MUSIC FROM AROUND THE WORLD!

Unit 1 - AFRICA

Where are we going?

You are here!

Sub-Saharan Africa

Islamic Africa (North East Africa) is influenced by Middle Eastern culture

*Hundreds (if not thousands) of cultural groups

*Dozens of musical styles within EACH cultural group!

General Characteristics of Music

Oral/Aural tradition (“rote” learning of history) Use of a “Leader” or soloist in all styles DANCE is used to communicate: Improvisation, patterns.

Music can be: Sacred, Functional, or Entertainment Art maintains balance of humans and nature - ceremony Drums represent power and connection to supernatural “living newspapers”, work songs, litigation songs Learning tools – children’s songs Little to no separation of “audience” and “performers” Used for social gatherings (“parties”)

Singing

Melody in middle voice

Improvised harmonies -forms triads

Call and Response

Barred Instruments

Melody in middle voice

Five to twenty bars

Resonated with wood or gourd (beneath bars) -Sometimes played over a pit.

Drumming

Layered

Polyrhythmic

Seemingly complex

Dancing

Whole body engaged – high energy

Head motion very dramatic

Frequent jumps/steps

Repetitive Patterns

Examples

Mali, Zimbabwe and South Africa (to emphasize variety in cultures)

Make note of everything we’ve discussed as you watchthe example movies!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UH6yC7GjqZk&feature=player_popout

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bboJsFVa58

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDJPQ0ilaRU

Connect to American History:“Take Time In Life”

From Liberia

Sung in English (Why?)

Liberia was “founded” by the United States in the early 1800s as a home for freed slaves.

Capitol of Liberia is:MONROVIA

5th U.S. President James Monroe (1817-1825) sent freed slaves there to prevent rebellion in southern states!

Notes for reference, NOT learning!

Remember, Music is learned by rote!