Àlàbá Ilesanmi

My essay, “African-Focused Approaches to Teaching African Popular Music in Western Classrooms,” was recently published in the book Navigating Stylistic Boundaries in the Music History Classroom: Crossover, Exchange, Appropriation (edited by Esther M. Morgan-Ellis. New York: Routledge).

I offer pedagogical contributions to teaching African popular music and about African musicians in ways that center the musicians, African musical cultures, and African cultural contexts without being undermined or overwhelmed by “foreign” intercultural allusions and manifestations. My goal is to help instructors and students broaden their horizons, sit in the unfamiliar, and uncover internal negotiations that shape musicians’ lives and their artistic outcomes.

The same approach is beneficial in teaching other musical cultures and musicians.

If you’re teaching a “global music” course, I urge you to check out the essays in this book. Consider them as you plan your course, as they can provide fresh perspectives and enrich your teaching and students’ learning experience.

https://www.routledge.com/Navigating-Stylistic-Boundaries-in-the-Music-History-Classroom-Crossover-Exchange-Appropriation/Morgan-Ellis/p/book/9781032542522

Year 1: hit the ground running. Year 2: keep running. Year 3: bigger and better!

Get your tickets here: https://www.akojopomf.com/aamcp

If you are in Lagos, Nigeria, you can’t miss this concert. We’ve been working tirelessly to put this concert and other events (workshops and masterclasses) together. I’m so proud of what we have achieved with our planning. YOU REALLY CAN’T MISS THIS CONCERT.

Àkójopò is having its first Outreach Concert in Lagos this summer, titled Orin Tuntun (new songs), next Saturday, July 23, 2022. The concert’s heading, “Orin Tuntun,” captures the purpose and significance of this concert: a showcase and premiering of new music compositions by Nigerian composers in the Nigerian art music idiom. We aim to promote Nigerian classical music (often referred to as Nigerian art music) as an original and indigenous Nigerian/African art form.

To learn more about Àkójopò, visit: https://www.akojopomf.com/our-vision

In addition to the concert, we are giving workshops and masterclasses in Lagos. Visit Àkójopò’s Instagram page for more details.

Please get your tickets here:
https://aflagos.extranet-aec.com/events/detail/157 #/

NB: While I serve on the Advisory Board of Àkójopò, I’ve been working/volunteering as the Artistic Director for this concert. I am grateful to Florida State University (The Center for Leadership and Social Change) for funding my work with Àkójopò–as one of the Moellership “Summer of Giving Back” recipients.

❤️

Back with our celebrating Alaba Ilesami for his work at FSU Musicology and the Congress of Graduate Students at . His tip: "Accept that things will not always go as planned...be open-minded (this is a learning process for you as the instructor of record and for your students)." Thanks for all you do!

I want to express my special thanks to this group of erudite musicians. I have asked so much of you all this semester, the number of reps and gigs. I truly and deeply appreciate every one of you!

MEET THE CREW.

First and foremost, special thanks to the ladies: the indefatigable Rainbow concert planner and amazing musician, Abby Rehard; the one who ushers down “Ire” (blessings) through her singing, also, took the time to learn some Yoruba, Emma Haley Jensen; and the one who sing the praises to all the "Sweet Mothers," and who took up the challenge to learn some Pidgin English, Aisha Gallion.

To the amazing Guitar section: first, my humble and supportive Prof. and fantastic guitar player, Dr. Frank Gunderson; the one who keeps the groove upon which others rely, Patrick Mckinney; to the Jazz player who exudes so much discipline to keep the tenor line on the guitar, Trevor Crawford. Thank you!

I will never forget the Horns section for your intros, punches, and solos: the multi-instrumentalist, drummer and Alto Saxophonist, Juan Gomez-Sanchez; and the soulful Tenor Saxophonist; Jaylin Green.

Last but not the least, the percussion section (Including Abby and Emma) you made the music richer, fuller, and better with your well-articulated and well-executed playing: the Highlife drum set player, Steven Meoni; and the amazing Mbira player (Abby as well) who adds the unique timbre, and percussionist, Alex Gueterman.

THANK YOU! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!!

A Yoruba proverb says, “t'omodé bá dúpé ore àná, á rí òmíràn gbà” – use google translate, let’s see how efficient it is.

We invite you to join us next Monday, March 9, in the spirit of African communal experience at the Opperman music hall of Florida State University, College of Music. Our program will feature two pieces by the Nigerian Highlife music icon, late Dr. Victor Olaiya (1930 - 2020), as a tribute to his contribution to African music.

Afro-Nyota (FSU Contemporary African Ensemble) Afro-Nyota “African stars” – coined by ensemble members of Fall 2019 – draws its repertory from...

Unarguably one of my best moments in 2019. This, for me, is a prove that 2020 will be greater and better, for you and I.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Odún áyabo fún wa o

Meanwhile, please follow the FSU Contemporary African Ensemble on Facebook FSU Contemporary African Ensemble and on
Instagram

Introducing, the Contemporary African Ensemble of the Florida State University, College of Music. The ensemble had its DEBUT last Wednesday (Oct. 30) with exquisite performance, applauded by the audiences with a standing ovation. My goal here is not to do a concert review but to appreciate the ensemble members, this would not have been possible without them. I appreciate y'all for believing in the vision! I look forward to more years of enchanting music, African communal experiences, and the promotion of diversity on the FSU campus and the Tallahassee community at large. @ Opperman Music Hall

MOMENTS FROM MY ELEMENTARY CLINICAL TEACHING.

I am an advocate of "Music Education for All." I believe that every child should be introduced to music learning at an early age. Howard Gardner ascertained that music is part of the eight multiple intelligences that should be acquired. Not only that, in recent times, more emphasis has been placed on creativity in the workforce as opposed to linear thinking. The difference between the aforementioned is that the former functions from the right brain and the later from the left brain. The right brain deals with artistry, creativity, imagination, holistic thinking, etc. Teaching kids music at an early age exposes them to the early development of their right brain. Dan Pink said, “the future belongs to a different kind of people with a different kind of mind”. Creativity is learned in the Elementary school music classroom, and so is collaboration and confidence. Therefore, music should be a core part of Elementary school curriculum, and it should be given as much time as other subjects.

Whilst I intend to teach at collegiate level, I will NEVER stop teaching kids. They are amazing!!!

Thank you, for sharing your classroom, and for all that you did. Shout out to Barbara Richards and Cindy Smith, miss y’all. @ Stanton-Smith PTO

CHECK OUT MY MOST RECENT COMPOSITION PERFORMED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS, AT TYLER PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTSgjfZsxwk

Olúwa Kú Isé - Alaba Ilesanmi. Olúwa Kú Isé is a Yorùbá folk song, popular among the Ìjèshà people of now Osun state. The tune is arranged for percussion ensemble and voice. I hope you enj...

A B A M I E D A remembrance

I miss y’all!!! Looking forward to more music next semester. Congratulations to Dr. Robinson (no.5 from left) on the completion of your doctorate degree. We are proud to have you as the ensemble director.chops @ UT Tyler Cowan Center

Since everyone is talking about the Royal Marriage. Please take 13minutes to listen to Bishop Michael Curry’s message at the Royal Wedding, he referenced Dr. King quote on love. It’s definitely a powerful message that shouldn’t be lost in the midst of other things.

Coming up this Wednesday in Houston. . . . Journey to Africa (season 2) it promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Heroes Lost and Fallen Concert Tomorrow!!

Titus 3:5-7 KJV
[5] Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; [6] Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; [7] That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. …
HAPPY SUNDAY.