Our exploration of South America

I've dedicated this blog to explore more into the music of South America! Of course, I can't explore every country in South America, but I've narrowed it down to a select few of wonderful countries. 

 We will be revisiting some countries listed in the textbook, like Argentina and Brazil. To explore more into the music cultures of South America, I have added Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador to the list so there can be new things to learn about these beautiful countries.

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Ecuador: Pasillo, Yarabi, and Marimba

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The most popular form of traditional music in Ecuador is Pasillo.  As with almost all the other musics of South America, it has been influenced greatly by Africans and Europeans. However, the thing about Pasillo is that every region/town has given it its own characteristics. Pasillo is played with a guitar and rondin (a flute-like instrument). Pasillo is usually at a slow tempo and descends from the waltz. Lyrics are usually sentimental and poetic, describing melancholy themes. Yarabi is also very popular in Ecuador. It originates from the the Andes mountain region of Ecuador. It is characterized by its sadness and slow tempo as well. The mood of Yarabi comes from the sufferings of the Indigenous and African populations from the European conquerors. It was these sad songs that helped them dance and be happy. Nevertheless, with its melancholy melody, Yarabi tends to have an upbeat tempo. Another traditional form of Ecuadorian music is Marimba. Marimba is a unique form of music becau
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The National Dance of Venezuela: Joropo

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The term "Joropo" refers not only to the music, but to the dress, dance, and poetry as well. It originates from the rural plains region of Venezuela. Joropo is usually a dance for couples, but groups of only women also occur. Instruments played in Joropo vary by region, but the sounds and rhythm stay the same. The dance is characterized by the woman doing sweeping steps while the man stomps his feet to the rhythm. It greatly resembles a waltz, in which the dancers dance in triple meter who turn rhythmically as a pair around the dance floor. Joropo also can be fast paced and complex with a wide variety of instruments, like guitars, bandolas, and maracas. A four-stringed guitar called the cuatro is typically played in Joropo. There are 36 variations of the dance. Joropo is very highly regarded in Venezuela, especially in Los Llanos (the plains), where it originated. Joropo represents Venezuela's heritage and culture. Elementary school students are taught this dance. Jor
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Colombia: Cumbia

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Cumbia is one of the most popular musics from Colombia. Cumbia also consists of a dance that goes with its music. It's considered the national dance and represents the heritage of Colombia. It originated as a courtship dance practiced by the indigenous people of Colombia. Throughout the years, it became influenced by African and European characteristics. Cumbia often consists of one of two ensembles; a cumbia or gaita ensemble. A cumbia ensemble consists of five instruments; the millet cane or pito (type of clarinet), tambor mayor (hand drum), llamador (drum), the bombo (two-headed drum), and a rattle. The gaita ensemble has two gaitas (duct flutes), tambor mayor, llamador, and a rattle. Cumbia is usually danced by couples and is characterized by dancing in circles. The women dance in shuffled steps (from slaves dancing with shackled legs) and the men zig-zag around her. Cumbia itself is a simple and straightforward dance with minimal movement. Traditionally, bundles of can
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