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Year 8 - Music

Warabadon - structure and solo parts

Djembe drumming and rhythms from the regions of West Africa

Unit Summary

Pupils are introduced to drumming from the regions of West Africa, performing as an ensemble and developing their understanding of djembe technique, the structure and musical conventions of the music, how rhythm and tempo are used to create excitement and the culture connected with the music.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to play the Warabadon rhythm with the different sections, including an improvised solo.

Key Notes

  • Warabadon has a structure consisting of different sections.
  • Part 3 contains improvised solos which are performed by the djembefola and often include fast, complex triplet rhythms.
  • The solo section of the Warabadon includes polyrhythm.
  • This is a key feature which creates excitement and a thicker texture in the music.
  • Performing the full Warabadon structure including an improvised solo.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • polyrhythm: the combination of two or more different rhythms at the same time
  • improvised solo: a featured part of a composition played by one person, where the player makes up the rhythm on the spot
  • djembefola: the lead drummer
  • triplets: three notes played in the time it normally takes to play two

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Improvisation means making something up from nothing

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the lesson in two key points.

Warabadon has a structure consisting of different sections. Part 3 contains improvised solos which are performed by the djembefola and often include fast, complex triplet rhythms.

2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'polyrhythm'

the combination of two or more different rhythms at the same time.

3. Correct this common mistake.

Mistake: Improvisation means making something up from nothing. Correction: You can use typical rhythms or features of the style as a basis oof any improvisation. This might mean using an establisehd idea such as a prepared triplet or syncopated rhtyhm and then extending the idea with something made up in the moment.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 8 Music guide library.