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MENC: The National Association for Music Education

Learning across Disciplines: An Approach to West African Music


Author(s): Francine Morin
Source: Music Educators Journal, Vol. 89, No. 4 (Mar., 2003), pp. 27-34
Published by: MENC: The National Association for Music Education
Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/3399901
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Learningacross Disciplines:
AnApproachto West AfricanMusic
B y F r a n c i n e M o rin

Help studentsbetter
understandboth
eople today are recognizing that diversity, rather than musicand the world
homogeneity, characterizesour culture. Accessible trav-
el and developments in media, including the Internet,
have allowed greater opportunities to connect with by givingthem an
other cultures. Consequently, the concept of cross-cul-
tural understanding will continue to dominate the educational opportunityto
landscape.1
Music and the arts are important sources of knowledge about explorethe musicof
world cultures and historical periods. "By studying the subject
matter of the arts, we can connect culture to culture and see and a particularculture,
feel the joys and sorrows of our ancestors."2 Music has always
been a viable vehicle for communicating life experiences. Most such as WestAfrica.
educators realize that they can facilitate understanding of diverse
cultures by introducing students to various types of musical and
artistic expression. Not surprisingly then, current literature in
music education encourages teachers to teach from a multicultur-
al perspective.3
Recent statements on developmentally appropriate practice
for children emphasize the importance of an inquiry-driven,
learner-centered curriculum.4 Music teachers might wonder how
to use this kind of instructional design, which emphasizes stu-

Ir

FrancineMorinis associatepro-
' fessor and acting head of the
Department of Curriculum,
, ~l m
_s Teaching, and Learning at the
University of Manitoba in
IWinnipeg,
M^I Canada.

MARC H 2003
dents' musical questions and inter- music, language, art, mathematics, Brainstormingsessions are valuable
ests instead of the typical music-cur- movement). Characteristics of inter- for exploring the potential content
riculum outcomes. This article disciplinary inquiry include integra- and experiences related to the world
describes an example of nontradi- tion and connection through broad study Begin facilitating this process by
tional instruction that music teachers themes, use of disciplines as learning reflecting on the purposes of the
can use to plan a study of world tools, authentic and collaborative music curriculum, as well as the mul-
music, specifically the music of West learning experiences, expanded use of ticultural practices of colleagues.9
Africa.5 sign systems for making and sharing Work in music classrooms typically
meaning, and emphasis on social helps students to develop musical lit-
Defining Interdisciplinary learning. eracy, experience music aesthetically
Inquiry by participating in musical processes,
The music of other peoples is best Planning the Music Dimension present ideas in musical form, relate
understood within a holistic curricu- of a World Study music to other knowledge domains,
lum; therefore, an interdisciplinary An interdisciplinary-inquiry ap- develop preferences and critical abili-
approach can offer the most powerful proach to planning demands that the ties, and appreciate their musical her-
educational encounters for students. music specialist, other specialists, and itage and the role music plays in other
Interdisciplinary inquiry, a relatively classroom teachers in a school work cultures. Through singing, moving,
new instructional phenomenon, is together. A cross-disciplinaryteaching listening, playing instruments, creat-
one way to organize holistic curricu- team would begin by selecting an ing, and re-creating, children can gain
lum studies.6 Interdisciplinaryinquiry engaging focus for study. The focus a deeper understanding of West
is based on the belief that "we learn may emerge from the cultural makeup African culture. In a reciprocal way,
best that which intrigues and puzzles of the school, student or teacher inter- children can gain musical knowledge
us."7 Curriculum is conceived as est, local social studies curricula, or by exploring the unique sounds and
"conversations between disciplines, any other relevant context. Once the musical idioms of West Africa. The
sign systems, and personalized know- team has chosen a theme, such as web in figure 2, a possible product of
ing."8 West Africanculture, teachers connect a brainstorming session, illustrates
Interdisciplinary inquiry involves it to the various disciplines. The aim is some aspects of music that students
integrating ideas about how the world to develop ideas from all curriculum might explore when learning about
works (content disciplines-e.g., areas that stem from the main theme West Africa.
