Gamelan

A gamelan is a kind of musical ensemble of Indonesian origin typically featuring a
variety of instruments such as metallophones, xylophones, drums, and gongs; bamboo
flutes, bowed and plucked strings and vocalists. Students will become familiar with the
basic technique utilized in playing instruments typically used in a gamelan.

West African Drumming

Ensemble drumming is practiced throughout West Africa. Drum ensemble instruments
usually include drums in a variety of sizes and types as well as bells and rattles. The
master drummer (instructor) will play solos against the overlapping patterns played by
the students. The master drummer also leads the ensemble by playing signals that tell the
other players to switch to a different section, change drum patterns, change the tempo, or
end the piece.

Didgeridoo

The Didgeridoo is a long, slightly conical wooden instrument, used traditionally by the
Aboriginal people of Northern Australia. Known as the oldest wind instrument in the
world, the origins of the didgeridoo may go back as far as 40,000 years. Though only one
"note" can be played with the didgeridoo (called a drone), overtones and vocal sounds
from the player give it a rich sound and countless textures.