Denkyem (Perc Ens 6)

Denkyem is the West African Adinkra symbol for the crocodile.and refers to the animal's adaptability – the fact that it breathes air but lives under water. This idea of adaptability is used throughout the piece as the motivic material is passed from player to player, adapting to the instruments used and the ever-changing time signatures.

Genre: Percussion Ensemble | # of Players: 6
Level: Medium | Duration: 4:30

Instrumentation
Percussion 1 (caxixi, cajon)
Percussion 2 (log drum, 2 congas)
Percussion 3 (castanets, djembe)
Percussion 4 (bongos, claves)
Percussion 5 (timbales, cowbell)
Percussion 6 (bass drum, brake drum)

Program Notes
Denkyem is the West African Adinkra symbol for the crocodile. The word Denkyem refers to the crocodile’s adaptability – the fact that it breathes air but lives under water. This idea of adaptability is used throughout the piece as the motivic material is passed from player to player, adapting to the instruments used and the ever-changing time signatures. Denkyem was written for the Denkyem Percussion Group from Florida State University.