social studies, science) with ways to (see figure 1). The music branch, nat- To preparefor a world music study,
represent how we see and make sense urally, becomes the focus of study gather a range of age-appropriate
of the world (sign systems-e.g., within the music classroom. music-related resources (print and
nonprint) to support this work with
students. Maintain an accessible
resource center within the classroom
Figure I. Interdisciplinaryplanning web throughout the study. Fortunately,the
availability of authentic teaching and
referencematerials for studying multi-
cultural music has increased signifi-
cantly in recent years.10It is possible
LanguageArts to find a wealth of traditional songs,
instrumental works, and dances that
carry important ideas related to life in
West Africa, such as rain forest con-
servation or interdependence.ll The
contemporary music world also pro-
vides songs addressing social and cul-
tural issues, like endangered species
or hunger, that relate to West Africa.12
To plan an inquiry involving music
of West Africa, collect some resources
that go beyond recordings, videos,
computer software, music artifacts,
and books. Invite authentic bearers of
West African musical traditions who
live in the community into the music
classroom. The community might
offer other relevant resources, like an
African cultural center or a simulated
rain forest at a local zoo. The Internet
28 MUSIC EDUCATORS JOURNAL
contains a wide array of interesting
sites, but these need to be reviewed Figure2. Exploringmusic through
before students use them. Also, geo- webbing and brainstorming
graphically distant people are often
Notation
willing to communicate with you and invented
your students via e-mail. nonconventional
conventional
Genres
Generating and Categorizing lullabies
Music Questions folk songs
An interdisciplinary-inquiry appr- game songs
oach to any music study begins not work songs
with identifying curriculum objec- festive songs
tives, but ratherwith generating ques-
tions that interest students and teach-
ers. Using music as the specific lens ing
through which to view the theme, stu-
dents, along with their music teach-
ers, need to consider what a musician
would want them to learn about West CulturalBridges
Africa. Since this process can be diffi- spirituals
gospel
cult for children, music teachers ragtime
should allow ample time for the ques- blues
tion-generating phase.13 Students jazz
thematic
might need to explore West African
culture and music so that they gain
Pitched
enough knowledge and interest to ask marimba
thoughtful musical questions. Oppor- mbira
tunities to browse through books and :flute/recorder
visuals, share what they know, manip-
ulate instruments, view videos, or lis- Percussion
ten to tapes and CDs can help stu- hand clapping
dents develop good questions. drumming
rattles Homemade
Because the initial question-gener- Genres
bells Anaalysis
novelty
ating stage will likely result in a body folk
ideintify
of diverse questions, it is important to popular
categorize and cluster similar ques-
tions and connect them to the musical
concepts that the questions address. MusicalFeatures
The Real Questions Asked by Students rhythm
sidebar illustrates a range of real ques- melody
tions posed by teacher candidates and West African . harmony
children who were studying West form
Culture timbre
Africa.
I expression

Designing Learning
Experiences
Once you have defined and catego-
rized student questions, you can con- Make provisions throughout the study to a nearby zoo. To gather sound
struct a series of learning experiences for students to engage in authentic, images, students walk through the
that will help students answer those active musical learning through greenhouse or tropical animal section
questions. These experiences need to singing, listening, moving, and playing as quietly as possible, concentratingon
allow students to discover that music is within the traditions they are investi- minute sounds that are presentbut that
a unique sign system that provides a gating. To give readers a sense of a we often do not hear. Total awareness
particular perspective for considering world music study in action in a class- of all the sounds is important, as are
the world culture they are studying. room, the remainder of this article the densities and weights of the
There should be opportunities for stu- offers examples of shared learning sounds. Students can capture these
dents with similar interests to collabo- experiences for the grade-fourlevel. sounds through making sound maps,
rate on researching a music question RainForestSounds.Studentscan dis- charts, or audio or video recordings.
