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The 1995 Zimbabwe Music Festival was three days of performances, workshops, community events, and exhibits featuring the music and culture of Zimbabwe. Evening concerts showcased numerous marimba ensembles, mbira groups, and electric-guitar bands playing exciting dance music, as well as a few other acts. Workshops included mbira, marimba, singing, drumming, hosho, chipendani, dance, instrument building and repair, and other topics. Teachers came from around the western states. Community events were discussions about topics of interest to the community of mbira and marimba players. Exhibitors sold crafts, clothing, instruments, and recordings. African meals (for both vegetarians and meat-eaters) were catered by Mai Chi Maraire-Nemarundwe, a Zimbabwean musician who has a catering business in Portland. The festival provided participants with some housing and childcare options.
Most events took place in the Music Building at the University of Washington, though several other sites were used as well. African meals were served in a church a short walk away. Concerts were held at the Nippon Kan Theater on Friday night, and in the spacious UW HUB Ballroom on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon.
The University of Washington School of Music and the Ethnomusicology Students Association co-sponsored the 1995 Zimbabwe Music Festival, which was produced by volunteers who love Zimbabwean music.
Photos of the 1995 Festival (160K)
Return to Zimbabwean Music Festival home page
Saturday November 4th through Thurday November 9th, 1995
A few pre-festival workshops
Friday November 10th, 1995
10:00 am-12:45 pm: Forums (discussions)
1:00-5:15 pm: Workshops
5:30-7:00 pm: Dinner, Opening Ceremony, Guest Speaker
7:30 pm-midnight: Concert
Saturday November 11th, 1995
9:00 am-12:15pm: Workshops
12:30-1:30: Lunch
1:45-5:00 pm: Workshops
5:15-6:00 pm: Dinner
6:00-7:15 pm: Community Gathering
7:30 pm-12:30 am: Concert
Sunday November 12th, 1995
11:00 am-1:30 pm: Workshops
1:30-2:30 pm: lunch break
2:30-3:30 pm: Wrap-Up Session (discussion)
3:30-7:00 pm: Concert
Performer Type From Coeur d'Alene Marimba Band Marimba Coeur d'Alene ID Muzazananda Marimba Berkeley CA Mahonyera Mbira Seattle WA Anzanga Marimba Ensemble Marimba Seattle WA Takunda Dance Ensemble Dance Oakland CA Musango Marimba Seattle WA Kukuva Marimba Marimba Portland OR Village Spirit Marimba Portland OR Mai Chi & Kubatana Electric Guitar Portland OR
Marysville Marimba Ensemble Marimba Marysville WA Tinotamba Marimba Ensemble Marimba Seattle WA MLC Marimba Band Marimba Portland OR Rufaro Youth Ensemble Marimba Friday Harbor WA Dandaro Marimba Santa Cruz CA Musasa Marimba Ensemble Marimba Friday Harbor WA Mutupo Mbira Berkeley CA Russell Landers Chipendani Oakland CA Lora & Sukutai Marimba + Dance Seattle WA Shumba Marimba Ensemble Marimba Eugene OR Chiwoniso Marimba Marimba Boulder CO Boka Marimba Marimba Portland OR Kudana Marimba Eugene OR
Kutsinhira Youth Ensemble Marimba Eugene OR Chiposhi Marimba Marimba Seattle WA Kuzanga Marimba Ensemble Marimba Santa Cruz CA Chiedza Marimba Seattle WA Marimba Muzuva Marimba + Dance Victoria BC Mamatamba Marimba + Song Lopez Island WA Paul Prince Electric Guitar Eugene OR Chris Berry Mbira,marimba San Rafael CA Zanga Zanga Electric Guitar Seattle WA
(Free)
Mbira Players Forum
Fri. 10:00 (1 1/4 hrs)
General gathering of mbira players in a round-table discussion format, to
meet each other and discuss the hows and whys of playing a traditional Shona
instrument in America. Potential topics include: Who are we? How do we procure
instruments? What are the tunings? How do we go about learning, especially,
in areas away from Pacific NW? If there's time, perhaps we'll end by jamming
together.
