Snake workshop

Stephan Berger, a designer and craftsman specializing in leatherwork, lives in the Franches-Montagnes. In 2005, he met Michel Godard, jazz musician and snake virtuoso, who was looking for a craftsman to cover a wooden snake in leather.
Stephan Berger set to work, and was soon fascinated by the instrument. He works with instrument maker Matthias Wetter, and together they develop a replica of a historic instrument from the collection of the Musée de la Musique in Paris. He also meets Rainer Weber, a renowned restorer and instrument maker, and refines his knowledge. He develops new mouthpieces, perfects a lighter version of the carbon-fiber snake, and builds a smaller snake in F, inspired by the virtuoso Volny Hostiou.

To promote the snake in the 21st century, Stephan Berger and Michel Godard have created the Serpent Journey, a workshop-seminar held every two years at Les Bois, in the Jura mountains. The next edition will take place from April 21 to 24, 2016. The course will be led by Michel Godard, Patrick Wibart, Volny Hostiou and David Partouche, and will cover the discovery of the snake, work on the repertoires of the instrument past and present, and work on diminution and improvisation. A workshop will be devoted to free improvisation, led by Günter "Baby" Sommer. The latter will be open to snakes and other instruments. A concert will take place on Sunday morning at the Café du Soleil in Saignelégier.

Find out more: serpents.ch/3eme/?lang=en