So I'm looking forward to Lilies and what to do there. I'm not certain exactly how much time I'll be able to be there, though the weekends and evenings look pretty certain. With that in mind, the only class I'm certain to run is a playing workshop that focuses on ensemble skills. The workshop will be open to all skill levels and there's stuff people can practice on their own from now to then.

The second thing I'll offer is using different filled versions of rhythms. Most ME rhythms are fairly basic structures and get filled in to some degree when played. There's no rule that only specific versions have to be played, therefor there's no reason to play the same version every time the rhythm gets played.

Take baladi, for example. The common version of baladi is what I call the Devil's Baladi, simply because it's played waaaay too much. WHat are other options, you ask? Good question!

First, the basic baladi (masmoudi saghir, the small masmoudi): D-D- --T- D--- T---
--The Devil's Baladi: D-D- tkT- D-tk T-tk
--An alternative: DkD- t-Tk Dkt- T-tk
--Another: DkD- tkT- Dkt- T-tk
--Another: D-Dk t-T- D-tk T-k-

They're all filled leads for baladi. They also sound and feel different and help keep it fresh.

And the base rhythms played can also vary. Again, we'll use baladi.
One base: D-D- --T- D--- T--- (yes, the basic structure)
Another: D-D- --T- D-k- T-k-
Another: D-D- k-T- D-k- T-k- (a walking version)
Another: D-D- ---- D--- T---

Take some of your favorite rhythms, work up some variations on a base, then variations on a filled lead. Lather, rinse, repeat.