Hopkins Center for the Arts

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WORLD MUSIC PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE

The World Music Percussion Ensemble enjoys a devoted audience, including World Music scholars who recognize the diversity of traditions behind the power-packed playing. In addition to non-western drumming styles and techniques, this innovative group explores and performs a wide-ranging repertoire, from ancient African rhythms to contemporary forms influenced by these rhythms: rock, rap, hip-hop, Afro-pop, Salsa, Brazilian Sambas and world jazz. Occasionally collaborating with other Hop ensembles such as the Wind Symphony and Chamber Singers, students have opportunities to perform vocals, bass, guitar, horns, piano, drums and other percussion instruments–and to take on leadership roles by directing the group in special types of music. Concerts often feature professional guest musicians and dancers, such as Luther “Guitar Jr.” Johnson, saxophonist Odean Pope, master drummer Abdoul Doumbia and flutist Ko Umezaki.

Director: Hafiz Shabazz, MEd, Adjunct Associate Professor of Music (multi-percussion)