FA/MUSI 1097 3.00
West African Drum Ensemble: Mande
Explores traditional repertoire from the Mande jembe and dundun traditions (emphasizing the Malinke tradition of Guinea) with the goals of good ensemble performance and obtaining an understanding and appreciation of social values, contexts and customs. Work focuses upon developing drum technique for proper tone production, in addition to the techniques required to play other percussion instruments in a given ensemble. Students learn all instrumental parts within the multi-part matrices of traditional repertoire. Songs are learned in their original Mande languages; the meaning of the text is discussed in the context of the performance practice and its broader cultural significance. Dances are learned and coordinated with both song and instrumental playing, as is integral to the Mande performance practice.