Overview
The African Music Ensemble offers opportunities for the study and performance of traditional and contemporary music and dance of Africa. Students are introduced to drumming techniques, dances and other artistic expressions that focus on various cultural traditions in West Africa. The ensemble experience represents a complete or total African artistic expression—music, dance, drama, and visual arts. Through the instruments, the voice, the dance and other visual art forms and paraphernalia, this ensemble brings to the stage a unique African theatrical experience. LMU faculty and staff may contact HR to obtain tuition remission and register through PROWL. Community members click to register through LMU Extension.
Course Info
African Music Ensemble - MUSC 455.01
CRN: 42040
Class meets M/W 1:45pm-3:00 pm
Contact
Divine Gbagbo, Ph.D., Director
Divine.Gbagbo@lmu.edu
"Gahu" by the LMU World Music Ensemble
An Evening of World Music & Jazz
Nov. 20, 2022
Testimonials
Brigitte Bogel '13
"The Gamelan ensemble invites the world into classroom like no other group I’ve been a part of. There is an exuberance in the music itself that resonates in the body and soul. I remember it being almost addictive to practice the songs with my friends from class, whether we were sitting there with our instruments or messing around on the weekends. We would always end up with these big smiles on our faces."
Rob Regeiro '20
"I deeply enjoyed my time in the World Music Ensemble. Before I joined the ensemble, I had very limited experience with music outside of Western culture. Being exposed to writing styles, rhythms, textures, and counterpoint of Balinese and Ghanese music really helped to open up my mind to new possibilities in my own writing and gave me a new perspective on some of the most universal concepts in music. It was also very fun to play the many unique instruments we had available."
Lizz Ladd '21
"This class was different from any other class I’ve taken, and I’m so happy I took it! Because I am not a music major, I was worried that I would have trouble keeping up. It was a challenge, but it was definitely worth it. I loved learning about another culture’s traditions and where the music comes from. I reconnected with my love for performing music, while also connecting with a culture that was completely new to me."
Monserrat Torres-Guillen '22
"I greatly enjoyed playing in the LMU World Music Ensemble. It was interesting to learn about all the different instruments and the techniques to play them. The music was beautiful and fun to learn. The melodies and rhythms are very enjoyable, and I was glad to be exposed to music I had never heard before. I highly recommend trying out the Gamelan ensemble not just to learn new instruments and music, but to experience a culture that may not be familiar."
