This is a sample program by the William Patterson World  Percussion Ensemble.  Current program is being modified to reflect Core Content 4.0 in compare/contrast across a number of world cultures. 

Introduction:  Ensemble

“Farmaishi” --  performance

          Brief description of each instrument 

·       Western and Eastern instruments, including some not used in the presentation, are introduced. 

Rhythm

Elements of tala 

·       rhythmic cycles: tintal, rupak, and ektal. 

·       rhythmic compositions and improvisations in the Indian tradition of tabla drumming. 

Compare the Western and Eastern concepts of rhythm

·       learning tabla (guru, disciple, gharana, Baneres)

·       demonstrate drumstrokes with the appropriate bols.

·       basic structure of a tabla solo 

·       teach a basic tal to a group of students 

Abbreviated tabla solo in rupak

Drone

          Define and demonstrate the drone. 

·       Drone will be compared with western harmony

Melody

          Define melody

·       Western context: demonstrate melody/harmony on marimba.

·       Eastern melody and the raga. 

scales and sruti, half steps, and microtones

solfege  (in India, Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni, Sa!)

Melody as an accompaniment in Indian music

·       Melody/tala relationship:  demonstration where students count tal along with the lahara

 Perform “First Concerto” (or excerpt)

Question/ Answer Session

Ask how this music is notated – or is it ever notated?