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Let’s play a riddle game! Can you guess what I am talking about?
Hi! I’m Yukari, I gave a speech last time at MPP8, so this is my second speech at Mayflower!
Let’s play a riddle game! Can you guess what I am talking about?
I’ll give a hint. First, the appearance! It looks like a box. It is made of wood. It is hollow, and usually, there is a metallic wire inside the box. I can carry it by myself, because its height is almost to my knee, and it weighs is about 3 kg.
OK. Would anyone like to take a guess?
OK. I’ll give you a second hint, how to use it. When we use it, we are sitting on TOP of it. For me, it is useful for my health, because when I use it, I get the feeling that I am exercising my body. But, it is not a an exercise machine!
OK. Does anybody know what I’m talking about?
It must be difficult! So, I’ll give you a last hint, its true function! We have to beat it, to use it properly. Once more, WE HAVE TO BEAT IT, to use it properly. The true function of it is to make various kinds of sounds.
Still no clue?! Anybody?
OK! Now I’ll give you the answer to this mysterious riddle…
It is a percussion instrument, called the cajon. That’s right, the cajon! Many people are not familiar with it! So, today I would like to tell you about this simple and attractive instrument, the cajon, and its performance.
The cajon is a percussion instrument from Peru. Recently in Japan, many street musicians use the cajon as an alternative instrument for drums, when they perform Pop, Rock, and Jazz music.
The cajon make sounds like a bass drum and toms, due to the wooden panels, and the cajon also make sounds like a snare, due to the metallic wire inside. And these days, we can see cajon players near big stations, or in parks all over Japan.
I have performed on the cajon a few times, with my friends. When I entered my college, I wanted to try something new. So, I decided to join the Latin big band, that is there I first encountered percussion instruments.
At first, I thought that they looked easy. But actually, they are quite challenging! Since then, I have performed on different percussion instruments, and now, I usually play bongos in a salsa band.
OK, let’s get back to the cajon. Last summer, at a salsa event, I performed on the cajon for the first time. Three musicians, including me, a trumpet player, and a guitar player, played various songs. In such a combo style, the cajon is very useful, because it’s function is similar to drums, and it is more portable than drums.
As I said earlier, I think that performing on the cajon is a kind of exercise, and I think that is also a kind of dance. Have you ever experienced enjoying music, for example during karaoke, and your body moves without thinking? When I perform with the cajon, I feel like that too! You can move in rhythm freely, while listening to your favorite music. Its a lot like dancing, isn’t it?
So, let’s talk about the cajon performance a little more! The cajon can make various sounds and different kinds of musical atmospheres.
When you want to make the audience feel comfortable, and relaxed, and feel like they are listening to sooth Jazz music, you should strike the cajon carefully and delicately, and keep a steady tempo accurately, like this.
[demonstration]
When you want to make the atmosphere of the music exciting, you can strike the cajon strongly with your palm, finger, and heel, and the tempo might gradually increase, like this.
[demonstration]
And when you get hot with emotion, you can use your entire body to make loud sounds, exciting sounds! Well, I can’t really express this kind of sound just with words at this kind of presentation party. So please, come my next live event!
When you are playing, of course your fingers will probably be swollen, or turn red, but you can feel the resonance of the sound throughout your body. Don’t you think that this physical connection is similar to exercise, or sports. I sure do!
Finally, I want to let tell you that the cajon is simple, and you can perform on it anyway you like! Even if you have never used a percussion instrument before, you don’t have to worry about it. There are no rules for the playing style of the cajon. You can start playing the cajon from the first time that you see it. So, if you see a cajon somewhere, please stop to listen for a moment, and enjoy the various sounds and the playing style.
Well, now you all know the answer to the “riddle of the mystery box”. It is a cajon! Next time, I hope that you’ll share this fun musical riddle with your friends!
Remember, no cajon, no life!
Thank you! Any questions?
Finally, here is a video demonstration of the cajon, for your enjoyment!
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Mayflower英語教室
週末は英語漬け!
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