UCLA Department of Ethnomusicology

INSTRUCTOR: Francisco Aguabella
CLASS MEETINGS: Mondays, 7pm-10pm
LOCATION: Gamelan Room, SMB 1659
ENSEMBLE ASSISTANT: TBA

Course Description:

This is a performance-based course designed to give students instruction on Afro-Cuban percussion techniques.  Francisco Aguabella was born in Matanzas, Cuba and is a master of the Yoruba-derived batá drums and the rumba form as well as contemporary traditions including Cuban son, salsa, and Latin jazz.

Grade Policy:

Grading in this course is based on attendance, effort, progress, and participation.  Attendance is MANDATORY and will be taken at each class.  Late arrivals and early departures will also weigh into the overall grade.  You must be enrolled in the class in order to attend (no audits).

Active participation in class is also expected. As a member of the class, you will be evaluated on the effort put forth rather than the level at which you play.  During performance quarters, you will be required to attend ALL rehearsals three weeks prior to the performance. Absence, for any reason, means you have forfeited your drum part(s) for that performance. Students may be asked to assist in moving drums at the beginning and end of class. 

Class Attendance and Participation              100%

GAMELAN ROOM RULES

1. Do not bring food or drink into the Gamelan Room.
2. Do not move instruments without permission from the ensemble director or assistant.
3. Chairs must be re-stacked at the end of class.
4. The whole class is expected to participate in post-class/post-concert clean up.
5. Many of the instruments in the Gamelan Room are sacred.  Please treat them with great care and respect.  (To be safe, just don’t go near them.)