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African Instruments

The document outlines the significance of African music in cultural rituals and community bonding, detailing traditional instruments and characteristic features such as polyrhythms and call-and-response. It also describes gospel music as a Christian genre rooted in spirituals and work songs, emphasizing strong vocal harmonies and emotional delivery. Lastly, it defines rock music as a popular genre from the 1950s, characterized by energetic rhythms and themes of rebellion.

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arislouca164
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3 views4 pages

African Instruments

The document outlines the significance of African music in cultural rituals and community bonding, detailing traditional instruments and characteristic features such as polyrhythms and call-and-response. It also describes gospel music as a Christian genre rooted in spirituals and work songs, emphasizing strong vocal harmonies and emotional delivery. Lastly, it defines rock music as a popular genre from the 1950s, characterized by energetic rhythms and themes of rebellion.

Uploaded by

arislouca164
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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REVISION SHEET: African, Gospel, and Rock

Music

AFRICAN MUSIC

® Importance of Music in African Culture

Rituals: Used in religious ceremonies, ancestral worship, initiation rites.

Ceremonies: Healing rituals, funerals, spiritual ceremonies.

Birth & Naming: Songs used to bless newborns.

Marriage: Music celebrates union, cultural heritage, and community.

Social Cohesion: Music brings people together, teaches values, shares history.

® Traditional African Instruments

Instrument Families (with definitions, examples, and European equivalents):

Family How it produces sound Appearance Examples (African) European Equivalen®

Idiophones Sound from the body of the Often solid, e.g., Balafon, Shekere Xylophone, maracas
instrument itself (struck, wood or metal
shaken, scraped)

Membranophones Vibrating stretched Drum-like Djembe, Talking Drum Bass drum, timpani
membrane (usually animal
skin)

Chordophones Sound from vibrating strings Stringed (plucked, Kora, Musical Bow Harp, violin
bowed)

Aerophones Sound from air through or Wind instruments Algaita, Fulani Flute Trumpet, flute
across the instrument (tubes, pipes)
Characteristic Features of African Music

Polyrhythms: Multiple rhythms played simultaneously

Call and Response: One leads, others respond

Repetition & Cyclical Patterns: Loops and repeated phrases

Improvisation: Musicians often add personal expression

Percussion-focused: Drums and rhythms are central

Use of traditional instruments

Community participation: Everyone joins in music-making

*
)
Vocal Tradition in African Music

Oral Tradition: Stories, history, and values passed down without writing

Call and Response: Leader sings a phrase, group answers

Griot Tradition: Storytellers/historians who preserve culture through music

A Capella: Singing without instruments, often in harmony

Influence of African Music

Influenced genres like:

Jazz

Blues

Gospel

Hip Hop

Afrobeat

Reggae

Funk

(2) Listening Activities (African Music)


Jain — Makeba: French pop song inspired by Miriam Makeba

African Folk Song from Ghana — Chay Chay Cool Eh

Lion King — Hakuna Matata: African rhythmic elements, call and response
GOSPEL MUSIC

A. What is Gospel Music?

¢ Christian music genre focused on faith, praise, and worship

Expresses spiritual beliefs and experiences

Characteristic Features of Gospel Music

Strong vocal harmonies

Call and response

Hand clapping & foot stomping

Emotional delivery

Improvisation

Repetition for emphasis

Lyrics about hope, salvation, freedom

@ Origins of Gospel Music


¢ Spirituals: Songs sung by enslaved Africans expressing faith and hope

Work Songs: Rhythmic songs used to coordinate labor and express resistance

Pioneers of Gospel Music

Mahalia Jackson

Thomas A. Dorsey (Father of Gospel)

<2 Listening Activities (Gospel Music)

Sister Act (South African Youth Choir) - Oh Happy Day

Freedom Songs - Civil Rights Movement music (e.g., Freedom)

Kirk Franklin — / Smile: Modern Gospel with R&B influences


ROCK MUSIC

# What is Rock Music?


¢ Popular music genre originating in the 1950s

Known for energetic rhythm, guitar-centered sound, and rebellious themes

) Distinctive Features of Rock Music

Electric guitar: central instrument

Bass guitar and drums

Powerful vocals

Distortion and effects (e.g., reverb, wah-wah, overdrive)

Verse-chorus structure

Themes of freedom, rebellion, youth culture

() Listening Activities (Rock Music)


(List specific songs studied in class if available—add them here)

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