The university’s African and dance ensembles collaborated with Michael Varner, music associate professor, to bring the sounds and movements of Ghana to life.  African music and rhythms roared through the Fine Arts Building Irons Recital Hall Thursday night in the 28th annual faculty recital.

“It didn’t sound like Americanized African music,” said Erica Manuel, biochemistry and dance sophomore. “Everyone sounded like they didn’t miss a beat or anything. It was really good.”

Audience members got into the groove with every song by either nodding their heads or tapping their foot.  The end of each song was followed by a round of applause from the crowd.

Players had only 14 practices over seven weeks to learn the music.  Not only did they have to learn every song, but also had to learn all of the instrument parts for each song.

The dance ensemble provided the audience with traditional African dances with some modern contemporary moves for the first and closing songs.

“They were so excited to be a part of this,” said Danielle Georgiou, dance ensemble assistant director. “They got to learn something completely new. This is totally different than what they’re used to.”

Varner spoke to the crowd between songs so the audience could understand what they were about to hear and relate to Ghana’s culture.  Varner used small glass to give a traditional toast to musician Kakraba Lobi, whom the student in the study abroad program met while in Ghana.

Players and dancers in the performance were required to have a lot of mental concentration to perform at their best.  Only two of the players  performed in the concert had previous experience playing African music before this semester.

The group expects to play nine more times throughout the year at local schools and libraries.

Varner’s passion and enthusiasm for the music he brings to the university drives him to share cultures and music from around the world.

“I’d like to go back to Africa and bring other African music back to Arlington,” he said.