Bembe Conversations
Self-Study Percussion Course

Bembe Conversations is the first in the Ethnic Percussion Series. Originally released as a short self-study course comprised of a CD and CD insert, the second edition expands greatly on the course’s accompanying text. An introductory section has been added that delves into the history of Bembe – indeed the very history of percussion itself – following its roots back well into Africa. The course has two major objectives – to teach the student about Bembe and Bembe rhythms and to make the student a more accomplished percussionist. In traditional Bembe, the supporting drums tend to remain very fixed rhythmically, not deviating from a basic pattern. Also, traditional Bembe usually incorporates only a single mid-range support drum. In this course the author, Arturo Rodriguez, has applied a certain amount of artistic license to these traditional aspects, adding a second mid-range drum to the ensemble and expanding on the basic dialogues maintained between the supporting drums. The course presents both individual rhythmic parts and, as is the hallmark of all the courses in the Ethnic Percussion Series, provides an opportunity for students to play along with an entire Bembe ensemble. As they become more proficient, this tests their ability to improvise while still maintaining the integrity of the music.