* this course will not be offered during the 2020–21
school year.
The Afro-Cuban Ensemble studies and performs music from the
African-derived folkloric traditions of Cuba, the instruments and
techniques of the Yoruba, Bantu, Arara and Iyesa drumming, and
song traditions including the bembe, batá, guiro
(chekere), as well as Cuban secular music such as Rumba, La
Conga, Conga Santiago. Includes an introduction to the
historical and cultural context of folkloric traditions and
practices in Cuba.
Brian Rice is a highly acclaimed performer, educator, and
recording artist and one of the most versatile percussionists in
the Bay Area. Though best known as a specialist in Brazilian and
Cuban music, he can be heard playing a multitude of styles,
and his percussion playing graces over sixty recordings.