Forum: Giving Back to Zimbabwe
Fri. 11:30 (1 1/4 hrs)
Musicians in Zimbabwe have given us so much musically, but are always struggling
to make ends meet. This is a discussion on the issue of what we can do to
help these artists in some way. Will the Music Festival be prepared to sponsor
a Zimbabwean to come next year to the Festival? How else can we create exchanges
with musicians in Zimbabwe?
Youth Forum
Sat. 12:30 (1 hr)
A time for young students and performers to gather, introduce themselves,
and talk informally about whatever they choose. This forum will be lead
by the youths themselves.
Youth Forum Rehearsal
Sat. 1:45 (1 hr)
This is an opportunity for the young people to polish an African song to
perform at the Saturday night concert.
Community Gathering
Sat. 6:00 (1 1/4 hrs)
Zimbabwean music enthusiasts from all over North America (and beyond) get
together to share news and discuss important issues.
Wrap-Up Session
Sun. 2:30 (1 hr)
Bring your own lunch to this discussion of this year's festival and early
planning for next year's.
Video Room
Continuous
Relax between workshops by visiting the video room, where we'll be showing
(on an unscheduled, first-come, first-served basis) videos from a collection
that includes the Zimbabwean feature films Neria and More Time,
documentaries on Stella Chiweshe and Chopi marimba, and 'home' videos of
Zimbabwean musicians taken by visitors to Zimbabwe over the past few years.
Friday Dinner, 5:30-7:00
Saturday Lunch, 12:30-1:30
Saturday Dinner, 5:15-6:00
African/Zimbabwean meals, catered by Mai Chi Maraire-Nemarundwe.
Cost is $5 per person per meal in advance; $6 if paid for at the festival.
Intermediate Mbira dzaVadzimu
Jennifer Kyker -- Sat. 9:00 (1 1/2 hrs)
Learn a new version of Shumba that Jennifer learned from Tute Chigamba.
Level: intermediate. Experience required: must have been playing for
3 years and know basic kushaura on the piece Shumba. Class limit: 8 participants,
10 observers. Bring your mbira.
Intermediate Mbira dzaVadzimu
Erica Kundidzora Azim -- Sat. 10:45 (1 1/2 hrs)
Learn a traditional mbira piece, Shumba yaNgwasha, also called Shumba yemukuwasha.
Level: intermediate/advanced. Class limit: 10 participants, 10 observers.
Mbiras will be provided, but bring yours if it is "high tuning."
Nyunga Nyunga Mbira - Beyond the Basics
Sheree Seretse -- Sat. 10:45 (1 1/2 hrs)
This class will explore variations and techniques for development of a piece.
Level: intermediate. Experience required: must know 4-6 pieces well;
no beginners! Class limit: 10 participants, 10 observers. Bring your nyunga
nyunga (some will be provided).
(Listed roughly by level of experience required)
First Marimba Class
Maggie Donahue -- Sat. 9:00; Sun. 12:00 (1 1/2 hrs)
Using the piece Kukaiwa, participants will have an introduction to techniques,
piece structure, and beat. Level: introductory. Experience required:
none. Class limit: 10 participants, 18 observers. Bring hosho if you have
them.
Introduction to Marimba
Michael Breez -- Sat. 1:45 (2 hrs)
This workshop is for the complete beginner. We will briefly discuss the
history of marimba in the United States, then explore the role of each marimba
within the context of a simple teaching piece. This is a guaranteed successful
experience, even for those who feel they have "no rhythm." We
will explore rhythm, energy, music, and group mind. Level: introductory.
Experience required: none. Class limit: 13 participants, 5 observers.
Shona Cross-Rhythms: 3 Against 2
Kite Giedraitis -- Sat. 10:45 (1/2 hr)
We will use simple exercises to explore this fundamental rhythm. Kukaiwa
will never sound the same again! (See also Shona Cross-Rhythms: 3 Against
4, which builds on this class). Level: beginner/intermediate (advanced
players will also benefit) . Experience required: none. Class limit: 12
participants, unlimited observers.
Ear-Opening
Kite Giedraitis -- Sat. 4:00 (1 hr)
Experience learning marimba lines with your ears, not your eyes. Connect
with the music in a more intuitive, less intellectual way. We will also
do a little experimenting with improvisation. A great class for people who
don't think of themselves as musicians. Level: beginner/intermediate.