(or set of questions) on their own and cover the natural sounds of the West They can createsymbols for the sounds
presenting their findings to classmates. Africanrain forest by taking a field trip they hear, experimenting with how to
MARCH 2003 29
visually depict variations.If you cannot
Real Questions Asked by Students visit a zoo with a rain forestexhibit, use
a "special listening candle" and dim
lighting in the music room to encour-
Musical Style age students to open their "earlids" as
What humangroups live inWest Africa?What kind of music do they listen they identify and represent sounds
to and perform?What are some of the instrumentsplayedbyWest Africanpeo- while listening to a recording of
ples?What resources are availablein the area for instrumentmaking?How are authentic rain forest sounds.14
the musical instruments constructed? How can we make our own African Rain forest sounds can become the
instruments?How can our classroom instrumentsbe used to simulateAfrican stimulus for small-group composi-
instrumentalsounds?What songs do African people sing?What messages do tions based on vocal explorations.
songs convey?What languagesare used for singing?What role does music play Students select three or four of their
in the lives of African people? What are the various musicalgenres found in favorite sounds from those they have
African music? How is the music of the African rain forest differentfrom the collected. Begin with a period of vocal
music of the Pacificrainforest in Canada? improvisation during which all group
members imitate rain forest sounds as
Tone Color accurately as possible. Encourage stu-
dents to choose a meter for their
What sounds are associated with the rain forest? Who or what makes
those sounds?What animalscan be found in the African rain forest and what piece, as well as one sound and
sounds do they make (e.g., birds,insects, mammals,reptiles)?What effect does rhythm that can function as the foun-
dation upon which all other sounds
wind or rain have on the sounds?What sounds are most dominant or subtle?
will build. Individual group members
How does the wind sound as it moves through the trees?What distinct water
work together to create vocal ostinato
sounds can be heard (e.g.,rain,brooks,streams,ponds,rivers)?What time of day
can the most diverse sounds be heard-dawn, daytime,night,or evening?What lines that complement each other and
are layered to produce a polyrhythmic
seasons or weather conditions would produce the most sounds (e.g., storm)?
What sounds are made when developers destroy the rain forest? How does effect. Tell students to try to use dif-
this change the sound of the rainforest? How do recordingsof authentic rain ferent durations of sounds and com-
bine them with periods of silence.
forest sounds compare with movie sound tracks?
Record the compositions and then
share them.
Melody/Texture
Music of Our Culture.Students can
What are the melodic features of West African songs?What scales are also listen to musical works that "live"
used in African melodies?What kinds of animalsand birds make high-pitched in our culture but were inspired by the
sounds? Low-pitched sounds? What instruments best match these pitches? rain forest or West Africanmusic. One
What types of bird songs can be heard in the rainforest? How can we identify
example of how African ideas have
the particularsongs of unique birdspecies? How manydifferentsounds can we served as the subject matter for con-
hear at one time? How are naturalsounds layeredin the Africanrainforest? In
temporarycomposers in our culture is
what way is part-singingused in Africangroup music? Sean Delaney and The Nylons' version
of "TheLion Sleeps Tonight."15In this
Rhythm/Form
recording, rain forest sounds are
What are the rhythmic characteristics of West African music? What reflected in the improvisations of the
rhythmscan be heard in the naturalenvironment?What rhythmscan be heard vocalists. Students can also success-
in work music?What rhythmsdo the various drummersand percussionistsplay fully sing and play this piece, which
in a typicalensemble?What is syncopation?What is the role of a master drum- presents the challenge of performing
mer?What meters are used inAfricanmusic? harmonic ostinato patterns vocally
and accompanying on harmonizing
Composing/Exploring instruments using a I-IV-Vchord pro-
How can we create a symphonyof sounds from the naturalenvironment? gression.
