Summary of Dissertation Recitals: Connecting with the Roots (+), Dominican Merengue: The Role of the Guira, Acoustic & Electro-Acoustic Works

Abstract

These three percussion dissertation recitals were given in lieu of a written dissertation. They were presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for Doctor of Musical Arts (Music Performance: Percussion) at the University of Michigan. The work below represents the programing and research from the dissertation recitals.

The first recital, Connecting with the Roots (+), was presented on February 19, 2023 in Hankinson Rehearsal Hall at the University of Michigan. The program consisted of music written for solo Western classical percussion instruments by Dominican composers. Solos were written by Omar Ernesto Ramirez, Darwin Aquino, Dante Cucurrullo, Socrate Garcia, Aida De Moya, and Josean Jacobo. The recital also included three transcriptions and an original composition for percussion ensemble.

The second recital, a lecture entitled Dominican Merengue: The Role of the Güira, was presented on March 11, 2023, in Britton Recital Hall at the University of Michigan. The lecture was representative of the research I conducted in the summer of 2019, with the support of the Center for World Performance Studies on Dominican Music. It also featured historical information and rhythmical analysis detailing the evolution of the merengue from the 1930s to 2000s. Two solos were performed to end the lecture with influences from the style of playing the güira in the main two styles of merengue: perico ripiao and merengue de orquesta.

The third recital, Acoustic & Electro-Acoustic Works, was presented on March 26, 2023, in the McIntosh Theatre at the University of Michigan. The recital presented acoustic and electro-acoustic music from the 20th and 21st century. The acoustic pieces are: Boomslang by Roshanne Etezady, Asanga by Kevin Volans, and Truc à Trac by Nicolas Martynciow. The electro-acoustic works are: Deus ex metronome by Russell Wharton, Interzones by Bruce Hamilton, and Ecotones by Matthew Burtner. This program explores a wide range of the sonic aspects the percussive world has to offer, making this a varied and engaging program.