CHRISTMAS carols are usually performed the same way all over the world amongst Christians, non-Christians.

 

Orthodox and Pentecostal churches, and all those inter­ested in enjoying Christmas car­ols in March, September, or the usual December 25 carols.

 

The Aburukusu Orchestra has a unique approach for the rendition of Christmas Carols as well as other occasional music which has to be nothing, but a good music capable of healing spiritual wounds in­flicted by the presence of envi­ronmental nuisance, anger, or bad music. Aburukusu carols do not only have rhythmic in­troductions and polyrhythmic codettas, each particular carol has been re-arranged in a most singable manner capable of soliciting bodily movements, culminating in sing-dance fash­ion as a healing aid.

 

This year’s Christmas car­ols that have been given spe­cial attention include-Joy to the world, Up on the housetop, O little town of Bethlehem, Hark the Angels sing, Deck the halls, O come all ye faithful, Go tell it on the mountain, Silent night, and Aferenhyiapa.

 

These carols are not only special because of how they have been arranged and per­formed, but their rendition come with intriguing drumming ac­companiment which make them sound different from the tradi­tions accompanied by a keyboard. Whereas Joy to the world, may be accompanied by gahu drum beats, Go tell it on the mountain is accompanied byadaban drum music, thus compelling the sing­ers to move their bodies while singing and enjoying a particu­lar carol.

Aburukusu orchestra's style of musical presentation enforces the concept of par­ticipation rather than isolation.

 

In a similar manner, Aburukusu Orchestra tries to present a concert programme which has a wide variety of musical items meant for the aesthetic enjoyment of the au­diences and special guests.

 

As such, the content of a particular programme is usually different from another, as each performance occasion or an event is culturally and musically treated to reflect the meaning of the event or the occasion.

 

Whereas new compositions are written to honour specific events, Aburukusu Orchestra has a variety of musical items from which an impending, or, on the spot programme could be drawn.

 

However, Aburukusu’s mu­sical repertoire is geared to­ward items of enjoyable celebrations and events, yet fu­neral and sorrowful events are equally undertaken. But, it must be emphasized that the bulk of Aburukusu music is geared to­ward - peace, unity, patriotism, nationalism, perseverance and motivation.

 

Of course, some of the songs advocate for individual hard work, while some song items condemn poverty, lazi­ness, and corruption, and de­pendency.

 

From Aburukusu’s large musical repertoire one would be impressed to see title of songs such as, Patriotism, What a cel­ebration, Damirifua due, Mmoguo, Time to graduate, Happy birthday, oman nkosopa, Ghana marching on again, Na­tional reconciliation, Asem yi, Yaa Amponsah, the under­ground railroad, The street child, Abomofoo Nkwan, Panafest Dokplola, Black star boys, and/or Okuafo mo. In addition, Aburukusu Orchestra takes pride in performing gos­pel music with dignity, whilst acknowledging the beauty of creativity in music.

 

In the field of Art Music, the Aburukusu Orchestra enjoys the playing of good African Classical Music with traditional drumming accompaniment, as well as the playing of the clas­sical music of Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Tehaikosk, Sibelius and/or

Handel, most of which are also profusely accompanied by tra­ditional African drumming

styles and techniques.   

 

Interestingly, the Aburukusu Orchestra is the only group which specializes and promotes the above musi­cal styles in diverse forms.

 

Whilst the Aburukusu Or­chestra is consistent in the se­lection of musical items for spe­cial occasions and events, it also encourages audience-par­ticipating in all its Concert performances.