In the first class, we practiced getting comfortable with our voices, and learned to sing part of the Egyptian song “Ghannili Shwayya” and the Syrian song “Sayyid il-3asaari,” as well as singing call-and-response on the syllables “ya leil” in the Arabic melodic scale known as “Maqam Rast.” We also discussed some of the cultural context of the music in both Egypt and Syria.
All of the songs we will be learning over the course of the class, as well as the course syllabus and lyrics, can be downloaded from this link: https://app.box.com/s/8e6hjyxqspnfpnfx45voie6rpt1y2epg
At the next class, guest percussionist Rami ElAasser will join us to demonstrate percussion instruments and teach the class some rhythms. We’ll also be working on the song “Ya Gaari.”
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Syllabus – Music Traditions Egypt & Syria
Repertory:
Maqam Country Song
Rast Egypt Ghannili Shwayya
Rast Syria Sayyid il-3asaari
Nahawand Egypt Ya Gaari
Hijaz Syria Qaddukal-mayyas
Bayati Syria Ib3atli Jawaab
Ajam Egypt Ish-Showq Mihayyarni
Special Events:
4/24: Guest percussionist – Rhythms of Arabic music
5/12 – THURSDAY NIGHT: Concert by Sami’s ensemble Zikrayat @
Meridian 23 – www.zikrayatmusic.com
5/22: Guest dancer – Bellydance in Cultural Context
6/12: Final Concert, additional guests presenting on history of Syrian immigration to US.
Resources: