So New

"So New" is a modern interpretation of the traditional Malian rhythm Sounou. Sounou is believed to have originated prior to the colonization of West Africa and is performed to facilitate competitive dance between boys. This arrangement, for young percussion ensemble, retains many of the traditional elements of Malian Sounou; the Malian bass drums with their associated rhythms and variations, the popular djembe in multiple parts and the characteristic African iron bells. Some non-traditional elements have been added. The high bell pattern at rehearsal letter C is borrowed from the son clava pattern found in Afro-Cuban music and is applied here because the traditional low bell pattern is rhythmically the same as the Afro-Cuban cascara. At rehearsal letter D a call and response section is added. While this may not be typical of Sounou, call and response frequently occurs in Malian music. Finally, the lead djembe has been given slash notation to allow the leader freedom to support other instruments in the ensemble. This arrangement may be expanded for improvised solos or dancers by using the first endings to repeat sections. Perhaps these can be made competitive like in Mali!