KARIM NAGI is a native Egyptian who specializes in traditional Arabic music. He uses his traditional foundation to re-imagine the culture, discovering progressive deliveries and new concepts. Karim performs primarily Arabic, Turkish and Andalusian hand percussion, including the Egyptian Tabla (goblet drum), Riqq (tambourine), Duff (frame drum), and Segat (brass castanets). Karim has authored instructional CDs and DVDs. Karim is a faculty member of the New England Conservatory of Music. He leads the SHARQ Arabic Music Ensemble performing the classical Arabic instrumental and vocal repertoire. Karim travels the country presenting his educational program.
Available 9/12-16, 10/4-14, 12/6-9, 4/9-13 and 5/14-18
Arabic Music, Dance and Culture (Grades K-12)
Karim defines the term Arab and Arab-American by equating it to African-Americans, Latino-Americans, etc. Karim illustrates what it means to be bi-cultural. Karim then gives a dynamic and entertaining demonstration of the various instruments including an array of drums and the Buzuq (longneck lute). He elicits audience participation throughout by having them pronounce the instrument names, a deliberate first-lesson in the Arabic language. Next he teaches a three sound clapping system which allows anyone in the crowd to perform the Arabic rhythms without an instrument. Karim concludes with a brief demonstration of Dabka Line Dancing and, when feasible, invites participants to learn as the rest of the audience provides rhythmic accompaniment via their newly learned clapping method. The presentation is animated, humorous and participatory. It is very effective with Elementary and Middle School groups. Karim also has a version for High School and Adult general audiences. Length: 45 Minutes
Single Performance: $765
Back to Back Performances: $1,255
Curriculum Connections:
Dance, Music, Social Studies, Language Arts
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