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Conga Drumming
The musical traditions in Afro-Cuban Folklore are viewed by Cubans as a national treasure. Studying this music has truly been a gift in my life. This book--Conga Drumming--represents a synthesis of some of what I have learned in my study of these traditions. The transcriptions I have included can help beginning and intermediate drummers on several levels. First of all, the transcriptions serve as a visual referent. The box notation actually allows one to see the melody of the different drum parts combined, and their relationship to clave or time. Second, this book contains exercises that can help drummers develop their technique and facility on the drum so that they are able to play the various rhythms. Third, the transcriptions can serve as a memory tool to help organize the musicians within an ensemble. A brief explanation of some of the rhythms has been provided so that they can be understood in a cultural context. The rhythms have been grouped by their ethnic African origins. All the information in this book is my interpretation of lessons that I have had with master drummers: Regino Jimenez, José Pilar, Angel Bolanos, Julio Guerra, Pedro Orta, Mario Jauregui, Carlos Aldama, Felipe Garcia, Jesus Alfonso, Roberto Viscaino, Marcus Gordon, John Santos, David Peñelosa, Mark Lamson, Miguel Bernal and Juan Carlos Blanco. I'd like to give thanks to them for their generosity and patience.
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