South Asian Vocal Ensemble

Members of this ensemble study and perform Hindustani and Carnatic classical, semi-classical, folk, Sufi and contemporary Indian music. Students participate in supervised rehearsals for a minimum from four to six hours weekly, and gain experience performing and improvising within the Indian music idiom. Emphasis is given to stylistic integrity and accuracy of Indian melodies and rhythms, often set within a Western harmonic context. While indigenous Indian instruments like tabla, mridangam, bhapang, khartal, sarod, sitar, sarangi, and bansuri are often used in the class, traditional instruments from other cultures like qanun, laouto, hulusi, dizi, suona, duduk, and didgeridoo are not only included, but welcomed. Functioning as a professional band rather than simply an academic class, the ensemble tours internationally, and also releases music videos every semester, with a special emphasis on original student compositions.