MUSC 187 Rhodes Archipelago Ensemble

This new ensemble will perform and learn about the popular music of Africa and the Caribbean. Rather than a bounded geographical region, it takes as its starting point "the archipelago," and consequently it looks at repertoire that reveals the dialogues between islands, the Caribbean and the US, and the Caribbean and Africa. Along with repertoire selected by Prof. Sunshine from various genres (Salsa, Calypso, Soukous, Afrobeat, Cumbia, and Reggae). Students will also undertake one transcription assignment (notation/sight-reading experience not necessary) of a piece of their choice, with the possibility of the group arranging and performing the piece. The instrumentation of this group is flexible, and repertoire selections can be tailored to student interest (and linguistic comfort). Along with learning pieces and studying the history of these genres, concepts like groove, improvisation, and textural layering will be discussed. Guest lecturers from the Memphis community will be invited. This ensemble is open to all instrumentalists and singers following an audition with the instructor.