Zimfest Update
March 16, 2008

Jennifer Kyker will be unable to attend Zimfest this year as she was finally awarded her visa to spend several months in Zimbabwe to complete research for her dissertation on the music of Oliver Mtukudzi. She will also have the opportunity to work with Tariro’s on-the-ground directors in Zimbabwe, and her presence there will be a tremendous benefit to Tariro’s work. We will miss Jennifer at Zimfest this year, but we wish her safe journeys and look forward to reports about her work when she returns.

We have replaced the workshops Jennifer was scheduled to teach with similar workshops. We welcome Maggie Donahue to this year’s teaching staff.

Cancelled Workshops

We have cancelled the following workshops:

  • Session #1: Adv. Beginning Hosho for Marimba Music, Jennifer Kyker
  • Sessions #2 & #6: (INTENSIVE) Intermediate Marimba: Tariro, Jennifer Kyker
  • Session #5: Introduction to Shona Language, Jennifer Kyker
  • Session #7: Singing in Shona, Jennifer Kyker
  • Session #8: (PRESENTATION) Music and History of Oliver Mtukudzi, Jennifer Kyker

Added Workshops

Added Sessions

This workshop has been on the schedule, and is now offered during an additional session:

  • Session #1: Really Beginning Hosho, MyLinda King

New Workshops

We have added these new workshops (see below for the descriptions):

  • Session #2: Intermediate Marimba: Chiro Chacho, MyLinda King
  • Session #3: (PRESENTATION) Mbira Orchestra, Wilfred Mafrika, Tonderai Ndava & Micah Munhemo
  • Session #5: TLC for Your Marimba, Stephen Golovnin
  • Session #7: Ndebele Choral Singing II, Lucky Moyo

Changed Workshops

  • Session #3: (PRESENTATION) Tariro’s Work with AIDS Orphans moves from session #3 to session #8 and will be taught by Maggie Donahue

Added Teachers and Presenters

Maggie Donahue has been involved with the Zimbabwean music community in Eugene, Oregon, for many years. In the 1980s she played in Shumba, Eugene's first marimba band. She founded Kutsinhira Cultural Arts Center in Eugene in 1990. She is now the local director for Tariro, a non-profit which provides an array of educational support for teenage girls orphaned by AIDS in Zimbabwe. Last year Maggie traveled to Zimbabwe and had the opportunity to meet and interview 15 of Tariro�s girls.

New Workshop Descriptions

Instrument Maintenance

TLC for Your Marimba

Stephen Golovnin
#5 Sat. 3:30–5:30
This workshop is for those who want guidance in taking proper care of their marimbas. Stephen will give you pointers on tuning and improving the sound of the marimba keys as well as maintaining the functionality of the buzzers on the resonators.
Level: All Levels
Limit: 25
Materials: Bring paper and pencil. No audio or video recording allowed.
Current Status: Open

Marimba

Intermediate Marimba: Chiro Chacho

MyLinda King
#2 Fri. 1:00–3:00
Learn a high-spirited Zimbabwean wedding song. The vocals for this song are included in "Let Your Voices Be Heard." In 1993 MyLinda King and Pete Swing arranged it for marimbas. A complete arrangement, including lead and vocal harmonies, will be taught.
Level: Intermediate
Limit: 12
Materials: Audio and video recording allowed.
Current Status: Open

Presentations

Presentation: Mbira Orchestra

Wilfred Mafrika and Tonderai Ndava and Micah Munhemo
#3 Fri. 3:30–5:30
Members of Mawungira Enharira will share their music with an emphasis on the orchestral style of mbira. This presentation will include both discussion and performance, so come prepared to dance and sing along.
Level: All Levels
Limit: Unlimited
Materials: No audio or video recording allowed. ($5 minimum donation requested; no registration necessary)
Current Status: Open

Singing

Ndebele Choral Singing II

Lucky Moyo
#7 Sun. 1:00–3:00
WORKSHOP CANCELLED (May 2)

See also: Workshop Schedule