Experience required: must know at least 3 marimba songs . Class limit: 12
participants, unlimited observers. Don't bring a pencil and paper!
Marimba Mallet Technique
Stephen Golovnin -- Sat. 4:00 (1 hr)
How to approach marimba with the intent of a) not hurting yourself and b)
obtaining the loudest and clearest sound with minimal effort. Several exercises
to enhance technique will be taught. Level: all. Experience required:
none. Class limit: 20 participants, no observers.
New Marimba Song
Claire Jones -- Sat. 10:45 (1 1/2 hrs)
A song for 7 marimbas plus hosho, at an intermediate level of difficulty.
Participants are welcome to tape all parts and take the piece back home
to perform. Level: intermediate. Class limit: 14 participants, no observers.
Bring a tape recorder (optional).
Intermediate Marimba
Sheree Seretse -- Fri. 3:15 (2 hrs)
We will explore music, parts, and techniques in playing and developing an
intermediate piece. Level: intermediate. Experience required: 2 1/2 years.
Class limit: 10 participants, unlimited observers.
Rhythmical Variations
Michael Breez -- Fri. 1:00 (2 hrs)
We will explore the essential aspects of various marimba parts. Once we
know these essential aspects, then we can vary the parts without straying
too far. Then we will explore rhythm, in depth, for separate parts as well
as the rhythmical interaction between parts and how to enliven the interrelationship.
We will also explore the concept of "playing the resultant." Level:
intermediate/advanced. Experience required: must have a firm grasp of all
the parts (except leads) to Mangwanani, Nyungwe, Zendakaiwa, Chiradza, Kapotso,
and Zomba. Class limit: 8 participants, 5 observers.
Shona Cross-Rhythms: 3 Against 4
Kite Giedraitis -- Sat. 11:15 (1 hr)
Builds on the 3 Against 2 workshop. More rhythm exercises. Will culminate
in playing Warigamukono with minanzi hosho. Level: intermediate/advanced.
Experience required: must know Warigamukono on marimba or Kariga Mombe on
mbira; and must take the 3 Against 2 class. Class limit: 12 participants,
unlimited observers.
Intermediate Marimba and Singing
Chris "Murewa" Berry -- Sat. 9:00 (1 1/2 hrs)
Learn to play a marimba piece that is directly transposed from the matepe
mbira of the Korekore people. Participants will also learn a song that accompanies
the marimba piece. Level: intermediate/advanced. Experience required:
good sense of rhythm; one or two years experience on marimba. Class limit:
24 participants, 50 observers. Bring open and fresh minds.
Minanzi Chord Progressions & How to Jam on Them
Kite Giedraitis -- Fri. 1:00 (4 hrs)
Analysis of the chord progressions behind four-phrase mbira dzaVadzimu songs.
Techniques for starting lines in the middle of another's line/phrase. Techniques
for changing the "one" as you are playing. Techniques for transposing
modes as you are playing. Designed for marimba players, but also good for
mbira players and players of Western instruments. Especially good for composers/arrangers
of mbira music. Basically a repeat of last year's class with more musical
examples. This year we will actually play marimba together. Level: advanced.
Experience required: must have a fairly thorough knowledge of at least 3
mbira dzaVadzimu songs on mbira or marimba; basic knowledge of music theory
(scales, intervals, chords, modes) helpful but not necessary. Class limit:
8 participants, 20 observers.
Mbira Piece on Marimba
Erica Kundidzora Azim -- Sat. 1:45 (2 hrs)
Learn a new marimba arrangement of the mbira piece Nhema Musasa Mbiriviri,
also known as Nhema Musasa Yekutanga. It is rhythmically different from
common versions of Nhema Musasa. Level: advanced. Experience required:
2 yrs playing mbira dzaVadzimu and 3 years playing marimba, and know Nhema
Musasa on mbira and/or marimba. Class limit: 12 participants, 10 observers.
Advanced Murewa Style Marimba
Chris "Murewa" Berry -- Nov. 6 & 7 (4 hrs); Sun. 11:00 (2
1/2 hrs)
We will be learning a "minanzi" piece that will be played in a
completely different style. More challenging than the actual melody will
be the rhythmic structure of the song. To register for Nov. 6-7 (cost $40),
contact Leslie Roberts at (415) 456-0716 or leslie@mcgi.com. Level: advanced.
