). He will guide us in this retreat through the creation of these instruments along with teaching us songs on the Sikuri.
Meals & Accommodations
Vegetarian meals and accommodations are included in the cost of this retreat.
*Flights to Cusco and transportation to and from the hotel are not included in the cost of the retreat.*
Pricing
Sliding Scale
Early bird until May 1st. Eight Spaces available.
$1850-$2400
Your contributions support the work of the traditions. If you are experiencing financial abundance and would like to contribute more, your contributions can help make it possible for others who might not otherwise be able to receive this experience, and to support the work of the Sonic Institute and it’s collaborators.
$500 deposit to register