Can bird songs be recorded or notated? How can naturalsounds be re-creat- Since characteristics of traditional
ed? What instruments could be used to best represent naturalsounds? How West African music are retained in
can our voices be used to imitate naturalsounds?What kindsof symbols could African-Americanmusic, experiences
be used to make a soundscape and pictorialscore of the rainforest? How can with spirituals, gospel, ragtime, blues,
vocal and instrumentalsounds be used to tell an Africanstory or accompany or jazz make excellent points of
an Africanpoem?What composers have been inspired by West Africa?Which departure into the music of the less
of these works "live"in North American culture?How can West Africa be an familiar African culture. Scott Joplin,
inspirationfor personal composition?What originalmovements could be cre- king of ragtime composers, would be
ated for an Africanmusic work? How is music shared and preserved in Africa? an interesting musical figure to study.
Children could do research to discov-
er more about early African-American
Continued on page 31 instrumental music and how Joplin
30 MUSIC EDUCATORS JOURNAL
influenced the development of jazz. Continuedfrom page 30
Joplin's "The Entertainer"offers many
possibilities for active listening and
learning. For instance, students could
listen to a recording of the piece and
Listening/Expression
list the instrumentation; study synco-
How isWest Africanmusic organized?What is antiphonalform?Whatdynam-
pation through the opening phrase;
ic and tempo devices can be identified in instrumental and song excerpts of
identify the sequential form; discuss
the tempo, dynamics, and style; exam- African music?What moods are expressed in various recordings and how does
ine the musical score; or learn a nov- mood relate to the expressive tools used? How are the elements of music used
in Africanmusic examples?
elty dance choreographed for this
piece.16You can glean additional ideas
for studying African-Americanmusic Movingto Music
from resources such as TeachingMusic How do West African people move to their music?What dance steps are
with a MulticulturalApproach.17 used? How do dancers interactwith the drummers?What do the dances convey?
Additional Resources. There are What celebrationsor special life events are associated with dance?What are some
many ways to give students the oppor- of the unique performancepractices in Africandance?
tunity to examine music and culture
beyond their immediate community
One way to maintain an authentic ori-
entation would be to host an expert in
African music in the classroom. I have
had the good fortune of working with ments.20 Alternatively, books like Students will also need opportuni-
the leader of a local West African Musical Instrumentsof the World:An ties to learn that, from birth to death,
drumming ensemble who had just IllustratedEncyclopediaor videos such music is part of almost every aspect of
returned from two years of graduate as the JVC Video Anthology of World life in West Africa. Age-appropriate
studies in African music at the MusicandDanceare accessible to learn- African music for children can be
University of Ghana. Collaboratively, ers of all ages.21 found in basal music series, Orff-
we set up a museum of authentic Musical Examples.Through guided Schulwerk materials, African music
African instruments for exploration experiences in listening, singing, play- workshop experiences, and books by
and introduced students to a West ing, and dancing, students can become Amoaku, Anderson and Campbell,
African style of drumming. We actively involved in answering ques- Dunbar-Hall and Hodge, Kwami, and
demonstrated traditional drumming tions about West Africanmusic. Invite Serwadda.25Students will enjoy trying
rhythms and pieces and led work- students to listen to an excerpt of to identify the kind of work music
shops focused on hand clapping, sim- "AshantiKete Drumming," supported being performed in "Postal Workers
ple drumming, and non-pitched-per- by a teacher-preparedlistening chart Canceling Stamps at the University of
cussion techniques. In addition, we that identifies the instruments heard, Ghana Post Office."26 The Akan
shared resources like World Music as well as the sequence in which they stone-passing game "Sansa Kroma"
Drummingand taught accessible West enter the performance.22A follow-up and the Ewe cradle song "Tu! Tu!
