Description
Piece for Ghana is written for 5 Djembes, however, you may substitute other drums as needed for players 3-5. This piece is intended to introduce players to djembe playing techniques. There is a description of playing techniques included in the score. Percussive Arts Society Review: ÒPiece for Ghana” by Dr. Sarah Waters of the Ohio Northern University faculty is a great introductory work for beginner to intermediate percussionists needing to improve their West African hand drumming techniques. The piece calls for five djembes, but three of these could be substituted with other drums, presumably congas, tubano, kpanlogo, or similar hand drums using tone, slap, and bass strokes with hand/palm technique. The piece is in 4/4 throughout with simple but effective rhythms and inter-play. Although the score does not detail the tunings of the hand drums, most of the interplay comes from the slap strokes, so drums tuned in unison (or not) would work well. Cowbell, shakers, jamblock, and handclaps (and a brief unison vocal exclamation) are additional instruments used. The clearly notated and easy-to-read score parts detail the various hand strokes with”In center with heel” being used to presumably describe the more commonly known bass tone for djembe. This would be a great learning etude for percussion students new to djembe technique, with this type of mostly unison ensemble drumming being an effective way to build community within a program of beginning students. Al- though the rhythmic aspect of the piece is less complex, it is in an audience-engaging style, making “Piece for Ghana” a great choice for the start or closing of a concert. N. Scott Robinson