The Academy for the Performing Arts (APA) Percussion dojo recently hosted a group of students from the University of Delaware (UD) for a cultural exchange, focused on music using percussion instruments. Events such as these, offer excellent opportunities for students to appreciate the performing arts in different contexts.

The day kicked off with APA students performing Tamboo Bamboo for UD students, under the guidance of Instructor Rene Aleong. UD students have been studying pan; however, this session provided an opportunity to discover another form of Trinidadian percussive music-making.

Later, masterclasses in tuned percussion were given by UD Master's students Bensen Kwan and Gabriel Label. Instruments such as the vibraphone and marimba are not commonly found in Trinidad and Tobago but UTT's percussion dojo is proud to own a few models, providing a great opportunity to work on performance techniques.

Music wasn't the only culture appreciated during the day as all students and faculty went on to enjoy the delights of Shiann's roti!

Many thanks to Trinidadian Josanne Francis who teaches at UD for helping to coordinate this enjoyable day.