African musical instruments

Quiz Type

Practice

Subject

Education

Level

Level 100

Questions

10 questions

Created By

Evans Nartey

Quick Rules

Time limit: 50 minutes
Multiple attempts are not allowed
All questions must be answered to submit

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Question 1 of 10

Question 1

Basic multiple choice Understanding

What type of musical ensemble is often associated with traditional African music?

Percussion ensemble

Correct

Orchestral ensemble

Rock band

Jazz trio

Explanation

Traditional African music often features percussion ensembles that utilize various drums and rhythmic instruments.

Question 2

Basic multiple choice Remembering

Which instrument is commonly used in traditional African music and made from animal skin?

Djembe

Correct

Piano

Guitar

Violin

Explanation

The djembe is a hand drum from West Africa made from goat skin, widely used in traditional African music.

Question 3

Basic multiple choice Remembering

What is the primary material used to create traditional African flutes?

Wood

Correct

Plastic

Metal

Glass

Explanation

Traditional African flutes are primarily made from wood, which has been used for centuries in various cultures.

Question 4

Basic multiple choice Remembering

Which of the following is a string instrument commonly found in African music?

Kora

Correct

Drum

Tambourine

Harmonica

Explanation

The kora is a traditional West African string instrument resembling a lute, known for its unique sound.

Question 5

Basic multiple choice Remembering

Which instrument in African music is known for being played with a bow and often made from a gourd?

Konzani

Correct

Piano

Trumpet

Flute

Explanation

The konzani is a traditional stringed instrument played with a bow, often made from a gourd and used in various African cultures.

Question 6

Complex multiple choice Understanding

A cultural festival is highlighting various African musical instruments and their significance in different regions. Which of the following instruments is most likely to be associated with traditional storytelling in West African cultures?

Balafon

Correct

Kora

Djembe

Mbira

Explanation

The Balafon is predominantly used in West African storytelling and ceremonies, making it the correct choice. The Kora is more associated with Griot musicians and is used for both storytelling and performance; the Djembe is primarily a rhythm instrument used for dance, while the Mbira is linked to Southern African traditions.

Question 7

Complex multiple choice Analyzing

During a class discussion about the role of African musical instruments in cultural identity, a student asserts that all African instruments serve the same purpose across all regions. How should this statement be analyzed?

It reflects a misunderstanding of the diversity and regional significance of instruments.

Correct

It accurately describes the universal role of music in African cultures.

It suggests that instruments have changed little over time.

It implies that instrument craftsmanship is the same across Africa.

Explanation

The correct answer reveals that the statement does not acknowledge the rich diversity of musical instruments and their specific cultural contexts in various African regions. While music serves a unifying role, each instrument corresponds to unique traditions and practices, making the other options misleading.

Question 8

Case based multiple choice Understanding

[Case Scenario] In a music class focused on the study of global instruments, the teacher introduces a variety of African musical instruments. Among them are the djembe, kora, and mbira. The class is tasked with researching the cultural significance, construction, and typical performance contexts of these instruments. Students learn that the djembe is a goblet drum played with the hands, often used in communal gatherings, while the kora is a 21-string lute-bridge-harp that is traditionally played at storytelling events, and the mbira, also known as a thumb piano, is played in spiritual ceremonies and gatherings. Question: Considering the context of these instruments, which analysis best describes their cultural significance?

The djembe is primarily an entertainment instrument, while the kora serves a purely educational purpose.

The mbira is solely used for secular purposes, lacking any connection to spiritual ceremonies.

All three instruments serve similar communal and cultural purposes that reflect the values and traditions of African societies.

Correct

These instruments are rarely used in Africa today and have lost their cultural relevance.

Explanation

The cultural significance of the djembe, kora, and mbira spans entertainment, storytelling, and spiritual expression, emphasizing their importance in communal life and cultural continuity in African societies.

Question 9

Case based multiple choice Understanding

[Case Scenario] During a recent workshop on traditional music, students were divided into groups to create performances incorporating African musical instruments. One group chose the kora and djembe, highlighting their contrasting sound qualities: the djembe's deep tones versus the kora's melodic strings. The group intends to demonstrate how these instruments can complement each other in performance. They analyze their sounds and performance contexts in preparation for their presentation. Question: What is the best approach for this group to showcase the complementary qualities of the kora and djembe in their performance?

They should create a piece that focuses solely on the djembe's rhythm, allowing the kora to remain silent for effect.

They could alternate between playing the djembe alone and the kora alone, without integrating both instruments.

They should compose a piece where the djembe sets the rhythmic base while the kora plays melodic lines on top, creating a cohesive sound.

Correct

They should only focus on the kora's parts since it is a more complex instrument than the djembe.

Explanation

The best approach for showcasing the kora and djembe’s complementary qualities is creating a cohesive performance that highlights how rhythm from the djembe and melody from the kora work together, enhancing the overall musical experience.

Question 10

Case based multiple choice Understanding

[Case Scenario] In a comparative analysis project, students examine different African instruments, focusing on their construction methods and materials used. They note that the djembe is traditionally carved from a single piece of wood with animal skins for the drumhead, the kora uses a gourd covered with animal skin and strings made from fishing line or nylon, while the mbira is constructed with a wooden board and metal tines. The project aims to understand how the materials impact sound quality and performance contexts. Question: Which conclusion best summarizes the relationship between the construction and sound quality of these instruments?

The use of metal in the mbira ensures it has a much louder volume compared to the wooden djembe.

The natural materials used in the construction of the kora enable it to produce a softer and more melodic sound compared to the djembe's deeper, resonance-heavy tones.

Correct

All instruments produce the same sound quality regardless of their construction, as music is primarily defined by the player’s skill.

The mbira is constructed in such a way that it can only be played in spiritual contexts, while the other instruments can be used in varied settings.

Explanation

The conclusion that the materials in the kora's construction lead to a softer, melodic sound compared to the deeper tones of the djembe accurately reflects the relationship between instrument construction and sound quality in African music traditions.