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Lyndon Institute hosts African Music Festival

2008-03-11 09:46:16

LI Hosted Second Annual African Music Festival

Lyndon Institute continues its Visiting Artist series with it's 2nd Annual African Music Festival and Concert, from January 31 to February 1, 2008. Last year's guest artists Dana Maguire and his teacher Issa Coulibaly are returned to work and perform with LI's talented young musicians, conducting a series of workshops, master classes and rehearsals from January 31 to February 1. The Residency culminated in a public Concert of African Music performed by LI Students alongside our Guest Artists at 7:30 p.m. Friday February 1 in the Lyndon Institute Old Auditorium. Students from Lyndon Institute's culinary program provided refreshments, including samples of West African cuisine.

Dana and Issa bring around 30 traditional African Drums as well as some instruments from the Caribbean allowing this to be a very hands on experience. Rhythms are demonstrated and the students play them back with Dana and Issa coaching them. After two days of workshops and rehearsal the participants will perform in the Friday concert as well as in an All-School Assembly, kicking off African American History Month. LI sophomore Derek Piette is looking forward to this year's festival. Last year's African music workshops were very enjoyable. It gave me a better understanding of different African drumming rhythms, and introduced me to the different cultures of West Africa. Being able to work and perform with Dana and Issa will be something I will remember throughout my life.

This is Mr. Maguire's third time working with LI's students and Mr. Coulibaly's second visit. "We love coming to Lyndon Institute. Everyone here treats us so well. The students are eager and able to learn everything that we can put in front of them in the short time that we are here. It's great to see and hear them shine at the concert. They really got the crowd on its feet last year."

The LI Music Program prides itself on providing students with a diverse array of musical opportunities. Students often have the opportunity to publicly perform with guest artists. We invite local schools, home-schooling families, and the community at large to take part in these Artist Residencies.

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Posted by lina