21st Annual Student Research Conference
A Performance-Based Presentation of Two Ghanaian Songs
Jonathan C. Thatch* and Alanna W. McDonald
Dr. Michael Bump, Faculty Mentor
This presentation includes descriptions and performances of two drum songs originating from West Africa. The first piece, called Astiagbekor, is a war song from the Anlo-Ewe people of Ghana. This piece will be described by Jonathan Thatch, as it was taught to him last summer in Ghana. This piece has two main sections: slow, then fast. The two sections have similar content, united by a constant twelve-bell pattern, but each drum part is slightly varied. The second piece entitled Gota, "drum of the dead," is a song primarily used at Anlo-Ewe funerals in Ghana. Gota is characterized by a vibrant master drum rhythm and is accompanied by a rattle, double bell and three supporting drums. Alanna McDonald will describe this piece as it was taught to her in Ghana last semester.
Keywords: Ghana, percussion, drum, Africa
Topic(s):Music
Presentation Type: Performance Art
Session: 21-1
Location: OP Performance Hall
Time: 9:45