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The Middle Eastern Music Ensemble performed in the LL Building on Tuesday evening. The room consisted of 14 performers, all playing different instruments like the tar (frame drum) and the darabukka (hand drum).The musicians worked together to create upbeat melodies and rhythmic beats. Students wore traditional outfits, headdresses and jewelry.

The music room was filled with instruments and audience members, some of whom were standing by the doorway just to get an earful of the traditional music and its dynamic beat.

The variety of instruments was driven by student interest in them. If an interest was shown and the student wanted to learn to play a specific instrument, this was allowed and taught by professor and director Wael Kakish.

“The students pick out the instruments they play. Some already know how to play their musical instrument and others don’t,” Kakish said.

The concert was intriguing and full of rhythm. While students played, an interesting instrument peered from the laps of several students, known as the oud (Arabic lute).

“The main instrument used in the class was an essential instrument in Arab music for at least 1000 years. It is called the Oud (Arabic lute)” said Wael.

The Oud is used in both classical and folk Arabic music and traveled from north Africa and Spain, where it was modified to its European look and sound, called the lute; and in Europe this is where the modern guitar was created, according to Kakish.

The students did not just play these wind and percussion instruments. They also sang and belly danced. Marguerite Kusuhara gave a wonderful performance of “Raks Sharki.”

“I have been dancing since I was 17 years old and used to teach group classes in Arabic and Turkish belly dancing,” said Kusuhara, who is also a singer.

Vocal director Lana Khalaf aided some of the students in the pronunciation of Arabic words that may have proved difficult while singing.

The ensemble performance was short, but interesting. Kakish briefly explained the instruments behind the music, the beat and the genres of the songs, making the evening informational.

“We started this course in late February and selected some pieces within the last month, and we worked hard to perform what was heard today,” Kakish said. “I give the students a different variety of music to play and listen to, so they can get a taste of what is out there culturally.

“I am very proud and happy. It’s like when you plant something and you watch it grow. At the end you get this beautiful fruit,” he added.

“This performance was great and warm. It brought me back and gave me a homey feeling,” said audience membr Eva Armanios. “I love how loud the music can get without any of the instruments being plugged in.

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