ABOUT THIS ARRANGEMENT

Arabic Sketches is intended to introduce beginner musicians, as well as the audience, to the world of Arabic music in a fun and enjoyable way. This medley is designed to make ensemble rehearsals both straightforward and productive. Each of the four sketches introduces a scene from Arabic folklore, inviting the players to discover the beauty of Arabic traditions and cultures. In some of the sketches, the musicians are asked to perform some simple body percussion and say some Arabic words, adding a little bit of magic to the music!

Arabic Sketches opens with the "Dabkeh", a traditional Levantine dance that is still performed at weddings and public events in Arabic countries, in which the dancers hold their hands together and form a circle showing a scene of solidarity and unity. It is a high-energy dance that demands a great amount of physical effort and is usually performed by both men and women. The medley continues by taking us to a very special period for Arab people called "Ramadan". For a complete month, people enjoy gathering for the "Iftar" when the sun sets, after a long fasting, then attending public events, and organizing cultural gatherings. The third sketch is titled "Raqsa", which means simply "A Dance". The Arabic dance, mainly performed by a female dancer, is full of energy and beauty - it is usually accompanied by hand clapping and percussion instruments, and sometimes singing too. The final sketch of this medley takes us to the traditional Arabic wedding ceremonies that can sometimes last for more than 5 consecutive days. At an Arabic traditional wedding, all the village gather in the bride's or groom's home, participating in all the details of the preparations for the wedding, bringing food and gifts, and celebrating joyfully with music, songs, and dances.

-notes by Wajdi Abou Diab
—please credit Wajdi Abou Diab when reproducing these notes in excerpts or in full