UW Ethnomusicology: World Music Performance Opportunities

MUSAP 389/589: ZIM-MARIMBA

Participants in the UW Zim-Marimba Ensemble experience musical styles and characteristics of Zimbabwean music through performance. Weekly classes offer an introduction to Zimbabwean-style marimbas, including traditional and contemporary forms which are learned by ear (rather than through a process of reading standard Western notation). Participants become familiar with techniques and styles that are commonly found in U.S.-based community, professional and school marimba ensembles, and attention is also directed to popular and influential musicians who have helped to develop and disseminate these styles. No prior experience is necessary.

MUSEN 411/511: GAMELAN

Gamelan ensembles are largely, but not exclusively, comprised of gongs and keyed percussion instruments. Although many such ensembles are found throughout Southeast Asia, gamelan are primarily associated with musical cultures on the Indonesian islands of Java, Madura, Bali, and Lombok. There are many different kinds of gamelan ensembles, many styles of playing, and many distinct repertoires. This class is an introduction primarily to the basic performance practices of one type of gamelan from one part of Indonesiathe regency of Malang in the cultural region of east Java. No prior study is necessary.

MUSEN 410: STEELBAND

The UW Steelband course includes classes for both beginning and experienced students to perform on MUSEN 100B: GOSPEL CHOIR pans (instruments fashioned from steel drums and The UW Gospel Choir is a non-auditioned group of developed on the island of Trinidad). Students learn singers. The class meets once a week on Monday steelband repertoire and performing techniques, as well evenings and looks at Gospel Music chiefly from the African American perspective. The class objective is to as other percussion, in a variety of Caribbean and Latin offer an opportunity to experience in performance the American music styles, including calypso, soca, reggae, and salsa. The beginning class, open to all UW powerful gospel choral sound. Participants sing in students, offers the opportunity to develop basic traditional voice settings (Soprano, Alto, Tenor and performance skills on pan through rote teaching and Bass) and the choir is usually accompanied by learning. The experienced class includes a focus on keyboard, bass guitar, and percussion instruments. public performance, introduces music notation, and allows students to broaden their repertoire.