The Bamboo Orchestra

This piece is titled,"The Nyamebekyere" It is performed by the Kukyekukyeku Orchestra (traditional bamboo orchestra) This piece originates from Ghana, in West Africa. The Instrumentation- Handmade bamboo instruments are classified as (Idiophones), clapping and stomping (corpophone) and singing (Membranophones) according to the Sachs-Hornbostel system. 

The classification system has been around for many years. Wade states, “They loved to classify and devised a variety of exhaustive categorizations (37).” As you may seen from the title of this video, it is grouped into a category as well. It is actually grouped into a few categories. Traditional, Bamboo, and Orchestra are all entirely separate categories, but when placed together, it can be used to describe a beautiful ensemble. The musicians of the bamboo orchestra are also singing, clapping, and stomping their feet. Wade states, “The human voice is often neglected in the classifications systems (p.44).” These ensemble performers are using their vocals as well. I rarely hear percussionist singing while performing in my region. Instruments are also identified by their region as well as historical associations. Instruments can be categorized by social status, gender, and spiritual associations. Classification systems are useful because they define who we are, and  defines our cultures. I believe it also helps us to identify and express certain emotions and meanings. It is something we have been doing since ancient times.