Performing Zimbabwean Marimba: Festivals, Competitions, and Cultural Exchanges from Zimbabwe to the Americas and South Africa

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This thesis explores the current performance practices of Zimbabwean marimba ensembles. I investigate the role of improvisation and the current state of marimba performance practice in Zimbabwe and the USA, how this practice is affected by participation in competitions and festivals, and how Zimbabwean and American marimba ensembles, in turn, influence other marimba ensembles around the world. Previous research on the Zimbabwean marimba traces the development of the instrument from its pedagogical role in the primary and secondary schools in Zimbabwe to playing a key role in professional music ensembles, and also its exodus from Zimbabwe to the United States through the work of Dumisani Abraham Maraire. This thesis begins to address critical gaps concerning both marimba improvisation and the influence of fast growing festivals that have spurred the change that is evident in current performance practices. I illustrate these ideas using two case studies, Winad Musicology (Zimbabwe) and Kutandara Center (USA), tracing their participation in festivals such as the National Institute of Allied Arts (Zimbabwe), the International Marimba and Steelpan Festival (South Africa), Iguaz√∫ en Concierto (Argentina), Zimbabwe Music Festival (USA), and Nhemamusasa North (Canada). Findings from the research show that improvisation is, indeed, an integral part of performance in marimba ensemble, and that there is a growing emphasis on the visual aspect of performances in ensembles.

    Item Description
    Name(s)
    Thesis advisor: Charry, Eric S.
    Thesis advisor: Galloway, Kate
    Thesis advisor: Jones, Claire
    Date
    May 01, 2018
    Extent
    112 pages
    Language
    eng
    Genre
    Physical Form
    electronic
    Discipline
    Rights and Use
    In Copyright - Non-Commercial Use Permitted
    Digital Collection
    PID
    ir:2499