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, section 001. 

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

Afrobeat(s) Arkestra

Director: Alaba Ilesanmi

Non-auditioned ensemble. The Afrobeat(s) Arkestra is a Pan-African popular music ensemble open to all students and members of the University of Minnesota community. Bringing together musicians, dancers, creatives, and Afro-music enthusiasts, the Arkestra performs a diverse range of styles, including classic and contemporary genres such as Afrobeat, Afrofunk, Afropop, Afrosoul, and Highlife. Ensemble members explore not only the music but also the extramusical (i.e., broader socio-cultural and historical contexts that shape these traditions). The ensemble brings indigenous African instruments into dialogue with orchestra and jazz-band instruments, while maintaining original African musical expressions: rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic imaginations. Ultimately, the Arkestra facilitates collaborative, creative, and communal musical experiences for all. 

Register for MUS 3350, section 005. 

  • Afrobeat(s) Arkestra meeting time: Thursdays, 6:00 – 8:00 pm

West African Music Ensemble

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. 

  • Please note: West African Music Ensemble is not offered in the Spring 2026 semester.
     

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