Chamtengure

A number of years ago, I had the opportunity to join a team that traveled to Uganda, Africa as part of a mission group. While there, we had the pleasure of seeing a traditional marimba and percussion ensemble perform. A longtime marimbist and avid percussionist, I spent some time following the concert visiting with some of the performers. Although their music is passed down through visual and audial instruction (rather than traditional western notation) the groups leader was kind enough to teach me one of their traditional songs. Years later, I came across my (copious) notes from that trip and decided at last to write down what I had learned. What makes Chamtengure such a delight to perform aside from its energy and joy is its versatility. Although notated for two 5-octave marimbas, larger ensembles have the option to double parts in various registers for a fuller sound. Combined with the encouragement to include shaker and hand drums ad lib throughout the piece (except where noted otherwise) this has the ability to fit nearly any ensemble size. Fast-paced, repetitive two-measure patterns that build and play off each other makes Chamtengure a guaranteed success with ensembles and audiences alike!