Advanced African Ensemble

MUCM 3617-510 and MUEN 5617

Instructor: Gideon Foli Alorwoyie

Office Hours: MW – 1:00-2:00 p.m. (or by Appointment)

Office: MU-113 – Phone: (940) 565-4113

Course Description:

Introducing different West African traditional music, rhythms, and languages. Emphasis on the northern and southern part of Ghana, West Africa, to explore the recreational, ritual, harvest, and ceremonial music of the west coast of Africa. Also to learn rhythm notation in some special cultural events in the community social music and dance.

Course Objectives:

  1. To familiarize the student with traditional West African instruments, rhythms, and songs.
  2. To give the student practical experience in the performance of West African music in both studio and concert settings.
  3. To acquaint the student with the development and social significance of the various pieces performed in class.

Material to be Covered:

The instrumental techniques and performance practices involved in the performance of West African dance pieces: Dagbamba, Tokoe, Gadzo, and Atsiagbekor.

Grade Evaluation:

Grades will be based on:

  1. Attendance
  2. Classroom participation
  3. One written exam on drum symbols and syllables, instruments and their uses, and the background of each music and dance
  4. An individual practical exam on the various rhythms studied in class

Recommended Reading:

Although no text is required for this course, the student is encouraged to supplement the classroom instruction with outside readings. The following books are highly recommended:

Chernoff, John Miller. African Rhythm and African Sensibility: Aesthetics and Social Action in African Musical Idioms. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1979.

Nketia, J. H. Kwabens. The Music of Africa. New York: W.W. Norton, 1974.

Tentative Course Outline

Advanced African Ensemble

MUCM 3617-510/511 and MUEN 5617-511

Instructor: Gideon Foli Alorwoyie

Office Hours: MW – 1:00-2:00 p.m. (or by Appointment)

Office: MU-113 – Phone: (940) 565-4113

Advanced introduction to basic concepts of African ensemble playing:

  1. Students will participate in four ensembles. Instruction will involve discussion and practicals.
  2. Students will learn individual rhythms according to scheduled sessions.
  3. There will be some overlapping as additional parts are introduced.
  4. Full ensemble playing of each ensemble will begin during the time the final ensemble parts are introduced.

Sessions 1-8: Dagbamba

Introduction to Dagbamba instrumentation and dances:

Students are to learn names and spelling of Dagbamba ensemble instruments (Lunga,

Gungon) and dances (Damba, Konadalia, Takai, andNakohi-waa)

Dagbamba practicals in Sessions 1-8:

  1. Damba
  2. Damba
  3. Kondalia
  4. Kondalia
  5. Takai
  6. Takai
  7. Nakohi-waa

Sessions 9-16: Takoe

Introduction to Ga-Adangbe instrumentation and Tokoe:

Students are to learn names and spelling of Tokoe ensemble instruments (using Ewe

ensemble): Gankogui, Axatse, Kagan, Kidi, Sogo, and Atsimewu

Tokoe Practicals in Sessions 9-16:

  1. Gankogui and Axatse
  2. Gankogui and Axatse
  3. Gankogui, Axatse, Kagan, and Kidi introduction
  4. Kagan, Kidi introduction
  5. Kidi and Sogo intruduction
  6. Sogo
  7. Atsimewu introduction
  8. Atsimewu introduction and Tokoe ensemble

Tentative Course Outline

MUCM 3617-511 and MUEN 5617-511 – African Ensemble – Spring 2012

Page 2

Sessions 17-22: Gadzo

Introduction to Ewe instruments and Gadzo:

Students are to learn names and spelling of Gota ensemble instruments: Gankogui, Axatse,

Kagan, Kidi, and Atsimewu

Gadzo Practicals in Sessions 17-22:

  1. Gankogui and Axatse
  2. Gankogui and Axatse
  3. Gankogui, Axatse, Kagan, and Kidi Introduction; Kagan and Kidi introduction
  4. Kagan and Kidi introduction
  5. Kidi and Sogo introduction
  6. Kidi and Gadzo ensemble

Sessions 23-30: Atsiagbekor

Students are to learn names and spelling of Atsiagbekor ensemble instruments: Gankogui, Axatse, Kagan,

Kidi, Krobodzi, Kroboto, and Atsimewu

Atsiagbekor Practicals in Sessions 23-30:

  1. Gankogui and Axatse
  2. Gankogui and Axatse
  3. Gankogui, Axatse, Kagan, and Kidi introduction
  4. Kagan and Kidi introduction
  5. Kidi, Kroboto introduction, Krobodzi introduction
  6. Kidi, Kroboto introduction, Krobodzi introduction
  7. Atsimewu introduction and Atsiagbekor ensemble
  8. Atsimewu introduction and Atsiagbekor ensemble

Session 31:

Review (in-class performance) of semester’s work