- Title of piece: "Fanga Alafia" (Although I've found similar versions that are titled "Funga Alafia")
- Performer(s): Drum for Joy Orchestra
- Culture of Origin: Ghana, Africa
- Instrumentation: Djembes, voice, idiophone
With a concert just a few weeks away, I've been searching for some videos to share with my students of songs that we will be performing. I came across this drumming group performing a version of "Fanga Alafia" which is something I'm doing with my 3rd grade students. The topic of this week is to discuss the socialization that music play offers. I feel like I see this all the time in the elementary setting. Students who might be new to having me as a music teacher or are just new to school are often nervous to participate and share in the music making process. However, I always notice that after a few weeks the participation level increases tremendously. I was impressed to hear so many students participate in the singing in this video. But I think it's a great example of how music can really bring people together.
A personal experience that relates to the video above happen just a few weeks ago at one of my elementary buildings. A string quartet from the Flint Symphony Orchestra came to our school to not only share the gift of music, but they also incorporated a story about working together. I noticed in the beginning, the students were hesitant to participate. However, as the musicians continued to play and at the end of the assembly when the musicians were looking for student musicians to play along with them, the students were all jumping out of their seats to be a part of the music. I saw students, who are normally so shy and quiet in my class, stand up and dance with a few other friends. Music really does bring out a social aspect that can't always be seen in a traditional classroom.
