Anyone looking to experience Middle Eastern culture need look no further than campus Friday night, when the newly-formed Arab Music Ensemble performs its winter concert.
The 22-member group started last year under the guidance of music professor Kenneth Habib. Habib, who has a doctorate in ethnomusicology from UC Santa Barbara, was commissioned to start an ethno-music group on campus.
Since he specializes in Middle Eastern music, Habib decided to form the Arab Music Ensemble.
No audition or experience is necessary to join. According to Habib, about half the students are developed musicians, while the others are less experienced. Members play instruments and provide vocals as well.
Several San Luis Obispo community members are in the ensemble as well.
Today, the group will play traditional Arabic music as well as popular contemporary songs from the eastern Mediterranean. Guest artists Wael Kakish and Lana Khalaf of the Los Angeles-based Kan Zaman ensemble, and ethnomusicology professor Ray Briggs of CSU Long Beach will assist with the program.
Saundra Sarrouf and Jenna Mitchell, members of the local SaJa Dance Co., choreographed three traditional Turkish and Egyptian dances for students to perform.
“There’s such a rich dance history from music in the Mediterranean and the Middle East, and it’s wonderful to show both. It adds a great visual to the music,” Sarrouf said.
Dancers will dress in traditional Arabic clothing, which, according to Sarrouf, will add “lots of color and action to the music.”
Habib sees the group as a good tool to add diversity to Cal Poly but wishes he could do more.
“If I had my way, we’d have lots of different ensembles from lots of different cultures,” he said. “Each one would bring something different to the community.”
Until that happens, students can expand their cultural horizons and soak in Arab culture at 8 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center Pavilion. Tickets are $8 for students and seniors, and $10 for the public.