Category: Ethnomusicology

This blog features articles about traditional African musical instruments.

Power Trio

For your edification 2.5 Octave Xylophone Roto Toms Tambourine Maracas Frame Drum Conga and Bongo Set The two songs (third pending) that will be here (Yah willing) in April for the remixers and band should be labeled “Boom’s Arrangements.” These arrangements should be considered the 1) simplest 2) minimalist and 3) basic arrangements. Composed for… Continue reading Power Trio

Hebrew Band Line Up

Please consider the following pre-production notes pending. For those of you who jump on board early, you may bear witness to ideas and concepts changing in the real time. Boom Jungle Wood Marimba Band line-up as follows: 1) Dundun 2) Conga(s) 3) Gourd Shakers 4 Soprano (Xylophone) 5 Tenor Marimba 6 Bass Marimba. The music… Continue reading Hebrew Band Line Up

Dunun (African Bass Drums)

The Dunun is an African drum that can provide a low frequency, comparable to what western music calls a “bass drum,” to your ensemble. This particular drum comes from West Africa.

How to play the Shekere

This week we will become familiar with the mother of all percussion shakers. The shekere comes from West Africa. It is very popular all over the world, influencing Latin music as well as jazz.

The African Xylophone and Marimba

There are many varieties of African xylophones and marimbas. Please become familiar with the West African balafon and the Zimbabwean marimba this week.