The School of Music, Theatre and Dance (SMTD) is widely recognized for its Western classical music program, a beloved genre that has endured the years. The World Music Organization (WMO) aims to spread awareness of music and instruments that do not fit the “Western” mold.
Founded by current President Wil Angliss, a master student studying world percussion performance, and Advisor Mark Stone, professor of world music and percussion, in 2023, members meet weekly to provide an opportunity for students to learn about varying musical traditions from around the world. Showcasing music outside of the Western sphere, attendees of meetings can expect to learn about African, Indian and Caribbean styles.
The organization meets every Friday at 1:30 p.m. in the main lobby of Hill House. Meetings are not mandatory, as the club prioritizes flexibility. Swipe key access is required to enter, but those who are unable to obtain access are asked to knock until someone grants entry.
Frequently, the WMO will collaborate with other student music organizations. Recently, the Jazz Club joined in on a jam session where the two organizations were able to share ideas and instruments.
While exploring repertoire, members will spend a significant amount of time learning the complex, interlocking, polyrhythmic textures that are found in African music. Such rhythms and techniques are taught largely on the gyil, an African xylophone originating from Ghana, as well as on Ghanaian hand drums.
Hindustani classical music, a significantly different system from Western style, is also taught through hand-drumming on tabla, dhol and dholak. The groove of the Caribbean is explored on the steelpan drum.
Angliss appreciates the approachable nature that learning world music offers.
“Something that intimidates a lot of people out here in Western is that feeling that you must be at a certain skill level already to participate with the people around you,” Angliss said. “I think the beautiful thing about music that organically is brought up from other places in the world, traditional music as well, is that there are levels of participation for everyone.”
Students of all backgrounds are encouraged to join, even those with no musical background at all. Liz Garcia, social media manager, can attest to the benefits the organization has provided in her own journey.
“I come from a vocalist background, so it [WMO] helped me with rhythms and not thinking in a vocal-centric way,” Garcia said. “But if you’re a non-music major or not a vocalist, it’s just fun. There’s no pressure to know anything, because most people don’t.”
This organization is completely free of charge. Those interested in joining can do so via MySail by searching “World Music Organization.”
The World Music Department has an upcoming concert sponsored by the Judd Family Endowed Fund on April 17 at 7:30 p.m. in Varner Recital Hall.
It will feature Haruna Walusimbi, royal musician of the Busoga and Buganda kingdoms. Focusing on music from East Africa, an African ensemble (Akwaaba, directed by Mark Stone) and Steel Band (Pan-Jumbies, directed by Patrick Fitzgibbon) will play traditional music. For more information, click here.