The Anderson University West African Ensemble (AU WAE) is honored to share the rich cultural traditions of drumming and dance from Guinea, West Africa to our audiences within the university, community, and region. The AU WAE was founded in 2007, performs two annual concerts, conducts workshops and performances in local schools, has performed at the South Carolina Music Educators Association Professional Development Conference in Charleston and Columbia, and performed at the National Baptist Church Music Conference, in Toccoa, GA.
Students in AU WAE have the privilege of working with internationally acclaimed drumming artist Bolokada Conde and regionally acclaimed dance artist Alisa Caldwell in preparation for our performances. Our guest artists provide world-class instruction and inspire us to greater appreciation and enjoyment of this cultural heritage and art form.
Get involved
Students can join the AU WAE as a class member or club member. No experience is needed, and students may participate as a drummer or dancer. The main requirement for entry is to bring a positive attitude and willingness to work together toward our common goals. The goals of AU WAE are to:
Glorify our creative Lord through performance of diverse musics
Develop creative capabilities through performing in a diverse musical practice
Develop a broader understanding and appreciation of West African performance practices of the Malinke people groups.
- Glorify our creative Lord through performance of diverse musics
- Develop creative capabilities through performing in a diverse musical practice
- Develop a broader understanding and appreciation of West African performance practices of the Malinke people groups
The AU WAE rehearses on Fridays from 2:35-4:30 PM during each semester. The course is MUP 140 West African Ensemble. Contact Dr. David Perry, AU WAE Director for more information at dperry@andersonuniversity.edu.
Students, we hope you can participate in this extraordinary musical and cultural experience!