Experience required: advanced marimba ability, as well as a strong foundation
in the 6/8 rhythmic form (as it relates to the mbira dzaVadzimu). Class
limit: 12 participants, 8 observers.
Marimba Teacher Training -- Phase I
Michael Breez -- Nov. 8 & 9
This is the first of a six-part training program for individuals who want
to initiate or enhance their skills as teachers of Shona music on marimba.
The program provides the training and support necessary to establish a successful
teaching project. Phase I, which includes 16 hours of study, introduces
the methodologies and perspectives valued and taught at the Rufaro School
of Marimba. To register, contact Michael before Oct. 31 at (360) 378-6659
(Cost $225).
Introductory Shona and Ndebele Singing
Mai Chi Maraire-Nemarundwe -- Fri. 1:00; Sat. 9:00; Sun. 12:00 (1 1/2 hrs)
Singing for fun. Participants will learn word meanings and pronunciations.
The goal is to learn two songs, one from each ethnic group. Level: all.
Experience required: none. Class Limit: 25 participants, no observers.
Traditional and Modern Shona Singing
Chris "Murewa" Berry -- Fri. 3:15 (2 hrs)
We will learn Chimurenga songs, singing to accompanying mbira and marimba,
as well as looking into the adaptations modern singing has taken on to address
modernization. In addition, if time permits, we might experiment with using
the fundamentals of Shona song to create and compose our own song that might
speak to our own unique situations. Level: all. Experience required:
none. Class limit: 45 participants, no observers.
Mbira Singing
Erica Kundidzora Azim -- Sat. 4:00 (1 hr)
Learn to hear and sing the melodies being played by the mbira, as well as
traditional Shona lyrics. Level: all. Experience required: none. Class
limit: 28 participants, no observers.
Shona Drumming
Sheree Seretse -- Sat. 9:00 (1 1/2 hrs)
Traditional drumming from Zimbabwe. We will explore basic patterns and cross-rhythms
from four ethnic groups in Zimbabwe, and the role of improvisation. Level:
all. Experience required: none. Class limit: unlimited participants, unlimited
observers. Bring drums; drums available only for the first 15 who need them.
Beginning and Intermediate Shona Drumming
Chris "Murewa" Berry -- Sat. 10:45 (1 1/2 hrs)
We will explore the different styles of drumming used at the bira ceremony
by the Shona people. Level: beginning/intermediate. Experience required:
none. Class limit: 20 participants, 30 observers. Bring drums; drums available
only for the first 15 who need them.
Advanced maKorekore Drumming
Chris "Murewa" Berry -- Sat. 1:45 (2 hrs)
The maKorekore (a sub-clan of the Shona people) have a very exciting and
unique style of drumming. We will be learning some of their traditional
rhythms. Level: advanced. Experience required: a thorough understanding
of hand drum technique, as well as a comfortable understanding of African
polyrhythm. This class will be challenging! Class limit: 20 participants,
25 observers. Bring drums; drums available only for the first 15 who need
them.
Children's Drumming
see: ESPECIALLY FOR YOUTH
Playing Hosho with Mbira
Sarah Noll -- Sat. 4:00; Sun. 12:30 (1 hr)
Through listening and practice, improve your skill playing hosho, making
it the driving force in the music and dance. Special attention will be placed
on playing with kutsinhira bass lines. Sat. is for beginners; Sun. is for
experienced players. Level: Sat beginner; Sun. intermediate/advanced.
Experience required: for Sunday workshop, you must have a solid grasp of
mbira hosho pattern. Class limit: 20 participants, no observers. Bring a
pair of hosho; earplugs recommended.
Introduction to Chipendani
Russ Landers -- Fri. 3:15; Sat. 1:45 (1 1/2 hrs)
Experience the elements of playing chipendani, a one-stringed mouth bow.
We will learn the basics of plucking, overtones and singing and try them
out on the song Uyu Mutinyi. A few instruments will be available for participants
to share during the workshop. If you can bring one, please call Russ in
advance at (510) 763-1722. Level: introductory. Experience required:
none. Class limit: 12 participants, 5 observers.