African percussion pieces such as discussion could help students recog- Gbovi" teach children about the
"Anansi"and "Asaadua."18 nize that African rhythms are often importance of family and community
Video recordings, books with visu- infectious, layered, syncopated, inter- while embodying notions of coopera-
als, and electronic resources should be woven, and highly related. tion and interdependence.27
available in the classroom resource The call-and-response form used West African Dance. Give children
center so that students can independ- extensively in West African music the opportunity to view videotapes of
ently extend their study of African could be illustrated by having stu- West African dancing and discuss the
instruments. The CD-ROMMultimedia dents participate in an Akan game dance style.28 Explain how West
Musical Instrumentsgives students the song such as "Kye,Kye, Kule."23They African dancers use the body as an
opportunity to see, hear, and learn could also listen to "Kasena Jongo: instrument. Invite students to imagine
about instruments from other cultures Sara Muru Gwa Ba Na."24Pose ques- that the earth is a large drum that is
and traditions.19They can view full- tions to focus the listening: What is played by stamping the feet and per-
screen images of instrumentsand video the overall mood of this music? What forming other rhythmic motions. In
demonstrationsof correctplaying tech- instrument is playing the melody? In West Africa, most drummers are also
niques. Students will be intrigued by what instruments are accompanying dancers, and the two groups work
Internet sites such as "The Drums and the melody? In terms of pulses, how together during performances. The
Percussion Page," which contains a long is the tune? How is the tune emphasis is usually on body move-
link to learn about and listen to West divided up? What is this form called? ments that angle towards the earth,
African drum language, as well as an In what order do the instruments symbolizing a closeness to the earth
easy-to-read encyclopedia of informa- enter into the performance? What and forest. Teach children a simple
tion and images of percussion instru- drum patterns can be identified? movement game like "Na doe de Dzi"
MARCH 2003 31
to get them oriented to the kinesthet- ny the Garland Encyclopediaof World African culture. The music section
ic style.29 Progress to teaching the Music.34 could include answers to questions
national dance of Ghana, "The Composition. Once children have about African music (researchreports,
Highlife," originally an Ashanti funer- had ample experiences listening, journal entries, concept maps, webs);
al dance.30Perform this dance to any singing, playing, and moving in reactions to and reflections on learn-
traditional or contemporary West authentic ways, they are ready to ing experiences (field trips, guest
African music, encouraging students develop their own creative ideas. experts, music classroom experiences,
to keep the body very flexible and the Using a la pentatonic scale, have chil- self-evaluations); responses and reac-
movements percussive.31 dren compose a melody for a simple tions to print and nonprint resources
sixteen-beat vocal rhythm that will (book reports, computer software, lis-
become the theme for a "Rain Forest tening log entries, video reports);
Rondo." Guide children in devising an recordings or a log of African music
African-style accompaniment using performed (songs, dances, instrumen-
log drum, bell sounds, marimba, and tal pieces); and in-process and fin-
Invitestudentsto imagine various drums to imitate the sounds of ished creative works (soundscapes,
that the earthis a large the forest. In small groups, children melodies, accompaniments, songs,
can develop sections that alternate speech pieces, movement sequences).
drumthat is playedby with the theme by creating sixteen- For grading, teachers and students
beat rhythmic "word pictures" of the could collaboratively create a rubric
stampingthe feet and rain forest using poetic devices like that identifies specific criteria stu-
onomatopoeia or alliteration. Each dents need to meet.
performingotherrhythmic contrasting section should convey a
motions. different aspect of the rain forest,
which is further enhanced by one or
more nonpitched instrument sounds.
