The Hugh A. Glauser School of Music

Performance studies in various world musics are an effective way to learn behaviors, repertory, and attitudes pertinent to world music traditions. While performance is not the goal of ethnomusicology, it is an important strategy for reaching broader goals in scholarship and teaching. Over the years, depending on the availability of faculty, the Center for the Study of World Musics has offered Indian Tabla drumming, Japanese koto and shakuhachi, Philippine kulitang, Thai and Chinese ensembles.

African Ensemble

Led by Dr. Kazadi wa Mukuna, a native of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire) since 1989, the African Ensemble has been active throughout the midwest at venues such Madison, Wisconsin, Chicago and Peoria, Illinois, and a variety of other locations within Ohio. The group recorded its first CD, Mchanganyiko wa Muziki wa Ki Afrika, in 1998. This is the only university-based African ensemble in the country with repertoire that includes traditional songs and dances, "palm-wine" guitar songs, as well as a variety of popular music selected from the vast styles of African urban music such as Kwela, Soucous, High Life, and Chimurenga. Participation in the ensemble is open to the entire university.

Steel Band
Founded in 1994 by Professor Michael Burritt, the "steel pan" ensemble plays both traditional Trinidadian and newly composed repertoire. Professor Ted Rounds is the director.