African Drum and Dance

This subject is not offered in 2013.

120 hours

None

N/A

N/A

Not available to BMus students

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability will impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and the Disability Liaison Unit.

This subject is designed to impart skills and knowledge central to music making processes in various West African cultures. Integrating practical and academic study the subject will focus on understanding the musical complexities of West African music and dance both in its sociocultural context and through hands-on participation at weekly rehearsals and supporting lectures, culminating in an end of semester performance. It will investigate structural components and procedures common to many African music forms and explore their application to particular pieces. It will provide simple and practical methodologies for mastering the rhythmic complexities in West African music.

On completion of this subject, students should have gained:

• the skills to perform West African percussion music and dance to a competent standard;
• an understanding of the context of West African music and dance;
• an understanding of polyrhythm, polymetre, syncopation, off-beat patterning and other structural components in African music;
• an understanding of the relationship between dance movement and music patterning;
• competency as ensemble musicians; and
• an ability to identify and understand the broad and diverse cultural references of the relevant repertoire.

Active participation in all rehearsals and performances throughout the semester (50%); A one-hour written exam at the end of semester (30%); One thirty-minute listening test during week 11 (20%).

Less that 80% attendance will result in a fail. All assessment components must be passed in order to pass the subject.

Readings will be available online through the LMS before the commencement of the semester.

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

On completion of this subject students should be able to:

• apply teamwork skills in rehearsal/performance groups
• manage multitasking;
• demonstrate a command of rhythmic complexity;
• demonstrate skills in cooperation, communication and negotiation that allow for effective working in ensembles; and
• demonstrate a capacity to think critically and independently.