African Dance
Lora Lue Chiorah-Dye -- Fri. 1:00 (1 1/2 hrs)
Lora will teach some different dance steps from different tribes in Zimbabwe.
Also a warm up and cool down, and some different steps from other parts
of Africa. Level: all. Experience required: you are used to movement.
Class limit: unlimited participants, unlimited observers. Wear comfortable
clothes.
Beginning Dance
Kelly Takunda Orphan -- Fri. 3:15 (1 1/2 hrs)
In an "Afro-Aerobics" style, learn Shona dance steps in a non-pressured
environment. Stretch and strengthen your body while learning steps from
various Zimbabwean dances. Level: introductory. Experience required:
none. Class limit: 15 participants, no observers. Wear comfortable clothes.
Zimbabwean Dance
Kelly Takunda Orphan -- Sat. 1:45 (2 hrs)
Learn a full Shona dance, including the song and drumming; from Irene Chigamba's
repertoire, fully choreographed. Level: beginner/intermediate. Experience
required: some dance experience. Class limit: 15 participants, unlimited
observers. Wear comfortable clothes; bring leg rattles (magaves) if you
have them; tape recorder (optional).
Shona and maKorekore Dance
Chris "Murewa" Berry -- Sat. 4:00 (1 hr)
We will learn new styles for the traditional Zezuru hosho and mbira (minanzi),
as well as Korekore dance (i.e. Mafua, Jekunje, and Jiti -- all maKorekore
style). Level: all. Experience required: none. Class limit: 50 participants,
unlimited observers . Students must wear loose unrestricted clothing.
Mbira Music and the Bira Ceremony
Chris "Murewa" Berry -- Fri. 1:00 (2 hrs)
We will discuss the role of mbira music in the bira ceremony. An overview
of the ceremony will be presented as well as the contact with the ancestors,
and other realms. These issues are fundamental to the purpose and importance
of Shona music. Class limit: 87 participants, no observers.
Beyond Marimba and Mbira: Musical Instruments of Zimbabwe Slide
Show
Claire Jones -- Fri. 3:15; Sat. 1:45 (1 1/2 hrs)
Slide show of instrument makers, performers, and their instruments. Commentary
with lots of anecdotes and taped excerpts. This show will essentially be
the same as Claire gave in 1991 and 1992, but with some new material from
this year's visit to Zimbabwe. Class limit: 87 participants, no observers.
Introduction to Marimba Building Slide Show
Bob Gailer -- Sat. 9:00 (2 1/2 hrs)
Slide show and lecture covering basic theory of note and resonator design;
design and construction techniques of a two-octave soprano. Class limit:
87 participants, no observers.
Marimba Building/Mbira Building
Stephen Golovnin -- November 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Stephen is opening up his shop Saturday, Nov. 4 through Thursday, Nov. 9
for anyone wishing to build their marimba or mbira under his supervision.
Fees are $6 per hour shop fee ($30 per day, max.), plus a donation for instructor's
time. Materials are to be purchased separately by workshop attendees. For
information and to register, contact Stephen at (206) 547-8130. Duration:
One day to one week.
Marimba Tweaking
Stephen Golovnin -- Fri. 1:00 (2 hrs)
A hands-on approach to diagnosing marimba illnesses. Participants are invited
to bring in sickly instruments for evaluation. A heated discussion will
follow in which maladies will be discovered and proposals for musical convalescence
will be put forth (not to mention all manner of invective to be aimed in
the general direction of the original maker). See next course description
(2nd paragraph) for additional info. Level: all. Experience required:
need not be an instrument maker. Class limit: 20 participants, no observers.
Bring: questions; instruments in need of work (optional); need not bring
an instrument.
Mbira Tweaking
Stephen Golovnin -- Fri. 3:15; Sun. 11:30 (2 hrs)
A hands-on approach to understanding various problems that keep an instrument
from sounding its best. An overview of acoustical principles on which an
mbira operates. A real-time tweak or two will be performed before your very
eyes. Bring instruments with problems (physical only). We will also discuss
various tuning options for mbira.
Focus in these two "tweaking" workshops is on giving participants
a good grounding in acoustical theory, offering the main problems that one
is bound to come across, and various options for how to deal with them.
