- Cabasa
The cabasa, similar to the
shekere , is apercussion instrument that is constructed with loops ofsteel ball chain wrapped around a wide cylinder. The cylinder is fixed to a long, narrow wooden or plastic handle. It was originally of African origin, and constructed from dried oval- or pear-shaped gourds with beads strung on the outer surface. Modern manufacturers (LP, or Latin Percussion, Inc.) have built a more durable cabasa that they call an afuche-cabasa (Pictured). It provides a metallic, rattling sound when shaken or twisted, similar to the sound of a rattlesnake. It is often used inLatin jazz , especially inbossa nova pieces. Precise rhythmic effects can be gained by the advanced player. The player places his non-dominant hand on the metal chain, to provide pressure, while holding the wooden handle with the other hand and twisting the instrument back and forth as per the rhythmic pattern desired. In addition to Latin music, many band and orchestra pieces call for the cabasa.The instrument is frequently used in
music therapy , particularly with individuals who have physical/neurological disabilities as it requires minimal hand movement to produce a sound. The sound produced by the individual can then be reinforced by the music therapist, which builds neurological connections between hand movement and hearing the sound, in turn encouraging more fluent hand movements.External links
* [http://www.brasilando.com/index.php?cPath=65_84 Afuché (Brasilando.com)]
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