Ann Alexander: Percussion

Ann started her musical training in elementary school playing cello, which she continued to play through high school and for several years thereafter. However, when she discovered international folk dancing in college, the fascinating world of Scandinavian, Balkan and Middle Eastern music suddenly opened up. About the same time, she enherited a doumbek and a davul from a friend. Before she knew it, a growing interest in percussion led her to start playing these drums, although she never gave up stringed instruments entirely and had already switched from cello to fiddle.

Learning the rich and varied rhythms present in Balkan and Middle Eastern music has proven to be an enjoyable and highly addictive habit! Besides the 1001 Nights Orchestra, Ann plays with the Annoying Instrument Orchestra, various incarnations of Slavadillo, and occasionally with a local contra-dance band. She also performs regularly with the Csardas Hungarian Dancers of Austin.