There will be some limited demonstration given, but main thrust is how to
do it yourself. Level: all. Experience required: none. Class limit: 20
participants, no observers.
Making Your Own Hosho
MyLinda King -- Sat. 9:00 (3 hrs)
Participants will receive hands-on instruction in making a finished pair
of hosho from raw, dried gourds. Activities will include scrubbing the exteriors,
drilling holes with a drill press, cleaning out the insides, and carving
corks. Advice will also be given on growing and drying gourds. Each person
will be supplied with two maranka gourds, corks, popcorn (hota if available),
and a few gourd seeds. Additional $10 supply fee to be paid to teacher.
Level: introductory. Experience required: none. Class limit: 15 participants,
no observers. Bring a sharp knife for carving corks (required); needle-nosed
pliers, weeding tool, wire brush, long screwdrivers (optional).
Acoustics of Music
Stephen Golovnin -- Sat. 9:00 (1 1/2 hrs)
An introduction to the acoustical science of sound. Fundamentals of sound
production, tuning theory, and musical instrument design. Geared toward
the musical instrument builder or musician who wants a greater understanding
of the acoustical element of their craft. Level: all. Experience required:
none. Class limit: 20 participants, no observers.
Drop-In Marimba and Mbira Smithy: The Doctor Is In
Stephen Golovnin -- Sat. 10:45-12:15; Sat. 1:45-3:45
The Doctor will be available for drop-in visits. Watch miracles take place
before your very eyes! The dead shall return to life! All cures guaranteed!
Bring those sick and ailing instruments in for diagnosis and repair. All
work done on a first come, first served basis. Larger jobs may be interrupted
to accommodate the occasional quick fix. Work performed while you watch,
or as you are off taking other workshops.
Don't register by mail. $5 per fix to be paid to the Festival, plus an additional
donation (for the Doc) based on appreciation. Fix-er-up tickets may be purchased
at the registration desk Friday or Saturday. Level: all. Experience required:
none. Observers welcome and need not pay!
Introduction to Marimba Building Slide Show
see: PRESENTATIONS
Youth Forum -- Sat. 12:30 (1 hr)
see: COMMUNITY EVENTS
Youth Forum Rehearsal -- Sat. 1:45 (1 hr)
see: COMMUNITY EVENTS
Children's Games
Lora Lue Chiorah-Dye -- Sat. 2:45 (1 hr)
Lora will teach some games that have some singing and movements. For all
ages. Level: introductory. Experience required: none. Class limit: 25
participants, 5 observers.
Children's Drumming
Sheree Seretse -- Sat. 4:00 (1 hr)
Basic Shona rhythms, cross patterns, and rhythmic games. Level: all.
Experience required: none. Class limit: 20 participants, 20 observers.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Children may participate in any festival workshops for which they have the required experience (just like adults), and are welcome at all Community Events.
Bob Gailer has been a student, performer, and teacher since 1976, with Dumisani Maraire as a major influence in his music. Bob founded Chiwoniso in Boulder, Colorado, and has now moved on to form marimbaMARIMBA, Boulder's second marimba ensemble.
Chris "Murewa" Berry has spent the past eight years studying, touring, and performing in Africa and the US. He has collaborated, choreographed, and performed with the National Ballet of Zimbabwe, the National Dance Company of Mozambique, Ballet du Congo, and Black Umfolosi. Chris now resides in Zimbabwe, where he uses his knowledge of Shona language and traditional music in his work as a guide for a Zimbabwe-based non-profit cultural organization, Kunzwana.
Claire Jones studied and performed Shona music with Dumisani Maraire from 1976 through 1982, and began teaching marimba and mbira in 1983. She lived in Zimbabwe from 1985 till 1990, where she performed mbira with Mhuri yekwa Muchena and taught marimba in the schools. Claire returned to Seattle in 1990, where she is a member of Musango marimba band and the mbira group Mahonyera, and a teacher of mbira and marimba.
Erica Kundidzora Azim began studying Shona mbira music in 1970, then traveled to Zimbabwe in 1974 to study mbira dzaVadzimu with traditional masters. Erica's teachers have included Zimbabwean virtuosi Irene Chigamba, Tute Chi-gamba, Ambuya Beauler Dyoko, Forward Kwenda, Cosmas Magaya, Mondrek Muchena, and Ephat Mujuru. She performs throughout the US and Zimbabwe and teaches mbira, in-cluding residential mbira camps, at her home in Berkeley, California.
