MUS 233(F) African Music: Interdisciplinary Studies (Same as Africana Studies 250 and INTR 287)*
This course examines African music from an interdisciplinary perspective that may include musical, historical, religious, sociological, dance, or psychological studies. It also integrates music (or dance) performance with academic study. The goals of the course are to understand the synergy amongst music, dance, and religion in Africa and its diaspora and to integrate academic study with the performance of music and dance. Themes and geographical focus may change from year to year, and the course may be taken more than once.
In 2007-08 we will explore two case studies comparing and/or contrasting religious music and dance in Zimbabwe and Ghana. Students will meet for class discussions during academic class hours as well as participate in separate labs/rehearsals and concerts with the Zambezi Marimba Band. Concert dates TBA.
Students will participate in two kinds of performance activities: 1) the opportunity to sing, play mbira dza vadzimu (the mbira of the ancestor spirits), marimba, and hosho (rattle) with Cosmas Magaya and Beauler Shirto who are masters of Zimbabwean mbira music. The opportunity to dance Zimbabwean religious music may be possible; 2) The opportunity to learn to play gyil (Ghanaian xylophone) and drums. The opportunity to dance to gyil music may be possible.
Evaluation will be based on papers, participation, and the improvement of performance skills. No exams.
Prerequisites: This course is open to all students with an intermediate level of skill in music or dance.
Labs: Zambezi Marimba Band rehearsals (T, Th 4-6:30 PM) and some weekends to be arranged. Private lessons and production rehearsals required and arranged as needed. Enrollment limit: 10 (expected: 10).