To allow students to develop a deeper understanding of a non-Western musical tradition from a musician’s conceptual and performance perspective and to present realized performances in a public setting. The African Drum Ensemble is a performance ensemble that concentrates on the percussive music of Ghana and other Sub-Saharan African countries. The ensemble will use authentic instruments to explore several styles of music that includes, but is not limited to, music primarily intended for dance and ritual. As in much African music, improvisation plays an important role, as well as the conceptualization and practice of interlocking rhythms. As this is a performance-based class, the most important contribution of the student is their attendance. Music notation reading skills are not required, but memorization of rhythmic patterns is essential. Basic techniques will be taught, and outside rehearsal is encouraged.
- Teacher: Justin Balcor
- Teacher: Robert Seebacher