The concert, titled "The Power of Rhythm: From Africa to the Blues," will chronicle the emergence of blues in the American music scene, demonstrating the crucial role that African beats and music played in the formation of the genre, according to Ensemble member Christina Chen '12. To effectively narrate this musical saga, the concert will feature guitarists, pianists, vocalists, a horn section and a large percussion group.
The Ensemble will perform two songs by Fela Kuti, a pioneer of Afro-pop music and a human rights activist. Building on the theme of revolution, the group will also perform two songs by Gil Scott-Heron, an artist best known for his poem "The Revolution will Not be Televised."
Directed by music professor Hafiz Shabazz, the Ensemble is composed of a dynamic blend of Dartmouth drummers. Students in the group meet three days each week to practice funky mash-ups of world music, play smooth, African-style beats and experiment with improvisation.
According to Shabazz, the Ensemble is one of the more diverse musical groups on campus, as its members display a wide range of percussion experience and musical interests. Shabazz said he feels very honored to be able to work with students who have never played an instrument before but are willing to venture out of their comfort zones and learn something new.
The group is unique among music groups on campus in that it focuses on blending different types of music from all over the world. In the past, the Ensemble has experimented with music from countries including India, China, Japan, Cuba and Brazil.
"The fact that we try to focus directly on cultures and countries outside of the U.S. is important," Shabazz said. "It's empowering. It breaks down barriers."
Whether playing the stately beats of the Japanese taiko drum or experimenting with the rough-throated vocals of jazz, the Ensemble always strives to create something new.
"We always try to have a twist," Ensemble member Si Jie Loo '12 said. "We know the traditional African drums, and we want to make it interesting for the audience."
Loo added that the Ensemble's goal is to bring world music to campus.
"Our purpose is to pull in music from all over the world and present it in a way that is accessible to the audience," Loo explained.
Shabazz said he believes that one of the Ensemble's key functions is to keep the art of percussion alive and relevant.
"We're infusing this type of energy into music," Shabazz said. "We keep that tradition alive. As percussionists and musicians, we're always looking for new ideas, new ways to do it."
Chen praised the group for filling the blues niche in Dartmouth's music scene.
"We have classical, glee club, a capella and African and Caribbean beats," Chen said. "[Blues is] another important part of musical artistic expression."
Student drummers said the goal of "The Power of Rhythm" is similar to that of the Ensemble itself: to have fun while introducing audience members to new types of music.
If past concerts provide any indication, audience members will not be disappointed by the Ensemble's performance.
"[Last year] people were just standing and dancing and wouldn't leave," Loo recalled.
"The Power of Rhythm" will be presented at 8 p.m. on Friday in Spaulding Auditorium in the Hopkins Center.
