Infectious African marimba music was introduced in the Pacific Northwest by the University of Washington guest professor Dumisani (Dumi) Maraire who taught in their ethnomusicology department in the 1970's. Dumi also taught at the Evergreen State College before turning to teaching private classes and performing.
Dumi shared his compositions and arrangements of his native Shona music from Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia). During British colonial years, Dumi fought to keep his native music traditions alive by arranging pieces with Christian themes that were acceptable to the British colonizers. Once Dumi arrived in Seattle, he was free to arrange many more pieces true to Shona tradition.
Dumi's infectious music spread across the western U.S. and beyond; several marimba groups can be found in most major cities today. Visit Zimfest.org for more information on locations and performances.
(Note: I had the privilege of studying and playing with Dumi for 15 years in the 70's and 80's, including a trip to Dumi's home village in Zimbabwe where we literally played from dusk until dawn while villagers danced in the dust outside. The cement wall house had a tin roof with numerous bullet holes in the corrugated tin roof; the bullets shot from helicopter machine guns on British aircraft as they fought to maintain their colonial power. This is the environment in which Dumi bravely fought to keep the Shona music traditions alive. While in Harare, the Capitol, we found a music school where wooden marimbas were being built. We asked one of the young, African craftsmen if he played marimba. "Oh, no," he said! "I'm a Christian!" Such was the impact of British colonization.)
Thank you for the energy and passion of these three performances. The Vivaldi piece was the music used for graduation at the girls' school where I taught. Although beautiful in itself, the music gained electricity from the skill and passion inbued by the students at Goede Hoop School. If only the peoples and nations of our world could demonstrated the supreme level of cooperation exhibited by these students. Then came the genius of Sietzen. Wow.
It has always been stated that a well rounded student needed arts - music or art itself. However educators have always preferred to take those funds & use them for football & not arts. My daughter was in orchestra & cellos were damaged. I am a single mom and at that time I had to come up with $3,000 for USED cello for her. Her teacher tried all he could to get good instruments & some were donated. But football team never lacked for new uniforms or equipment.
As I shy away from reading your Smile for a Saturday posts each week, I finally succumb to the persistent call from Steady, "Resistance is futile," and am better for it. A thousand thanks!
I've been waiting for your moments of joy this week. Thank you! It really made me smile--much needed at this sad and frightening time for America--and our children.
Infectious African marimba music was introduced in the Pacific Northwest by the University of Washington guest professor Dumisani (Dumi) Maraire who taught in their ethnomusicology department in the 1970's. Dumi also taught at the Evergreen State College before turning to teaching private classes and performing.
Dumi shared his compositions and arrangements of his native Shona music from Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia). During British colonial years, Dumi fought to keep his native music traditions alive by arranging pieces with Christian themes that were acceptable to the British colonizers. Once Dumi arrived in Seattle, he was free to arrange many more pieces true to Shona tradition.
Dumi's infectious music spread across the western U.S. and beyond; several marimba groups can be found in most major cities today. Visit Zimfest.org for more information on locations and performances.
(Note: I had the privilege of studying and playing with Dumi for 15 years in the 70's and 80's, including a trip to Dumi's home village in Zimbabwe where we literally played from dusk until dawn while villagers danced in the dust outside. The cement wall house had a tin roof with numerous bullet holes in the corrugated tin roof; the bullets shot from helicopter machine guns on British aircraft as they fought to maintain their colonial power. This is the environment in which Dumi bravely fought to keep the Shona music traditions alive. While in Harare, the Capitol, we found a music school where wooden marimbas were being built. We asked one of the young, African craftsmen if he played marimba. "Oh, no," he said! "I'm a Christian!" Such was the impact of British colonization.)
Thank you for the energy and passion of these three performances. The Vivaldi piece was the music used for graduation at the girls' school where I taught. Although beautiful in itself, the music gained electricity from the skill and passion inbued by the students at Goede Hoop School. If only the peoples and nations of our world could demonstrated the supreme level of cooperation exhibited by these students. Then came the genius of Sietzen. Wow.
Wow! Thank you for a bright piece of information. Delightful watching as well as listening.
Wonderful! The talent and sheer joy exhibited by these girls warms the heart and soul.
Thank you for allowing us to see and hear these beautiful, joyful and wholesome performances. Adds beauty to our day.
Exactly what my spirit needed. Thank you so much.
Conspiracy of Silenced Love
Where are my words of Comfort, Hope, Ease, Acceptance, Peace?
Where are our words of Comfort, Hope, Ease, Acceptance, Peace?
Where’s everyone’s words of Comfort, Hope, Ease, Acceptance, Peace?
Here Rage, Ire, Fear, Fatigue boil and bubble
Here Righteous Anger Flames and Flares
Here the rights and wrongs take sides, divide, us against them.
Yet, Encouraging Sounds don’t cost more
We Cannot Afford to Look Long away, but
‘Ere you don't have something good to say, don't say anything.
As Parents, Upholders, Friends, Family… are gone forever.
At this senseless onslaught… it’s all too much
As word waves of emotion Swirl, Pitch, Undulate, Riot, are Never quiet
Can we wring ourselves out
Can anything break the logjam of inaction
Can we try fostering optimism
Even care about those different than us
Even care for those lost in hopelessness
Even care for and about the shooters
Place both hands on the faces of a photo of each child
Pass gun laws?
Talk is cheap
Restraint is a loving act.
It has always been stated that a well rounded student needed arts - music or art itself. However educators have always preferred to take those funds & use them for football & not arts. My daughter was in orchestra & cellos were damaged. I am a single mom and at that time I had to come up with $3,000 for USED cello for her. Her teacher tried all he could to get good instruments & some were donated. But football team never lacked for new uniforms or equipment.
It lifted my spirits. Music is healing. More of this please!
Pure Joy Thank you
As I shy away from reading your Smile for a Saturday posts each week, I finally succumb to the persistent call from Steady, "Resistance is futile," and am better for it. A thousand thanks!
Thanks for the terrific smile!!!
That was wonderful! Thank you so much!
I've been waiting for your moments of joy this week. Thank you! It really made me smile--much needed at this sad and frightening time for America--and our children.
This was a wonderful breather. Thank you for sharing with us, as always.
Aweseom! Thank you, Dan!