3rd-6th graders saw an amazing performance by Zakir Hussain and his Masters of Percussion on Thursday. Mr. Hussain presented the 2,000-year-old tradition of Indian classical music in a way that was fresh, engaging, informative, and even funny. The show opened with a back-and-forth vocal improvisation between Mr. Hussain and his Ghatam (clay jug) player, nicely paralleling our studies of rhythm syllables and question-and-answer improvisation techniques in music class. I will admit, they were a little better at it than we are as of yet.... Here's a clip featuring Mr. Hussain in a similar performance:
Students were also thrilled by the bansuri, or Indian bamboo flute, played by Rakesh Chaurasia:
Not to mention the dancing drummers of Manipur:
The musicality of the performers was just amazing. Wow. The students were overwhelmingly positive about the experience and may have discovered a whole new genre of music to explore.
Mr. Hussain and his performers may be better at this kind of improvisation than the kids are *yet* - but you are starting them out on a road and who knows where it will take them? First steps to great opportunities. Thanks for opening new worlds to the children, Cara.
Mr. Hussain and his performers may be better at this kind of improvisation than the kids are *yet* - but you are starting them out on a road and who knows where it will take them? First steps to great opportunities. Thanks for opening new worlds to the children, Cara.
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