Using music, movement, and
drama in stylistically appropriate
Use a "speciallistening
ways, work with children to recast
InstrumentalMusic. The xylophone poetry, folktales, legends, and other candle"and dimlightingin
traditions of West Africa embody a children'sliteratureabout West Africa.
range of music that children can per- Consult your colleagues in language the musicroomto
form using Orff instruments. Select arts for advice on materials that might
beginning experiences from resources work well. Books like Yolen'sWelcome encouragestudentsto open
such as Hampton's Hot Marimba! to the GreenHouse and Bogart'sSarah their"earlids."
which contains a set of progressively Saw a Blue Macaw work very well
more challenging African-style musi- because the texts are rhythmically
cal pieces arranged specially for the appealing and full of sonorous
Orff ensemble.32 A preliminary piece images.35 Similarly, "The Lion on the
such as "Balafon"gives students the Path," "Why Chickens and Hawks are
opportunity to play multilayered Enemies," and "The Singing Monster"
music that uses diverse, but simple, are African stories that also have A celebration-of-learningevent can
melodic rhythms on pitched percus- much potential.36A theatrical record- take place at the end of the West
sion instruments. Teach the melody ing, like "Rain Forest," could also African world study. A gallery around
and mallet pattern first through mir- serve as the stimulus for children's the perimeters of a large open space in
roring, and then target the correct own story creation.37 This piece the school could display visual materi-
rhythm of each part. Use medium- encourages students to physically re- als connected to the study Handmade
hard or hard mallets and encourage create the rain forest, with some chil- simulations of African instruments or
children to strive for the vigorous dren becoming the forest itself and student-created posters and displays
playing style of African percussion- others acting out a story that takes of African music projects might make
ists shown on the video excerpt place in the forest. up the music part of that gallery.
"Contemporary African Xylophone Students could present a program of
Ensemble."33When performed with Trackingand Sharing Music songs, dances, instrumental works, or
nonpitched instruments like the Learning musical dramas to other students,
axatse (rattle), gankoqui(double bell), Assessment of music learning with- teachers, families, and friends. An
and djembe(drum), the piece sounds in interdisciplinary inquiry needs to afternoon of culminating activities
very effective and authentic. Listening be open-ended, student-directed, and could end with refreshmentsrepresen-
excerpts of African xylophone playing multifaceted. A cross-disciplinary tative of West African culture, such as
can be drawn from recordings such as team could have students gather and groundnut stew or jollof rice.38
AfricanRhythmsand Instrumentsor the display in a portfolio what they have More and more educators are com-
African audio examples that accompa- learned about all aspects of West ing to appreciate the extent to which
32 MUSIC EDUCATORS JOURNAL
music can lend insight, power, and per- Approach,3rd ed. (Boston: Allyn & Bacon, Worth, TX: Ken Harris Music Co., 1975);
spective to learning. Interdisciplinary 1999), 123. and Lynne Jessup, All Hands On! An
inquiry acknowledges that learners of 8. Jerome Harste, "Inquiry-Based Introduction to West African Percussion
all ages use multiple forms of literacy Instruction," Primary VoicesK-6 1, no. 1 Ensembles (Danbury, CT: World Music
(e.g., language, music, art) as they (1993): 5. Press, 1997). The text and a recording of
develop global awareness. The model 9. EdwardJ. P O'Conner,"Africacomes "Assadua"are available in W K. Amoaku,
highlighted in this article allows the to Northwest ElementarySchool," General African Songs and Rhythmsfor Children:A
music specialist to collaborate with a MusicToday10, no. 2 (1997): 4-6. Selection from Ghana (Mainz, Germany:
teaching team to plan and implement a 10. Ruth M. Stone, ed., Africa,vol. 1 of Schott Music Corporation,1971).
world study in order to provide a cul- The Garland Encyclopediaof WorldMusic 19. Multimedia Musical Instruments,
tural context for all dimensions of chil- (New York:Garland Publishing, 1998). A (Yonkers,NY:VoyetraTechnologies, 1996).
dren's learning. Though the model dis- compact disc is included with this volume. 20. "TheDrums and PercussionPage"is
cussed in this article is specifically 11. For suggestions, see J. BryanBurton located at www.cse.ogi.edu/Drum.
