Mbira Ensemble
Glenn West, Director
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The Musicology Department introduced an Mbira Ensemble to the Eastman
community in 2004. Native to the Shona culture of Zimbabwe, the mbira is an
instrument with 22 to 28 metal keys (lamellae) fixed to a wooden soundboard,
which is then wedged to a gourd resonator, used to amplify its resonance.
Rattling pieces of metal, bottle caps or shells are attached to the
instrument, which in turn produce buzzing sounds when the keys are plucked.
The interaction of two or more players, singers, hosho (gourd rattles), and
sometimes drummers and rhythmic hand clapping creates a complex musical
fabric that requires a shift in musical perspective of the listener and
performer.
Inextricably tied to traditional Shona spiritual beliefs and cultural
practices, the mbira and its repertory predate the arrival of European
explorers in the 16th century. Some of the traditional songs are said to
date back over 1,000 years. The sophistication of the instrument and the
music, however, have also led to their adoption and adaptation by
contemporary musicians in Africa, Asia, and the West.
The ensemble aims to introduce students to the basic playing techniques of
this ancient instrument as well as exposing them to traditional singing
practices, hosho playing, and the traditional social and cultural context of
the music. Students will also be guided to understand the music from the
traditional Shona point of view as well as integrating it with their own
musical understanding. The ensemble meets formally once a week. Students
wishing to participate should contact Glenn West at gawest@rochester.rr.com.
