News Article
SIL ethnomusicologist leads Burundi song-composition workshop
(September 2010) SIL ethnomusicology consultant-in-training Rob Baker is currently leading a song-composition workshop in the Cankuzo province of Burundi. The workshop runs 13–17 September and is sponsored by the European Commission and World Vision Germany as a nutrition project.
Key objectives of the workshop
- To produce traditional songs with key messages on good nutrition practices and child protection
- To train Burundian musicians how to produce songs in the traditional style with new messages
- To train project staff how to use the songs for sensitizing the community to the songs’ themes
Objectives of the UN Child Rights convention are serving as the basis for song messages. Participants themselves select the message their songs will communicate and must reflect relevance for the Burundian context. Preferred messages are about education for girls, child labor, early marriage, equal rights for children and the use of family income for food and education instead of alcohol.
Related links of interest
- Ethnomusicology and the arts in SIL
- Ethnomusicology papers at international conference (July 2009 News Article)
- Papers on traditional music at conference in Vietnam (July 2010 News Article)