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Course Description

Summary

This ensemble will introduce students to playing the music of the Middle East and neighboring areas. Students will learn a diverse repertoire of traditional urban, village, and popular music drawn from Arabic, Armenian, Greek, Hebrew, Kurdish, Ladino, Persian, Turkish, and other ethno-linguistic backgrounds. We will also study music by artists who have successfully blended traditional styles with more contemporary sounds and ideas. As the repertoire of these communities is primarily taught through oral transmission and emphasizes ornamentation and improvisation, we will primarily learn in this way. Rehearsals will include learning to play rhythmic patterns on percussion (darbuka and frame drum) in alternation with melody instruments; learning words to songs so that we can accompany ourselves, and learning dance steps for dance music repertoire. Student, faculty and staff singers and instrumentalists of all types (strings, percussion, woodwinds, brass, etc.) are welcome in this ensemble. The course will include a number of performance opportunities, culminating with a final concert, featuring acclaimed guest artists. Be prepared to sing, play, improvise, and dance in this class!