designed for the teaching of West and Rosella DiLiberto, "Resources for 21. Diagram Group, Musical Instru-
African music, it can be adapted to the Teaching Music of Africa," General Music ments of the World:An IllustratedEncyclo-
study of any world culture. Today12, no. 3 (1999): 24-30; and James pedia (New York:Paddington Press, 1976);
A. Standifer and Barbara Reeder, Source and The JVC Video Anthology of World
Notes Bookof AfricanandAfro-American Materials Music and Dance (Cambridge, MA:
1. David A. Jacobson, Paul Eggen, and for Music Educators (Washington, DC: Smithsonian/Folkways, 1985).
Don Kauchak, Methods for Teaching: ContemporaryMusic Project, 1972). 22. A recording of "Ashanti Kete
PromotingStudentLearning,5th ed. (Upper 12. Two examples are Michael Jackson Drumming" is available with Jeff Todd
Saddle River, NJ: Merrill/Prentice Hall, and Lionel Richie, We Are the World, Titon, ed., Worldsof Music:An Introduction
1999). (United States:Mijac Music and Brockman to the Music of the World'sPeoples (New
2. Claudia E. Corett and KatherineL. Music, 1985); and Northern Lights, Tears York:Schirmer,1984/1992).
Smithrim, The Arts as Meaning Makers Are Not Enough,(Canada:Northern Lights 23. "Kye, Kye, Kule" is available in
(Toronto, ON: Prentice Hall), 4. for African Society [PROCAN]and Foster AbrahamAdzinyah,Dumisani Maraire,and
3. William M. Anderson and Joy E. Music, Inc. [BMI]/IrvingMusic Inc., 1985). Judith Cook Tucker, Let Your Voice Be
Lawrence, Integrating Music into the 13. Cathy Tower, "Questions that Heard! Songs from Ghana and Zimbabwe
Elementary Classroom, 5th ed. (Belmont, Matter: PreparingElementaryStudents for (Danbury, CT: World Music Press, 1986/
CA: Wadsworth, 2001); and Patricia the Inquiry Process," The ReadingTeacher 1997). A cassette or compact disc is avail-
Shehan Campbell and Carol Scott-Kassner, 53, no. 7 (2000): 550-57. able with this book.
Music in Childhood:FromPreschoolthrough 14. One recordingthat includes rain for- 24. A recording of "KasenaJongo" is
the Elementary Grades (New York: est sounds is The Special Music Company, availablewith Titon, ed., Worldsof Music.
Schirmer,1995). "Sounds of the TropicalRainforest,"Gentle 25. Amoaku,AfricanSongsandRhythms;
4. Sue Bredekamp and Carol Copple, Persuasion: The Sounds of Nature, SMC William M. Anderson and PatriciaShehan
eds., DevelopmentallyAppropriatePractice 4586. This recordingis availablefrom Essex Campbell,eds., MulticulturalPerspectivesin
in Early ChildhoodPrograms(Washington, EntertainmentInc., 560 SylvanAve., Engle- Music Education (Reston, VA: MENC,
DC: National Association for the Education wood Cliffs, NJ 07632. 1989); Peter Dunbar-Hall and Glenda
of Young Children, 1997). 15. The Nylons, "The Lion Sleeps Hodge, A Guide to Music aroundthe World
5. This article is based, in part, on Tonight,"TheBest of theNylons, ADC 1426. (Marrickville, NSW, Australia: Science
Francine Morin, "InterdisciplinaryInquiry: 16. A performance/accompanimentcas- Press, 1991); Robert Mawuena Kwami,
ExploringNew Paradigmsfor World Music sette and teaching helps are available in AfricanSongsfor School and Community:A
Education"(presentationmade at Music of TeresaJennings, "ScottJoplin Reproducible Selection from Ghana (Mainz, Germany:
the Spheres,the 24th World Conference of Biography, Teaching Suggestions, and Schott Music Corporation, 1998); and W.
