Page 86 - Music
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Vocal-instrumental ensemble
A vocal-instrumental ensemble is an ensemble that combines both singing and
the playing of musical instruments. This kind of ensemble performance is found
in different parts of the world. Examples of vocal-instrumental ensembles in
Tanzania are such as Ngoma, Choir, Muziki wa dansi and Taarab. Note that, in
some cases, vocal-instrumental ensembles may involve a conductor; for example,
in vocal-instrumental choirs. However, other vocal-instrumental ensembles such
as Ngoma, Muziki wa dansi and Taarab may not involve a conductor. Figure 6.4
shows a Ngoma performance as an example of a vocal-instrumental ensemble.
Figure 6.4: A vocal-instrumental ensemble
Activity 6.1
Through the internet, explore various performances by Tanzanian singers
who perform as a solo singers and those who perform as an ensemble (vocal
and vocal - instrumental ensembles).
Voice ranges
In music, range can be defined as the distance between the lowest and highest
pitches that a musical instrument or human voice can produce. Human beings
can sing in different ranges depending on their natural abilities. In each musical
instrument, there is a specific range of pitches that can be produced. For example,
a piano’s range extends from the lowest note A0 to the highest note C8. Figure
6.5 shows a range of pitches on a piano, from A0 to C8.
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