University Residencies
Ryan Camara with SOU West African Cultural Drumming Ensemble
Residencies at a Glance
| Class: | Undergraduate/Graduate |
| Length: | 1 quarter/semester - 1 year |
| Typical Venue: | music room, band room, recital hall |
| Population Served: | Single to multiple music classes of various levels. |
| Additional Artists: | None |
| Required Instruments: | Dunduns (1 set - sangban, kenkeni, dununba with kenken), jembes (as needed by students), Seke-Seke (1 set) |
| Optional Instruments: | Bala, krinyi (3), gongoma, bolon |
| Instruments Provided: | Yes (for additional fee) |
| Additional Notes: | Hands-on performance class often bundled with lecture/demonstration, master classes, and/or performances. |
Ryan M. Camara's hands-on performance ensemble course, originally taught as MUS 407 at Southern Oregon University during the 2006-07 school year, is available in quarter, semester or full year increments, giving students of all levels a flexible, multi-disciplined, culturally authentic percussion course with substantial cross-curriculum possibilities. The course can also be integrated into community education or extension classes. Ryan has a full, multi-media, password protected student website that includes course reader, assignments, notation and audio and video examples. View the SOU MUS 407 website here.
Course Description:
Immerse yourself in the traditional music and culture of West Africa. Learn the traditional music of jembe and dundun orchestra in a hands-on performance ensemble setting, fostering group participation, awareness, respect and appreciation. Skill building techniques, exercises, phrasing and traditional rhythms - their meanings, origins, traditional and popular uses - are brought to life through the use of a variety of multi-media sources and intensive hands-on training, providing a comprehensive perspective on selected West African music and cultures.
Course Objectives
- Instill respect, appreciation, and understanding for the instruments, music, and traditions of another culture through the careful dissemination of accurate information using both western and African teaching methods and techniques.
- Demonstrate the value of skill building and the artful application of techniques through the process of study, practice and performance.
- Identify musical elements, styles, forms, and to be able to analyze and synthesize those elements.
- Improve listening skills through active call and response, echoing, rhythmic cueing, and pattern identification.
- Understand how music and movement reflect other aspects of community life including art, literature, politics, economics, social patterns, and popular culture.
- Foster a desire to continue exploring the music, dance, and traditions of other cultures.
Full syllabus, Curriculum Summary and Evaluation Techniques available by request. Contact Ryan for more information.