the International Society for Music Listening Map Kit for The Entertainer," Moses Serwadda, Songs and Stories from
Education, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, MusicK-8 3, no. 2 (1992): 34-36. The cho- Uganda (Danbury,CT:World Music Press,
July 17-22, 2000). reographyof a novelty dance and teaching 1987). SongsandStoriesfromUgandacomes
6. James A. Beane, CurriculumIntegra- suggestions are available in Phyllis S. with a music recording.
tion: Designing the Core of Democratic Weikert, Teaching Movement and Dance 26. A recording of "Postal Workers
Education (New York: Teachers College (Ypsilanti, MI: High Scope Press, 1982), Canceling Stamps at the University of
Press, 1997); Mark Robin Campbell, 147-49. Ghana Post Office"is availablewith Titon,
"Interdisciplinary Projects in Music," 17. William M. Anderson, Teaching ed., Worldsof Music.
Music EducatorsJournal 82, no. 2 (1995): Music with a MulticulturalApproach(Res- 27. A recording of "Sansa Kroma" is
37-44; and Marian L. Martinello and ton, VA: MENC, 1991). Includes a book available with Adzinyah, Maraire, and
Gillian E. Cook, InterdisciplinaryInquiryin and four videocassettes. Tucker,Let YourVoiceBe Heard! "Tu! Tu!
Teaching and Learning, 2nd ed. (Upper 18. Will Schmid, WorldMusicDrumming Gbovi" is available in Amoaku, African
Saddle River, NJ: Merrill/Prentice Hall, (Milwaukee,WI: Hal LeonardCorporation, Songsand Rhythms.
2000). 1998). This book comes with a videocas- 28. See examples of West African
7. MaryAlice Gunter,Thomas H. Estes, sette. "Anansi"is availablein LynneJessup, dancing in TheJVC/SmithsonianFolkways
and Jan Schwab, Instruction: A Models Afro-Ensemble:A Beginning Book (Fort Video Anthology of Music and Dance of

MARCH 2003 33
Africa, vol. 2 (Washington, DC: Smithson-
ian/Folkways, 1996).
29. "Na doe de Dzi" is available in
I ij
Kwami, African Songs for School and The first fake book ever
Community. designed for first year
30. A video, CD, and guide for teaching jazz combos.
the "Highlife" are included with Christy
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NEAL EASY
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Folk Dance Video, vol. 1 (Champaign, IL:
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summer camps. It works!
popular dances are available on Saka
Acquaye, Voices of Africa: High-Life and Each tune comes with a page of scales for
OtherPopularMusic, H-72026. This album soloing, sample bass lines,and guitar
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has been re-released as part of the
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the title Ghana:High-Lifeand OtherPopular Horace Silver, Eddie Harris,Sonny Rollins,
Cannonball Adderley,& more!
Music,Nonesuch Records79701.
32. Walt Hampton, Hot Marimba! C, Bb, Eb & bass clef versions. 94 p, $19
Zimbabwean-Style Musicfor OrffInstruments
(Danbury, CT: World Music Press, 1995). I
_ :66z _*
33. "ContemporaryAfrican Xylophone =_~~~~~~E
L
Ensemble," TheJVC/SmithsonianFolkways
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Africa, vol. 3 (Washington, DC: Smithson- The MUSIC LESSONS seriesis comprehensiveMusicTheoryandEarTrainingsoftware
that'seasy to use, pedagogicallyproven,andso flexiblethatit workswithbeginningthrough
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MUSIC LESSONS I Fundamentals coversNote
Encyclopedia.
35. Jane Yolen, Welcome to the Reading, Circle of Fifths, Key Signatures,Major
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Greenhouse(New York: G. P Putman &
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Daigneault, Sarah Saw a Blue Macaw MUSIC LESSONS II Chords and Harmony
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37. Soundtrack Performance Group, 800 645-3945 Lab 5 Packs
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38. The Life in Africa Foundation has a Handbook fo: r practices"and resources for articulatingthe need for
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34 MUSIC EDUCATORS JOURNAL

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