World Music Ensembles

World Music

World Music Ensemble

Director: Scott Currie 
Non-auditioned ensemble. Every semester, this class explores Afro-Brazilian and Afro-Caribbean popular repertories and rhythms: samba, bossa nova, salsa, merengue, mambo, and more. Planned master classes and clinics with local artists complement regularly scheduled rehearsals and performances, including a spring finale in the May Day Parade. Register for MUS 5460-001

  • World Music Ensemble meeting time: Wednesdays, 6:00 – 8:00 pm

West African Music Ensemble

Director: Sowah Mensah 
Non-auditioned ensemble. Hands-on experience in learning to play West African music, one of the great non-western musical traditions that are readily accessible to beginners. Also, insights into function, context, structure, gender roles, politics, instruments, life-cycle rites, genres, musical organizations, traditional musicians, and contemporary popular music. This course is led by Master Drummer Sowah Mensah from Ghana, West Africa, and is open to all students—no musical background needed! Members will have the opportunity to play drums, xylophone, and sing. Register for MUS 5494

  • West African Music Ensemble meeting time: Tuesdays, 3:35 – 5:05 pm
     

Learn more about world music opportunities at the University of Minnesota.