Jennifer Kyker was born a little over seven months before Zimbabwe declared independence in April of 1980. In January, 1995, this fifteen year-old boarded a plane to visit that fifteen year-old and to study mbira for seven months. Jennifer lives in Eugene, Oregon, and plays marimba with Kudana. She has been learning Shona music for six years.
Kelly Takunda Orphan lives in Oakland, California, and codirects the San Jose State World Music Choir. In 1994 she lived in Zimbabwe via an exchange program with San Jose State University, and studied at the University of Zimbabwe. Kelly studied Shona music and culture, as well as learning traditional drumming, dance, and mbira with the Chigamba family and Mhembero Dance Company. Kelly performs with Takunda Dance Ensemble.
Kite Giedraitis has been playing Shona music since 1986 and began teaching in 1989. He was an original member of Boka Marimba, playing with them for 3 years before traveling in Zimbabwe for a year and Ghana for 3 months. He founded Village Spirit in Portland, Oregon, in 1992.
Lora Lue Chiorah-Dye performs and choreographs for Lora and Sukutai Marimba and Dance Ensemble. She has taught dance classes since the mid-70's and has been teaching African dance, music, and games for the Washington State Arts Commission for four years. Lora was born and grew up in Zimbabwe, and now lives in Seattle.
Maggie Donahue began studying marimba in 1982, per-forming with Shumba for 5 years. She lives near Eugene, Oregon, where she founded the Kutsinhira Community Marimba Center in 1990, directing it for 3 years. Maggie has been teaching since 1990.
Mai Chi Maraire-Nemarundwe was born and grew up in Zimbabwe. Before coming to the US in 1975, she worked with students and teachers in a program called Nziyo Dzezu, pioneered by Dumisani Maraire and two other musicians, to reintroduce African music into schools and churches. Mai Chi now lives in Portland, Oregon, and teaches singing to US performing marimba groups. She often performs with Kudana.
Michael Breez initiated his studies of Zimbabwean music in 1978 with Dumisani Maraire and began teaching in 1984. Since 1980 Michael's teaching and performing experiences have taken him to Africa, Canada, Hawaii, and throughout the United States. Michael, along with Osha Breez, directs Musasa Marimba Ensemble and the Rufaro School of Marimba, both in Friday Harbor, Washington.
MyLinda King has been studying and performing Shona marimba music with Boka Marimba of Portland, Oregon, since 1989. Dumisani Maraire and Ephat Mujuru are major influences in her music. MyLinda is helping to preserve the maranka (knobby) gourd species by growing them in isolation and distributing their seeds.
Russell Landers has played, performed, and taught Shona music since 1983, specializing in mbira dzaVadzimu, chipendani, hosho, and singing. His principal teachers have been Tute Chigamba, Mondrek Muchena, Frank Gomba, Ephat Mujuru, Newton Marapuza, and Simon Meshoko. He lives in Oakland, California, and performs both solo and together with Our Spirits Blend Together, Mutupo Mbira Group, and Takunda Dance Ensemble.
Sarah Noll has been playing Shona music since 1990. In 1991, she traveled to Zimbabwe and was fortunate to study dance and hosho with Irene Chigamba, Abel Mukuchura, Mondrek Muchena, and Clayton Ndlovu. She lives in Oakland, California, and plays hosho, dances, and sings with Mutupo, Our Spirits Blend Together, and Takunda Dance Ensemble.
Sheree Seretse is the director of the Anzanga Marimba Ensemble. She began her studies in African music and culture in 1970 at the University of Washington with Dumisani Maraire. Sheree teaches classes in marimba, drums, mbira, dance, and African games at the Langston Hughes Cultural Arts Center in Seattle, and has worked extensively teaching children.
Stephen Golovnin is a long-time aficionado of Shona music and holds a PhD in mbira and marimba tweaking. He is currently interested in playing mbira music on marimba in small ensembles of two or three as well as in full ensembles. Stephen lives in Seattle.
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1995 Zimbabwean Music Festival
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