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A World of Sound
Berklee shows its international flavor in its annual celebration of folk music from around the world.
By Sarah Godcher Murphy
Berklee.edu Correspondent
June 14, 2002
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Dancer Jaycee Nakayama swings poi balls during a performance by the Hawaii group. |
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Photo by Justin A. Knight |
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Many students at Berklee have traveled long distances to pursue the art of contemporary music. The college's international enrollment is nearly 40 percent, with students coming from 75 countries. While the American-born traditions of jazz and rock dominate the curriculum, one of the college's most popular and colorful events is all about students celebrating not American music, but the music of the rest of the world. This annual International Folk Festival is one of the most anticipated and entertaining concerts of the Berklee school year.
In March, students from 12 far-flung regions led ensembles presenting the music and, in some cases, dances of their homelands. In forming these ensembles, the students enlisted the help of their countrymen -- but they also sought the help of students from other parts of the world. For example, the Middle Eastern group featured a Brazilian belly dancer. And the salsa ensemble included two saxophonists and a trumpet player from Japan. It is in such mixing of musical and cultural sensibilities that the true spirit of the International Folk Festival comes to life.
On this and the related pages, you will learn more about the performances presented by six of the groups who took the stage at the International Folk Festival. You'll get a flavor of what goes on, but nothing can top the experience of seeing this show live. Next year's concert will be held in April 2003.
Hawaii
Under the direction of student Shaina Pugh, the Hawaii group performed three songs: "E Piko" by the popular group Kapena, "Hawaii Today" by singer/songwriter Loyal Garner, and the traditional tune "Waikiki." All three tunes featured traditional Polynesian dances and costumes, including brightly colored sarongs and flower leis.
During the song "E Piko," Jaycee Nakayama (above) and Sasha Yates performed a traditional dance using "poi" balls attached to strings that are swung around the body in intricate patterns. The whirring of the poi is meant to simulate the sound of flying birds, surf hitting rocks, and other aspects of island life.
Poi dancing is believed to have originated with the Maori people of New Zealand, but is practiced elsewhere in Polynesia. The group also performed Hawaii's signature dance, the hula.
Sarah Godcher Murphy is a publicist in Berklee's Office of Public Information.
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