Current News from The Basque Block

Txantxangorriak adds Txalaparta to Repertoire

Since April, 2001, Txantxangorriak has been teaching Trikitixak (button accordian) and Panderoa (tambourine) to its members that range in age from 3 years old to, well, older than 3. Gina Ansotegui-Urquidi, Ana Mendiola, and Dan Ansotegui organized the group after seeing a music group from the Basque Country at Jaialdi 2000. Wanting to continue the music aspect of Basque culture, they, with the help of Euskaldunak, Inc. purchased 8 trikitixa from an accordian dealer in Seattle. Since then, they have grown from only 7 triki students and 6 pandareta students, to more than 18 triki players and 8 pandareta players, instructed by Dan Ansotegui, trikitixa and Sean Aucutt, Pandero.

Now they will be adding the Txalaparta to the repertoire with the help of Spencer Martin Basterrechea, assistant director of the BSU Blue Thunder Marching Band. The txalaparta is a Basque percussion instrument made of a pair of long wooden boards held up horizontally on two ends and then beat vertically with special thick drum sticks, makilak, held upright in the hands.

Everyone looks forward to seeing a new an unique instument added to the already fun and entertaining group.

The group practices at the Basque Center on Tuesday nights from 6 to 7pm, just before Boiseko Gazteak, the young dance group, practices. If you or someone you know may be interested in learing any of the instruments, or you would like to know more about the group and their performances, contact Ana Mendiola at 322-8982.

Contact: Ana Mendiola (mendi@spro.net)