Monday, July 20, 2009
the map of guatemala in the world @ 6:44 PM
Saturday, July 18, 2009
this is a teponaztli video @ 8:07 AM
more nice music for you all to listen to @ 8:05 AM
a video for you all to enjoy XD @ 7:51 AM
ohhhgoshh!!! WE'RE BACK...again!!!! @ 1:07 AM
Yay!! We're back with more and more everyday:)
Next up is the Chirimía!!!!!
Chirimia(Spanish) is a Spanish term for a type of oboe, and in English is used to refer to various primitive oboes found in Latin America, based on instruments introduced during Spanish colonization.
However, its not all an oboe!
Hear it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjafdGbSr6s&feature=related
OR
Hear the OBOE:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P21b0akcaq8
It sounds similar and yet different! Tell us which you prefer by tagging!
Personally, although we feel the oboe produces a much sweeter sound, we enjoy the adorable melody produced by the Chirimia!:)
Enjoy and see you soon!
<3,
Alison ad Tricia
Heyyo!! @ 12:53 AM
Hey everyone,
we're back with more and more stuff for you guys!!!
A teponaztli is a type of slit drum used in central Mexico by the Aztecs and related cultures.
Teponaztli are made of hollow hardwood logs, which are often hardened by fire. Just like most slit drums, teponaztli have three slits on their topside, cut into the shape of an "H".
Teponaztli were usually decorated with beautiful relief carvings of various deities or with abstract designs, and were even carved into the shapes of creatures or humans. Some of these creatures are open-mouthed, providing increased volume through the hole at the end. On other drums, a hole was made on the drum's underside!
If you want, do go hear the beautiful sounds produced by this really cool instrument....
Here's the link! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjafdGbSr6s&feature=related
Really sorry I couldnt upload the video!!
Do tag before you leave!! More cool stuff, coming your way:)
In HIS Love,
Alison and Tricia<3
Monday, July 13, 2009
~~The Marimba @ 6:26 PM
(These Pictures show the parts of a marimba....such as the bars and mallets!!)
Hi everyone! We're back and we are going to present to you on the marimba!!
Guatemela (G)'s national instrument is the Marimba, and idiophone from the family of the xylophones!!!
1. The Marimba!!
This traditional cool instrument is a musical instrument in the percussion family. The keys and bars are usually made out of wood, and are struck with mallets in order to produce a nice musical melodies. The keys in this instrument in the same way as those of a piano. Its bars are usually made out of rose wood as bars made of such material are much more preffered in concert-playing!
BARS:The bars can also be made of a material called padouk.(cool is'nt it?) Or various synthetic materials! They are mainly used as instruments in a marching band and in outdoor events:) as they are very durable, and are also less susceptible to a change in pitch in accordance to weather change! The lower pitch notes are wider and longer, while the higher ones are narrower and shorter!! (WOW!!)
MALLETS: The mallet shaft is usually made out of wood aka BIRCH, but another alternative would be rattan/fibreglass! Rattan has a certain elasticity in them. Professionals use different material mallets based on personal preference. Softer ones are used at the lowest notes, and harder ones are used at the higher notes!
Hopefully, this has taken you nearer ONE STEP into Guatemala's cool musical culture! Do read on to find out more:)
God Bless,
Trish and Ally:)