MUS 174 - Afro-Caribbean Drumming at John Tyler Community College
Course Description
Effective: 2011-08-01
Focuses on the drumming traditions of West Africa, the Caribbean Islands, and South America beginning with their roots and continuing through the development of Jazz and African American spirituals. Includes hand drumming, drum materials and construction, and the different purposes of drumming.
Lecture 1 hour. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 3 hours per week.
2 credits
General Course Purpose
This applied music course is intended to increase a student?s knowledge of the drumming styles and influences of West Africa and the Caribbean. It is expected that students will take an active role in both the playing and singing of the music presented.
Course Objectives
- Compare and contrast the music of various times and genres, connections between music and the current events, as well as the societal influences of music.
- Integrate the five principles of activity, reflection, collaboration, passion, and community into your learning.
- Acknowledge and appreciate music from other cultures and genres outside your traditional comfort zone.
- Acquire a deeper understanding and appreciation of modern music, its role, and its contribution to society.
Major Topics to be Included
- Cultural Connections
- Africa
- West Africa
- Liberia
- Latin America
- Caribbean Islands
- Drum Making
- Materials
- Construction
- History
- Ensemble
- Respect, Focus and Teamwork
- Complement and Listen; Listen and Complement
- Focus and Musical Space
- Communication and Teamwork
- Call and Response
- Small Ensemble Planning
- Small Ensemble Performance
- Rhythms
- 2 Beat Echo Pattern
- West African Hand Clapping
- Bell and Frame
- Ensemble 2 Shekere Pattern
- Latin American 2-beat
- 3-beat/2-beat Hemiola rhythms
Optional Topics
- Irish, Indian and Native American Drumming techniques may be included. Research projects, field trips, research papers and seminars may be available for interested students or for students who need these elements for a particular purpose. The optional elements may be offered at the instructor's discretion.