Afropop Band
The Middlebury College Afropop Band performs classic and contemporary popular music from all over the African continent.
The band’s repertoire incorporates a diverse blend of traditional African music with R&B, rock, pop, reggae, hip-hop, funk, EDM, and many other Western and Afro-diasporic styles.
The Afropop Band seeks players of all skill levels, music majors and non-majors, on any instrument, including electric guitar, electric bass, keyboard, drums, horns (esp. saxophone, trumpet, and trombone), African instruments, and voice. Enrolled students obtain credit across two semesters of participation.
Musicians should be competent with their instruments, but reading music is not a requirement. Band members work cooperatively on listening, learning parts by ear, and creating their own arrangements. The primary focus is on fostering a community-based ensemble with a strong and positive vibe.
The music department will provide a keyboard, drumset, amplifiers, microphones, and some percussion; students are welcome to bring their own guitars, horns, and anything else they’d like to add to the ensemble.
Past Performances
“Mu Afrika,” Fall 2023 Concert
“Love and Death,” Spring 2023 Recording
“Waiting In Vain,” Spring 2023 Commencement
Meeting Times
Spring and Fall Semesters
Tuesday and Thursday, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Mahaney Arts Center, Room 221
Auditions
Auditions will take place the first week of classes.
Contact
For more information and to schedule your audition time, please contact ensemble director Damascus Kafumbe at dkafumbe@middlebury.edu.